Hi Cathy,
I lived in Garland as a teen for a couple of years in a nicer area. (Broadway and Pecan Valley area)
It was nice but like others have said, where its bad, it's bad!
I know of family living in Garland now that are moving out of the town to get away from all of the problems.
I also grew up in Mesquite schools (Price Elementary, Vanston Middle and North Mesquite High)
I can tell you that the schools were just ok but I would never want my children to attend those schools.
I also now live in Rowlett and LOVE it!
I'm near Dalrock and Hwy 66 and it's a great area. We're very close to Lake Ray Hubbard, very nice parks and a cool water park that's opening pretty soon here in the Waterview area.
I would recommend since Rowlett is not too far from Garland that you check out some places in that area.
They too have great school districts and they just built a brand new school in a great area that my daughter's starting in August. The principal for the new school is coming from Watson Elementary in Garland and that's a very good school so I have high hopes that she'll make the new school a great one.
Good luck to you in your search for a new home!