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Moving to Dallas... Maybe.
Hi Nesties!
My husband and I currently live in Chicago and are planning to relocate in June/July 2010. We're looking into Dallas because of the (much) lower cost of living than Chicago, and the MUCH better weather. We still want an urban environment, but one that is more affordable. He is a work from home interpreter, so his job will continue wherever we are, and I will be looking for a job as a preschool teacher wherever we go. So, any thoughts for us? We would love suggestions for places to live- we plan to rent for a year, then look to buy our first home, so we'd ideally like to keep it under $1000/month at the most. We want a neighborhood of young professionals, with lots of fun resturants and bars (but not the college scene type bars!)- something similar to the area we live in here in Chicago (East Lakeview, for those that are familiar with Chicago). We're looking for opinions in general about the Dallas area in addition to living areas. Thanks in advance!!
Re: Moving to Dallas... Maybe.
Just to throw it out there...have you considered Fort Worth?
I haven't lived downtown in either area, so I can't help, but traffic is better in Fort Worth.
What size apartment are you looking at? We live in Uptown (it's downtown Dallas) and we love it! :-) There are tons of young professionals, bars, restaurants, lots of cultural pockets, etc.
I don't know much about downtown Fort Worth - but traffic is definitely lighter on that side of the metroplex. But really, if your husband works at home, and you can find a job at a preschool downtown, your commute wouldn't be bad at all.
In Support of Fellow MB Knottie Stacey081184
I would check out Addison. It's north of the city of Dallas, but has tons of bars, restaurants, a great nightlife. It's also the host for tons of festivals, has a park area where plays and stuff are shown, and is right by at least three malls (the Galleria included). I teach in a district near Addison and always wish I lived there! They have a place called Addison Circle...it's like a cool, young professionals community. And Addison is near DISD, CFBISD, Plano ISD, Richardson ISD, and sooort of Lewisville ISD. Check it out! GL!
Hey!
This is all great info. To answer a couple questions, we're looking for a 2br or 1+den. We've looked at the websites for a few "luxury" apts downtown Dallas and if we really loved it, we'd be okay with a 1br. We are okay with a smaller city (not hard to be smaller than Chi) we just want to live in a place where there's a lot to do- having grown up in a small town, I'm much happier living in a larger city, and my husband is from a big city originally, so he's happier too. We're planning to visit sometime early next year to be sure that Dallas is a place we'd actually want to settle down, so we're not jumping into this blindly.
Another question- does anyone know a good site to check out preschool jobs? I thought I saw something about Dallas teaching job fairs somewhere in another forum. We obviously have a lot more research to do, but thought I'd see what you all think! Again thanks for all the info and opinions so far!
My husband and I relocated to Fort Worth (from Providence, RI) for his job and really enjoy it here. We live at an apartment complex just outside of downtown. We really enjoy being able to walk to theatre, festivals, and restaurants downtown. From our perspective it's a bigger city than Providence, but smaller than Boston.
When moving here we'd thought we'd head to Dallas to do things, but there is so much to do here we've ended up on going there a handful of times since January.
Our apartment complex is fairly young and very social as well as reasonably priced, we've had a great experience. Let me know if you'd like any more info! Good luck with your move!
I agree with the other poster. If you are looking for more of an experience I would stay in Chicago. Dallas doesn't really have a downtown area--it is all pockets. I have known many people who have moved from Chicago and either still miss it or move back.
If you are looking to buy a house, settle down, good school districts, and a more suburban way of life Dallas and the metroplex would be a good move.
We love Dallas. No, it's not as urban as a lot of other big cities, but it is really fun and unique in my opinion. It is also very affordable compared to most large cities.
You should definitely look at the Uptown area. Specifically West Village. It's new, urban, young (but not too young) and is in the heart of Dallas. If that doesn't strike your fancy, you could try downtown, but there's not as much to do and it kind of shuts down after 5 p.m. They are working on revitalizing it, but it's taking time.
If you are used to using public transit in Chicago, this will be the biggest difference, IMO. Dallas is working on it's light rail, but it still pretty much requires the use of a car. I drive everywhere...
As far as teaching, there are plenty of school districts. I would stay away from Dallas ISD, though. It's going through some tough times. Richardson, Plano, Coppell...all good choices. Are you certified in anything other than Pre-K? Teaching jobs are few and far between right now.
Good luck! We love Dallas (and Chicago too!)
Hi Guys!
This info is great. We've looked at the West Village, and it seems EXACTLY what we're looking for! So we're definitely going to go for the Uptown area, and West Village if we can find something there that we love (and our budget loves too!). I'm not certified to teach, but am graduating with my master's in child development in May, and have worked at private preschools here in Chicago for the last 3 years, so I know that I'm extremely qualified. So I'm going to be sending my resume to any and every private preschool that I can! I'll also look into other areas as well. I figure that if it's mean to be, then I will find a job. Again, thanks so much for all the advice and help!