Best Places to Live in North Dallas: A Guide to the Top Suburbs
Relocating to the North Texas area offers a variety of vibrant communities, each with its own unique appeal. The Dallas suburbs are popular for their excellent schools, rich amenities, and high quality of life. In this blog, we'll explore the top six suburbs in North Dallas, delving into the details that make each one a desirable place to live.
Allen, Texas
Location and Accessibility
Allen, Texas, is located approximately 26 miles north of downtown Dallas and about 30 miles from DFW Airport. This prime location offers easy commuting options for those working in the Dallas metroplex. Allen is bordered by the 121 Sam Rayburn Tollway to the north, providing convenient access to major nearby cities like Frisco and Plano. The 75 Freeway runs directly through Allen, offering a straightforward route to downtown Dallas and the growing business hub in Richardson, which is just 12 miles away.
Demographics and Housing
Allen is a well-established city with a population of around 113,600, over 27 square miles. It offers a balanced community with a mix of long-term residents and newcomers. The median home price in Allen is approximately $543,000, reflecting the area's desirability and quality of life. Housing options range from starter homes priced under $300,000 to luxurious estates exceeding $7 million. With about 37,000 housing units in the city, 70% are owner-occupied, indicating a solid community of homeowners. Allen's unemployment rate is a low 3.4%, which is favorable compared to the national average and reflects a stable local economy.
Allen Texas Population 2024 Estimates Worldpopulationreview.com
Education
Allen ISD is highly regarded, ranked number three in the DFW area by niche.com, with an overall A+ rating. The district serves over 21,000 students across its schools. Allen High School, the sole high school in the district, is noteworthy for its size and offerings. As the fourth-largest high school in the nation, it has a student body of nearly 7,000 and graduates about 1,800 seniors each year. This large size allows for a diverse array of extracurricular activities, including over 50 service organizations and clubs that cater to various student interests. The school's Career and Technology program provides students with valuable real-world experience, helping them explore potential career paths early on. Additionally, Allen High School is renowned for its fine arts department, boasting the nation's largest marching band with over 800 students, as well as acclaimed dance, choir, and orchestra programs.
Allen ISD Niche.com 2024 Ranking
Real Estate
Allen's real estate market offers a variety of options to suit different needs and preferences. For those seeking new construction, options are limited but available in high-end communities like the Reserve at Waters. Here, homes built by Southgate Homes start at over $1 million, offering premium features and a prime location. For buyers seeking more affordable options, there are homes available under $300,000, often requiring some updates or renovations. The city features several master-planned communities, like Twin Creeks, which offer gated and golf course living, as well as numerous neighborhoods without HOAs for those who prefer fewer restrictions.
Recreation and Lifestyle
Allen is rich in recreational opportunities, with 67 parks and trails offering nearly 80 miles of hiking and biking paths. Celebration Park is a standout feature, providing extensive amenities, including a large spray ground, sports fields for soccer, baseball, and basketball, and trails for walking and biking. The park hosts major events such as the Fourth of July celebration, Allen Arts Festival, and a summer concert series, making it a community hub for residents. For golf enthusiasts, Allen offers multiple courses, including The Golf Club at Twin Creeks, a private club with various amenities, and The Courses at Waters Creek, which features multiple courses catering to different skill levels.
Fairview and Lucas
Small-Town Charm and Location
Fairview and Lucas, though distinct towns, share many characteristics and benefits, making them ideal for those seeking a quieter lifestyle with upscale amenities. Located just east of Allen and near the 75 Freeway, these towns offer easy access to major cities while maintaining a serene, rural atmosphere. Fairview has a population of nearly 11,000 and covers just under 9 square miles, while Lucas has about 9,000 residents across a similar area. These towns are known for their commitment to preserving natural beauty, offering large homes on spacious lots that provide privacy and tranquility.
Fairview Texas Population from worldpopulationreview.com
Education
Fairview and Lucas primarily fall under the Lovejoy ISD, which is highly esteemed and ranks fifth in the DFW area. With an A+ rating and a reputation for academic excellence, Lovejoy ISD serves about 4,200 students across two elementary schools, two middle schools, and one high school. The district consistently performs in the top 1% of Texas school districts on state assessments, making it an attractive option for families prioritizing education.
Lovejoy ISD niche.com 2024 Ranking
Real Estate
Homes in Fairview Texas
Real estate in Fairview and Lucas is characterized by larger properties and custom homes, often situated on half-acre or larger lots. The market offers a variety of homes, including luxury estates and custom builds, catering to those who value space and privacy. While new construction is limited, there are opportunities to build custom homes, with prices reflecting the premium nature of the area.
Fairview Texas Housing Market Trends Live!
Homes for Sale in Fairview Texas
Recreation and Lifestyle
Fairview Town Square, located on the west side of Fairview, offers shopping and dining options, conveniently close to the amenities of Allen. The proximity to Lavon Lake provides residents with opportunities for outdoor activities such as boating, fishing, and hiking. Heritage Ranch Golf Course and Country Club in Fairview offers a country club lifestyle for those aged 55 and over, featuring a golf course and a range of amenities for active adults.
