Relocating to Ft Worth area-Please help! (Fort Worth, Bryan: rent, house, neighborhoods)

[California-Native]

It seems as if there have been A LOT of postings regarding this as of late. I've read thru all of them (thank you guys for all the information!) but none of them match my particular situation, so I thought I'd post and maybe get some feedback.

My husband and I are planning on moving to Ft Worth (from Southern California) in the next 3 months or so. He's going to be working near the joint reserve base in Ft Worth, so were looking for a house preferably within 30 or so miles of that area.

We're looking for a neighborhood with good schools (we plan on having a child within the next years or so), good parks, GREAT eats, and definitely some place that is "young family" geared. We would like an area that has a lot of things going on during the weekend. We'll be away from all our family, so we would like to keep our weekends semi-busy. We're also looking to spend in the 200K range. Which neighborhood would you think would be best for us?

Thank you!!

[RockyJoe817]

I would suggest the TCU area or Bryant Irvin in Southwest Fort Worth.

Close enough to the Trinity River Park/Trail, all types of entertainment, schools,
facilities and other amenities.

[lunebloc]

Originally Posted by RockyJoe817

I would suggest the TCU area or Bryant Irvin in Southwest Fort Worth.

Close enough to the Trinity River Park/Trail, all types of entertainment, schools, facilities and other amenities.

I have to disagree with Joe. Yes, the TCU area is a really great area, but you're going to need more than $200k to be comfortable there. And from what I've seen, you can get a decent house in SW Fort Worth for $200k, but the schools are not great (unless you go private).

Most people that share your price range (myself included) find themselves looking at Keller/Mid-cities/Grapevine and resolve to deal with an unpleasant commute. It really comes down to what size house do you want. I currently live in Ridglea, which is about 10 minutes from JRB, but we live in a 2 bedroom 1 bath house. Which is ouch for 2 adults, 1 toddler, and 1 on the way!

So, basically what I'm saying is that for $200k you can get into a tiny house close to the job with all the Fort Worth perks, or you can get a bigger house in the 'burbs but be further out.

[5stones]

but none of them match my particular situation, so I thought I'd post and maybe get some feedback.

There are actually quite a few about JRB and family housing.

Ridglea in Ft Worth would be the best, but price will be difficult...but definately look at it. esp since you will just have a baby soon... 2bedroom 1 bath would be a good starter and then if you buy smart and do some improvements...in a few years sell it and move up to a 3 bed 2 bath in the same area.

For bigger/newer your price range... look in Saginaw, Aledo, NW Ft Worth (heritage area)KISD, Bluemound(read it had the youngest population around...don't know aobut schools though) Benbrook

OR rent in Ridgela/TCU area for a year save up for a bigger downpayment, get to know the ENTIRE area, commute times then buy.

[loves2read]

don't buy a house w/o living here for at least 6 mo--

every area has little bit different flavor to it and sometimes a longer commute can be tolerated if you feel you have found the "right" spot for you/your family

schools won't be an issue now except in general/for resale and tax burden because you have 5 or more years--
you might not even be living here then
but you always want to buy in as good a district as you can afford because of the resale factor

You also need to think about YOUR mindset--what type of people do you like to be around
this area can be churchy--conservative--set in its ways and tolerant but resistant to change --
i.e. you might be athiests/Democrats/ethnic minority/gay couple/whatever people don't really like and move in next to me--
I won't trash your yard but I don't have to ask you to dinner--

Aledo does not have many parks as far as I know and restaurants out there are more chain than quality cuisine
the other areas might be better about park situation because you are closer to other metro areas and it is easier to get to one if your town does not have good system--
restaurants are maybe better for same reason
as far as things going on during the weekend--do you mean neighborhood activities--city activities--or activities in the general area that are driveable
even neighborhoods with active HOAs don't usually have activities every weekend--
there are some communities that do special "Days" like Grapefest in Grapevine or the Food feasts where differnet area restaurnts supply food for people who pay a fee that is donated to charity--several do that
and FTW itself has many things going on in the weeknd in downtown Sundance and Stockyards as well as little theaters in the area, musical performances by college choirs/orchestras--

just Google for Fort Worth magazine or Texas Monthly or check out the Stockyard or Sundance web sites
you can be as busy as you want no matter where you live if you are willing to drive 30 min or less to an event