I too am new to the DFW area, having moved here from Chicagoland a couple years ago. My family and I live just E. of Plano. I think the Plano area (including surrounding towns of Murphy, Wylie, and some northern parts of Richardson) is a great place to live, fairly safe, and well kept. Some areas of it can be pricey if you ask the locals, but it's all relative - most of the housing in Chicagoland runs 2 to 3 times the prices around here so I think it's all pretty affordable.

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08 W251 R350
97 W210 E320
91 W124 300E
86 W126 560SEL
85 W126 380SE Silver
85 W126 380SE Cranberry
79 W123 250
78 W123 280E
75 W114 280