Coppell vs. Allen vs. West Plano ISD. Kids entering 5th grade. Opinions please? (Dallas: rental, homes)

[europeanone]

Could you please tell me the pros and cons of the Allen, West Plano, and Coppell ISDs? These are the two areas we are focusing on at the moment. I was really in love with Coppell unti I read about the Cypress Waters project. Just posted a separate thread about that as well. I am nervous about that affecting my kids' education in Coppell in the next 8 years. We are considering Allen and West Plano because it's closer to downtown Dallas (shorter commute than other places we were considering) with what seems like good school systems. Rental budget is $2500-$2750 for 4 BR or $350k-$375k to buy.

[TurtleCreek80]

Uh, who told you Allen was a shorter drive to downtown than Coppell? Allen is a good 45-60+ min in rush hour. It's significantly longer commute than W Plano to DT because W Plano's commute is on the Tollroad (and the miles are less....unless you're looking way up in NW Plano close to 121). But if you're in 75093, the Allen commute is going to be 15-25 min longer. 75 is full of semis, more wrecks than Tollroad, and just slower moving in general (even when traffic is moving, the pace on Tollroad is a good 10-15mph faster than 75.)

Oh yeah, and Allen's schools - while a good bit better than Frisco's- are no where in the league of W Plano or Coppell. If HP / SL / FM / Coppell/ Plano are the "elite" publics, Allen is solidly "tier 2".

[Obamney1]

As stated by TC80, Allen is not in the same league as Coppell and West Plano. You loose good schools and get longer commute. I don't see any reason but cheap housing to go there but then there are so many cheaper choices if you can compromise on commute and education.

[Bypass13]

I am biased being a West Plano resident but we do have a lot to offer. First of all we have plenty of envious people from city n exurbs religiously bashing our area which is quite amusing. Second we have a central location and quick access in all directions with three tollways. Our schools are top notch. Our city management is efficient, police and fire fighters are diligent. We have great recreation centers, parks and natural reserves.We have lower property taxes and plenty of jobs thanks to several fortune 500 corporate headquarters. We offer every amenity from dining and retail to entertainment and children's activities. Our home resale is very stable since decades.We have a very diverse community and having homes from $10 million to $250,000 makes us financially diverse as well. You can find older custom charmers or brand new zero lot to suit your needs. Most of the town is built out so no struggle with builders's new shine for resale and no surprising new neighbors. I really like little intimate niches in middle of all the big town amenities. On top of that we are a stone throw away from all that Dallas and Park cities have to offer. People leave the town for college and then come back to raise families. To be honest it is no Highland Park but the next best thing and you pay a premium for that.

[europeanone]

Thank you all for your responses... especially TurtleCreek80, who seems to be a tremendous wealth of information (on various questions I've posted.) We are now leaning toward West Plano and hope that our scouting trip will lead us to a very positive impression of the area. I only have to get over the issue of having my kids enter such large schools as they get older....I will be posting a question about that momentarily. Thanks again all.

[Obamney1]

Same size or smaller schools in Plano till 10th grade. Senior high a bit bigger since we are a bigger district but with all the division coming with new health, technology and IB academies, its going to be more organized than other districts. By the way Coppell and Allen have only one big high school each so student bodies are not smaller. At least Coppell has good academics, Allen is HUGE and let's just say that focus is not academics.

[europeanone]

Wondering if anyone else can contribute to this discussion-- Coppell versus West Plano?? I think I have ruled out Allen in our search. Thank you!

[TX75007]

My take on Cypress Waters is that it will attract upscale and highly educated singles who will then have babies and buy up in the area. I have observed the same phenomenon at Austin Ranch and in Las Colinas - and many people had the same opinion of developments there.

I think at this point it really comes down to the commute and other things like Churches or the vibe at school events, etc.

[Johnhw2]

Originally Posted by europeanone

Wondering if anyone else can contribute to this discussion-- Coppell versus West Plano?? I think I have ruled out Allen in our search. Thank you!

I prefer the look and feel of West Plano to Coppell but you will find others the opposite. I live in W. Plano and can tell you we love it. I rare have to leave the area to find what I need or want. That suits me. I work in Irving 3 days a week and am familiar wiht Coppell from a work perspective. What amazes me about DFW area is that many upper end residential cities are so near DFW airport. I occasionally hear a place (like once a day in w. plano) but wonder how Southlake, Coppell and many others around the airport are impacted if at all. Coppell feels more like a bedroom city to me although it has a number of work locations on the side near the airport. Plano's mix of employment seems broader to me.

This stuff is pretty subjective but I can highly recommend W. Plano from my experience and needs

[Big G]

I'm supposed to be plugging Plano, but Coppell is its equal in many ways.

If new construction is desired, I believe Coppell has some active developments in your price range. You won't find that in west Plano.