Dallas

Dallas is one of the largest metropolitan areas in the country, stretching over 40 miles east to west. The Metroplex includes Fort Worth and Arlington, as well as a number of smaller communities in between. Arlington is where the ballpark is located, and as it is also the site of Six Flags over Texas.

Dallas is about 25 miles east of Arlington, and will always be known as the city in which JFK was assassinated in 1963 and where J.R. Ewing of the TV show Dallas, was shot. Fair Park, just outside of downtown, contains a number of museums and the newer West End is a good place to enjoy a meal.

Although the average weather in Dallas is a perfect 76 degrees (f), there are more than 90 days where the temperature exceeds 100 degrees (f).

The train is a good way to get into town from the suburbs, or driving to and from the city is not too bad if you prefer your own car as parking in Dallas is plentiful and reasonably priced. According to the Census Bureau in 2005, Dallas commuters have only a 23.6 minute commute on average.

The most popular relocation states are California, Texas, Florida, Virginia, Georgia and North Carolina. And, although every state sees its fair share of newcomers, these states dominate. Why? The three biggest reasons are weather, opportunity, and the cost of living which Dallas offers all of.

We have narrowed down a few popular neighborhoods to live within a short driving or train ride distance to our clients’ offices:

East Dallas

East Dallas is so very popular today due to its individual character and proximity of only 10 minutes to downtown Dallas. East Dallas in general encompasses a huge area and mostly more affordable then the West and North Sides of Dallas. One of the points of interest is Greenville Avenue in which Lower Greenville Avenue is full of Bohemian art galleries, antique shops, and coffee shops and is also fun, hop, funky, melting pot like, and Upper Greenville is considerably more posh and more expensive and family-centric depending on your tastes and the specific neighborhood. The neighborhoods that lie within East Dallas include:
Highland Shores, Lakewood, White Rock Lake, and Deep Ellum.

o Highland Shores is a tree-line, rolling street residential area with a homey feel and many residents consider Lake Highlands to be a small town within a big city.

o Lakewood has become increasingly popular with professionals over the years as newcomers are greeted with an affordable array of housing options. This still holds its values as a small town neighborhoods with a large number of historic and conservation districts.

o White Rock Lake
is just fifteen minutes from downtown Dallas housing many restaurants, and wonderful antique and specialty stores nearby. It has the largest body of water in Dallas and offers a variety of outdoor activities.

 

o Deep Ellum is a citified neighborhood where you can park your car and walk just about anywhere you need to go. The shops and restaurants and live music clubs draw a lively crowd at night and on the weekend, and during the week you'll enjoy a small town feel with the convenience and appeal of the city.

North Dallas

A most convenient area with to almost anywhere in the city as five major thoroughfares are just blocks away, providing easy access to downtown and the famous West End, Dallas Love Field Airport (home of Southwest Airlines) and shopping centers galore. This area in general is rated one of the best areas to live for quality. Among Dallas’ most popular residential neighborhoods is Preston Hollow and Bent Tree known for its large spacious expensive homes. The landscaped neighborhoods are mostly single-family homes of traditional style but a variety of apartments and condominiums, and high-rise building for renters are available if you are willing to pay a little higher price then its sister communities in East Dallas.

Downtown

Though areas like Greenville Avenue and Uptown may grab headlines, Dallas's central business district holds its own very well, boasting impressive architecture, cultural and historic sights, and first-rate shopping. All part of Downtown you will find the Arts District, a 60-acre cultural area that's home to the Dallas Museum of Art and the hottest ticket in town, the famous West End Historic District which has growing demand by developers to convert residential units. The West End really became known in the 1960s when President John F. Kennedy was shot in Dealey Plaza.

