Long to live in the Lone Star state? These four Dallas suburbs give you access to the major metroplex without the hefty price tag.
By Natalia Pérez-Gonzalez on January 16, 2024
iStock/f11photoIn the heart of North Texas, the sprawling Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex is renowned for its vibrant culture, thriving economy and unmistakable Texan spirit. However, beyond the city limits lie hidden treasures — exceptional suburbs of Dallas with diverse communities, each with unique charm and appeal.
This list, compiled with data from our annual Top 100 Best Places to Live list, explores the four best Dallas suburbs, where Southern hospitality meets modern living, creating a perfect blend for those seeking an escape. And, as they say, everything is bigger in Texas.
In This Article
1. Frisco, TX
Picture this: Endless blue skies, warm Texan hospitality, and a community that feels like family — yes, the residents of Frisco are living the good life. Situated just 25 minutes north of Dallas, Frisco — known by locals as Sports City USA — is one of the fastest-growing cities in the U.S. This Dallas suburb offers a taste of everything for everyone: a vibrant culture and arts scene, stunning green spaces for the outdoor enthusiasts and a thriving sports culture with plenty to cheer for.
Renowned for its outstanding public schools, Frisco’s commitment to quality education makes it one of the best Dallas suburbs for families. Its booming job market and proximity to significant corporations provide ample career opportunities. Their forward-thinking approach fosters a culture of innovation, with young professionals thinking outside the box to drive entrepreneurship (like this woman-owned coffee shop).
Outside of providing a solid foundation for success, Frisco also knows how to have a good time. The city is home to the National Videogame Museum and is generally a hub of entertainment — from thrilling sports events with FC Dallas and the Frisco RoughRiders to lively festivals and concerts at the Arts in the Square festival. A few can’t-miss attractions? The Star, the Dallas Cowboys World Headquarters, features 20+ restaurants, shops and hosts countless events; and KidZania, an interactive city for children that combines inspiration, fun, and role-play through realistic role-play.
2. Allen, TX
The thriving, welcoming atmosphere of Allen offers its more-than-106,000 residents a dense suburban feel (in 2020, about 73% of residents owned their homes). As in most family-oriented Texas suburbs, education is important to Allen’s residents. The city is home to some of the best public schools in Texas, placing it among the best Dallas suburbs for families, and for those pursuing higher education, Collin College’s Allen Campus offers accessible learning opportunities.
It’s no mystery why young professionals are drawn to living in Allen. This Dallas suburb recently ranked second for best real estate market and the second best place to launch a career in 2018 by Wallethub and Money. It also boasts a slew of coffee shops and parks, and it takes pride in its cultural scene, with events like the Allen Arts Festival showcasing local talent and the Arts of Collin County at the Collin County Courtyard Theater hosting various performances and events.
Things to do outdoors in Allen, TX, includes many parks, hiking trails and green spaces for outdoor recreation or relaxation. And for sports, this city is a winner with the Allen Event Center, home to the Allen Americans hockey team, and witness the city’s passionate sports culture.
3. Plano, TX
Plano / Photo Courtesy of Visit PlanoWhile it started as a quaint, quiet farming community, Plano has evolved into a bustling city, renowned for its quality of life, excellent public schools and a robust job market. The city’s dedication to safety and exceptional health care services ensures peace of mind for its residents — making it an ideal place for young professionals as well as one of the best Dallas suburbs for families. (It even landed a spot on our list of the Top 25 Best Places to Live in the Southwest.)
As the ninth largest city in Texas and the fourth largest in the Dallas Fort Worth region, Plano is well positioned to serve the growing needs of its residents and businesses. Home to over 290,000 residents, Plano’s economic prosperity sets it apart: It boasts several Fortune 1000 companies, more than 10,000 businesses and a booming job market, placing it on the short list of best suburbs of Dallas.
But outside of its solid career offerings, Plano also nurtures a dynamic arts and culture scene, with attractions including the ArtCentre of Plano and the Courtyard Theater. On the weekends, you can explore the Oak Point Park and Nature Preserve, an 800-acre green oasis perfect for hiking, biking, and picnics. Sports fans can catch a game at the Dr. Pepper Ballpark, home to the Frisco RoughRiders, or visit the Toyota Stadium for soccer excitement with FC Dallas.
4. Richardson, TX
Richardson / Photo Courtesy of Richardson Chamber of CommerceRichardson, nestled in the heart of the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, is an affluent hub of innovation and community spirit. Like its neighboring Dallas suburbs, the city’s thriving arts scene is a testament to its creativity, with popular events like the Wildflower! Arts & Music Festival drawing crowds from all around. If you’re a remote working professional, coffee shops like the Communion Neighborhood Cooperative offer a cafe, coworking space and event venue all in one. And if you love Communion, you might also love Magic Cup Cafe, which serves specialty coffee, among other things (hint: locals say you must try their honey caramel latte).
This thriving suburb of Dallas is known for being home to some of the largest telecommunication companies we know, like AT&T, Verizon and Cisco Systems, earning the nickname “The Telecom Corridor.” Richardson has more than 5,000 total businesses and offers countless shopping destinations and outlet malls to peruse. Plus, for carless locals or those who prefer public or alternate forms of transport, Richardson sports more than 15+ miles of bike lanes throughout the city through the League of American Bicyclists (tip: there are delightful Facebook bicycle clubs like this one that you can join).
If you’re looking for things to do outdoors in Richardson on the weekend, you could spend a hot Texas afternoon at Prairie Creek Park and its ultimate attraction, the Prairie Creek Waterfall. Other top outdoorsy spots, according to locals, are the Spring Creek Nature Area, Duck Creek Linear Park, the Galatyn Woodland Preserve and Breckinridge Park.
Intrigued? Read on to learn about other best places to live in Texas.
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