Small/Old House in Lakewood VS. Big/New House in Plano (Dallas: renting, HOA)

[Lakewooder]

"Less is more"
- "Andrea del Sarto" by Robert Browning

[BigDGeek]

Originally Posted by Lakewooder

"Less is more"
- "Andrea del Sarto" by Robert Browning

Yeah...in Lakewood on $300k...a LOT less.

You'd struggle to break through 2200 squares in a nice house on that budget in MY part of Richardson!

[MxL]

$300,000 seems like chump change to everyone on this board!! Geez.

[pinkgreenmover]

Originally Posted by MxL

$300,000 seems like chump change to everyone on this board!! Geez.

It's not. It's a good chunk of change, if you ask me.

We just made a similar tough call. We love the way Richardson is managed as a city and we like the charm of the oldest parts of the community, plus my hubby works there, but at the end of the day (after looking at TONS of places) we chose McKinney for other reasons. After restoring a mid-century home near White Rock Lake, we just found newer was what we wanted more during this season of life. We also have a bunch of friends in McKinney and ultimately that's where we found the one house that we both liked to the same degree. Being on the same page with the house and community was very important to us, so I'm pumped and excited about it all. On another note, the neighborhood we're moving to is zoned to an exemplary elementary school and recognized middle and high schools. Of course, that could change, but by the time our future kids are school age who knows what any public school rating will be.

That said, it's good to bounce stuff off us forum folks, but when the dust settles you've got to choose what U really want regardless of what we think/say. :-) Best wishes with your decision. I'm certain you'll be just fine wherever you land.

[TXNGL]

Originally Posted by MxL

If you had a job in or near Lakewood, where would you rather live ($300,000 to spend) - A smaller, older ranch on a mid-sized or smaller lot in Lakewood, OR a big, shiny new house with a big lot (>0.2 acre) in Plano or a similar suburb.... and why?

The question will probably become - is the lifestyle, etc., in Lakewood special enough to warrant a step down in home for the $$?

For me it would be. Lakewood is so beautiful and has so much character. I'm not a big fan of suburbs. I'd rather either live in the city or far out in the country, but that's just personal preference.

[BigDGeek]

Originally Posted by MxL

$300,000 seems like chump change to everyone on this board!! Geez.

When it comes to real estate in certain parts of town, it is.

6612 Santa Anita Drive Dallas, Tx 75214-2215 - Dallas Homes for Sale

Here is one in the 75214 zip code but it's not Lakewood. It's also near train tracks.

6968 Dalhart Lane Dallas, Tx 75214-2822 - Dallas Homes for Sale

Here's one that's under 1600 square feet.

6947 Abbey Court Dallas, Tx 75214-2517 - Dallas Homes for Sale

Here's one under 1500 square feet.

6717 Lake Circle Drive Dallas, Tx 75214-3420 - Dallas Homes for Sale

Here's a duplex.

Basically if you find McMansions tempting I am not sure you are going to be happy with what you find in your price range in Lakewood. Sure you can buy a house for $300k there. Just don't go in blind. I am not trying to talk you out of living in Lakewood. My budget was less than $300k and it was impossible for me to move there unless I wanted to live in a crappy condo. I wanted a nice house with a yard. That was not on the cards for me.

Just be honest with yourself about what it is YOU want. YOU have to live there, not me...not Lakewooder...not TurtleCreek...etc.

[elan]

I can't base my opinion on size, I have to base it on quality. I'd have to know the builder, the construction materials, the craftsmanship, re-sale value, etc..

[pepper131]

Many homes between Williamson and Fisher in Lakewood area are in price range. Just like the home that BigDGeek linked to on Dalhart (those train tracks aren't live anymore, anyway). You can also find some up closer to Mockingbird and then down near the C streets.

Not sure what type of life you are looking for. But for our family - ease of getting into the Arts District, McKinney Ave area, Bishop Arts in Oak Cliff, Henderson Ave is a priority. We live in an area near the Arboretum and 300k can get you a nice house (so it isn't Lakewood proper).

[Squirl]

If you have kids you will most likely find a more kid friendly space in Plano, I believe, based on size of house. You will probably get more closet space, larger yard, better bathroom situation. I think you should house hunt in both places and if you find anything at all comparable in Lakewood, by all means buy it. Just don't think you will. Also depends on how many children you have.....I raised 3 kids and they need space. Then there's the dog. And everyone's cars as the kids become young adults. And study space...... Where to put bikes, etc...... I'm betting its Plano.

[MaryS80]

I would debate that the homes in the newer suburban areas have larger lots. Lot sizes have stayed the same or gotten smaller while homes have gotten bigger. Many of the newer homes in collin county are damn near zero lot line simply because the house is almost as large as the lot.

Wait 50 years and well see if any of the suburbs hold the value and cache or have simply become yesterdays has been. Most homes today are glorified tract homes built as quickly as a possible using shoddy materials.

My SIL has a nice big newish home in Collin County. Despite is being less than 10 years old is has huge cracks in the walls up near the ceiling