Where to Live if working at Legacy in Plano (Dallas: foreclosures, HOA)

[BEVH]

Hi and thanks in advance for your comments. I will be working on Legacy in Plano and want to purchase a home around 2200-2600 sq ft single level. I love trees and big yard for a pool. My price is up to 200,000. migt could push a little. Where should I look to have less traffic in the morning and evening. Also any ideas of commute time from those suggested cities to Plano.

No kids in school, and really do not care for the little darlings (no offense) so perhaps areas with less kids would be ok. I have raised mine and do not want to have to back out of my garage watching for bikes etc constantly. I do not mind older homes if they are in a safe area since I will be a single lady living there.

I do not want in a high foreclosure area or does Dallas have foreclosures yet? So areas to avoid please also.

[TXboomerang]

Not sure how far you are willing to drive, but Fairview is very nice and homes there typically have yards 1/2 an acre or larger with a lot more trees than neighboring suburbs. Its just east of I-75 near Allen. I guess it would depend on if you are closer to the Tollway or 75.

As far as big yards and big trees really close to Legacy and the Tollway, I'm not sure you'll find a lot. Most of the communities aren't very old and the trees are usually sparse and short. Willow Bend is an exception, although it is pretty pricey. Willow Bend is generally defined as being between Preston and the Tollway, and north of Plano Pkwy/south of Spring Creek. Lots of trees and larger lots, but again, pricey.

[austinnetx]

I doubt if you will find the trees you want at that price, but you can look along US HWY 380 E and W of the Tollway.

[TXboomerang]

Depending on HOA rules, you can have very large live trees put in. Not cheap, but an alternative to waiting several years for trees to mature.

[bluescreen73]

TXboomerang - Fan of OfficeSpace I take it?

BEVH - Legacy is a rather long thoroughfare. Whereabouts on Legacy will you be working? Closer to 75 & Legacy or Legacy & the Dallas North Tollway?

[Big G]

You won't be able to find a totally child-free neighborhood, but a lot of the 70s neighborhoods in Plano have a good share of empty-nesters. Look between Coit and Custer, particularly south of Spring Creek. You can find a lot of single-story houses under $200K in safe neighborhoods. You won't get a huge lot, but you will have mature trees. There are some very nice 1-story houses along the creek in that area.

This would be a 10-15 min. commute from JCP, EDS, Dr. Pepper, etc. on Legacy.

[PlanoGirl]

Originally Posted by Big G

You won't be able to find a totally child-free neighborhood, but a lot of the 70s neighborhoods in Plano have a good share of empty-nesters. Look between Coit and Custer, particularly south of Spring Creek. You can find a lot of single-story houses under $200K in safe neighborhoods. You won't get a huge lot, but you will have mature trees. There are some very nice 1-story houses along the creek in that area.

This would be a 10-15 min. commute from JCP, EDS, Dr. Pepper, etc. on Legacy.

I live in this area...and it would give you what you are looking for. We bought our house at 190K, it is 2460 sq ft, built 1979. We have two massive trees in the front (twice the height of our home) and most every house in the neighborhood has at least one (and usually more) huge tree as well. We have an elementary school in our neighborhood, so probably slightly more young kids then other neighborhoods in the area...but still less kids overall then newer neighborhoods I think. I'd say 2/3 to 3/4 of the houses are single story (unlike in newer neighborhoods...where one stories can be rare). Houses may need some cosmetic updating...but many are selling at great prices with updates already done. I disagree with the small lot statement above...we have a larger yard (and so do our neighbors) then most of our friends in newer Plano homes...of course, maybe that's because houses, at 4000+ sq ft, take up the whole lot anyway... !!! Fast commute...15 minutes to Legacy from my house, and that's with traffic! DM me if you want specific neighborhoods to look into

ETA: oh and safe safe safe...I walk for exercise around my neighborhood after dark on a regular basis...no worries!! Also, I shop (grocery etc) in the evening/night, and never feel unsafe at all.

ANd NO foreclosures...I've only seen that in north & west Plano. (I am considered central)

[BEVH]

Originally Posted by Big G

You won't be able to find a totally child-free neighborhood, but a lot of the 70s neighborhoods in Plano have a good share of empty-nesters. Look between Coit and Custer, particularly south of Spring Creek. You can find a lot of single-story houses under $200K in safe neighborhoods. You won't get a huge lot, but you will have mature trees. There are some very nice 1-story houses along the creek in that area.

This would be a 10-15 min. commute from JCP, EDS, Dr. Pepper, etc. on Legacy.

This is the area I would be working the 15 min commute. Is it near the tollwayor 75. Unclear on location. One of the companies you mentioned is where I am interviewing.

Thanks

[BEVH]

Originally Posted by TXboomerang

Depending on HOA rules, you can have very large live trees put in. Not cheap, but an alternative to waiting several years for trees to mature.

What do you think a planted large tree would set me back. I am clueless about this area.

[nsumner]

Originally Posted by PlanoGirl

I live in this area...and it would give you what you are looking for. We bought our house at 190K, it is 2460 sq ft, built 1979. We have two massive trees in the front (twice the height of our home) and most every house in the neighborhood has at least one (and usually more) huge tree as well. We have an elementary school in our neighborhood, so probably slightly more young kids then other neighborhoods in the area...but still less kids overall then newer neighborhoods I think. I'd say 2/3 to 3/4 of the houses are single story (unlike in newer neighborhoods...where one stories can be rare). Houses may need some cosmetic updating...but many are selling at great prices with updates already done. I disagree with the small lot statement above...we have a larger yard (and so do our neighbors) then most of our friends in newer Plano homes...of course, maybe that's because houses, at 4000+ sq ft, take up the whole lot anyway... !!! Fast commute...15 minutes to Legacy from my house, and that's with traffic! DM me if you want specific neighborhoods to look into

ETA: oh and safe safe safe...I walk for exercise around my neighborhood after dark on a regular basis...no worries!! Also, I shop (grocery etc) in the evening/night, and never feel unsafe at all.

ANd NO foreclosures...I've only seen that in north & west Plano. (I am considered central)

I agree that central Plano would give you a lot to choose from. There are some very nice established (not cookie cutter) neighborhoods close to the bush turnpike aka 190 just north of Plano Parkway between 75 and The Tollway. Most of them would have lots of trees, have some elbow room between neighbors and are a little older built in the 70s and 80s. Most of these neighborhoods are very well kept and the owners update their homes.

A little further drive to the east side of Plano by the Los Rios area there are some pockets that are very nice as well..

Naima