North Dallas Suburbs with Good schools (Plano, Garland: appointed, real estate, credit)

[Brencado]

We are looking at a potential relocation from Kansas City to the Dallas. My office would be in Richardson and we want a decent sized community with great schools, lots of shopping and amenities in the immediate area. Our boys are 13 and 10 and are active in competitive sports so it is important that we find an area that has good youth athletic programs, but more importantly highly accredited public schools. We have looked at McKinney, Frisco, Allen (HS may be too big), Plano, Murphy, Sachse and now I hear that Prosper is good. We have a home budget of $200K to $250K (maybe up to $300K). I have been disappointed in the very small yards! Is that common everywhere with newer construction (2000-2010). I am interested in hearing what locals have to say and those that have recently relocated. Thanks!!!

[momof2dfw]

What about Richardson. It would be super close for a commute. There are areas with large yards but you have to drop down to older homes. There are many great areas of Richardson w/ older homes, involved neighbors, lots of families, great schools, close to everything and very good sports. Look in the areas of Canyon Creek for the larger homes and some could be on creek lots. No need to drive all the way to Prosper just to get a yard. Many people in the Canyon Creek area do not move unless they can find a house they like in the same neighborhood. Many of the homes have been updated and remodeled.

[TurtleCreek80]

If you're willing to look at older homes (well-maintained homes from the 1950's and 1960's that have updated kitchens and baths), look no further than Richardson. The lots are a lot bigger than the subdivisions developed in the past 20-30 years in Plano & the other Northern suburbs. There are tons of homes in Richardson with lot sizes between .25-.3 acres. If you have looked much in DFW area, you'll know this is a nice sized lot!! Much bigger than Frisco, Plano, & Allen. Also the trees are more plentiful and mature in Richardson since they've been growing for 50-60 years now.

There are tons of rec centers, opportunities for Little League, competitive tennis, etc in the city of Richardson. The retail in Richardson is more mom & pop stores and restaurants, but the big chains can be found at Coit & Campbell intersection, as well as 10 minutes away at the Dallas Galleria, Collin Creek Mall in eastern Plano, or NorthPark Center down 75 in Dallas.


Fantastic schools- look specifically in areas that feed into JJ Pearce High School, the best high school (which is academically superior to schools in Frisco, Allen, McKinney, and most of Plano's schools).

[Lakewooder]

I think a couple of mornings and afternoons in traffic from Frisco, McKinney or Allen will convince you that you don't need a new house on a small lot! Go with Richardson or maybe closer in for larger lots with big trees and short commutes. The traffic seems to increase exponentially outside LBJ.

[stan4]

All the places have nice communities and good schools.

Your price range may have something to do with the size of the lot...these cities are close enough to the action to make the real estate still somewhat pricey. Go out farther and you will get more land.

[Grainraiser]

If you want a larger lot with that price range you need to forget about Frisco, Allen or McKinney. Richardson has just what your wanting if you are willing to live in a remodeled house over a new house. Great schools and a great community. If you want a new house and a large lot you will need to go way way north.

[DaveG99]

Originally Posted by Lakewooder

I think a couple of mornings and afternoons in traffic from Frisco, McKinney or Allen will convince you that you don't need a new house on a small lot! Go with Richardson or maybe closer in for larger lots with big trees and short commutes. The traffic seems to increase exponentially outside LBJ.

during rush hour traffic is bad everywhere. Especially on any highway or tollway.

[Brencado]

Thanks for the posts....keep them coming. In the meantime we will explore Richardson.

[MurphyPl1]

You found Murphy to have smaller lots? They have quarter acre minimums are there are acre and half acre lots to be found. That is larger than most area suburbs.

[FarNorthDallas]

Of these that you mention:
McKinney - Richardson is about as far as you would want to be working if you live in McKinney. It's a straight shot down Hwy 75 (which can get very congested). McKinney is nice, schools are okay. It's the county seat for Collin County. You can live in McKinney and be in the Prosper school district (I am pretty sure there is one area of McKinney that is zoned this way.)

Frisco - longer commute since it's sortof "up and over" rather than being a straight shot. Same as McKinney - it's nice and schools are good. You can actually live in McKinney and be in the Frisco school district.

Allen (HS may be too big) - nice area and good schools despite the size of the school

Plano - if you don't like big high schools, Plano is not for you

Murphy - has the big Plano schools

Sachse - Garland ISD

Prosper - long commute - test drive it before making this kind of committment