Can anyone tell me anything about Sherman? (Austin, Cedar Park: 2010, rent)

[FarNorthDallas]

It's a nice area. Lots of new retail going in along 75 in Sherman between Sherman and Denison. Also, some folks who work in Sherman actually live in McKinney.

[GayleTX]

If you are looking at property on Lake Texoma (specifically Preston Penninsula) you need to be aware of this problem:

The Herald Democrat (broken link)

[TexasReb]

About Sherman? Wellll, he was this yankee feller who come thru the South back during the War and made such a nuisance of himself that most of us down here consider him a real jerk, to put it politely.

Ok...ok. I couldn't resist that lame attempt at historical humor. I'm sorry!

[lonestar2007]

You'll love the trees, big oaks, my favorite tree. Good sandy soil for growing. I haven't been to Sherman or Denison in years, but I always liked it up in those areas. Used to have the A&W root beer stands, loved going to them. Anybody know if they're still around?

Also, you will love Lake Texhoma. I wish I lived closer to it. We use to go camping there at Burn's Run on the OK side every summer. So much fun. I really like the area and the people. I think you'll end up wishing you had been there years earlier.

[debrosebery]

This is my first post and I'm posting for a friend: she has a great 4/2/2 home on 7 acres for lease about ten minutes from Sherman. How can we get in touch with you to give you more details?
Thanks...Deb

[Lakewooder]

Also you have to be careful about the land surveys on the south shore of Texoma. The Corps can and has capriciously moved its markers and taken people's land...don't get crossways with the Corps - they actually target people and destroy them. Understand that you may have to grease some palms if you need something.

[DawnW25]

Thanks, FarNorthDallas (McKinney is on our radar too), Gayle (again--you're a gem!), TexasReb (needed that history lesson ), lonestar2007 (love A&W--we had those where I grew up in Central CA), and Deb.

Deb, we're not anywhere near our time to move, unfortunately. My husband will find out at the end of this month when his "release" date is (love that term--like he's an animal they've caught and tagged...lol). If by some chance your friend still has her rental (I hope for her sake it's rented!), we'd be interested in more information. I think you can just click on my name here and send me an email. If not, I'll post it.

Thanks again!

Dawn

[txgolfer]

I've lived in Luella (south of Sherman, can see TI from the hilltop about 5 miles away) for 7 years. Property is not that pricey compared to further south, closer to McKinney. FYI McKinney was the fastest growing city in the US last year based on population increase. Traffic is really bad there right now. I see almost a wreck per day on my way through there. Lots of Plano commuters (like me) in this area. Have all the chain box stores, restaurants, shopping etc. Non-chain dining is limited but there are a few that are ok. Attractive area for retirement due to Lake Texoma and proximity to Big D.

Have a 2400 sq ft house (built 1979) with a few acres, paid ~136K in 2000. Electric costs us around 250/month (GCEC coop, cheaper than other options). Water 40, trash 20, cable/internet 80. Property taxes run about 2700/year. Although there is no state income tax, the tax man gets us at the county level. Its easier to keep an eye on money being spent by 12 guys at county that have to live here vs. 350 "well intentioned" souls in Austin!

If you buy a home in TX, file for the Homestead exemption (forms online) to get the tax offset. Although it is a Texas Constitutional right, the tax assessors don't pro-actively tell you about the tax exemption so remember you have to apply for it in order to get the relief. A good real estate agent should help you with these type of TX specific issues but don't count on it! Land speculators bought a ton of acreage around here over the past 3 years with some acreage going for ~10k/acre, even in large tracts. I've heard recently land is going for about 20% less than a year ago. Good luck!

[DawnW25]

Thanks, txgolfer. I'll look into Luella for sure. I think we want an older house too (1990 and earlier). We used the homestead exemption in Austin when we lived there. It's a great thing.

Thanks again!

[JerseyJoy]

Originally Posted by txgolfer

I've lived in Luella (south of Sherman, can see TI from the hilltop about 5 miles away) for 7 years.

I tried to do a search on Luella on realtor.com to check out the real estate there, but it is not showing anything. Is this the actual name of the town, or does it go by something else?