Why not Frisco (Dallas, Fort Worth, Plano: transplants, rentals, crime)

[Canuck11]

My family is moving to the Dallas area due to relocation to a head office on Legacy. We were originally looking at Plano, but there seems to be a fairly low inventory of rentals on the market currently and we've expanded our search a little. I started looking at Frisco specifically and like a lot of the properties I have been looking at, but frankly I don't know a lot about the area. I was hoping I could get a local perspective on Frisco to help us with the decision. Our priorities are the following:

1. Family friendly neighborhood - we're hoping to be able to meet neighbors and friends for our two kids (under 4 yrs)
2. Quality schooling for the kids - initially preschool, but eventually elementary (we are only on contract for <5 years)
3. Local activities for the kids who are currently involved in swimming, skating, soccer here
4. Modern home with pool and a little land for our dog (so not just the pool in the backyard)
5. Minimal commute <20 minutes to work
6. Open minded atmosphere where newcomers/diversity is welcomed

Please let mek now what we should we know about Frisco.....is it a good location for us.

[txgolfer130]

Originally Posted by Canuck11

My family is moving to the Dallas area due to relocation to a head office on Legacy. We were originally looking at Plano, but there seems to be a fairly low inventory of rentals on the market currently and we've expanded our search a little. I started looking at Frisco specifically and like a lot of the properties I have been looking at, but frankly I don't know a lot about the area. I was hoping I could get a local perspective on Frisco to help us with the decision. Our priorities are the following:

1. Family friendly neighborhood - we're hoping to be able to meet neighbors and friends for our two kids (under 4 yrs)
Check
2. Quality schooling for the kids - initially preschool, but eventually elementary (we are only on contract for <5 years)
Check
3. Local activities for the kids who are currently involved in swimming, skating, soccer here
Big time Check
4. Modern home with pool and a little land for our dog (so not just the pool in the backyard)
Not sure about pools...a little harder to find, and depends what you mean about land for the dog. 1/2 check
5. Minimal commute <20 minutes to work
Possible check. DNT (Dallas North Tollway-when no accidents-will make it 5-7 min. Surface streets will be right at 15-20 min.'s depending on traffic.

6. Open minded atmosphere where newcomers/diversity is welcomed.
Frisco has A LOT of newcomers in the area. Over the past 3 years it's population has grown over 200%. Frisco is a nice area, that really deserves to be checked out.

Please let mek now what we should we know about Frisco.....is it a good location for us.

Hope that helps. My answers are in blue.

[1928]

Dallasnews.com : Lockdown lifted at 3 Frisco schools after fatal shooting nearby

[FarNorthDallas]

Yeah, Frisco sounds like a match for you. Watch school boundaries though - the city of Frisco doesn't match the Frisco ISD boundary. Frisco is full of transplants - young families with kids. There's hardly any senior citizens in Frisco. It's so child-oriented you'll never go out to a restaurant without hearing screaming kids - but then if that's your demographic then it's perfect.

The negative on Frisco is it lacks character. It's almost all new. No sense of history except for the original little Main Street area. Well, I take it back. There is a history for Frisco. It used to be full of bordellos/massage parlors, but they are all gone now.

This book is about Frisco:
http://www.amazon.com/Tinsel-Search-...7386219&sr=1-1

[txgolfer130]

Originally Posted by 1928

Dallasnews.com : Lockdown lifted at 3 Frisco schools after fatal shooting nearby

First major crime since 2009.

[bluescreen73]

I always tell people that there are ways to have Frisco Schools without paying the overinflated Frisco price. There are areas of McKinney that are served by Frisco ISD and houses over there run 25-30% cheaper than Frisco, which could have an impact on your rental cost.

[nsumner]

Originally Posted by FarNorthDallas

There's hardly any senior citizens in Frisco.

FND, I think you forgot there there is a masterplanned community Frisco Lakes by Del Webb for 55+ only. Parkview is also another very nice active adult community.

Many of the seniors in these neighborhoods lived in another neighborhood in Frisco and want to retire in Frisco either because they like it or because they want to stay close to their kids.

Going back to the poster's question. Check out this website. Frisco is so kid friendly, that there is a website dedicated to the kids activities. Frisco Kids Events

There are right now 11 homes on the market in Frisco for lease with a pool ranging from $2100 to $7000.

Naima

[Canuck11]

Thanks to everyone for their comments. Our priority is the kids/family right now so the neighborhood/schools/activities sound like its a good fit. FarNorthDallas thanks for the restaurant warning. Unfortunately right now we are those people with the crying kids at the restaurant - but we'll know to drive somewhere else on Date Night

I did have someone mention to me about the lead issue...which sounds a little scary and could be my biggest con of the area. I'm not sure I understand it right now but I be doing some more research.

[Brookside]

Given your work location, Frisco would be a good choice -- it was too far out for us, as DH works downtown.

However, I think your concerns over air quality are valid. It definitively would give me pause.Frisco fails to meet new federal lead guidelines | wfaa.com | Dallas - Fort Worth Local News

Have you considered Allen? It's a bit further east -- but still very easy to get to Legacy area via 121, or just use the through streets -- McDermott to Ohio to Legacy.

Allen has great schools, very family oriented, good shopping and restaurants. West side (zip 75013) is newer and would be the easiest commute.

What price range are you looking at for a rental? We rented a 3 BRM townhouse in Twin Creeks area. Very nice, newer area. Yards are smallish but since your children are still little, perhaps that would be OK? There is one available now for $1600 per month. 1191 Landon Ln Allen TX - House for Rent - MLS #11539085 - Realtor.com®
1153 Sophia Street Allen TX - Rental Home - MLS #11535983 - Realtor.com®
Another in the same neighborhood $1450.

[Rakin]

You might also include the west / south McKinney area and the north Plano areas. They would all work and fit your needs.