Getting out of NJ, Loving Texas, but have no clue how to decide on place in TX. (Houston: affordable apartments)

[billydoc]

Hi all! I really need your advice on how you finally decided which part of Texas to move? I’ve read many threads mainly on Houston, Dallas / FTW and Austin forum. Of course, those of you who relocate b/c of specific job offers, transfers or other well- defined reasons etc have this choice narrowed and focus your mind on specific info and research.

We’re a family currently living in Northern, NJ, two kids: 1 in high school and another one in elementary school. I’m in a medical field, at least for now, able to work from my home. My wife has a background in IT and accounting / finance field. But these fields are dead in water here in NY/NJ area….at least in our case.

We made a conscious decision that my wife stays home w/ our little one till she started preschool, which means my wife left her job. Now she’s been looking for anything meaningful within those fields for over a year, but to no avail. Nothing is a guarantee, but I think she’d have a better luck for gainful employment in the Great State of Texas.

We’ve always wanted to move the heck out of Blue State“paradise”, but now more than ever. Moderator cut: national politics off-topic for this forum So what would you suggest? So far we’re leaning towards Dallas / FTW area, but more specifically Plano, Richardson, Murphy (?) areas. Our # 1 priority has always been and will always be our kids. So good to excellent rated elementary, middle and high schools are a must for us. I understand this will cost more $$$, but we learned to do more with less and have tightened our belts quite a bit in the last few years. Ultimately, we’d love to bring our parents who are ready to retire soon (all in early to mid 70s now). Any helpful info is greatly appreciated.

Thank you all.

[joqua]

Originally Posted by billydoc

So far we’re leaning towards Dallas / FTW area, but more specifically Plano, Richardson, Murphy (?) areas.

If you can't make it in that area, you won't be able to elsewhere in Texas either, IMO.

[KathrynAragon]

D/FW area would be a good choice. Check out Fort Worth specifically - it's cosmopolitan, quirky, and has more personality than Dallas/Plano in my opinion. And it's got a vibrant arts scene as well as lots of fun history. If I had to move to a metropolitan area, I would choose Fort Worth hands down.

Also, don't overlook the Tyler area. Tyler has about 100,000 people but the metro area encompasses about 300,000. Housing is plentiful, lovely, and affordable. Many of the schools are very good - and there are also some excellent private schools in the area. Tyler is predominately white collar, with many good job opportunities in accounting/finance fields. And Tyler has four excellent hospitals as well. It's got TONS of medical jobs.

Also, Tyler is two hours from Dallas (easy drive down I-20) and less than two hours from Shreveport, Louisiana. Four hours from Houston and five hours from Austin. In other words, pretty close to many large cities with very different personalities. It's also close to lots of lakes and it's nestled in the rolling, green hills of east Texas.

[Johnhw2]

I've lived in Houston and now DFW area, specifically Plano. Before moving to Houston, I was living in Somerset Cty NJ and worked in NJ along Rt 1. I believe Houston has a stronger current job market overall than DFW as a result of the jobs in energy. Unfortunately most of those jobs require an Engineering degree such s Pet Engr or Chem Engr or Geologist for the upper 6 figure jobs. However Houston also has a huge medical center with something like 50k jobs which might fit your experience well. Accounting/Finance and IT in Houston is likely to be in an energy related industry and honestly the job prospects in DFW are probably better for this type work and the industry opportunities are broader in DFW. You cant go wrong with either but I lean toward DFW and can tell you Plano is a good place to live.

[billydoc]

Originally Posted by Johnhw2

I've lived in Houston and now DFW area, specifically Plano. Before moving to Houston, I was living in Somerset Cty NJ and worked in NJ along Rt 1. I believe Houston has a stronger current job market overall than DFW as a result of the jobs in energy. Unfortunately most of those jobs require an Engineering degree such s Pet Engr or Chem Engr or Geologist for the upper 6 figure jobs. However Houston also has a huge medical center with something like 50k jobs which might fit your experience well. Accounting/Finance and IT in Houston is likely to be in an energy related industry and honestly the job prospects in DFW are probably better for this type work and the industry opportunities are broader in DFW. You cant go wrong with either but I lean toward DFW and can tell you Plano is a good place to live.

Thank You Johnh2. As we read thiis forum it becomes more obvious to us that all roads lead to Plano (read ROME lol). We have a highschooler and a firstgrader who at some point will be in high school as well. We're planning visit some time next Spring. We also have to be mindful that we can't leave our folks behind in Nort East.... at least not for long. I wojnder if there are any options for affordable appartments/condo types (?) where they can be independent but not be involved with house work. I appreciate your feed back.

[BstYet2Be]

Originally Posted by billydoc

Thank You Johnh2. As we read thiis forum it becomes more obvious to us that all roads lead to Plano (read ROME lol). We have a highschooler and a firstgrader who at some point will be in high school as well. We're planning visit some time next Spring. We also have to be mindful that we can't leave our folks behind in Nort East.... at least not for long. I wonder if there are any options for affordable apartments/condo types (?) where they can be independent but not be involved with house work. I appreciate your feed back.

billydoc,

Since you seem to have decided on Plano, it would be better to post any future questions you might have regarding schools, housing, etc., in the Dallas Forum so those that are most familiar with the area can answer these for you. And, yes, there are many types of apartments for the elderly with services geared to what is needed.
.

[billydoc]

Thank You all for your responses. We'll take discussion to a specific area forum.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone