Moving to Plano

Frisco is a growing community and an excellent school district. Frisco ISD has done a lot of research on the best student to teacher ratios for schools and which size schools work best, etc. Frisco is about to open high school number five this next school year and high school six the year after, eventually Frisco will have 10 high schools (grades 9-12) with a maximum of 1,800 students. In Plano, their senior highs(grades 11-12) have the following number of students in each school: Plano Senior 2,586, Plano East 2,807, and Plano West 1,887. Both areas are nice, but it might be something you may want to consider.

www.ci.frisco.tx.us
www.frisco-online.com
www.friscoisd.org

BTW, I do love West Plano. My husband and I use to live in the area, we are now in Frisco. I would move back to the area in a heart beat if it weren't for the size of the schools. Good luck and welcome to Texas!

I would recommend staying on the west side as the east side is older and dirtier I find. I would also try to stay in North plano up toward Frisco vs. down on the southern side. Again I find the southern side older and more ran down. I work on the Southern side wouldn't live there. Northern part is much newer and nicer. Frisco & Allen are great places to live as well. And they are right next to Plano.

Hope you enjoy TX. We've been here for 3 yrs and love it!!!

Personally, I would rather live on the west side of Plano, close to the Tollway. If you live close to either 75 or the Tollway then getting into downtown Dallas will be easy. You could call the community relations person at the Plano Police department and ask for crime stats, not that there are a large number of crimes but some areas are worse than others.

There are a large number of parks in the city, and good libraries spread throughout the city. It's a nice place to live.

I've read some of the other responses and wanted to add that Central Plano is great. So if I had to pick where to live I would say in the west central part of plano where there are great walking trails, parks, close shopping and good schools.

I love the area around Plano Senior High. Reasonable homes, not tooooo much money--which can make kids bratty, close to all the schools and my church and the grocery store. Right in the heart of town.

Park Blvd on the south, Parker on the north, Independence on the west, Custer on the east---anything in the box is A+ for convenience and nice folks.

Hi B.,
Welcome to Plano! I have lived here for 7 years. My husband and I are in real estate and mortgage and handle only distress sales and are very happy to say that Plano is very unaffected by the downturn in this market.

We lived in an older starter home in Plano and wanted to move up recently (about 1 yr ago), so I looked at the best school feeder pattern and the best, most stable, desireable neighborhood. Where I found is the feeder pattern of Carlisle Elem to Plano Senior, which is near Independence and between Spring Creek and Legacy. On the map, look for Jack Carter Pool - that's our neighborhood.

My opinion is to stay away from the newer outlying areas of town and stick with what is tried and true - Plano is that.
Good luck

When you start looking at houses -- I would suggest looking West of Alma. That is where the best schools and neighborhoods are in my opinion!

The Murphy area is great and the Wylie schools are as well. It has a small town charm with the convenience of a larger city. Murphy neighbors to Plano, Richardson and Wylie. We have lived here for a little over a year and there are so many kids that are my daughters age (3) it is awesome!!! She always has someone to play with.

I would definitely contact ISD Realtors. They are really knowledgeable about the different school districts and their strengths and weaknesses in different areas. Their phone number is ###-###-####. good luck!

Hi B.. Congratulations on your upcoming move. I moved to Plano 9 years ago and will not go anywhere else. I have bought several homes and investment properties here. Plano really can't be beat. The schools are exceptional, the homes are priced well and maintain ther value, and the recreation is great. I would like to recomend realtor Rachel White to help you. She is as sweet as can be and a Plano expert. She can help direct you to the areas that best meet your needs. ###-###-####. Good luck!

If you ever considered homeschooling, this is the place to get started! EVERYONE homeschools! There are so many support groups, co-ops, classes, sports, everything for homeschoolers! Check out PEACHonline.com
It's not just hot, the summers are superhot, the winters are supercold, there is no fall or spring, and you often have your heat and air on the same day.
Try to be close to a park or stream, because Plano is all concrete.
Texans are very nice, but hard to make friends with, so get involved in some groups and churchs and get your kids into some things as well.
We moved here a couple of years ago from NJ.

If you know specifically some areas you want to check out, email me and I'll tell you what I know, okay?
Good luck, and Welcome to Texas! The sky is unbelievable!
~A.

