Frisco, West Plano, McKinney or Allen? (Dallas: real estate, lease, condo)

[AsianGal]

Hello,

My relative is thinking to buy a house in one of these cities. He is a physician and please assume location is not an issue in terms of where he can work as long as accessibility to a highway (doesnt matter which). House price of under 600K. Newer house as in after year 2000 built. Looking for a very good elementary school. Shops nearby, safe neighborhood. Will most likely want to sell the house within 5 years time, so this factor is important. Like bigger lot sizes. The most important factor is school and the ability to sell it in the near future.

We heard from a real estate agent that Lovejoy ISD for elementary is considered the best in the North of Dallas area, but not sure what that statement was based on.

If you can choose a location, which will you pick and why?

Any suggestions and comments will be appreciated.

Thank you.

[DitsyD]

Since neither Frisco, Allen or McKinney are near build out, I would say that on that alone, West Plano would be better for re-sale within the next 5 years.

For shopping, Frisco and West Plano would be the winners; however, Dallas and Frisco shops would both be easy access to West Plano.

I think that all 4 are safe areas.

Schools ~ Plano would win there. The other school districts are good, but not quite as desirable. Ask people in other states, and they know Plano, but not McKinney, Allen or Frisco. People will buy what they know. Lovejoy on the other hand, WANTS to be considered a top tier school district, but it seems that they only teach to the state test and not teach the students how to think. So, their state test scores look good, but not other factors.

Actually, we prefer East Plano over West Plano (just personal choice). McKinney, Allen and Frisco were not even on the table.

[Nubuyer13]

West Plano 75093 or 75024

[stan4]

No bang for buck under $600k in West Plano.
I know.
I tried.
For 5 years.
Had to go to $800k to get some land and the amenities I wanted.

[MckinneyOwnr]

Originally Posted by stan4

No bang for buck under $600k in West Plano.
I know.
I tried.
For 5 years.
Had to go to $800k to get some land and the amenities I wanted.

This. Which is why I would say McKinney, he should have no problem selling in 5 years, houses are flying off the market right now, and it's probably the hottest area among all the northern suburbs right now. Elementary schools are good, and he can get a much better house here than in W. Plano for the money. Easy access to 121 and 75, and lots of new hospitals have been built around the area. The Stonebridge Ranch area sounds perfect.

[BigDGeek]

Even with a hot market right now, with interest rates rumored to be going up later in the year and the still sky-high cost of conveyancing possibly putting the brakes on growth right now, and with Texas's traditionally low rate of appreciation...would it make more sense to rent?

[Keepingitsimple]

Buy near Legacy Village or Willow bend mall, as there are lots of things to do within walking and biking distance. Dining and shopping are in abundance and area is very safe. Dart system is accessible. You'll be near Dallas if one of you works there or want to explore/ enjoy big D. With decent size lots, gardening,BBQ and child's play structure or swimming are possible. You'll have no problem with resale with these locations as schools are excellent and highways literally few minutes away. Both airports and train stations are within 20 minutes drive. As your user name indicates you'll need Asian grocery and may be asian church, mosque or temple so those are with 15 minutes drive.

Here are some houses between $550,000 & $650,000.

http://m.realtor.com/#results?loc=Pl...family%2Ccondo

[AsianGal]

Interesting replies. It seems that Plano seems to be the one most of you are recommending. One of the family members likes the Allen area due to the shopping and the other one Frisco because of the bigger yards and newer housing than Plano area. Willow Bend area of Plano is also liked but again there is the issue of not as much house or land for that matter in that area. It's certainly going to be a tough decision and any further comments are welcome.

Thank you for the link and replies.

[Keepingitsimple]

Of course farther you go, more bang for your buck but you compromise commute, schools, resale, amenities and proximity to the city. It's all a trade off. Also keep property taxes in mind(2.55% in Friso & 2.19% in Plano)and possibility to rent out house if house is not selling. It's much easier to lease out a house in Plano or Park Cities then exurbs.there are no perfect houses, its just a trade off.

[frenzyrider]

Originally Posted by Keepingitsimple

Of course farther you go, more bang for your buck but you compromise commute, schools, resale, amenities and proximity to the city. It's all a trade off. Also keep property taxes in mind(2.55% in Friso & 2.19% in Plano)and possibility to rent out house if house is not selling. It's much easier to lease out a house in Plano or Park Cities then exurbs.there are no perfect houses, its just a trade off.

Incorrect. 2.19% in Frisco that falls under Collin county, which is most of Frisco east of DNT.