Advice on rental apts or homes in Plano or Irving+thoughts on Irving ISD? (Carrollton: transplants)

[dishdash11]

Rental help: I'm planning a family relocation to the areas zoned to either Plano ISD or Irving ISD, and looking to rent until we get a feel for the area. There's more talk here about the housing market, but I'm sure many have been down the path of renting before buying, or rent for other reasons. I'm looking for an apartment or house that's 2-3br, clean is high on the list, plus covered parking and a pool. Hoping to stay under around 1800-2k/mo. Since there are so many locals and transplants here, I'd like any advice on: specific rental complexes or homes you know of that are good. Or good sources people can recommend out of the plethora of websites. Reviews are dizzying, so I appreciate firsthand experience. Feel free to pm if you prefer.



Irving ISD: I have searched the forum high and low and gather that most folks here are not huge fans, and it doesn't make the list of "top" districts. I've also heard second-hand that it's middle of the road and feels more urban (all else equal i prefer), but i don't know if there's truth to this. Anyone with firsthand experience? Is it a bad district, or just not a top one? I don't want bad schools for my kids, but I also don't need absolute top tier schools w/high pressure.


I know plano and irving are very different, i'm not sure what cities in the twin cities they'd be most like, so if there's anyone from MN who can liken them that'd be helpful before we head down there and visit.


Oh and a random question/comment, what's the deal with all of the apartments and even homes for sale with the refrigerators or washer/dryer taken out? It's the oddest thing ever! Is it a product of this crazy market or a norm in DFW? A few other oddities like no hood vent over many stoves, and so much wallpaper. The widespread presence of pools makes up for most of this, interesting nonetheless



Thanks in advance!

[TeamLynn]

My guess is under $2000 for a 3bed/2bath house will be tough in those areas.
2bedroom apartment you can probably find and almost all the nicer apartments will have community pools.
In my experience very few homes with pools for rent. Most owners don't want the liability.
Fridge is about 50/50 on rentals. Some have it, some don't. Owners again typically don't like the liability of it breaking and then tenant wants compensation for ruined food and a replacement.
Washer/Dryer I only find in about 10% of rentals.
You can always buy off craigslist the fridge and washer/dryer.
Apartments will almost always have fridge and charge extra..maybe $40/month for washer/dryer if there are connections.
Homes for sale will probably be 50/50 on both fridge and washer/dryer. If it is newer, nicer, more expensive ones, like front load $1000 ones...owner takes it. If it is older single door or basic white top load appliances they could stay.

[Wrecked]

If you do Irving ISD make sure you are in the MacArthur HS feeder pattern. Avoid anything that feeds Nimitz or Irving.

That said there are parts of far north Irving(Las Colinas, Valley Ranch, etc) that will feed Coppell or Carrollton-Farmers Branch. An Irving address that falls in Coppell ISD will probably fall out of your budget. An apartment zoned CFBISD is possible.

[dishdash11]

Originally Posted by Wrecked

If you do Irving ISD make sure you are in the MacArthur HS feeder pattern. Avoid anything that feeds Nimitz or Irving.

That said there are parts of far north Irving(Las Colinas, Valley Ranch, etc) that will feed Coppell or Carrollton-Farmers Branch. An Irving address that falls in Coppell ISD will probably fall out of your budget. An apartment zoned CFBISD is possible.

Can you pls explain why you'd recommend avoiding schools that feed into Nimitz? I'm eager to hear more about why. With their needs and program offerings, that's precisely where my kids would be placed and stay if we landed within Irving ISD boundaries.

[Wrecked]

Originally Posted by dishdash11

Can you pls explain why you'd recommend avoiding schools that feed into Nimitz? I'm eager to hear more about why. With their needs and program offerings, that's precisely where my kids would be placed and stay if we landed within Irving ISD boundaries.

Because the schools aren’t as good as the MacArthur feeder pattern.

In terms of Highschools. The only two good ones are MacArthur and Singley. Nimitz would be next and Irving last. But there’s a pretty big drop off between Mac and Singley and Nimitz.

[ThomasCrown]

Originally Posted by TeamLynn

My guess is under $2000 for a 3bed/2bath house will be tough in those areas.
2bedroom apartment you can probably find and almost all the nicer apartments will have community pools.
In my experience very few homes with pools for rent. Most owners don't want the liability.
Fridge is about 50/50 on rentals. Some have it, some don't. Owners again typically don't like the liability of it breaking and then tenant wants compensation for ruined food and a replacement.
Washer/Dryer I only find in about 10% of rentals.
You can always buy off craigslist the fridge and washer/dryer.
Apartments will almost always have fridge and charge extra..maybe $40/month for washer/dryer if there are connections.
Homes for sale will probably be 50/50 on both fridge and washer/dryer. If it is newer, nicer, more expensive ones, like front load $1000 ones...owner takes it. If it is older single door or basic white top load appliances they could stay.

Well said.


Not saying they are impossible to find, but expect to pay a premium if you're renting a home with a pool vs an apartment with a community pool, as TL is right, the liability to owners is much higher.


We have a couple rentals and we have a fridge in one of them. Neither rental has a washer/dryer, just connections. Dryers can be a fire hazard if people do not clean the lint traps and if they have to buy it themselves they can't blame the owner for providing a faulty machine.

[dishdash11]

Originally Posted by ThomasCrown

Well said.


Not saying they are impossible to find, but expect to pay a premium if you're renting a home with a pool vs an apartment with a community pool, as TL is right, the liability to owners is much higher.


We have a couple rentals and we have a fridge in one of them. Neither rental has a washer/dryer, just connections. Dryers can be a fire hazard if people do not clean the lint traps and if they have to buy it themselves they can't blame the owner for providing a faulty machine.

Interesting insights on house rentals, and why fridges & washer/dryers aren't always there. I think I am leaning towards an apartment then.

Any specific apartment blgs/management companies anyone can recommend, or additional thoughts on Irving ISD would be great. Thanks.