Area north of downtown Dallas for family of five (Plano: apartment, condo)

[ryjo5822]

We are a family of five relocating to the Dallas area. My husband works downtown. We would like to keep his commute to less than 45 minutes. Our kids are 2, 6 and 8 years. We are looking for an active, family friendly, unpretentious neighborhood with lots of kids and good schools on the north side of downtown Dallas. I have family that lives in Allen and would like to be within 45 minutes of them.

Budget is up to 450K for 4-5 bedroom, 3 bath single family home. I would love to walk to elementary and parks.

Areas we have driven through are Coppell, The Colony, Frisco, McKinney, Allen and some of Plano.

We are in a corporate apartment in McKinney for the summer. I would love to find a house in the next month in order to get the kids registered for school in the fall, but it's really hard to settle on one area being new here.

What suggestions do you have to narrow down to one area before starting house hunting?

Thank you!

[bamaintex]

Depending on what times he commutes (i.e. before 7am, etc.), it is possible to make it to Downtown from Allen in 45 minutes or less. I live in Allen and commute to Downtown Dallas 3 days per week. I leave at 6:45 am and my average morning commute is 35-40 minutes. I just moved here in September and I love the community. My kids are 9, 7, and 3 and I have been happy with the schools so far. However, if I could do it over again, I would have moved no further north than Plano. Ideally, I would prefer Richardson or West Plano as the schools are excellent and it is closer to work. Unfortunately at the time, I didn't have much time to look and was caring for my paraplegic Mom so I needed something newer that didn't require modifications to doors, etc. for a wheelchair. My Mom has since passed, so I my move closer to downtown in a few years if I haven't been transferred somewhere else.

[ryjo5822]

Originally Posted by bamaintex

Depending on what times he commutes (i.e. before 7am, etc.), it is possible to make it to Downtown from Allen in 45 minutes or less. I live in Allen and commute to Downtown Dallas 3 days per week. I leave at 6:45 am and my average morning commute is 35-40 minutes. I just moved here in September and I love the community. My kids are 9, 7, and 3 and I have been happy with the schools so far. However, if I could do it over again, I would have moved no further north than Plano. Ideally, I would prefer Richardson or West Plano as the schools are excellent and it is closer to work. Unfortunately at the time, I didn't have much time to look and was caring for my paraplegic Mom so I needed something newer that didn't require modifications to doors, etc. for a wheelchair. My Mom has since passed, so I my move closer to downtown in a few years if I haven't been transferred somewhere else.

Thank you, this is helpful. My sister, who lives in Allen and works downtown, said if said could do it over she would move closer too. I will check into Richardson and West Plano. I don't think I have been to those area yet.

[GripeWater]

realtor.com

These are current listings for Plano's 75093 which meets your requirements.

[ChristieP]

Don't forget about the DART rail to downtown. It can really be a nice alternative to driving, even just a few times a month!

[ryjo5822]

Originally Posted by ChristieP

Don't forget about the DART rail to downtown. It can really be a nice alternative to driving, even just a few times a month!

He is west of downtown. I think he would have to transfer to a bus. Not sure he's willing to do that.

[DitsyD]

I think that The Colony, Frisco, and McKinney would all have longer commutes than your husband is looking for. I second Richardson or those portions of North Dallas that are in the Richardson ISD or Plano ISD attendance zones.

[Lakewooder]

If your husband works downtown, I am trying to understand why you ended up in a corporate apartment 35 miles away...

If you would like to shave 30-40 minutes off that commute, check out Lakewood and M-Streets just northeast of downtown (75214 and 75206). Finding a 4/3 in that price range would prove tough, but you would save so much in commuting that you might expand your budget. A 3/2 might be more realistic. But you can definitely walk to school and it's not pretentious, even though some live in mansions and estates.. Anyway do a search of those zips and see what you think. Other close-in alternatives would be Lake Highlands a little farther north or Richardson...

See:
Community Video: M Streets section of Dallas, TX - YouTube


Community Video: Lakewood in Dallas, TX - YouTube

[debtex]

Oh for pete's sake, lakewooder...she said $450k for a 4-5 bedroom house. That's just not what Lakewood costs.

I second the Richardson recommendation, there are amazing neighborhoods there with great schools that are right in your wheel well price-wise.

[ryjo5822]

Originally Posted by Lakewooder

If your husband works downtown, I am trying to understand why you ended up in a corporate apartment 35 miles away...

Good question! We asked for this area to see if we liked it. Coming from Kansas, most recommendations were for Allen, McKinney and Plano.