Trying to decide between a sleek townhome steps from Legacy West or a single-family home a short drive away? You are not alone. In West Plano, both options are popular for different reasons, and the right choice depends on your day-to-day routine, space needs, and long-term plans. In this guide, you will see a clear, side-by-side look at privacy, maintenance, commute, and resale so you can choose with confidence. Let’s dive in.
Legacy West living at a glance
Legacy West is a mixed-use hub in West Plano with offices, restaurants, and retail clustered together. The area draws professionals who want a short commute and walkable amenities, as well as empty nesters who prefer low maintenance. You will also find families nearby who value lot size and neighborhood schools while staying close to the district’s major employers. Housing options include new townhomes near the core and established single-family neighborhoods within a few minutes’ drive.
Townhome vs house: the quick comparison
Privacy and noise
Townhomes share walls and have tighter setbacks, which can mean more sound from nearby units and outdoor spaces closer to neighbors. Vertical layouts sometimes place living areas along streets or alleys. Detached single-family homes provide more separation, larger lots, and the option for privacy landscaping. If you are sensitive to noise or need separation for a home office, a house often works better.
Maintenance and ongoing costs
Townhomes typically have smaller private exteriors and many exterior tasks covered by the HOA. Fees often include roof, siding, and common areas, which lowers your personal maintenance time but adds a recurring monthly cost. Single-family homes give you full control, but you are responsible for exterior upkeep, yard work, and larger capital items over time. If you travel often or prefer predictable maintenance, a townhome can be appealing.
Parking and storage
Townhomes near Legacy West usually offer 1 to 2 garage spaces and limited guest parking, sometimes with alley access and curbside restrictions. If you host often or have multiple vehicles, this can feel tight. Single-family homes usually provide larger driveways, 2 or more garage bays, and easier guest parking. Households with regular visitors, tools, or workshop needs often choose a detached home.
Outdoor space and landscaping
Townhomes offer small patios, balconies, or rooftop decks. These are great for low upkeep but are limited for playsets, large pets, or gardens. Single-family homes provide private yards and the possibility of a pool, play space, or vegetable garden. If private outdoor living is a priority, a house delivers more flexibility.
Customization and expansion
Townhome structural changes are restricted by the HOA and shared walls, though interior remodels are usually allowed. Exterior modifications, additions, and detached structures are typically off limits. Single-family homes give you more freedom to remodel, expand, or add accessory structures, subject to city permits and any neighborhood HOA rules. If you plan to customize over time, lean toward a house.
Commute and walkability
Townhomes close to the Legacy West core can put you within walking distance of offices, retail, and dining. That can reduce drive time and make car-light living more realistic. Single-family homes nearby are more car dependent and usually a 5 to 15 minute drive to the district, depending on the subdivision and traffic. If daily walkability is a top priority, townhomes or condos closest to the core fit best.
Taxes, insurance, and HOA
Property taxes are based on assessed value in both cases, though larger lots can increase assessed values for single-family homes. Townhome owners should review HOA dues and coverage details, as these fees vary and can include exterior insurance. Single-family owners may face higher individual insurance and maintenance outlays but often have lower or no HOA dues. Always compare taxes, insurance quotes, and HOA coverage line by line before deciding.
Resale and buyer pool
Townhomes near Legacy West attract lifestyle buyers who value location and low maintenance. They can command a higher price per square foot, with resale strength tied to walkability and proximity to employers. Single-family homes draw a broader buyer pool, especially families who want yard space and school stability. If you are targeting the widest audience on resale, a house typically has broader appeal.
What you will typically find near Legacy West
Townhomes: walkable and low maintenance
Infill townhomes around Legacy West often range from about 1,400 to 2,400 square feet with 2 to 3 bedrooms. Many are multi-story, with living areas on upper levels and rooftop patios in newer builds. Expect attached 1 to 2 car garages, sometimes tandem, and limited guest parking. Lifestyle tradeoff: very short commute and walkable dining, with a smaller private yard and a higher price per square foot compared to detached homes.
Single-family homes: space and flexibility
Established West Plano neighborhoods within a short drive of Legacy West commonly offer 2,200 to 4,500+ square feet and 3 to 5 bedrooms. Yards can support playsets, landscaping projects, and sometimes pools, with 2 to 3+ car garages and generous driveway space. Lifestyle tradeoff: more privacy and outdoor living with added maintenance responsibilities.
