Plano- a good place to retire? (Dallas, Richardson: houses, neighborhoods, income)

[kenglim17]

I'm about to retire in 5 years. Is Plano a good place for me to settle down?

I'm looking for a house in the below 100K to 150K range.

I'm asian too (chinese, vietnamese).

My wife doesn't drive so is there a reasonable means of public transportation there?

Are there any bad neighborhoods in Plano?

Thanks for your responses!

[KantLockeMeIn]

Originally Posted by kenglim17

I'm about to retire in 5 years. Is Plano a good place for me to settle down?

I'm looking for a house in the below 100K to 150K range.

I'm asian too (chinese, vietnamese).

My wife doesn't drive so is there a reasonable means of public transportation there?

Are there any bad neighborhoods in Plano?

Thanks for your responses!

Richardson might be a better fit, but relying on public transportation might be a deal breaker. It's really hit or miss.

The downside here is the high property taxes with no income tax. Many retired people make less than they did while they were working, so the benefit of no income tax isn't as attractive, while your property tax remains high. For $150k you would probably be paying around $3k per year after your exemptions.

[Grainraiser]

I am not sure Plano would be a great fit for you. Not being able to drive would be a huge hinderance for your wife. I also think Richardson would be a better fit. Most of the public transportation to the burbs are not that great unless you live near a train line.

[galore]

Originally Posted by twojciac

The downside here is the high property taxes with no income tax. Many retired people make less than they did while they were working, so the benefit of no income tax isn't as attractive, while your property tax remains high. For $150k you would probably be paying around $3k per year after your exemptions.

If you are over 65 years old and plan to live in your home until you die and don't mind your heirs paying after your death, you can actually apply for a property tax deferral.
If this is granted, you don't pay any property tax for as long as you live in that home. It accumulates (at an 8% interest) and is due after you pass away. Ideal for child-less seniors!

DCAD - Exemptions

[Debsi]

It depends where you want to be transported. If you lived along the DART rail line, it would be helpful if she wanted to go downtown, or to the "Chinatown" in Richardson, which is right along the rail line. It's a shopping area with a lot of Chinese and Vietnamese restaurants. There's also a Chinese grocery store there (great prices!) and some other businesses. As far as visiting friends' houses or things like that, the train won't help much.

[momof2dfw]

Originally Posted by Debsi

It depends where you want to be transported. If you lived along the DART rail line, it would be helpful if she wanted to go downtown, or to the "Chinatown" in Richardson, which is right along the rail line. It's a shopping area with a lot of Chinese and Vietnamese restaurants. There's also a Chinese grocery store there (great prices!) and some other businesses. As far as visiting friends' houses or things like that, the train won't help much.

Also, since they are retirement age they might be eligible for the DART assistance rides where they literally come to your door and pick you up and take you to doctors appointments.

[Debsi]

Originally Posted by momof2dfw

Also, since they are retirement age they might be eligible for the DART assistance rides where they literally come to your door and pick you up and take you to doctors appointments.

I didn't know about that, how great! Also speaking of doctor's appointments, Presbyterian Dallas Hospital/doctors offices are also convenient to the train (if they are not eligible for DART assistance.)

[BstYet2Be]

Originally Posted by momof2dfw

Also, since they are retirement age they might be eligible for the DART assistance rides where they literally come to your door and pick you up and take you to doctors appointments.

'Tis true... I have a neighbor that goes for dialysis twice a week on the Dart assistance ride bus ... they come right to the door and the driver assists her out to the bus and back into her home when returning... a truly great service!

[FarNorthDallas]

Originally Posted by Debsi

It depends where you want to be transported. If you lived along the DART rail line, it would be helpful if she wanted to go downtown, or to the "Chinatown" in Richardson, which is right along the rail line. It's a shopping area with a lot of Chinese and Vietnamese restaurants. There's also a Chinese grocery store there (great prices!) and some other businesses. As far as visiting friends' houses or things like that, the train won't help much.

There isn't a train stop around Belt Line though which is where all of the asian businsses are. The train goes right passed it. You have to get off at Arapaho or Spring Valley and make a very very long walk.

[kenglim17]

So, Im guessing Richardson is the best place to look. But what are the differences between living there as opposed to Plano? Is there higher crime? Expensive housing?

Thanks guys/gals!