so confused (Dallas, Plano, McKinney: spring break, low crime, how much)

[confused city girl]

Hi Everyone,

I seriously need help. I have been reading for a while now and thought I would ask for help. I currently live in Los Angeles,Ca and am tired of the mess, so I will be relocating to Texas this summer, but I am confused on what city! I have two small children both in grade school so a good school district and extra-curriculum activites is very important to me. I'm looking for a family enviroment, but not to far from shopping & good food.My husband will be working in Mckinnley, we have family in Coppell, but I have heard great things about Frisco. Can someone please break down the difference to me . Thanks

[Roma]

Hi,

I think you picked good choices "Frisco and Mckinney". I have only stayed a couple of times in Frisco but I really liked it.
I am sure "Socket" a member on here (I think he lives in that area) or someone else can tell you more about those areas.
Good Luck!

[confused city girl]

Can anyone tell me the which is better and why?

[socketz]

There is no real rule of thumb for these two areas as each has its pros and cons.

If your husband works in Mckinney, you may want to look at Stonebridge Ranch. I honestly don't think there is anything in the North Dallas area East of the tollway that can compare to Stonebridge.

Southwest Frisco would also be nice in that it would be a little closer to Coppell (about 10 mins). Both Frisco and Mckinney have great schools, accesibility, low crime, family friendly, etc. Frisco has more of a upscale yuppie feel, while Stonebridge has more of an upscale rural feel. I picked Stonebridge because it is due to be built out in less than 2 years so I feel resale will be excellent. I also thought that Frisco was a bit over-priced once I had gotten there....maybe if I was a year earlier I would have bought in Frisco, but the cost of the completed Tollway is already factored into the home costs as far as I can tell, so I question how much upside remains. Frisco does have to lower taxes of the two.

[confused city girl]

Thanks that really helps! I will check out that area when I come down this spring break.

[socketz]

Also, what are you guys looking to spend. This way sway you one way or the other as well. If low 200s is your target, East Frisco and Craig's Ranch are solid choices. If you can swing high 200s low 300s, then Stonebridge and SW Frisco are excellent bets. If your husband is working at Raytheon in Mckinney, Stonebridge is his nieghbor to the south. My favorite part of Stonebridge is where Stonebridge Pwky crosses over Virginia. They are building a big Croatian village right there on the corner (Adriatica). When your our out, take a look at this area and tell me what you think. Also, in Frisco, look over at the areas west of Legacy, North of Lebanon, but south of El Dorado. That's the SW quadrant. nice area, but you'll pay about 25k more for the same home over there as you would in Stonebridge.

http://www.stonebridgeranch.com/

[confused city girl]

Ok that sound like a good start.Thanks we would really like to stay in the 200's, but I want to be in an area that will definently grow ,and that we won't have to move the kids around looking for good schools and activites. Do you know if Frisco was a lot of sports teams in the area such as cheerleading,soccer, gymnastics or swimming?

[kaykay]

I work in Frisco, but I don't have children any more so I don't know about the sports teams, cheerleading, etc. you inquired about. However, I can tell you that I would imagine that it has a WHOLE lot of that kind of stuff because Frisco seems very family-oriented. Overall, it seems to me that McKinney is an older, more established town. Frisco is more "up and coming". It has been kind of the "hot area" for growth and development... and I suppose, new job opportunity. (I guess that's why I ended up working over here-live in Plano.) Lots of amenities in Frisco-shopping, restaurants etc.

[socketz]

Both cities are extremely family oriented, as are many other areas in north Dallas.

[confused city girl]

Thanks guy's!! I am so excited I can wait to come see!!