Leonard TX (Plano, Garland, Mesquite: section 8, crime, schools)

[sak2001]

We're considering a move to Leonard TX. Wondering if anyone knows anything about it...? We want a safe and small community that invests in each other's kids and families. :0) Thanks!

[stillkit]

You'll find that Leonard fills that bill quite well. It's a pleasant little town full of friendly people. It's sort of drab looking as it sits out in the prairie, but there are still enough trees to provide shade on a hot day. It's main drawback is that it's a little off-route to anyplace.

[sak2001]

Thank you! I called the secretary today and they seemed really nice. We've driven up there several times and have liked what we saw. We're just trying to figure out if the distance will work for my husband.

[GayleTX]

Life in Leonards centers around the schools, sports, and the churches....mainly the Baptist. There is a core of families who have been there for generations that run everything, but they are pretty accepting of outsiders if you having something to offer. The school has good ratings.

There seems to be more 'just passing through' families there than in most small towns in the area, and there is more crime there than in most small towns (lots of Section 8 housing and a large housing project there) but it's not bad compared to larger cities - just not a place you can leave your doors or cars unlocked. If you have children you need to check out their new friends' famlies before turning them loose, but that's true anywhere you go.

There are no jobs there, of course....most people commute to Greenville, Sherman/Denison, McKinney/Plano, even Garland/Mesquite. There are quite a few people who have moved there from those towns....most of them have built/bought in the country rather than within the city limits....and most of them still do all their shopping/dining/medical in the above towns. It leaves the town pretty dead during the daytime, except for the schools, and also pretty dead on weekends (except on ballgame nights). But that's all right with most people ...that's why it's quiet!!

Best wishes....hope things work out well for you.....