Dallas-Fort Worth's Smaller Cities Attract Airport-bound Commuters
by Blanche Evans
Irving, Grapevine, and Arlington are comfortably situated with easy access to one of the world's largest airports, Dallas-Fort Worth International. The cities boast large entertainment venues, such as theme parks and race tracks, and they work consistently to bring high-paying jobs and fine homebuilders to their areas. Irving "Depending on where you want to be, the real estate market is varied," suggests Realtor Marcia Monaco. "The southern and central sections offer much more in the way of commercial attractions and have a benefit to the homeowner in that respect. There is also easy access to major highways and interstates. The Valley Ranch community of Irving is located on the north central region just south of Coppell and is generally highly sought-after. It hosts the headquarters for the Dallas Cowboys of the NFL and the Dallas Stars of the NHL. Values in Valley Ranch are generally on the climb. Las Colinas, another premier subdivision of Irving, hosts the elegant Las Colinas Country Club which attracts major business headquarters, the Byron Nelson Golf tournament, and steadily increasing home prices." Grapevine "Grapevine is located in the center of the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex, 21 miles northwest of downtown Dallas and 19 miles northeast of downtown Fort Worth," says Realtor Ann Anker. "The city is home to the Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, the second busiest airport in the world in terms of passengers. Grapevine is one of the fastest-growing communities in the Metroplex, attributed to several factors, including the proximity to developing employment centers, such as Las Colinas in Irving, improved access to freeways leading to Dallas and Fort Worth, high-quality housing in well-planned subdivisions, and a school district ranking high in academic achievements." About the market, Anker advises, "The real estate market in Grapevine is beginning strong and should surpass 2004. Statistics through April 2005, indicate a decrease in home sales (202) with a slight increase in the average home price to $213,078. Current number of homes on the market is down by 25 percent, good news for sellers. With existing homes and new construction, the choice of homes available will delight new buyers. In 2004, 713 homes sold in the Grapevine area, this number increased three percent over the previous year. The total sales volume of $154,236,160 was eight percent higher with the average home price of $216,320." Arlington "Arlington is ideally located between Dallas and Forth Worth," explains Realtor Myron Walker. "The Metroplex area offers a number of attractions such as Six Flags over Texas, Hurricane Harbor, the Texas Rangers, and will soon be the home of the Dallas Cowboys. Numerous lakes offer outside activities and a large variety of shopping opportunities." Walker says, "There is a wide variety of neighborhoods from the more established in north Arlington to newer communities in the southern portion of Arlington and in Mansfield. Inventory of homes on the market has stayed fairly constant with a slight increase during the latter part of April and beginning May. Market time is about 45 days and the prices are still showing good strength. This is good news if you want to sell your home. Homes that are priced right, in good condition and properly prepared for showings will sell quickly. Mortgage rates are still at a very attractive level along with a good economic outlook which should support a strong real estate market." |