P.S. Can I have some of your boxes? We're getting a different house in the summer. :)

Hello! Plano has an excellent school district. A lot of people like West Plano near the tollway for the convenience and the fact that it has a lot of new areas. Please feel free to contact me directly with any other questions--I have lived here for over 20 years and I am from the Chicago area originally. Also, I am an Interior Designer so I am familiar with a lot of specific neighborhoods and would love to give you advice or help you find great furnishing deals when you move here. Please visit my website at akcustominteriors.com. Welcome to Texas!

I've lived in Richardson for 9 years and three girls now ages 8-18 have attended East Plano schools (we live in Collin County just south of Renner at North Star). We are in the East Plano school feeder. We've had a great experience with Stinson Elementary, but until Murphy Middle School (awesome) was built, my girls went to Armstrong Middle then Williams High which was rough. So, far Plano East has been okay--but I think way too crowded. We are a Hispanic family, so we welcomed the diverse population, but the student behaviorial issues caused us great concern. If I had to do it over again, I would have moved West or even Murphy.

Hi B. - I live just North of Plano in Frisco. Don't know if you are interested in moving here or not, but wanted to give you my input just in case. My kids have gone all the way thru Frisco Schools and I think they are amazing. Currently my kids are in 7th, 10th and Freshman in College. The schools they attended are Rogers Elementary, Staley Middle School, Frisco High School and Wakeland High School. We live in North Frisco - at the intersection of Preston Road (SH 289) and Eldorado Parkway. This would be the area for Rogers, Staley, Wakeland. My older son went to Frisco High before Wakeland was built. Frisco also has a brand new Career and Technology Center that my 10th grader attends. He is currently in the Engineering program and LOVES IT.... they have the newest technology and wonderful teachers. Other programs offered include, Pharmacy, Nursing, CISCO, Marketing, Finance, Computer Graphics and I'm sure I've left some out as well.

Good Luck on your move and feel free to email me if you have any questions about Frisco --
____@____.com

.

Welcome to the Plano!

We have been in the Plano area for 20 yrs now, from NC, and we've seen a lot of growth! We love it here.

As for schools, there are not too many bad ones. Plano has good schools. Of course I have my favorites, I think everyone does. Check out the PISD website, look at the schools in the area you might want to live and see how they are rated....www.pisd.edu Feel free to email me if you have specific questions. I also substitute teach at our local elementary school which is a Blue Ribbon, exemplary school.

We live in a large family friendly neighborhood (built from about 1997 +) in far north Plano/West Allen. We built in 2000. I love my house and oversized wooded lot with privacy, no stockade fence, no alleyway, we don't have traffic noise, I can be outside and no neighbors or anyone sees me....the privacy is a huge factor for us. This is our sanctuary. We enjoy wildlife in our backyard often. I love being close to the new Watters Creek shopping/dining area. The convenience to everything is perfect for us.

West Plano is nice but we chose not to live in that area because it is so crowded. We prefer the larger lot over a near zero lot line and prefer less traffic. I am in that area very often running errands, golf club, etc. We have friends in West Plano and they love it. It is a personal preference.

I'm not sure of your price range but you can get a very nice sized home in our area from a wide range of $$$ to 1 million and up. It depends on what you are looking for and personal preferences.

Also think about the drive for your husband. Do you need to be located closer to the Tollway or Central Expressway? That can also make a difference.

Plano has great Dr's, hospitals and lots to do. I hope you enjoy it here.

I second looking at surrounding areas, depending upon what your priorities are. I'm from the northeast, and wanted an old house, big trees, and to be able to walk to stuff (I never had to drive every day until I moved here--always walked or took public transport--it was a BIG adjustment!). We moved to McKinney, and I LOVE LOVE LOVE it. But it will be a longer drive if your husband works in Plano, and if you like your car and want a new house, don't bother living where I do. Feel free to PM if you'd like to hear more!

I have grown up in Plano. Went to Plano Senior High School and now in another year, my daughter will be going there too. I am also a teacher. I would highly recommend North Plano. Anything that feeds through Schimelpfenig Middle School, Jasper High School (9th - 10th) and Plano Senior High School. Welcome to Plano!

Some of the other responders hit the nail on the head by suggesting you expand your home search to other surrounding cities besides Plano. Not that there's anything wrong with Plano, but the thing is that the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex has such high-density development that is it more common to not live in the city you work. Plano itself is almost 100% built out, and is older to newer from east to west, and likewise cheaper to expensive from east to west. Best thing is to settle on a price range and see what you can get for your money- the choices should be abundant, and in your favor!