Downtown Plano vs Legacy West edge
Historic Downtown Plano offers its own blend of older single-family homes and newer infill townhomes. Prices can be different from the immediate Legacy West walk radius and the area has its own character. If you like a mix of local retail and a more historic fabric, Downtown Plano may be worth exploring. For modern convenience and proximity to major employers, Legacy West edges tend to focus on newer, urban-style homes.
How to choose the right fit
If you want walkability and low maintenance
- You prefer to walk to work, dining, or retail most days.
- You value predictable exterior upkeep through an HOA.
- You do not need a large private yard for pets or play.
- You are comfortable with shared walls and tighter parking.
If you need space and flexibility
- You want room for a home office, gym, or multigenerational living.
- You need a private yard for outdoor living or future pool plans.
- You value customization and potential future expansion.
- You host guests often and need easy parking.
Smart due diligence checklist
Use this list to compare specific properties and avoid surprises.
For both townhomes and houses
- Review comparable sales for the last 6 to 12 months within a close radius and the same property type.
- Check taxes and assessed values through the Collin County Appraisal District.
- Verify school assignments using Plano ISD’s website and the district’s boundary tools.
- Confirm floodplain status and insurance needs.
- Look up nearby permits and planned projects with the City of Plano’s planning resources.
- Time your commute with Google Maps at typical rush hours; review walkability on Walk Score and any transit options via DART.
Additional townhome questions
- What are the exact HOA dues and what do they cover (roof, exterior, irrigation, trash, exterior insurance)?
- How healthy are the HOA reserves and have there been special assessments?
- What are the guest parking rules and enforcement procedures?
- Are there rental restrictions if you might lease later?
- Who handles termite treatment and exterior utilities?
Additional single-family questions
- What is the age and condition of the roof, HVAC, water heater, and major appliances?
- How is the irrigation system performing and what are typical yard care needs?
- Are there easements or setbacks that limit future additions or accessory structures?
- If a pool is present, review the maintenance history and safety features.
Resale planning around Legacy West
Two buyer pools shape this micro-market: lifestyle buyers who want walkability and short commutes, and family buyers who prioritize yard space and school stability. Townhomes near major employment nodes can resell quickly when office employment is strong and walkable amenities are in demand. Single-family homes typically enjoy steady interest from family buyers, though budgets and absolute prices differ.
Key pricing drivers to watch include proximity to employers and retail, walkability and bikeability, school assignments by address, HOA dues and restrictions, lot size, and usable outdoor space. If you are evaluating timing, compare median days on market and price per square foot for townhomes versus single-family homes in the immediate area. This kind of side-by-side snapshot helps you design the right pricing or offer strategy for the current month, not last season.
Work with a local advocate
Whether you choose a townhome near the Legacy West core or a single-family home in a nearby neighborhood, the best outcome comes from preparation and clear priorities. A focused plan that aligns your lifestyle, budget, and resale goals will keep you confident from offer to closing. If you want help narrowing options and mapping a step-by-step strategy, connect with Melissa Manemann to Schedule Your Complimentary Consultation.
FAQs
Is a Legacy West area townhome a good investment?
- Townhomes can perform well when buyers value walkability and short commutes, but results depend on HOA dues, rental rules, and nearby supply; compare comps and months of supply for townhomes in the immediate area before deciding.
How long is the drive from West Plano neighborhoods to Legacy West?
- Many single-family neighborhoods are a short 5 to 15 minute drive, depending on subdivision location and traffic; time your actual commute with Google Maps during your typical hours.
What should I know about HOA fees for townhomes near Legacy West?
- HOA dues vary widely and may include exterior insurance, roof, siding, common areas, and irrigation; get the exact cost and coverage before making an offer and review reserves and any special assessments.
How do I confirm school assignments for a specific address?
- Use the boundary tools on the Plano ISD website to verify the assigned campuses for your property address and confirm any recent boundary updates.
Will a single-family home offer better privacy than a townhome?
- Detached homes generally provide more separation, larger lots, and the option for privacy landscaping, which can reduce noise compared to shared-wall townhomes.
Are there transit or car-light options around Legacy West?
- The immediate area offers walkable access to retail and some offices; check walkability with Walk Score and explore bus or rail options with DART based on your specific route.
