Allen, Tx: East vs. West (Dallas, Plano: section 8, real estate, house)

[gokctx]

The West Allen Vs. East Allen is probably a hold over from East Plano vs. West Plano. For the West vs East Plano debate East Plano is a bit more rundown than West Plano and has worse schools plus more drug problems. The difference in Allen is not as pronounced as it is in Plano. East Allen is actually a little more rural and less congested IMHO than West Allen with some neighborhoods closer to Parker that have huge lots. West Allen has some newer flashier neighborhoods like Suncreek and the new Shopping center and Montgomery farms at Bethany and 75, but that is just off 75 so is really equidistant between East and West Allen.

Another potential argument for West Allen is that it is closer to some of the shops/companies that have built up along the Dallas North tollway, but I do not think this is as true as it is in Plano since wherever you live in Allen to get to the tollway you would probably drive down 75 and then cut across on George Bush.

[DaveG99]

I live in Plano technically but it might as well be Allen. I live off Alma near Hedgcoxe. I love Allen. The neighborhoods off Bethany just west of 75 are really nice. You shouldnt worry about east or west Allen. Just look at homes and if you like it then buy it. It doesnt matter what side its on. All of Allen is really nice. I think people get way to picky about certain builders. Its kind of like the Chevy vs Ford debate. One person will love on builder while the next person hates them. Unless your paying big bucks for a custom home all your run of the mill builders will be pretty much the same.

[momof2dfw]

Originally Posted by DaveG99

I think people get way to picky about certain builders. Its kind of like the Chevy vs Ford debate. One person will love on builder while the next person hates them. Unless your paying big bucks for a custom home all your run of the mill builders will be pretty much the same.

No, there are some builders to stay clear away from. There ARE differences. I've built enough homes, been in enough of them worked in the industry enough to know. They are not all the same. Not even close. Two right off the bat that I'd stay away from are D.R. Horton (worked for them) and Grand. They DO cut corners. Just take a look at some of these builders builtout subdivisions and how the homes/yards are cared for vs homes by Drees (the OP mentioned Drees in a prior post). HUGE difference. One can get pretty good not quite custom home builds with Drees and other equivalent builders whereas the others are cutting corners. Another thing to look at in developments by these builders are how many are rentals, foreclosures and how long houses linger on the market in each area.

[Brookside]

My sister and her husband (educated, childless professionals) live in East Allen and I can assure you it is not overrun with thugs and gangsters. She's in a nice subdivision close to a pretty park, and Krogers is 3 minutes away. The proximity to 75 is a real plus. You certainly can get more home for the $ there.

I agree with the earlier post in that all the east/west debate carried over from Plano. I think the only negative is the public's perception that west is somehow better, which could affect re-sale values.

[sumith007]

Any builders suggestion for 250-300 range? I am looking for a 4 bed house.

[BigDGeek]

Originally Posted by homehunter09

Thanks for the reply, DFW expert. I wonder why is that west Allen neighborhoods are considered more prestigious and have such a big disparity in housing price? I'm really tempted to go for a "bigger house for my money" but I'd have to convince my husband that east Allen is just as good.

Some parts of east Allen are nice but other parts are very hit or miss. It reminds me of what some parts of Garland looked like 20 years ago and those same parts are in a steep decline now. I would be cautious about buying in east Allen anywhere around Bethany or McDermott/Main but north of there seems to be nicer.

I think over time the west side of Allen will hold its value better.

[nsumner]

Originally Posted by sumith007

Any builders suggestion for 250-300 range? I am looking for a 4 bed house.

Where are you wanting to buy a house? Allen?

Naima

[itellyouthetruth]

250-300k Range...

K. Hovnanian Homes
Subdivision: Sillhouette

David Weekley Homes
Subdivision: Windgate

Grand Homes
Subdivision: Parkside Village
Has a 4 bedroom for $345,770* you can always make an offer!!

Drees Custom Homes
Subdivision: Quail Run
Has a 4 bedroom for $330,990* not sure if its still avail.

[itellyouthetruth]

Not sure if you are interested in Town Homes but*

Allen also has Chateaux of Allen -provides low-maintenance living. has 3 and 4 bedrooms

under 200K

[homehunter09]

Originally Posted by momof2dfw

No, there are some builders to stay clear away from. There ARE differences. I've built enough homes, been in enough of them worked in the industry enough to know. They are not all the same. Not even close. Two right off the bat that I'd stay away from are D.R. Horton (worked for them) and Grand. They DO cut corners. Just take a look at some of these builders builtout subdivisions and how the homes/yards are cared for vs homes by Drees (the OP mentioned Drees in a prior post). HUGE difference. One can get pretty good not quite custom home builds with Drees and other equivalent builders whereas the others are cutting corners. Another thing to look at in developments by these builders are how many are rentals, foreclosures and how long houses linger on the market in each area.

Momof2dfw, I've heard a lot about lower-quality builders "cutting corners" and so we have stayed away from some builders based on reputation but this issue was never clear to me. What is meant exactly when builders "cut corners?" That's such a vague yet scary concept for me. Are the "corners" minor details like the sink being overmount vs. undermount, cheaper fixtures or are they actually bigger issues that will come up years down the road like structural/foundation issues? I actually fell in love with Grand homes but my hubby will not even consider them. Thanks!