Since your wife and you are empty nesters, let me give you a consolidated view of the greater DFW metroplex (an area of 100 x 100 miles).
Overall, the further away you are from the core of Downtown Dallas, the nicer it is. East, West, North, South, you will find great communities like Weatherford, Justin, Argyle, Denton, Sherman, Prosper that are very nice and “country” and pure old fashioned Americana.
However, as I mentioned, the commute to DFW Airport will be atleast an hour each way.
So, now what about cities next to DFW Airport. You have Southlake, the Queen of DFW. The city is very wealthy, orderly, Republican and has an identity of its own, thanks to its downtown and its citizens who have created festivals and fairs etc. However, as another poster pointed out, it is also quite expensive and the homes are large, which any empty nester may want to avoid.
Let us then talk about Grapevine. Historical city with a downtown that goes back to the 1880s. Wineries in town. Main Street festivals that rock. Great public libraries. Lots of smaller homes near downtown that are affordable and easy to maintain and you are FIVE minutes.. yes FIVE.. from the Airport. What is the downside? They allow apartments in the city and thus do have some crappy apartment complexes on Mustang Road that should be avoided. So, dont buy a house anywhere on Mustang Road
Coppell is another wealthy community like Southlake. Also, only 10 minutes from the Airport. However, Coppell, unlike Southlake, does have smaller homes that are perfect for the empty nester. Worth considering
North Richland Hills, Euless, Hurst and Bedford. All bedroom communities within 10 minutes of the airport. Each has an “older” population base. Each of them have beautiful older homes and smaller homes. The downside is that each of them also have a few run down neighborhoods. Be careful.
Trophy Club. Probably a great fit for you. Just up the road from DFW on Hwy 114. This community has many smaller homes, a golf club and just is a great haven for retirees and downsizers. Physically adjacent to Southlake, so that you have an easy access to everything Southlake
Keller. Another city that bumps up to Southlake. Very historic with a nice downtown. Lots of smaller houses. Great community spirit. The only downside is that it is a good 25 minutes from the Airport as it has no real highway access from most of the town
Flower Mound. Nice City. Lakefront property available. Nice mix of residences and access to restaurants as well as Grapevine Mall. Unfortunately most of Flower Mound suffers from the same problem as Keller. Lack of access to Highways. From certain points in town, it takes 25 minutes to reach the Freeway
Colleyville. The hidden jewel. Often considered a twin of Southlake, it has a country feel and is very conservative. Lots of big impressive homes. However...however... unlike Southlake, you can still find some smaller homes that are perfect for empty nesters
Hope this helps!
God Bless!
let me give you a consolidated view of the greater DFW metroplex ...
********************************
Good description of some of the area, SW Engr.!
I’ve lived in South Grapevine since ‘86, about 1/2 mile from Hwy. 121 and 1/2 mile from Colleyville. Tons of stores and restaurants within 5-20 minutes. ...Many of the pro golfers live in Colleyville and Southlake because of the easy access to DFW airport. I live about 4-5 miles due West of the airport and seldom hear any of the noise. .....Very low crime rate here and people keep their houses and yards in shape. Up near downtown Grapevine, the houses/neighborhoods are older.