moving to tx in 2013 (Dallas, Fort Worth: renting, low crime, homes)

[genesis912]

Hello all! My family and I are moving to Texas this year, perhaps somewhere near Grand Prairie, Arlington area ( we are flexible, though we'd like to stay within the Dallas/Fort Worth suburban area) and Im just curious as to which would be a better location for us to look here are the major points that are of importance:
1.SAFETY!!!! Considering that im from Chicago, (which I believe just surpassed over 500 murders in 2012) you can imagine why this is a HUGE selling point for me
2. Good schools- I have one in high school and three in elementary school
3. We're looking to buy a house, our budget is 200K
4, Preferrably close to a hospital/medical center, as I am a nurse, and would like to work closeby, although this is not a deal breaker, as we have transportation

What do you guys think?

[BigDGeek]

Originally Posted by genesis912

Hello all! My family and I are moving to Texas this year, perhaps somewhere near Grand Prairie, Arlington area ( we are flexible, though we'd like to stay within the Dallas/Fort Worth suburban area) and Im just curious as to which would be a better location for us to look here are the major points that are of importance:
1.SAFETY!!!! Considering that im from Chicago, (which I believe just surpassed over 500 murders in 2012) you can imagine why this is a HUGE selling point for me
2. Good schools- I have one in high school and three in elementary school
3. We're looking to buy a house, our budget is 200K
4, Preferrably close to a hospital/medical center, as I am a nurse, and would like to work closeby, although this is not a deal breaker, as we have transportation

What do you guys think?

Why GP or Arlington? Do you have family there or something?

Everyone here will say it so I'll say it first: find a job first, then decide where to live...and renting first is often a good idea. There are several major medical centers in DFW and several suburbs that fit your criteria/budget.

[Squirl]

The suburban areas are safe. I would avoid areas in Arlington east of Cooper Street and exclusively look on the Southwest side if you need to use the public schools. Arlington schools are good in the southwest sections that feed to Martin High School. Hurst, Euless and Bedford are affordable communities with good schools. There are many hospitals in the Plano area and great schools, too.

[ChristieP]

You really need to find a job before deciding where to live. The DFW area is huge, and our commute times can be pretty bad. There are great suburbs with excellent schools all over the area, so there's no reason to make a lengthy commute.

Honestly, Grand Prairie and Arlington aren't my first choice of suburbs, and they are also not known for having good hospitals. Most of the good hospitals are located in the Dallas and Fort Worth "hospital districts" which are just south of downtown Fort Worth, and northwest of downtown Dallas. There are other hospitals throughout the area, too.

[genesis912]

So what suburbs do you all recommend within my budget?

[ChristieP]

Without knowing where you will be commuting to for work, its difficult to recommend specific suburbs. There are MANY suburbs all over the DFW metroplex that have homes in your price range, have great public schools, and are low crime.

In fact, its easier to say where will NOT fit your budget:
Southlake, University Park, Highland Park, Coppell

[runnermac]

You should check out Hurst, Euless and Bedford. The schools are great and it is centrally located. Very family friendly and low crime. Lots of nice homes in your price range. I have lived in this area my entire life and now I have my kids in the schools. if you have any specific questions about schools etc, send me a message. I am happy to help! (And near hospitals and other facilities for your job)

[genesis912]

You guys are awesome, thanks so much!!!
So are there any suburbs I should totally steer clear of?

[BigDGeek]

Originally Posted by genesis912

You guys are awesome, thanks so much!!!
So are there any suburbs I should totally steer clear of?

Suburbs southeast of Dallas like Mesquite.

[from nv]

You may also want to look at Irving....