Purely talking about schools (Plano, Prosper, Frisco) (Allen, Andrews: house, buy)

[bencronin04]

It seems like your top priority is newer/upgraded home, more so than the local schools. Plano West is a far superior school in terms of academics than anything in Frisco or Prosper.

[keribeth818]

If I already had a home in that feeder with the commute you described, I would go the reno/addition route for sure. It sounds like a dream location.

[synchronicity]

Originally Posted by Saintmarks

Your family's needs will determine if another school scenario is better. Test wise and reputation wise, you won't find a better school district on paper. That doesn't mean it is best for you and your kids. Nobody on this forum can figure that out. You will have droves that will tell you that enrolling your kids in anything other than Plano is close to child neglect, but I ignore them.?

Problem is, you don't know if a school is a good or bad fit for your kid(s) until said kid(s) are attending the school. And even then, there are no guarantees that another school will be a better fit.

In the meantime, unless the kids are having a bad time in school (and per the OP they haven't even started yet) it's tough to come up with a good reason to move, since the OP stated:

Originally Posted by taroberts

Our #1 priority is schools. With that being said... would you give up the Haun Elementary > Robinson Middle School > Jasper High School > Plano West Senior High track of schools for something in Prosper or Frisco? If so what track would you say would be better or equal in those 2 cities.

and

Originally Posted by taroberts

Well we have no other reasons to move. I have a 15 min commute to work and when I change jobs in a few weeks (already accepted an offer) I will have a 3 min commute. Church is 7 mins, doctor is 5 mins. I have no real reason to move except (1) to get a newer house (2) to get better schools.

So, to summarize, the OP has a commute most of us would kill for, living in what is (on paper, granted) one of the very best school tracks in DFW. Heck, some people would think the OP was "humblebragging". Now, it's true that much of "school quality" is really tied to SES and that a smart, motivated kid with parents who put a high priority on education can do well almost anywhere and is unlikely to do that much "worse" in Frisco or Prosper vs. Plano West (and as noted, might do even better depending on their particular situation), but that said, it's tough to see a reason to leave, otehr than "newer/bigger house at same price point.

Which is fine, everybody has their own priorities, but given that the OP is specifically asking about school quality and listing it as very important, AND they will (apparently) have a longer commute if they move, well, they're trading off a lot for that house. (Also, they seem perfectly happy with their area otherwise; they haven't posted asking for a community with a different "feel" or anything).

So all that said, I'd agree with you on:

Originally Posted by Saintmarks

Why don't you remodel? Get the property brother from HGTV to come and knock out some walls and put in granite countertops and handscraped hardwoods and all that jazz that is the latest and greatest?

[taroberts]

Originally Posted by bencronin04

It seems like your top priority is newer/upgraded home, more so than the local schools. Plano West is a far superior school in terms of academics than anything in Frisco or Prosper.

Nah...can't I have it all...for under 500k? LOL.... I guess the answer is no

[synchronicity]

Originally Posted by taroberts

would you give up the Haun Elementary > Robinson Middle School > Jasper High School > Plano West Senior High track of schools for something in Prosper or Frisco? If so what track would you say would be better or equal in those 2 cities.

A) No, I wouldn't. Your mileage may vary.
2) There is no track better than that in Prosper or Frisco, not even close. In fact, other than HPISD or Carroll ISD (and the latter is arguable), there is no better track on paper in all of DFW.

To summarize, you're living in an ideal location for your work with almost the best schools in the entire Metroplex. I get that "newer house" would be nice, but you'll be giving up a lot of convenience and yes, taking a hit on schools, to do so.

Unless there are some other factors you're leaving out, I wouldn't recommend moving unless newer house is really, really important to you.

[frenzyrider]

The other side of the fence is always greener remodel and live merry!

[BigDGeek]

Remodel. I think you'll regret moving. Plus, your current house in your current location will appreciate much better than a new build in Prosper or Frisco. I'd renovate and stay put if I were you (and I don't even have children).

[fwsavemoney]

Another Option:
Sounds like you are looking for a change. Why not also look around in your neighborhood or the surrounding ones for an updated home with an open plan that you would like?

[taroberts]

Originally Posted by fwsavemoney

Another Option:
Sounds like you are looking for a change. Why not also look around in your neighborhood or the surrounding ones for an updated home with an open plan that you would like?

That would actually be a good plan except for there are no other homes in this subdivision that are any larger or have a larger lot for the addition. This floor plan is the largest in the subdivision and we were lucky to score on an odd shaped corner lot.

There is one home down the street that just up in a 600 sq ft addition about 6 months ago which is exactly the same addition idea DH and I have been discussing for the past few yrs. I wish I could go inside and see if the addition really makes the space our definition of perfect. However, we moved here in 09 and they moved here in '99 and I have never ever seen them go in or come out of their house. So I can't exactly march on over there and ask to see inside!

If they ever sell I will definitely go on over there a take a peep a the open house!

[fwsavemoney]

Are you opposed to looking outside your subdivision? You could even go a little east to Skaggs/Andrews zone, not compromise on your commute much, get even better schools, and the houses there are slightly newer. There is a dearth of houses on the market now but come spring/summer, there would be plenty I bet.