Historic homes, large lots: Can I find any in N. Dallas cities? (Plano: for sale, how much)

[SaschaB]

Well here's the first of many questions I will have:
Northern Dallas-areas, such as Frisco, Plano, McKinney, have already come very highly recommended from friends. I understand they are all very family-friendly; boast highly-regard public schools, amenities, etc.
I know McKinney has a charming historic downtown, but I'm not familiar enough whether it also boasts equally charming historic neighborhoods. I know there has been a ton of development in those cities and there are a lot of newly-built homes.
But me? I prefer historic homes (big white farmhouses, grand brick colonials, gingerbread Victorians, even mid-century mods) and we absolutely want a big lot (one acre at the least.)
Can a person find a) historic neighborhoods anywhere around those cities? b) Are large lots available, or will we need to push deeper into rural areas for that?

Thanks in advance for your kind input.

[TXNGL]

Originally Posted by SaschaB

Well here's the first of many questions I will have:
Northern Dallas-areas, such as Frisco, Plano, McKinney, have already come very highly recommended from friends. I understand they are all very family-friendly; boast highly-regard public schools, amenities, etc.
I know McKinney has a charming historic downtown, but I'm not familiar enough whether it also boasts equally charming historic neighborhoods. I know there has been a ton of development in those cities and there are a lot of newly-built homes.
But me? I prefer historic homes (big white farmhouses, grand brick colonials, gingerbread Victorians, even mid-century mods) and we absolutely want a big lot (one acre at the least.)
Can a person find a) historic neighborhoods anywhere around those cities? b) Are large lots available, or will we need to push deeper into rural areas for that?

Thanks in advance for your kind input.

Lot size will be an issue, but McKinney does have Victorians in historic neighborhoods. Look near the old square area, very charming! Frisco, not sure. When I was growing up in Dallas, Frisco was a farming community. Mid-century mods are mostly in Dallas and close in suburbs.

[Rakin]

How much money are you willing to spend?

[Threestep2]

It all depends on your budget.

[MckinneyOwnr]

McKinney does have quite a few older homes, and some of them are on large lots around the downtown area.

Plano, there are a few historic homes remaining, some of them have been turned into businesses, and others are protected/owned by the city of Plano and are not for sale.

McKinney would be your best bet to find what you are looking for.

[LookingInRichardson]

If you're willing to consider mid-century mods as you say, add Richardson to your list. I live in a classic MCM-style house in the 75080 zip code. Most of this area was built out between about 1955-1970. In my neighborhood it's a mix but a good chunk of the MCM-style houes have embraced it and played to it in their landscaping, house numbers, interior decorating, etc.

You would have to compromise on the lot-size however. You may be better off with a custom-build if you have the budget for it as historical homes and big lots do not generally go together in this area.

However one place just popped into my head - it's probably totally off your radar and may not work for your other needs - but you may check out Waxahachie. It has some beautiful and historic homes on big lots just to the North and West of central Waxahachie. Again - may not be the right place for you but it's at least a thought given your desire for a large lot and the style of home.

[TurtleCreek80]

1 acre lots are NOT common in DFW- even in the historic neighborhoods, you'd be hard-pressed to find anything over 1/2 acre with 1/4-1/3 being the most common lot sizes. You may have to go out to more rural towns to get that size lot, and then your significantly increasing commute times and most likely compromising on school quality.

McKinney does have a large collection of gorgeous historic homes in the neighborhood surrounding the historic square. Grapevine is a mid-cities suburb near DFW airport that also has a big historic district. Also, many Dallas neighborhoods have beautiful historic homes and also good schools, but tend to be very expensive. Because most of DFW was built after WWII - and really in the last 30 years when you include the suburbs- there are far fewer historic homes here than on the east coast and other older US cities.

[SouthernBelleInUtah]

Very expensive means north of $800,000 at a minimum. For ex, Highland Park, a city enclosed by Dallas, would start at over $1 million for a SFH, as far as I know.

[SouthernBelleInUtah]

Based on your questions in other fora, you have yet to settle on a city for your relocation. Most of the others would offer more of what you are looking for.

[DitsyD]

There was an old, rambling house in Preston Hollow (Dallas neighborhood) on an acre. It sold for well over $1Million as a tear down.