Flower Mound vs. Frisco (Irving, Grapevine: short sale, rental market, good credit)

[KFS1969]

Thank you so much everyone (especially TC80) for all the feedback! Are there any other towns that you would suggest? The rentals in our price range in Southlake and Coppell were a bit smaller than what we were hoping for. We would really like to have 4 bedrooms so that we have room for family to come visit. Also, as I mentioned in my original post, we would really like some kind of "play space" besides the living room or family room if possible since we are used to having a basement for that.

I had also heard good things about Grapevine from a friend of my cousin, but when I looked at the TEA ratings it only got "Acceptable". I was wondering if anyone had any feedback on why that is?

[racehorse]

Flower Mound and Coppell would both be good bets for family friendly and a manageable commute to Irving.

[MrQster]

You should look into Southlake (Carroll ISD). Every school in Southlake/Carroll ISD is Exemplary. The district is also Exemplary. They have better schools than Flower Mound, Coppell, or Frisco. There are no apartments in Southlake. The commute from Southlake to Irving can be 25-30 minutes. Southlake will hold its value for years to come.

[ChristieP]

Originally Posted by KFS1969

I had also heard good things about Grapevine from a friend of my cousin, but when I looked at the TEA ratings it only got "Acceptable". I was wondering if anyone had any feedback on why that is?

Grapevine has many exemplary and recognized schools. Several of the elementary schools have dual language Spanish so all the kids learn bilingual. I think Grapevine HS is only "acceptable" but since I do not have kids in the district, I don't know for sure. Lots of people choose GCISD schools and move here because of them.

I can tell you that Grapevine is an excellent place to live. DH and I have lived here now for 10 years and we love it. The town really has a sense of community and the city services are excellent. Our property tax rates are very low, and there is lots of shopping and restaurants. Yes, the road construction is a mess currently, but it will be done by 2014 and the traffic flow will be so much better!

[skids929]

Originally Posted by MrQster

They have better schools than Flower Mound

Really what are you basing that on? Meaningless TAKS scores? I would hope you consider the fact FM has about triple the amount of NMS as Southlake does over the past 4 years. And although I haven't seen recent stats, FM generally scores higher in the SAT as a whole.

So other than the fact SL puts more emphasis on athletics than academics and has only one high school (instead of FMs two) that doesn't dilute its athletic talent pool as much. How is SL better than FloMo?

[Rakin]

Originally Posted by skids929

So other than the fact SL puts more emphasis on athletics than academics and has only one high school (instead of FMs two) that doesn't dilute its athletic talent pool as much. How is SL better than FloMo?

They are looking to lease for around $2500 a month. Probably ain't gonna happen in Southlake.

[skids929]

Originally Posted by Rakin

They are looking to lease for around $2500 a month. Probably ain't gonna happen in Southlake.

Good point. I missed that detail.

[MrQster]

Originally Posted by skids929

Really what are you basing that on? Meaningless TAKS scores? I would hope you consider the fact FM has about triple the amount of NMS as Southlake does over the past 4 years. And although I haven't seen recent stats, FM generally scores higher in the SAT as a whole.

So other than the fact SL puts more emphasis on athletics than academics and has only one high school (instead of FMs two) that doesn't dilute its athletic talent pool as much. How is SL better than FloMo?

I think both are great schools. You can't go wrong with either one. Everyone has an opinion on which school is better. The only objective data you have on a school performance are test scores. That would be standardized test (SAT, TAKS, etc...)

SAT scores 2011

Carroll 1161
Flower Mound 1125
Flower Mound Marcus 1121

Texas Education Agency (TEA) accountability rating 2011

Carroll ISD (Southlake school district) Exemplary
Lewisville ISD (Flower Mound/Marcus school district) Recognized

Carroll Senior High School Exemplary
Flower Mound High School Exemplary
Flower Mound Marcus Recognized

Every school in the Southlake Carroll ISD was exemplary.
Most schools in the feeder to Flower Mound/Marcus were exemplary except:

Marcus HS-Recognized
Vickery ES-Acceptable

National Merit Semifinalist 2011 (percentage of graduating class) (also absolute numbers given after school)

1.2% Southlake Carroll 8
2.6% Flower Mound 21 (wow very impressive!)
0.7% FM Marcus 6

[Brandon168]

I'm looking forward to watching this thread. We too are moving from Chicago to somewhere around Irving this May.

My wife and I stayed a few days in Frisco years back. We liked how new and reasonable the housing was in Frisco; however, I hear that I'm looking at 45 - 1.5 hour commutes, depending on traffic, from Irving to Frisco. That's not going to work.

Like you, we are looking to rent for a year, but hopefully in the same city we will make a home purchase in.

We're browsing the forums, and other sites for housing. Are there any communities (pool, playground, well kept, etc) closer to Irving like Panther Creek in Frisco? I'm amazed at how affordable+nice Panther Creek is.

Looking for newer housing under 275k but renting for a year,

Brandon

[Rakin]

Brandon....If you are working in Las Colinas part of Irving, the Flower Mound area is much closer. There are many less than 15 year old homes there and if you go to the Lantana area there is new construction.