Oak Lawn or McKinney? Take Your Townhome vs. Condo Pick For $375K

As I sat down to find a property to feature this week, I came across two. One is a condo and one is a townhome and they are set in wildly different worlds. Both will set you back $375,000.

One is in the heart of Dallas on Bowser Avenue in Oak Lawn, and one is up north in McKinney though it’s the tippy-toe of McKinney where McKinney, Frisco, and Plano all meet. Right on the other side of Highway 121 if you have your Mapsco handy.

And don’t worry, I absolutely did think about titling this column “A Tale of Two Condos,” but I annoyed myself with that idea so we’re moving on.

Okay, so what’s the point? Well, let’s see what $375,000 gets you in each area.

Oak Lawn Condo on Bowser Ave.

Obviously in Oak Lawn, you have tree-lined streets, walkability, and the chance to pop into super hot spots, restaurants, bars, shops, and more. Plus it’s right by Cedar Springs so if you’re into parades and very, very elaborate Halloween celebrations, you chose wisely. The condo itself is a little no-frills. Nicely updated, great layout, and it has a private balcony plus views of the city — but we’re not talking custom marble backsplashes, you know?

McKinney Townhome on Trolley Trail

Instead, we’ll save that for the McKinney townhome located on a street with the cutest name, Trolley Trail.

It was built in 2006, has a stately exterior, and updates galore. Recently added luxury vinyl plank flooring, fresh paint throughout, a split vanity in the primary, custom window coverings, and some killer light fixtures. It feels a little richer, a little cozier, and a little homier. Of course, you can’t walk to Cosmic Café and that alone feels like a real heartbreaker. But you do have downtown McKinney just a quick drive away and that’s where you can shop your little heart out and eat at some pretty fabulous restaurants, too.

Obviously, the same person isn’t searching for both of these units. I’m pretty sure. I don’t know a lot of buyers that are flipping a coin between Oak Lawn and McKinney, but it’s still interesting to see a side-by-side.

If you’re interested in either home or want to dive deeper and create your own this vs. that list, Allie Beth Allman & Associates’ Eric Narosov has 4107 Bowser Avenue, Unit 105 listed for $375,000. And Keller Williams Prosper Celina’s Ruth Ann Robbins has 8637 Trolley Trail in McKinney listed for $375,000.