We built our home in SunCreek in 2000. It is a very family friendly neighborhood. Organized activities throughout the year to get families out to mix, mingle and make friends.
Check out the website eee.suncreek.org
We are in the Brookwood II section and back up to the park property. The park property homes have front access and no alleys. There are a few basement homes on the park as well. Unfortunately, no park properties are currently for sale...it is rare for one to hit the market and when it does, it moves quickly due to the larger lots and privacy.
However, there are some very nice homes in your price range in the neighborhood. Brookwood III is the newest portion.
Brookwood I, II, and III are all Allen address and Plano schools. We are happy with our schools. Oakknoll on the West side of Rollins is Plano address, Plano ISD. Timberridge just north off Suncreek Dr is Allen address, Allen schools. The Allen schools are great as well.
Before I had my daughter (she's now 14), I was in the corporate world at Legacy/Headquarters area. From my neighborhood it is less than 20 minutes to that area. The Shops of Legacy at the Tollway and Legacy are wonderful for shopping, dining and nightlife.
You'll get lots of responses with everyone talking about their neighborhood. Each area has the perks.
We opted NOT to move to Lakeside or Willow Bend area by Gleneagles which are both more convenient for us because we are at the club very often because generally, the lots were smaller, (houses are awesome), and the traffic was heavier in the area.
We value privacy. our huge wooded lot and all the wildlife we see over that area.
It is a personal choice. Good luck and Welcome to the area.