Best areas to live in/around Plano? (Houston, Dallas: real estate, apartments)

[Dtucker]

I may take a job at Med Center of Plano. What are the nicest areas or communities to live in or around Plano (or nearby cities)?

My demographics and wish list:
* Moving from Houston Metro (Missouri City, TX #59 Money Magazine Best Places - Sienna Plantation community) www.siennaplantation.com - would like another well rated community
* Married with Elementary aged child; need an exemplary schools
* Household income ~$120k; wife is homemaker, no income
* Looking for new or >5 yr old home around $200k-300k-ish in good neighborhood with family amenities (would prefer a large yard and treed area)
* Commute to job location preference: 30-40 minutes or less (willing to commute longer for unbeatable location)


Can anyone from this area suggest areas I should consider? Thanks!!!

[FarNorthDallas]

Were there any Dallas areas "communities" on the Money Magazine List?

[Dtucker]

Originally Posted by FarNorthDallas

Were there any Dallas areas "communities" on the Money Magazine List?

There were several. I was hoping to hear some folks talk these cities up...

[Grainraiser]

You can find everything you listed in Plano itself. Allen, Frisco and McKinney will also have everything on your list except for maybe mature trees. Richardson or Lake Highlands would be options if you want neighborhoods with character and mature trees. Your choices really are endless in that immediate area.

[Dallas native]

I hear that Dallas is a pretty nice community! It's not too far south of Plano.

[Big G]

I would look in the Wentworth or Stonewood Glen neighborhoods of Plano just north of Med Center of Plano.

[Dtucker]

That is the type of good feedback I'm looking for? Thanks! Are the schools for this community high rated?

[Big G]

Stonewood Glen feeds into Saigling Elementary, Haggard Middle, Vines High (9-10), and Plano Senior (11-12). These are rated Exemplary, Recognized, Acceptable, and Recognized, in that order.

Wentworth feeds into Hightower Elementary, Frankford Middle, Shepton High,and Plano West Senior. These are rated Exemplary, Acceptable, Acceptable, and Recognized.

Based on that, Stonewood Glen might have a slightly better overall feeder system. Having said that, be aware many people will pay a premium for schools feeding into Plano West as opposed to those feeding into Plano Senior.

My imprecise real estate meter says that Stonewood Glen starts in the mid $200s and goes to low $300s. Wentworth starts in the high $200s and goes to high $300s.

[ginurse234]

I may be moving to plano also to work at the medical center. What side of town is the safest?

[Big G]

The whole city is ridiculously safe compared to most of the rest of the country. There are both houses and apartments right next to Med Center of Plano that would do just fine for you.