Where to Live in Collin County, TX? McKinney or Frisco? Allen or Plano? McKinney or Allen?

"Where should we live? McKinney or Frisco? Frisco or Allen? Allen or Plano? Plano or McKinney? How do we decide?"...

The above question scenario has been asked by more than one relocating buyer, to his or her spouse, in the midst of planning a move to the North Dallas area. It usually occurs after touring homes in these four popular cities in Collin County, TX, and it can be really hard to decide.

The cities of McKinney, Allen, Frisco and Plano are all conveniently located north of Dallas in growing Collin County. For the sake of this comparison, I feel that all four cities have similar housing options, great schools, family-friendly attractions and similar home prices. For that reason, I won't go into those details as much as other unique factors that are specific to each city.

So how do you break it down?

After spending the last 5 years working with relocating buyers to Collin County, I've learned a few things about what draws some buyers to one city, while others choose for a different location. Perhaps this analysis will help YOU in your decision as well...

McKinney, TX!

• Rolling topography & beautifully landscaped neighborhoods. Crape Myrtle Trails, too!
• 2 of the largest Master-Planned communities in North Texas - Stonebridge Ranch and Craig Ranch.
• Innovative retail & residential community unlike any other area in Texas - the neighborhood in Stonebridge Ranch modeled after a city in Croatia - Adriatica!
• One of THE BEST thriving historic downtown squares in Texas!
• Compared with all 4 cities, McKinney has the lowest average sales price.

Plano, TX!

• Home to numerous employment centers and headquarters...work and live in the same city!
  
• Older neighborhoods mixed with brand new areas.
  
• Closest to Dallas (furthest South) - just head south on 75 or the Dallas Tollway.
  
• Near build-out, which could mean Plano experiences price appreciation faster than surrounding cities to the North.
• Plano historically has the lowest days on market out of all 4 cities and the highest average sales price.

Frisco, TX!

• Home to 3 professional sports teams - Frisco Rough Riders, FC Dallas Soccer & Dallas Stars Official Practice Facility. Don't forget about the worldclass Velodrome - the Superdrome. One of only 27 in the COUNTRY!
  
• SHOPPING - Stonebriar Mall, IKEA & NUMEROUS specialty shops.
  
• Commuting is easy - convenient to Hwy 121, Tollway and Hwy 380.
• Still plenty of NEW homes to choose from if you'd rather build than buy a re-sale. Actually, "new" is a great word to use for Frisco - new homes, new retail, new dining...guess that explains why Frisco has been one of the fastest growing cities in the country!

Allen, TX!

• People love Allen for the great School Spirit! Home of the 2008 Texas State Football Champs! (And in Texas THAT is a big thing!)
  
• NEW retail centers and shopping galore! Fairview Farms opened in 2009. The Allen Premium Outlets draw lots of shoppers as well.
• Some of the mosts fun outdoor parks in the area! Celebration Park will be a favorite for the kids!
• Don't forget about draws like the Allen Community Ice Rink and year round swimming in the Allen Natatorium.

Now, I KNOW I'm probably leaving out some GREAT features of each city. If you're a resident, and I've overlooked something, let me know and I'll add it to the lists. What's the reason YOU chose to live in these great cities??