Windhaven

With friendly neighbors and convenient access to schools, dining and local attractions, Windhaven is like a slice of small-town life in the middle of the Metroplex. “It’s a great family neighborhood. People are always out riding their bikes around and walking their dogs,” says Mary Reeves, a Realtor with Ebby Halliday Plano West. “Everything is really close by — the schools, the toll road, everything.” Whether you want to spend an afternoon at the park or head to the mall for some shopping, Windhaven puts you in a prime location to do it all.

Homes in Windhaven come in a mix of styles, but most are traditional brick homes from the late 1990s and early 2000s. The houses often have a combination of stone and brick features on the façade, and mature trees stand tall in the front yards to cast shade over the neighborhood. Sidewalks connect the lush green lawns and offer walkability throughout the community. Rear-entry garages are common, giving residents an added layer of privacy. You can find luxury Spanish Revival homes in some parts of the neighborhood, complete with stucco siding, red tile roofs and arched entryways. Most houses in the area have at least four bedrooms and cost around $800,000. You can easily find five-bedroom homes listed for over $1 million.

Students in Windhaven will be part of the Plano Independent School District and might attend Brinker Elementary School, Renner Middle School, Shepton High School and Plano West Senior High School. Plano West is rated an A+ overall by Niche and serves students in 11th and 12th grades. The school has a successful athletic program, winning several state championships in hockey, tennis and girls’ soccer. Students can take career and technical education courses in industries such as engineering, health science, graphic arts and video production.

You won’t have to go far for some recreation, with two of Plano’s premier facilities located in the neighborhood. Windhaven Meadows Park is a vast 123-acre green space with walking trails, ponds and open natural spaces. You can go for a jog or stroll on the 1.9-mile trail surrounding the park. Kids will enjoy exploring the Liberty Playground, a 20,000-square-foot universal playground designed for children of all abilities. There is also a large dog park where you can bring your furry friends for some exercise.

The Tom Muehlenbeck Recreation Center is a popular destination for residents who want to lead an active lifestyle. This rec center features an indoor track, a basketball court and a fitness center with weights and cardio equipment. You can cool off from the hot Texas summer in the outdoor pool, which has multiple water slides and a splash pad. If you want to take a dip during the cooler months, just head to the indoor pool for a swim.

You’ll have plenty of nearby options when you want to go out for a meal. “We have Eatzi’s right down the street. People pick up food from there all the time,” says Reeves. “There are so many options. You can pop in anywhere and get something good. Or you can order pizza from Joe’s Pizza, which is my favorite.” Eatzi’s is a local market and bakery famous for its prepared foods and sandwiches. Locals enjoy the friendly service and the wide selection of foods. Joe’s Pizza Pasta & Subs is a local pizzeria tossing New York-style pies, plus strombolis, sandwiches and other Italian staples.

When you need to pick up groceries, you can shop at nearby stores like Kroger and H-E-B. With the Dallas North Tollway in the neighborhood, you can quickly zip around the Metroplex for shopping, travel or your commute to work. “People like to live on this side of Plano because you’re close to the Tollway. You can get up to Frisco and Legacy West quickly. You can get downtown in 35 to 40 minutes,” says Reeves.

Written By

Matthew Atkins

Photography Contributed By

Adam Jebbeh

Video By

Anne Sheridan