HELP! Moving to Downtown Dallas w/kids (Lakewood, Park Cities, ???) (Plano: apartment, rental)

[Mari5697]

My family will be relocating to Dallas in the summer and both my husband and I will be working in the downtown Dallas area. We have three children; two of them will be going with us. Our oldest will be attending college. The two youngest are 4 and 5, so safety and schools are definitely important to us. My husband's job requires him to travel a lot, so I want to find a location that is close to downtown and to my children's school. Everyone I have spoken with has recommended Frisco, Plano, Richardson, etc. While those areas seem great, I am concerned about the 30-45+ minute commute to work. I hate the idea of being so far from my children, especially if I am the only one around to pick them up. Can anyone recommend any good locations that are close to downtown? Has to have a good school (elementary only), be safe, and preferably have a family vibe. I have read some stuff about Park Cities-Highland Park, Uptown, and Lakewood...all mixed. I would love to hear your thoughts and any areas of recommendation. We are looking to spend about $2000 for rent (2bedroom/2Bath) and will be sending our kids to public schools. Thanks!!

[bencronin04]

For 2000 a month you can find a 2 bed/2 bath in the HPISD area, but it will be older apartment/condo. 2000 a month in Lakewood will get you more for your money, but nothing extraordinary. HPISD elementary schools are rated higher than Lakewood area elementary, but it's a different kind of environment.

[dallasbred]

I was just doing a search for a friend in the Park Cities for a rental around 2000/month. I found a nice condo on Rosedale in the 75205 zip code by SMU that is 2100/month. There are a couple of duplexes in the 75219 zip code that are under 2000/month and are still in HPISD. The least expensive detached house I found was on Southern and 3500/month. The 2000-3000/month opens up more options as well.

I would definitely do HPISD if you can!

[bencronin04]

Originally Posted by dallasbred

I was just doing a search for a friend in the Park Cities for a rental around 2000/month. I found a nice condo on Rosedale in the 75205 zip code by SMU that is 2100/month. There are a couple of duplexes in the 75219 zip code that are under 2000/month and are still in HPISD. The least expensive detached house I found was on Southern and 3500/month. The 2000-3000/month opens up more options as well.

I would definitely do HPISD if you can!

OP just encase you're not familiar with the area, the condo mentioned above and linked below will be around a lot of college activity(it is right behind all of the sorority houses. Luckily they do not host college parties at the sorority house but chapter night can be a bear. For some, this isn't an issue at all, I just wanted to give you a heads up as that was one of the streets I grew up on.

3419 Rosedale Ave, University Park, TX 75205 - Home for Rent - realtor.com®

[bencronin04]

Also, another heads up....here is the district map. Not all houses in HP/UP are in HPISD.

http://www.hpisd.org/Portals/0/docs/.../hpisd_map.pdf

[JTC Mom]

Also consider stonewall Jackson attendance area east of HPISD and west of Lakewood.

[cristobalg]

Originally Posted by JTC Mom

Also consider stonewall Jackson attendance area east of HPISD and west of Lakewood.

+2

But after elementary school you are wise to consider private school alternative since Long and Woodrow are sub par. I've was in your boat a couple of months ago so I know the anxiety of picking the right schools for your kids is

Lots of good resources and posters on this site so take full advantage of it

[CMC_TX]

Originally Posted by bencronin04

OP just encase you're not familiar with the area, the condo mentioned above and linked below will be around a lot of college activity(it is right behind all of the sorority houses. Luckily they do not host college parties at the sorority house but chapter night can be a bear. For some, this isn't an issue at all, I just wanted to give you a heads up as that was one of the streets I grew up on.

3419 Rosedale Ave, University Park, TX 75205 - Home for Rent - realtor.com®

This is actually untrue. We recently bought an investment condo not far from here and the sorority houses for SMU, while close to Rosedale, are on the complete OPPOSITE side of Hillcrest (one of the major North/South streets).

The condo referenced from the OP is actually next door to Snider Plaza, which has numerous shops, restaurants, grocery, etc

[bencronin04]

Originally Posted by CMC_TX

This is actually untrue. We recently bought an investment condo not far from here and the sorority houses for SMU, while close to Rosedale, are on the complete OPPOSITE side of Hillcrest (one of the major North/South streets).

The condo referenced from the OP is actually next door to Snider Plaza, which has numerous shops, restaurants, grocery, etc

My apologies you are completely correct. I stand corrected.

[HockDad]

I would do HPISD. Heart of city, best public schools. Choice seems easy.