Community for activity family (Dallas, Plano: renting, chapel, house)

[mojomopo]

We are looking to buy a house in about 6 months. Schools are not a playing part in our decision. Our budget would be in the mid $200,000s. Husband is currently working in University Park of Dallas and will probably always be working in this north Dallas area. We will be traveling twice weekly to east Flower Mound, TX.
We are looking for an affordable home that doesn't have high utilities bills (now $300 electricity), toll road fees, high property taxes, foundation problems.
What we DO like is a community that has good libraries, walking/biking paths, community pool or spray parks, fun stuff accessible to use year round like outdoor concerts, etc.
Can you give us an idea of communities and cities that you would recommend?
Any in Flower Mound, Lewisville, Irving, Plano, Carrollton, Farmers Branch?

[TurtleCreek80]

I would suggest first looking in 75229 which is northwest Dallas. I know you mentioned not needing schools, but would suggest the neighborhoods zoned to DeGoyler Elementary school because young families are flocking to that area. The neighborhood bound by Marsh / Royal/ Forest / Webb Chapel is great for your price point! It's a unique area because each little neighborhood has it's own community pool (which you can join for a nominal fee). Club Royal Pool is one, but there are a few others sprinkled in the area. The Town North YMCA is just down Northaven about a mile and it has awesome facilities, pools, and kid programming. A branch of the Dallas Library is super close by on Forest. The Northaven Trail will eventually connect all the way to Campions Trail in Las Colinas although it currently ends east of the Tollroad. There are also multiple moms groups in the area that do a lot of seasonal activities like Easter Egg hunts or Halloween Parties, in addition to playground, monthly adults social events, and parenting seminars.

Super close to your husband's two office locations; he can just shoot straight down Marsh which turns into Lemon and be in the Park Cities in 10-15 minutes without getting on a highway. Easy access to I-35 to get you to Flower Mound 2X / week also.

The one possible "catch" is that homes were built in the 1950-1960's so won't be brand new or huge, but you can definitely find a solidly built, well maintained & updated 2,000+ sf home there for mid $200k range.

[mojomopo]

Thanks for the suggestion. We were liking the unique remodeled homes that we were seeing in Irving and Farmers Branch, but not really sure about that area. Finding a solidly built house sounds like a high priority with all of the foundation problems we are watching our friends experiencing. Is North Dallas in this "corridor" of clay shrinkage, or is it all of North Dallas in general?
Off to go research the Northaven and Campions Trails!