Insider info on Star Creek community in Allen (Meadow, Cottonwood: sales, real estate)

[vastu1976]

Hi There,
I am ready to make one of the most important decisions of my life by buying my first home. I have been looking around for last 5 month or so but spent most of early time on pre owned homes. Recently I have changed my mind and now focusing on new homes only. Because of all convinces around like Allen outlet mall, village of Allen, good schools and good builders like Highland and Darling, Start creek has definitely pulled my attention so far. With my budget (+- 330k), I am able to finalize a floor plan from each builder but still have few questions or concerns about this community. If any of the real state experts out there can help me, it would really help me make up my mind. Here is the list of questions:

1. There are quite a bit commercial activities (Allen outlet mall) around this community. How good is it from future property value perceptive?

2. South of it, there are few less price communities around this area (Ryland, Ashtonwood & Drees homes). Not sure if there are any apartment complexes around but how much all this will impact the future property value?

3. From future resale perceptive, how popular are 50 feet lots? For sure, the backyard is going to be a bit congested.

4. There is a huge power station just to the east of this community. How much negative impact that will have?

Thanks for your help in advance.

[tigervegas]

I was hoping to see some answers here. I am closing on a home in Star creek in 2 weeks. I feel pleased with our decision to purchase. Personally, I found the convinience of all of retail next door to be a plus for me. Have you made your decision yet? We may be neighbors soon!

[flyfishingjones]

Just found this post, and we are building a home in Star Creek as well, so its an interesting discussion. As for your questions...

Being close to commercial is kind of a subjective thing. The one thing we realize after living in TX a while is that a lot of very nice subdivisions are built pretty close to malls, shopping centers, etc. So its pretty common, and I'd say not an issue at all here.

The communities you reference aren't really that low priced... still in the 3 to 400k range, so not "low" by most folks standards around here.

50 foot lots are kind of small, but they've sold a lot of homes in that section, so I'd say thats a personal choice thing. It does limit you, because you can't really put a pool in, I don't think.

The power station is a different deal. From a safety perspective, etc, its not an issue based on research I've seen. But its a bit of an eyesore, so clearly there is some downside. But the way those homes have been selling in those 50' lots in this very down market, it can't be that big of a deal.

In fact, I've been surprised at how many homes they've built/sold in there in general during a really crappy market, so I think that speaks to the overall appeal of the neighborhood.

[PlanoGirl]

We looked at Star Creek when we finding a new home...and our main reason for not choosing it...the lot size and RIDICULOUSLY small backyard. But again, that is a personal choice...because judging by the number of houses in the burbs with small lots, looks like there are plenty of people who don't mind.

[wordstringer]

We too considered this neighborhood, but for my husband the proximity to 75 and the outlet were deal-breakers, though I loved the Highland Homes plans.

[flyfishingjones]

I'd be interested to hear from others who live in / near the area and what they think. We're committed, but I'm curious if there are folks who found it to be better or worse (being close to the shopping, etc) than they originally thought when they moved in.

[nsumner]

Most people want to be close to shops and restaurants. It is a definite plus! I wouldn't want to drive 20-30 minutes to go to a nice restaurant.

Naima

[canuckmom]

I have lived in StarCreek for 18 months and really love the location. Proximity to North Central Expressway (75N) and HWY 121 can't be beat. I can get to the airport in 30 minutes! Non rush hour, of course.

The new Villages shopping area had just started construction when we bought our house and we now find it is our primary stop for shopping, dinner out, hockey games, the dog park, etc...can't wait until Whole Foods opens up this spring.

Closer to Hwy 121 and within walking distance of StarCreek is a movie theater, Lifetime Fitness, a Montessori school and soon a bowling alley/game center. For our family, (have a 12 & a 16 yr old) its ideal!

The lots are on the small side, depending where you buy in the neighborhood. Proximity to the power lines is also dependant on where you've purchased your home. Guess thats a personal call on how negative that might be.

On the plus side, there is a nice community pool, a great clubhouse, playground, tennis courts, bike/hike trails, Cottonwood Creek, and numerous social activities.

StarCreek has seemed to weather the "real estate" storm very well and sales have continued to be strong, judging by all the new home construction!

Welcome to the neighborhood! Check out our neighborhood website at

Star Creek HOA. A residential community in Allen, Texas

[tigervegas]

Canuckmom, Do you live in the older phases or in the newer phases? The pool area is still accessible to the newer phase but is a bit farther away for us. I was told by highland homes that they will build a playground/park on the newer side once the place has ~80% build out.

[canuckmom]

Originally Posted by tigervegas

Canuckmom, Do you live in the older phases or in the newer phases? The pool area is still accessible to the newer phase but is a bit farther away for us. I was told by highland homes that they will build a playground/park on the newer side once the place has ~80% build out.

I live in the older phase (The Meadows) towards the back of the neighborhood (closer to 121). The HOA/Board/Developer has said they have tentative plans to build a "lap" pool in the new phase and playground and/or additional tennis courts. Feel free to send me a private message if you have any other questions.