I get weird e-mails asking for advice, and it makes my job fun. This came in from a young woman who is moving to Texas, we’ll call her Cori — because that’s her name — who wants real estate advice. Except… she doesn’t want to talk to a real estate agent just yet. “I’m a single young professional and I have lived in a condo for ten years and I really want a yard. Can you recommend the best places for someone like me to live?” To which I answered, “Sure, Cori, but only if you tell me this:What kind of shoes are better — Birkenstocks, Jimmy Choos, Wellies or Tory Burch?” She answered promptly, “I would prefer to be barefoot, but if shoes are a must, make mine Jimmy Choos.”
So, correct me if you think this is a faulty conclusion, but wouldn’t you say that Oak Cliff is out? Obviously not Uptown or Turtle Creek as she wants a house with a yard, though around State and Thomas there are some great little houses. Too Seaside? Hollywood Heights, or is that too family? For some reason I am not getting an M Streets vibe. Are there houses in Addison? Is there is a pocket of singleness in Plano? Too isolated?
I decided the shoe question — while brilliant and efficient –wasn’t going to give me a complete picture, so I pressed for a little more info. “Cori — because that’s her name — what is your personal style? Traditional, French, English, Mid-Century Modern? “
I should have been less-open ended (you make it look so easy, real estate agents!) because that inspired a TMI situation, which to her credit she owned up to. But this woman sounds cool: “Likely French but I went to southeast Asia on vacation last summer and bought a few paintings. I love clean spaces, single color walls, nothing large and heavy, and no collectibles.” No collectibles! I love this girl.
I get a sense that she is financially successful. So here is my call: West Highland Park or the Katy Trail area. What say you?
19 comments
If I was moving to Dallas, I’d move to the area around Lockhwood. It’s the biggest secret around.Beautiful trees, large yards, affordable, Hexter Elementary, and that Peavy Area with Good 2 Go Taco, and soon Good Friend Artisan Beer Garden. This is a great neighborhood, in my view, the prettiest in town.
Now, Kessler Park is another great option.
Obviously Woodhaven Country Club Estates. It’s THE place in Dallas if you don’t mind Fort Worth.
http://frontrow.dmagazine.com/2011/07/big-rich-texas-episode-1-recap/
She should head over to http://www.candysdirt.com. I’m sure Candy the real estate maven could give her some guidance.
I hope the birkenstocks option wasn’t for Oak Cliff.
I think you’re spot on. There are a lot of townhomes near the Katy Trail/Oak Lawn that will have small yards. West Highland Park is also a great choice. I just moved near Inwood/Lovers and I am loving it. Close to everything, cute houses, great buys.
Devonshire. It includes all the above, plus nice neighbors, and a quick walk to Lovers Lane Miracle MIle.
Why wait to get a realtor involved? (and yes, this comes from a realtor) A good realtor can listen to all those things, suggest a few neighborhoods and, if they do their job right, won’t be a nag but will be more like a friend in which to confide. Give us a break!
Anywhere in Lakewood. Near the country club. Period.
Jan, you might be a good realtor but you have lots of colleagues who give your profession a bad name. Can’t blame Cori to do some investigating first…
As multiple people have mentioned above, the areas of Dallas that are East of I-75 are well established and very comfortable – many nice homes with a yard. Either the Lakewood or Lochwood areas are a very nice place to make a home within the city, without being in the middle of trendy Uptown. Being near White Rock Lake is nice too, and the walking trails connect back to the Katy Trail.
Here’s a suggestion:
http://www.zillow.com/homedetails/10805-Palace-Way-Dallas-TX-75218/26743208_zpid/
Really helpful thoughts you all. Cori, a big Dallas welcome. Our readers have given you some great options to consider. Keep us posted on your progress.
Contact Carole Hoffman at Ellen Terry Realtors in the Park Cities. She’s sold every house in the bubble at least once, some twice. If it’s knarly, she’ll tell you so. She can show you what fits you. And West Highland Park was not a bad suggestion at all!
Sad how you people put Oak Cliff on the do not consider list and you have not a clue about the real Oak Cliff,Oak Cliff is broken into North,South,East and West section areas that contain many sub area neighborhoods.I live in Wynnewood Hills Addition in Southwest Oak Cliff near I-20 ,Hwy 67 and So.35.Wynnwood hills is a Country Club estate with all custom built homes,3500 feet and up.In this well kept quite neighborhood lives,Chancellor of College system,Attorneys,Doctors,Educators,Business owners,Bankers and others.Why would Cori want to skip Oak Cliff ?Our area is 60/40 split White and Black with one Spanish and one Asian family.New owners,White couple moved into area.What you reporters should do is visit or drive around Oak Cliff and stop writing about the one in your head that has been put together from 2 second news sound bits. We also have wonderful rolling hills large matured trees,creeks,water falls best view of Downtown Dallas and we don’t flood from Trinity river.
@Betty! Hey I am going to retire in Oak Cliff so don’t need to be sold on its virtues!
Yeah, OC is out. Those hills would be a pain in Choos. I think I would go with a Townhome along Katy. That’s her best bet. Good call.
Lakewood. Obviously. House, NOT townhouse nor condo in this market. I’m a 20-something bachelorette who has owned in the Lakewood/M Streets neighbhorhood for 3 years. Welcome!
Farmers Branch,especially since we have a new mayor.
Yes, there is some residential life in Addison, just not much of it. We know a single guy who owns a house in a traditional neighborhood there. It’s nice and seems more affordable than some of the other options mentioned. It would also depend on where she works, and how much of a commute she wants. Addison is an easy good commute for N. Dallas and Richardson.
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