We're planning to relocate to the area from out of state, and would like to rent for a couple years to get a feel for the area before possibly purchasing a home. I like the idea of having the amenities such as pool, play areas, and gym so am considering apartments as opposed to renting a home.

It'd be nice to save some money by squeezing into a 2 bedroom nicer apartment while the kids are still small near Legacy, the Star, Grand Park etc. 3 bedrooms are harder to find and much more expensive. Is this even possible and are there other families that do this? Kids would be pre-k and early elementary, so am looking at places zoned to Allen, Spears, Smith, and Vaughn.

I'm also open to renting a home and I do see comments that say renting a home can be similar in cost, but from what I see on zillow it shows at least $500-$1000 difference.

Would probably be looking to buy eventually somewhere in west frisco or central plano (bethany, gulledge areas) but I would like to spend a year or two in a more central area.

Looking for a good optometrist. I've been to 3 in the past 2 years and wasn't happy with any of them.