Coming to Town and need some pointers (Plano, Carrollton: to rent, house)

[mntnmama]

We are coming to town next month to explore and decide if we are going to make the jump and move our family. We are looking for housing under 200k and will most likely rent for awhile but have school age kids so we really want to rent where we will buy. We are looking to be near Carrollton about 20 minutes driving from the north Carrollton specifically Plano, Lewisville,The Colony or Richardson any information on these towns specifically would be helpful we are moving from a smallish Foothill Town in Northern CA with "big" shopping about 20-30 minutes away so it isnt that important to me what we are mostly looking at is a neighborhood atmosphere close to parks, water,trails. We are really considering operating a pool route as my husband has experience in that but might start of working in Coppell at his current company so drive time for him is only moderatly important. Any and all information would be much appreciated

[Pintea]

For good schools I would look in Plano. You can find a house for less than 200k that is in a good school area. Check the Great Schools website to compare schools.
I like Richardson as well, and they have some great schools. But in those areas homes generally cost more than 200k.

[ChristieP]

Plano and Richardson to Coppell will be an awful commute. Coppell itself has nice homes in your price range and good schools.
Be careful about The Colony. Most of the older homes there were built in the 80's by a cheap builder (F&J) and are not aging well. We looked there a few years ago, and many of them already had foundation problems or other issues. Plus, until the 121 Toll Road is finished, traffic there is a snarl!

[mntnmama]

How long travel wise is it from north Carrollton to Coppell?