<p>I have accepted a new job in downtown Dallas that starts in but a few short weeks! I am suddenly realizing I am about to take a bigger step than even I had anticipated! Where will I live? Finding new drycleaners, dentist/doctors, hair salon, mechanics, etc! Yikes! My first and most pressing concern is finding a place to live that is not too far from downtown Dallas and in a nice, safe (I am a single woman) area. Any advice? suggestions? Places to avoid?
Any and all information/suggestions are appreciated! ( I should add that I dont know a soul in Dallas so I am going in blind!)</p>
<p>You will love Dallas! Depending on your budget, I would start looking for an apartment in the Uptown area (very upscale), or perhaps The Village,which is around Greenville and Southwestern Blvd (more recent grad and young professional types). Both areas are relatively safe, although as a single woman you’ll have to be careful about walking or jogging alone at night. Anywhere near highway 75 (North Central Expressway) is convenient for getting anywhere in the city. There is public transportation, but it is not extensive. I’ve lived in Dallas for about 18 years. PM me if you want more details.</p>
<p>I would also look into parking. Sometimes parking in true downtown is so expensive that you’re better off riding the DART (Dallas Area Rapid Transit) to work. Does your company cover parking or have someone that assists with re-locating? </p>
<p>You will have NO problem finding every service you want. </p>
<p>You may want to consider a short term furnished rental or hotel stay until you discover where you want to live. Congratulations!</p>
<p>Megpmom…I should have clarified…I am a middle-aged single woman (mom)! So the young and hip areas are not for me! I sent my only D off to college this past fall and figured it was time for me to take some chances and change up my life! My friends all think I have lost my mind! ( Dallas is a 2 day drive from my current location so a BIG change)</p>
<p>Well, even though you and I are no spring chickens 
I would still stay close to the 75 corridor - it’s just very convenient. You can drive and park at a DART station and take the train into downtown. Garland and Richardson are nice, close-in suburbs with plenty of rentals. The Lake Highlands area has nice parts, but very high crime in the apartment communities. I may be biased but north and west of downtown are you best bets. (and still take a look at The Village - there are lots of good choices there) Good luck!</p>
<p>^Actually, I meant north and EAST of downtown. Don’t go west! :)</p>
<p>I would also suggest looking at townhouses/condos around SMU. This area is very safe, convenient to downtown, “walkable.” You can attend events at the university, jog/bike the Katy trail, and meet friends for dinner in the Knox-Henderson area without getting in your car. An agent can steer you away from the student saturated blocks and toward the single
parent/empty nester rentals. We love being in one of the few walkable areas in Dallas.</p>
<p>Missypie will be able to advise you.</p>
<p>I would look at the a uptown area. It is close to downtown and has a mix of age groups. The Village has gotten nasty- at least it had when I left Dallas 6 years ago.</p>
<p>I don’t have any tips, but congrats on your big jump. Dallas is a great city. I hope you love it!</p>
<p>Do you want single family, townhome or an apartment? Is public transportation important? (Parking can be pricey but there are open lots on the ends of downtown that aren’t too expensive.) Will you PM me with which building you will be in? While you’re PMing me, it would be great to have an idea of your budget.</p>
<p>What are your priorties? Safety? Convenience? Short distance to work? Restaurants/shopping nearby? What do you see yourself doing on the weekends?</p>
<p>We just went through the same thing last year and are now renting near the SMU district. (Middle age here too). Feel free to PM me for more info.! I actually thought the Village area was quite nice, but it was a much younger crowd in general.</p>
<p>I have no info on Dallas, but want to say, congrats, and best wishes! Good for you for starting a new adventure!</p>
<p>Missypie and kjofkw…I PM’d both of you…thanks so much for your suggestions and guidance! I am excited and overwhelmed all at the same time right now!</p>