The area, comprised mostly of restored century old buildings, and brick warehouses, dates back to the early 20th century and now boasts dozens of restaurants, retailers and residential units. The West End is bound by Market Street, offering more lofts and condominiums at fair to high prices

http://www.dallaswestend.org/Directory.php

Uptown

Referred to as Uptown, often compared to Greenwich Village in Manhattan, is best known for its upscale restaurants and shopping. Want to enjoy a burger at the Hard Rock Cafe or indulge in fine French cuisine at Chez Gerard? This street offers it all! The neighborhood dates back 125 years and was once called Freedomtown because it emerged as a freed slave settlement. Uptown is a perfect fit for those who want to be close to where the action is 24hours a day. With rental prices from reasonable to multi-million dollar penthouses, you have to search hard for the needle in the haystack.

http://www.uptowndallas.net/index2.htm

Irving

Irving, Texas a population just over 180,000 has established itself as one of the premier locations in which to live, work and play. It might be best known for its proximity to Dallas; however has its own identity as an area to be reckoned with. With safe, enjoyable neighborhoods in every price range, it is a magnet for new residents from around the country.

One of Irving’s amenities is its close proximity to Dallas Fort Worth Airport and its many flights, both domestic and international. Irving is served by three excellent school districts as well as a major university, the University of Dallas. Irving is also a hop, skip and a jump from the renowned urban center of Las Colinas which is a thriving commercial district, residential area, golf, hotel and restaurant haven that calls itself headquarters to some the most impressive firms in the nation.

Irving is also a major sports center, best known for the home of Texas Stadium and the five-time Super Bowl Champions, The Dallas Cowboys!

Irving is a haven for the arts, largely due to the Irving Arts Center, promoting the city’s cultural resources with financial and technical assistance to all new and existing arts and cultural groups. The Irving Symphony Orchestra, New Philharmonic Orchestra, the Irving Community Band, The Dallas Zoo, and Victoria Park Pavilion are just some of the many famous attractions to this cultural area.

Lewisville

A population of 75,000, Lewisville is as an ‘executive’ area of affordable housing in both homes and apartments and has its eye on future growth. Currently, an average new home is $203,000 and average apartment rental is $700. Situated in southeast Denton County, Lewisville is in a dynamic growth area with a region encompassing nine counties and spanning 100 miles with a population of over 4 million.

When the city charter was adopted in 1962, Lewisville’s’ biggest draw as the fact that it offered a 23,000-acre lake barely 20-minutes from the hustle and bustle of downtown Dallas. Lake Lewisville remains the area’s greatest recreational resource, enticing over 6-million visitors annually to enjoy sailing, skiing, and fishing on the big reservoir. Some of the area’s biggest yachts, motor driven and under sail, can be found at the lake’s marinas, and Eagle Point’s entertainment complex on the lake is a focal point for summertime fun. Lake Lewisville is also home to the largest and most active fleet of catamarans.

For land lover’s Lewisville offers the Lake Lewisville Symphony, the Lake Cities Ballet, the Lake Cities Community Chorus, the Visual Arts League and the Greater Lewisville Community Theater. For shoppers, there are antiques on downtown Main Street, 16 neighborhood shopping centers and Vista Ridge Mall, one of the largest in North Texas.

Education is a high priority and point of pride, with more tan 40 public and private schools, two universities and one college nearby.

Houston

Houston is the largest city in Texas and the 4th largest in the country, but it really doesn't feel like it as it gives off a small town feel. The metropolitan Houston area, including Galveston to the south, is the 10th largest in the country. As well, Houston is the second largest port in the country, and the eighth largest port in the world.

But all of these stats are not what Houston is known for. Instead, Houston is most famous as the home of NASA's Mission Control, and its name can be heard on most space shuttle missions as all astronauts preface their comments with "Houston". Ironically, NASA is actually not located in Houston proper, but in a southern suburb. Money magazine ranked
Houston as one America’s Top Places to Live and is home to Continental Airlines, Minute Maid orange juice to many other leading companies of the world. This city is also famous for its medical breakthroughs and current and modern medical care and facilities.

Houston is located about 3 hours east of San Antonio, and 3.5 hours southeast of Dallas. It was named for Sam Houston, the man responsible for winning Texas its independence from Mexico.

Houston continues to grow at such a fast pace, that the only negative might be the constant construction going on downtown - nearly every street was being torn up at some point. On the positive side, construction brings more companies, hence more work force and helps maintain property values. Since Houston has historically been developed by real estate barons, the number of appealing neighborhoods and lovely planned communities is extensive. There are many affordable suburbs as most have kept up with infrastructure on schools, shopping and all forms of lifestyle essentials.

Energized and bustling, downtown Houston is a melting pot for business, residential development and entertainment. From baseball to theater, from historical to contemporary, the heart of Houston has it all.

