Potential Relo To Work in Richardson... Where to Live? (Dallas: houses, safe area)

[martowski]

Hi All,

I'm in a position where I may be relocating to the Dallas area from the Midwest; the office would be in north Richardson (right near where 75 and the George Bush Turnpike meet).

As a family, we have two elementary age children and one pre-school age child. We would be looking to stay in areas with very strong schools that offer gifted/enrichment options and an area with a strong sense of community. Looking to stay at or below $350k in home price, which appears to provide a number of options in the McKinney/Wylie/Frisco/Rockwall/Murphy/Plano/Garland areas. Would like to keep commute to around 30 min or less... but 40 min on average isn't a deal breaker. From what I see, it appears all the areas noted above meet the requirements (although it seems like certain parts of Garland may not).

What differentiating factors can you help me understand between the areas above other than the obvious (i.e., where they reside on a map)? Do certain communities seem to distinguish themselves vs. others, or are they all pretty much the same in terms of "suburbia?"

Thanks for all your help.

[bamaintex]

I would just stay with Richardson, many of their schools are excellent. If not, then my second choice would be Plano. However, I live in Allen and love it.

[aexchange]

Look no further than zip codes 75082. You'll find plenty of houses that meet this criteria and are in the price range you need. 75082 is technically Richardson, but is zoned to Plano schools. Its an extremely safe area and your commute would be less than 10 minutes.

[ChristieP]

I agree. Richardson itself is a great place to live and work.

[martowski]

Thanks! So no real overwhelming reason to look up to Frisco/McKinney/Rockwall unless it's just an individual property preference?

[aexchange]

Honestly, there's zero reason unless you absolutely are stuck on getting a specific property from one of those areas. I wouldn't even venture outside of 75082.

[BigDGeek]

Live in Richardson. At least look there first.

[ElmoPuffinburger]

Might check out 75248 area around Hillcrest/Campbell - Dallas but Richardson schools (Brentfield, Parkhill, JJ Pearce).

[martowski]

We do seem to find a fair amount of homes in Rockwall, at least online, that might meet our needs. How long would the commute be from Rockwall to Richardson/Plano where 75 and the George Bush meet?

Would Frisco be a long commute to that area? Just want to make sure we aren't ruling out areas if the "right" property appears.

[ChristieP]

Why make a commute on a toll road when you can live 10 minutes from work?
Just look in Richardson!