Plano is a great place to live! The schools are among the highest rated in the state. Please visit the Plano City web site at www.plano.gov to learn more. I am a Plano Realtor and would love to help you with your move! Just give us a call when you're ready!
Welcome to Texas!
T.

I highly recommend a good friend of mine - Ron Leach, email ____@____.com ###-###-####
He has been a realtor for years in the Plano area. Everybody who has used him has raved about his great dedication to finding your perfect home. He recently helped someone move from Galveston and did some advance work to make best use of time. You can trust Ron and he has much patience!

HEY, we lived in Madrona, West Seattle & Bainbridge for 9 years, now we are here. Welcome, and are you ever in for a change!! Look in Allen, the schools are exemplary. West Plano has better schools than East Plano, but housing is more expensive over there. We live in East Plano and love it, but would like to move to Allen by the time our kid is ready for school, if we don't homeschool. Homeschooling is very common here. People say "Ya'll" ,and " all Ya'll" is an acceptable plural for Ya'll. Get used to it, and don't laugh in their face, people pack heat down here. Other than that, you will find southern hospitality is rampant, and wave to your neighbors ( and anyone who drives by you), it is expected. If you eat meat, you will freak out over how good the steaks are, but you will not be able to find un-frozen salmon. I hope this helps.

Hi, B. -- welcome (soon!) to Plano! I moved here from California 10 years ago. What a change! I went from city life in San Francisco to total suburbia. Wow, is it ever flat out here! :-)

I have to put in a strong pitch for central Plano. Most city events take place here (parades, fireworks, lots of events at the Plano Centre, etc.) You can reach either end (west or east) in 15 minutes. That includes the Tollway or 75 to reach Dallas, etc.

Plano has many parks, walking trails, and several rec centers with pools and lots of classes.

The schools throughout Plano are wonderful. I have 6 kids and at one point we had kids in each zone, central (my kids), west (my stepkids) and east (my son in the IB program). The west end is definately upscale with multi-million dollar homes and it is not unusual to find Lexuses and Hummers in the student parking lot. Central is more middle class with a cross section of cultures. The east, while noted by others as the "older/ poorer side of town" hosts the most academically challenging educational IB program (college level courses).

In addition to checking the school sites for their performance levels, be sure to check the physical school zones. The central feeder schools are in a very narrow band across Plano. This had quite an impact when we decided where to buy a home. (The high school we thought was closest to our home actually feeds to the east side and that senior high school is 15 minutes away.)

Something to watch out for when purchasing a home -- foundation trouble! I was not prepared for this coming from CA. This part of TX has soil that dries out so severely that it can shift the foundation causing cracks inside and out. Expensive to repair!

Plano seems to have everything I need - and if I can't find it here, or just need a change, I go to Frisco (which I call Mallville :-). They're STILL building malls around the main mall! If you can't find it there, they don't make it!

Good luck with your decision!

We live in west Plano and love it. The location and proximity to the Tollway can't be beat. Our neighborhood feeds in to Brinker Elementary, Renner Middle School, Shepton High School and Plano West. The schools are fantastic! Our oldest is in 2nd grade and has had amazing teachers all 3 years. Homes have fairly small yards, but if you give youself time and look for a bit, you can find a home on a pie shaped lot with a great yard. We couldn't be happier with our choice. We originally lived in Frisco and moved to Plano 3 years ago. The commute is so much better now.

Good morning, B.,
I want to put in my vote for Allen, TX, which borders Plano to the North. It is a smaller community than Plano, and is in Collin County, not Dallas County. We moved here several years ago when my husband got a job in Plano, because the Allen schools are among the highest rated in the state. Our 2 youngest, both boys, have gone through the Allen school system and are now enrolled at the Collin County Community College, which is also excellent. They have received a very good education and have had excellent extra curricular activities in music, drama and sports.
Welcome to sunny Texas! The weather here is very different from Washington state.
B. G. (mother of 8, grandmother of 4)

B., There are several areas that are good and each school offers something different in the way of "special programs". I would look at where you are going to be working and what kind of commute you want as well. I would be happy to send you a relocation package for Dallas/Ft. Worth and include some Plano school information if you would like. No Obligation. If you are interested in some additional information email me at ____@____.com luck!