The city’s skyline district has several new office towers being incorporated next to an already vital and evolving 90-block area in the historic district, which features clubs, restaurants, shops and convenient parking.

The northwest corner of downtown marks Houston’s roots, where the original town was laid out by the founding fathers in 1836. Many of the residential and commercial façades have been preserved and marked for historical significance in the area designated as the Downtown Historic District.

The Theater District a 17-block area in downtown’s epicenter — provides venues for ballet, opera, theater companies, symphony and Broadway performers. Nationally it ranks second to New York in terms of sheer numbers of concentrated theater seats in a downtown area.

In 2002, the Theater District welcomed the new Hobby Center for the Performing Arts. And in February 2003, the Downtown Aquarium opened, offering up-close views of exotic marine life, seafood restaurants, Ferris wheel, carousel and much more. Nearby, Bayou Place boasts live music, restaurants and a movie theater for passers-by who want to sample the infinite offerings.

The city of Houston, covering nearly 9.000 square miles and home to more than 3 million people, is a perfect microcosm of the things that make Texas great. With its signature blend of big-city diversity and down-home Texas hospitality, Houston is cosmopolitan and full of charm at the same time. A thriving economy, flourishing downtown and green parks combine with a mild year-round climate to make this one of the best places to live in the nation. The cost of living is lower than any other large metro in the country, and there are plenty of apartment rentals to choose from, most of which are reasonably priced.

Urban Living – The Inner Loop

Extreme variety in housing costs and style is available in the area within Loop 610. The area contains some of the city's most desired and high-end neighborhoods because of their proximity to downtown, the Texas Medical Center, Hermann Park and the Museum District. Tree-lined streets are a mainstay and many of the city's finer restaurants are within the inner loop. Homes located in the inner loop range from wood-frame bungalows to stately mansions to a variety of apartments, townhomes and condominiums.

Downtown Houston

This area offers a vibrant neighborhood for city dwellers. In addition to being the city’s central business district, downtown is home to the exciting performances in the Theater District, Major League Baseball at Minute Maid Park and both NBA and WNBA, plus professional hockey and major concerts at the Toyota Center. Downtown restaurants abound, many with award-winning cuisine. The social scene boasts everything from sports bars and beer emporiums to chic dance clubs and music venues. Downtown Houston and nearby Midtown offer a multitude of affordable residential options. New high-rise apartment buildings offer amenities such as a loft floor and intown convenience. Similarly, many historical buildings have been converted into lofts with plenty of history and character, along with modern conveniences. The central location and simplicity of high-rise and loft living remains a favorite choice for urban professionals, empty nesters, traveling families, reverse commuters and executives searching for the security, low-maintenance, and uncomplicated existence that it offers.

Midtown

Just south of Downtown Houston, is an emerging jewel immersed in redelovpment since the mid 1990’s. The community-oriented, urban neighborhood expects more visitors and residents now that the light rail train is complete and runs through to downtown. Numerous mid-rise (two to three story) apartment developments as well as high-rise lofts provide convenient and stylish living options with pools, health clubs and lock and go living. Some lofts feature restaurants and retail shops on the ground floor with apartments above. Also in this area, town homes offer a more private residential option, similar to stand-alone, single-family homes Midtown offers the best of all neighborhood services — from dining to shopping — in a centralized location.

The METRO-Rail light rail service provides transportation throughout both Downtown and Midtown. The rail line’s service spans from the University of Houston-Downtown, on the northern border of downtown, all the way to Reliant Park, home of Reliant Stadium and the Houston Texans. The rail line includes stops in the Museum District, Texas Medical Center and Rice University.

Uptown Houston

The Uptown/Galleria area exudes a cosmopolitan air. Because of its high-rise skyline, some people often confuse it with downtown, but this West Loop area has its own distinct character. The newly renovated and expanded Galleria holds the distinction of being the fifth largest shopping complex in the nation. Just down the road from the Uptown/Galleria lies the Richmond Entertainment District. Here you can experience a string of themed bars and culinary delights plus continue shopping. Sports venues, arcades and health facilities are added attractions. Featuring both large and small retailers, Richmond Avenue is a great option for entertainment for all who pay a visit to West Houston.

