Family Relocating from Mexico to Plano. (McKinney, Allen: real estate, apartments, rental homes)

[Felvelaz]

I am mexican (34) and I am planning to move to Plano with my wife (33) and my baby girl (8 months) at the beginning of 2011.
I wanted to ask you for your recommendations on this exciting step for me and my family
I will work in Plano very close to Legacy Mall
I would like that the commute is less than 30 minutes.
My plan is to rent for the first year.
Where would you recommend me to live: Plano, Frisco, Allen?
Apartment or house? I need like 3 bedrooms and 2 garage, but we are used to small places since our apartment is Mexico city is 1292 ft2.
I read that weather plays a significant factor in Texas, Do you know what considerations should I take into account before renting?
Do you know some good internet sites to look for rent options?
In Mexico is not common that the one who wants to rent hires a real estate agent but it seems from the comments in the forum that for this relocation it will be advisable. If so, Could you give me some tips regarding real estate agents?
I have read very good things about the communities there, but I am concerned about my family since I have not seen any comments on Mexican experiences, What do you think?
Finally, Could you give me an explanation of how taxes work? How much of my income I will have to pay every month?
Sorry for so many questions, but just heard the request from my manager and just realized how many things I have no idea regarding this change!!!!
[SIZE=3]I appreciate all the help/tips that you can provide…[/SIZE]

[JenG1974]

Hi there!
Frisco or Plano are both good. I wouldn't venture into McKinney/Allen as your drive will be more than 30 minutes. I live in Frisco and I know there is an active Mexican community closer to Main Street. It seems very nice there and everyone is very friendly.

I don't think you need a real estate agent for renting - I have heard of people using Craigslist or a place like this: Frisco TX Home Rentals, Apartments for Rent, Homes or Houses for rent in Frisco TX | RentalHouses.com

As far as income tax - it depends on how much you make. Thankfully TX does not have a state income tax - so you would be paying Federal Income Tax. Here is a link to the table:

2010 Tax Rates - Federal Income Tax Brackets, 2011 Tax Estimator

Things to consider living here:

It is hot in the summer - but living in Mexico you might be familiar with that. So you should expect to run your AC nonstop during the summer.

We do get snow on occasion during the winter but everything shuts down then - so you don't really have to worry about any special equipment.

We do get flash floods when it rains really hard - so keep that in mind when renting. You definitely do not want to rent or own a property that has land sloping down towards it.

Other than that- not too much to know.

Good luck and congrats on the move!

[Gino'61]

Buenos días!

We're just moving into the area, from Monterrey. This forum is a great place to start learning, with lots of very helpful people. Here's some data from our experience trying to answer some of your questions.

Deciding on where to live will be an exciting trip, albeit a daunting task in the beginning. We had a great experience working through a Realtor, get one specialized in the area that you would like to look at. It is a great way to see multiple options in a 2-3 day trip. They also know the differences among suburbs so you can make a better decision.

Weather-wise you will probably miss Mexico's City temperate climate. For us it is not a big deal coming from the north, but in your case it will be very similar to Mexico City people coming into Monterrey. Some love it, some never adapt. You guys are young, so it should not be a problem!

Realtor.com is a good option to look for rental homes and start getting your bearings in the area.

Income-wise depends on your employer and what your legal status in the country will be. I'm have a L1A visa, intercompany transfer. There is a dual-tax treaty among the US and Mexico. Get a good accountant to work with you, I believe your company could help you with that.

Good luck with your move! Saludos!

[ClaudiaMartinez]

Hello I am currently in the process of relocating to the Plano, Frisco area. I too am Mexican and would like to know your take on the city since its been a while since you have lived there. Any recommendation?

Originally Posted by Felvelaz

I am mexican (34) and I am planning to move to Plano with my wife (33) and my baby girl (8 months) at the beginning of 2011.
I wanted to ask you for your recommendations on this exciting step for me and my family
I will work in Plano very close to Legacy Mall
I would like that the commute is less than 30 minutes.
My plan is to rent for the first year.
Where would you recommend me to live: Plano, Frisco, Allen?
Apartment or house? I need like 3 bedrooms and 2 garage, but we are used to small places since our apartment is Mexico city is 1292 ft2.
I read that weather plays a significant factor in Texas, Do you know what considerations should I take into account before renting?
Do you know some good internet sites to look for rent options?
In Mexico is not common that the one who wants to rent hires a real estate agent but it seems from the comments in the forum that for this relocation it will be advisable. If so, Could you give me some tips regarding real estate agents?
I have read very good things about the communities there, but I am concerned about my family since I have not seen any comments on Mexican experiences, What do you think?
Finally, Could you give me an explanation of how taxes work? How much of my income I will have to pay every month?
Sorry for so many questions, but just heard the request from my manager and just realized how many things I have no idea regarding this change!!!!
[FONT=Calibri][SIZE=3]I appreciate all the help/tips that you can provide…[/SIZE][/FONT]