Commute from Mid-Cities to Plano (Dallas, Arlington: home, neighborhoods, school district)

[widespreadfan]

We are looking at relocating to the Metroplex. My new office will be in Plano. I have previously lived in the Mid-Cities and was wondering what the commute might be like. We are thinking about somewhere in the HEB school district. It is about 30 miles and I am wondering how long that can take in bad traffic. Would it make much difference if we were in Arlington?

[WorldKlas]

The commute from any Tarrant County burbs to Plano is just horrific during rush hour. Live in Collin county. there are plenty of great choices there.

[TurtleCreek80]

Originally Posted by widespreadfan

We are looking at relocating to the Metroplex. My new office will be in Plano. I have previously lived in the Mid-Cities and was wondering what the commute might be like. We are thinking about somewhere in the HEB school district. It is about 30 miles and I am wondering how long that can take in bad traffic. Would it make much difference if we were in Arlington?

In bad traffic? Could take 1.5 hours to the west side of Plano. Traffic is still fairly light now due to Covid but no guarantees how long that will last. If we revert back to old traffic patterns, you DO NOT want to live in HEB and work in Plano. Something’s gotta give.

[ChristieP]

In addition to the time, you’ll also be paying a lot of money in tolls since the George Bush Turnpike is the only direct route. If there is a wreck on it, you’ll be stuck in the backup. As much as I love the mid-cities and NE Tarrant, if you’re working in Plano, you need to live in Collin County.

[Barefoot Daisy]

I live in NRH and work in Dallas .. I very much do NOT recommend it! ... I've done some commuting up to Plano as well, and it's just not fun. While I make the best of it with audio books, two to three hours a day in the car are hours I'd much rather spend elsewhere.

Plano has some nice older neighborhoods that are similar to what you'll find in the HEB area, good schools, etc. Home prices are most likely higher, but the difference in quality of life with a shorter commute are all well worth it!

Best wishes!

[naterator]

There is something else to think about - the cost of tolls. Nearly all of the major thoroughfares in Collin County are tolled.

I had a client in Frisco that I commuted to from Arlington. It wasn't bad. For the most part, it took 55 minutes door-to-door. Occasionally, there would be a wreck that might make it an hour-and-ten.

I've got some friends up in CC, though -- and with two cars, you can easily incur hundreds a month in toll road charges.