Montrose

Montrose is one of the older neighborhoods of Houston although, like the merging Midtown section nearby, it has experienced many changes in the last few years.
Just west of Downtown Houston with easy access into the city, it is a mix of mostly older stately homes, brick bungalows, and townhomes, with some high-rises, lofts and apartment complexes. It is this close-in location and such acute diversity of residents that buyers find most appealing about the community. The Montrose area is bordered by Highway 59(south) and Shepherd Drive(west) and brushes up to downtown Houston. The Museum District is located in the southern part of Montrose where many restaurants, boutiques and small galleries maintain the unique flavor of this part of the city. Both single family homes and apartment rentals are very affordable. Residents of Montrose appreciate living close-in to Downtown, the Museum District, and the Medical Center, and enjoy easy freeway access to other parts of Houston. For those who aim for this lifestyle, the Montrose area offers the best of all worlds.

Museum District

This neighborhood is surrounded by the Museum of Fine Arts Houston, the Contemporary Arts Museum, the Museum of Natural History, the Children's Museum, and the Holocaust Museum, as well as Hermann Park, the Miller Outdoor Theatre, the Houston Zoo, and the Burke Baker Planetarium. This desirable community enjoys the diversification evident in its eclectic blend of fine restaurants, art galleries, shops and boutiques, private and public schools, and more. The lifestyle mix is exhibited in its vast array of housing reflecting differing tastes. Some streets enjoy the protection of strict deed restrictions while others prefer a harmonious blend of commercial and residential. Historic homes reside next to new construction, smaller bungalows, duplexes, high rise condominiums, lofts, townhomes, and new garden homes. Price ranges are as diversified as the housing in the area as they are all across the board from affordable to high while estate homes and mansions are expensive. With such a diversity in lifestyle options and pricing, the Museum District likewise, attracts a varied mix of residents - from young urban professionals to Rice University professors, from business executives to medical professionals. With Houston's current focus on inner city living, developers have played an active part in revitalizing the area. A surge of newly built townhouses and patio homes may be found throughout the neighborhood. Additionally, large garden homes constructed behind electronic gates and New York style lofts have emerged. The Museum District continues to blend comfort and convenience with lifestyle. As a result, this area continues to be one of Houston's most popular.

Rural/Suburban Living – The Outer Loop

The Woodlands to the North makes up the area north of Spring along 1-45. and enjoys the serenity offered by the greenery of forest pines and silver lakes. Fifty miles of hike and bike trails are an amenity that close to 30,000 residents appreciate about the Woodlands.

Residents refer to The Woodlands as the "new home town." The community sits off 1-45 North, 27 miles north of Houston's downtown and 16 miles north of Houston Intercontinental Airport. The four villages of The Woodlands are 20 years old, although new houses and apartments are still available.

Also here is The Woodlands Business Complex, composed of three development zones: the Metro Center (The Woodlands downtown); the Trade Center for light manufacturing; and the 1,000-acre Research Forest for academic and nonprofit research institutes and industry. Located in the Research Forest, for example, are product development laboratories and centers for medical and biotechnology research.

Reflecting the flora and fauna of The Woodlands environment are its street names: Moon Vine, Wally Bucket, Muskmellow and Doe Run. The man-made Lake Woodlands is graced with a gazebo at the water's edge. Guarding the lake is a sculpted dragon, donated by the Mitchell family.

West University/Gables Pin Oak

The city of West University Place was developed by former Tennessee Gov. Ben Hooper in 1917. Proximity to the Rice Institute (now known as Rice University) inspired the name West University.

Approximately 13,000 residents live in this city that spans 1,248 residential acres and has nearly 20 acres of commercial property. It maintains strong inspection and permit policies as well as strict zoning regulations. Originally, West University Place encompassed small cottages. Many of these cottages were torn down and replaced with large two story houses. The West University trend of demolishing and replacing older homes with new, multi-story Georgian style homes is more popular in this area than anywhere else in Houston. West University Place and Gables Pin Oak have both emerged as one of Houston's most desirable neighborhoods. Architectural diversity, and proximity to major areas have improved housing values through the years. This small city within a city has captured the hearts of many. Time has proven that the demand for "West U" housing remains consistently higher then its neighbors.