Max 30-min commute to DFW airport - charming, family (McMansion-free) neighborhood? (Plano: 2013, house) - Dallas - Texas (TX) - Page 4 - City-Data Forum

MckinneyOwnr · 07-31-2013, 06:05 PM

I'll go out on a limb here and mention McKinney. As far as Mom and Pop type stores go, downtown McKinney is a rarity among the rest of the metroplex. And, you can still make the airport in 30 min or less... provided you find a home near 121 or 380, like in West McKinney or Stonebridge Ranch area.

There are a lot of McMansions, but you also have the option of finding a home near downtown, which are much older, on large lots, and definitely a "liberal" feel to the area.

GripeWater · 07-31-2013, 06:38 PM

I'm not sure if downtown McKinney is a CEO & Physician enclave as required by the OP. Southlake wouldn't work either as it is full of McMansions. Areas that meet his requirements are a longer commute. This is not the ideal metroplex for him.

synchronicity · 07-31-2013, 07:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GripeWater

I'm not sure if downtown McKinney is a CEO & Physician enclave as required by the OP. Southlake wouldn't work either as it is full of McMansions. Areas that meet his requirements are a longer commute. This is not the ideal metroplex for him.

OP is almost definitely a her ("my husband and our 3 kids").

I also think people are stretching the limit of a "30 minute commute" (McKinney and Lakewood?) It's "possible" - at off hours if you just happen to be right next to one of the major thoroughfares. Otherwise, not at all. Googlemaps puts the route from 75 and Virginia (3038) in McKinney to Terminal A at DFW at 34.6 miles - 32 minutes in clear traffic on 121. From Abrams and Mockingbird (far NE corner of Lakewood, right?) it's 25.7 miles/31 minutes in clear traffic (via NW Hwy it's 22.6 miles/37 minutes, although a fast driver could probably shave a few minutes off of that). In my experience googlemap times have been only a little longer than my actual drive times, and I'm hardly a slow driver.

OP will just have to be aware of the tradeoffs, and should also be aware that even the "best fit" areas in DFW will likely fall short of what she's hoping for.

MckinneyOwnr · 07-31-2013, 08:49 PM

75 and Virginia is the center of McKinney. You can live in McKinney and be at Custer and 121 area, and be nearly 10 minutes closer. I have no problems making it to the airport in 30 min from Hardin and Eldorado area in rush hour in the morning, I've done it many times.

121 is the fastest toll road in the area by far.

BigDGeek · 08-01-2013, 07:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MckinneyOwnr

121 is the fastest toll road in the area by far.

For now.

debtex · 08-01-2013, 07:31 AM

We are in the northern part of Lakewood (close to NW Hwy) and it takes 25-35 minutes to get to the airport in light traffic. It can take more like 45 min-1 hr at rush hour.

Lakewood is pretty big, and it's much easier to get to the highways from some parts than others.

BigDGeek · 08-01-2013, 07:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by debtex

We are in the northern part of Lakewood (close to NW Hwy) and it takes 25-35 minutes to get to the airport in light traffic. It can take more like 45 min-1 hr at rush hour.

Lakewood is pretty big, and it's much easier to get to the highways from some parts than others.

Lakewood to DFW wouldn't be ideal, but I get the impression from the OP that her husband wouldn't be making that drive every day. QOL has to be considered, and I think they'll have a better quality of life in Lakewood with a slightly longer drive to DFW than they would in some other parts of the metromess with a shorter drive to DFW.

Just my $0.02.

We're going around in circles here though; I think the OP should visit Lakewood, Park Cities, and NOC...do a test run out to DFW from the one they like best, and go from there. That's really the next logical step; anything else from us is going to be hot gassery or cheerleading for "our" part of town.

roskybosky · 08-01-2013, 07:55 AM

What you are asking for is a tough combination in Texas. Mom and Pop shops are rare, and they usually don't last very long if someone attempts it. You have to get used to a certain commercialism if you are going to live in this area. (I'm from a uppity county in NY where people won't go to a chain restaurant even if they are starving...) The areas that are closest to what you describe are Highland Park, Oak Lawn, maybe Preston Hollow, BUT the trip to the airport will be more difficult and longer, esp. in traffic.
I would put aside some of the requirements and look at Southlake, Coppell, Grapevine, Colleyville. They are all very nice, upscale, and close to the airport. You must remember Texas doesn't have quaint, walkable downtowns for the most part. You have to travel for culture, as it is at the bottom of most people's lists down here. It is more like middle-America, only with money. You will find that the ease of living is remarkable, cost of living is low, and you are generally more free in mind and spirit due to the lack of stress. People who work in retail shops are amazingly friendly and professional, roads are big and fast, and life is just easier in general. You can find the things that you want, but maybe not all in the same town.

roskybosky · 08-01-2013, 08:10 AM

Oh yes, and the above-mentioned towns all have fantastic schools. I live in Coppell, have 3 kids in the isd, and the school is rigorous yet personal. Very happy with it. When we want 'character' we drive to Highland Park/Oak Lawn for the day and cruise around Knox street, use the Katy trail, eat at a cool little restaurant, and bring some Bubba's chicken home with us. Yes, my kids hardly know what a mom-and-pop restaurant is, but it's a trade off. We get plenty of that when we visit NY.

Lakewooder · 08-01-2013, 08:40 AM

Mom and Pop shops are not rare nor short-lived in Lakewood. Whenever a chain store opens, people complain.