If you could do it all over again, would you live in Frisco, Plano, McKinney, or Allen? (Dallas: renting, crime)

[futureDFWnewbie]

We are going to be moving to the North Dallas area in a few months and I was wondering what area(s) is/are the most desirable? My hubbie will primarily be working in West Plano, we will have 2 kids soon (I'm due at the end of the year) so good schools are a plus, parks, etc. I guess I'm addressing those who currently live in those areas--if you had to choose again, would you make the same decision--or would you move elsewhere? Be as specific as you like. For example, currently live in Waterford Parks in Allen but would love to live in Twin Creeks b/c...
Thank you so much for your responses! I look forward to reading them!

[scyogi]

I am a Mckinney resident of 2 years and I would choose Mckinney again but Allen still is a strong second. We are in Allen 4+ times a week for gymnastics so that would save us our 20 minute commute to the gym. I also like the shopping Allen has put in during the past 18 months. Homes in Allen vs. Mckinney is a wash.

[dweej]

If your hubby is working in West Plano, I'd put Plano as my number one contender. Less commute = more family time, less money spent on fuel and vehicle maintenance, less stress on him meaning happier overall...just a better way to live. Plus, you'll be closer to Dallas in case you want to go and do 'city' stuff.

[rogramjet]

Originally Posted by futureDFWnewbie

We are going to be moving to the North Dallas area in a few months and I was wondering what area(s) is/are the most desirable? My hubbie will primarily be working in West Plano, we will have 2 kids soon (I'm due at the end of the year) so good schools are a plus, parks, etc. I guess I'm addressing those who currently live in those areas--if you had to choose again, would you make the same decision--or would you move elsewhere? Be as specific as you like. For example, currently live in Waterford Parks in Allen but would love to live in Twin Creeks b/c...
Thank you so much for your responses! I look forward to reading them!

OMG! Those are your choices? On the other hand, Wendy's for every meal!

[Metro Matt]

Plano

The rest are too far away from everything.

[nsumner]

If you can afford the perfect home in West Plano, I'd stick with it. Over the last 15 years, I have very very rarely had clients move from one of those cities to another one of those cities. I have had plenty that were renting on of those and ended up purchasing in another one too.

Naima

[BigDGeek]

I personally would not choose any of those areas but if your husband is going to be working in west Plano, I would cross Allen and McKinney off the list and consider Plano, Frisco, Richardson, and possibly even far North Dallas. Remember, J.J. Pearce High School in Richardson is exemplary and I think all of its feeder schools are too. I believe all of the elementary schools in the Reservation and Canyon Creek areas are rated exemplary.

In terms of a commute, when you are north of the Trinity it seems much easier to live south of where you work than to live north of it. Traffic coming south on 75 and the tollroad in the mornings is brutal, but traffic going north on those same roads is much lighter.

Good luck.

[needsomeinfo]

we lived in w. plano for years. I would move back in a heartbeat. we loved it.

[momof2dfw]

Originally Posted by BigDGeek

I personally would not choose any of those areas but if your husband is going to be working in west Plano, I would cross Allen and McKinney off the list and consider Plano, Frisco, Richardson, and possibly even far North Dallas. Remember, J.J. Pearce High School in Richardson is exemplary and I think all of its feeder schools are too. I believe all of the elementary schools in the Reservation and Canyon Creek areas are rated exemplary.

In terms of a commute, when you are north of the Trinity it seems much easier to live south of where you work than to live north of it. Traffic coming south on 75 and the tollroad in the mornings is brutal, but traffic going north on those same roads is much lighter.

Good luck.

AGREE 100%

I'd cross off McKinney and Allen super fast. NO WAY!!! That commute would be pusing the 30 minute limit easy and even worse on some days depending on traffic, road construction, accidents, etc.

The far north area of Richardson ISD is GREAT! Great schools, great neighborhoods, close to everything but w/ larger lots w/ mature trees, parks, etc. My daughter has friends that live in the Pearce zone up off of Campbell and Coit, GREAT AREA!!!!

[suns34]

Allen is a wonderful family oriented community. We live in Fairview which is just east of Allen. Very nice area, good schools, large lots, etc... Commute would be 30 mins or so. My husband already does it and says
its a breeze.

We personally never go into Dallas (city) we have no need to. Too much
crime and traffic down that ways. The few times I have gone there its always dirty and seems like quite a bit of crime going on.

We love living in the suburbs and couldn't be happier!