Hi. Plano is a great place to raise a family. The area of Plano that is east of 1-75 (Central Expressway) is known as East Plano and it is the oldest part of Plano. There are some lovely neighborhoods and schools there, but also some run down areas and poorer performing schools. I live in central Plano where there are many different sized and priced homes and lots, all nice. Lots of walking/biking trails in Plano. Lots of places to grocery shop, eat out, see movies, shop. Very kid friendly. West Plano is newer and generally more expensive and seems crowded. Plano public schools are great, most are rated very well, but you can look up the schools with poorer ratings on the Texas Education Administration website: http://ritter.tea.state.tx.us/cgi/sas/broker
Just scroll down to see Plano. The other districts listed are all the ones in Collin County that may also be of interest to you. The cities surrounding Plano such as Allen, Frisco, and McKinney are nice as well. Good luck and feel free to email me with any specific questions.

Plano ISD is one of the better school districts in the state of Texas. Plano West Senior High School is rated in the top 100 school in the US. I would stick to the West side of Plano if you can. Frisco and Allen are also up and coming areas. Frisco has several foreclosures, so you could more than likely get a deal on a house. All three cities are very kid and mom friendly. You will find lots of things to do for your family.

Hi B.,

We moved here from Oregon in 04. I will tell you that while Plano and McKinney are nice, we are VERY happy in Allen. http://cityofallen.org/ The school district is good and the neighborhood atmosphere is great. Check out Watters Crossing neighborhood. It's on the west side and the homes are a bit older (built in the 90's...if you call that old!), so the trees and such are older and the support for moms is second to none. I live on the other side of town and actually go over there because they are the most friendly warm and accepting bunch, ever!

If you're looking for more space though and want a great school district, I'd suggest Lucas as long as you live in the LoveJoy School District. In Lucas, the homes are on at least 1 acre, and that school district is the best around. It's right next to Allen so not much more of a drive to places.

Good luck with everything. I hope the best for your family. Making a big move is h*** o* everyone and especially in stressful times. If you do end up here, you will find the people to be very warm and welcoming and it won't feel so far away from home. I promise!

I second what someone said about Murphy. It is due east of Plano and a wonderful community. Murphy itself is divided - the west side is part of Plano schools and the east side is part of Wylie schools. We moved here about 2 years ago and chose to live in this area even though my husband has a long commute because we liked the area and loved the schools. I also have a 9 year old and 2 year old and there are good opportunities for both of them here. We also like it because we live 10 minutes away from George Bush Turnpike, which can get us across town pretty quickly, and about 10 minutes to the DART rail, which can get us downtown in about 30 minutes (my husband takes it to work).

Of course, it totally depends on where your husband will be working. If he'll be working in West Plano, then I'd definitely look into areas West or North of that area. There are a lot of good communities all around here. We looked online at the schools first, then circled on a map areas that we would and would not live, based on commute and schools. It made our realtor's job a lot easier! Good luck!!!

Welcome in advance to the area. Plano is a great place and you can't really go wrong there, but I would suggest to check out surrounding cities too. I assume you say Plano because that's where your husband's job will be, but there are other good areas around that are still very close and often a better value for your money. Carrollton (north), The Colony, Frisco, Allen, and McKinney could all be options for you. I live in Carrollton just barely over the Plano border and absolutely love it here. If you are looking in the western part of Plano, I would certainly suggest you check it out here. Message me if you would like more details. As far as tips, I would say many out-of-staters aren't used to the high property tax rates (because TX doesn't have state income tax), so pay close attention to that. That's one reason we chose Denton County over Collin County. Good luck in your move, I am sure you'll get all the help you need here on mamasource. It's a great bunch of ladies!

I think there are great areas all over Collin County, and you can check out the schools at Great Schools.Com. We live in Lucas, but go to Plano schools in Murphy. We love living where there's open land. Love Joy has a great reputation, but get info from other parents who have first hand knoweledge. I know many who left the school district because it was not a good fit for their "average learning children." Their property taxes are pretty intimidating, as well. Plano schools do offer lots, but do your homework to see which area offers the best for your children. I love the way they encourage science and history. You can check Plano schools at www.pisd.edu. Another great place to check into is Parker. It's just east of Plano...great horse country, has Plano//Allen schools, and is just minutes from 75 Central and George Bush. Parker, Texas has been named one of the most desirable places to raise a family in the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex. You're coming at a great time. There are some great deals around here! Where ever you decide to live, welcome to Texas!