McKinney, Texas
Location and Growth
McKinney, located north of Allen and accessible via the 75 Freeway, is a rapidly growing suburb about 33 miles from downtown Dallas. With a population of over 218,000 and covering 67 square miles, McKinney offers a mix of historic charm and modern amenities. The city is experiencing a growth rate of 2.4% annually, with significant new developments and communities under construction.
Mckinney Texas Population Estimated 2024 worldpopulationreview.com
Education
McKinney ISD, serving over 24,000 students, is rated A by niche.com. The district includes three high schools—McKinney High, McKinney North, and McKinney Boyd—all of which receive high marks for academic performance. Additionally, parts of McKinney feed into the Prosper and Frisco ISDs, providing families with a range of educational options.
McKinney ISD niche Ranking 2024
Real Estate
McKinney offers diverse housing options, with prices ranging from $230,000 to over $6 million. The city is known for its variety of new construction communities, such as Irwin Farms, Millstone, and Trinity Falls, which offer modern amenities and a range of home styles. The average home price reflects the city's balance of affordability and quality of life.
McKinney Texas Homes For Sale!
McKinney Texas Housing Market Trends!
Recreation and Lifestyle
Historic Downtown McKinney Texas is a must see!
Downtown McKinney is a highlight, featuring over 120 shops, art galleries, and eateries that emphasize local produce and a small-town charm. The area hosts numerous events and activities, including off-Broadway shows at the Performing Arts Center and a vibrant food scene that caters to a range of tastes. McKinney also offers a wealth of parks and recreational facilities, such as the courts of McKinney Tennis Center and multiple golf courses, providing residents with ample opportunities for outdoor activities.
Frisco, Texas
Location and Development
Frisco is one of the fastest-growing suburbs in North Dallas, located about 28 miles from downtown Dallas and 23 miles from DFW Airport. With a population exceeding 232,000 and covering nearly 70 square miles, Frisco is poised to continue its rapid growth, with projections of reaching 365,000 residents. The city is known for its robust development, including the expansive Fields Development, which promises a wide range of new housing, retail, and commercial opportunities.
Frisco Texas Population Estimate 2024 from worldpopulationreview.com
Education
Frisco ISD is ranked eighth in the DFW area, serving 67,000 students across 44 elementary schools, 18 middle schools, and 12 high schools, all of which receive A or A+ ratings. The district is known for its commitment to maintaining smaller high school sizes, with each school averaging around 2,000 students, providing a more personalized educational experience.
Frisco ISD niche.com Ranking 2024
Real Estate
The real estate market in Frisco is diverse, with home prices averaging $720,000. Options range from homes in the low $400,000s to luxury estates in gated communities priced at $8.5 million or more. New construction opportunities are abundant, especially in the Fields Development, offering modern homes with a range of amenities and price points.
Recreation and Lifestyle
Frisco offers an array of amenities and attractions, including the PGA headquarters, which adds a significant draw for golf enthusiasts. The city is also set to welcome Universal Studios in 2026, further enhancing its appeal as a family-friendly destination. Sports fans can enjoy events at the Star, the Dallas Cowboys' practice facility, or catch a game with the local FC Dallas soccer team or the RoughRiders minor league baseball team. The Stonebriar Centre mall and a plethora of dining and shopping options make Frisco a vibrant and bustling community.
Prosper, Texas
Location and Growth
Prosper is a rapidly developing suburb located just north of Frisco, about 40 miles from downtown Dallas. The town covers 23 square miles and has a population of around 30,000, with a median household income of $215,000. Prosper is experiencing significant growth, attracting new residents and businesses due to its appealing lifestyle and quality schools.
Prosper Texas Population 2024
Education
Prosper ISD is one of the fastest-growing school districts in North Texas, currently serving over 28,000 students across 25 campuses. Prosper ISD is one of the fastest-growing school districts in North Texas, adding approximately 3,400 new students each year. The district currently has three high schools, with plans to open two more over the next five years, and eventually expanding to six to eight high schools at full build-out. In addition, Prosper ISD is preparing to open a new middle school in 2024 and another in 2025 to accommodate the rapidly increasing student population. The district is known for its strong academic performance and commitment to providing quality education to its students, making it a key attraction for families moving to the area.
Prosper ISD niche.com 2024 Ranking
Real Estate
Prosper's real estate market reflects its growth and desirability, with an average home price of $916,000. Home prices in Prosper range from just under $400,000 to over $3 million, offering a variety of options for homebuyers. The area is known for its spacious lots and luxury homes, with many properties offering land or acreage, providing residents with room to spread out. New construction is booming, with homes starting in the mid-$600,000 range and going up to $2.5 million. There are currently about 95 active new construction listings in the MLS, though actual opportunities are likely higher due to ongoing development.
Recreation and Lifestyle
Prosper maintains a strong sense of community with various events and activities that bring residents together. The town hosts annual events like Celebrate Prosper, which features live entertainment, food vendors, and activities for families. Other popular events include Fourth of July celebrations and Christmas festivals. The area has seen an increase in commercial development, particularly along Highway 380, with new grocery stores, restaurants, and retail options making daily life more convenient for residents. Master-planned communities in Prosper often feature their own events and amenities, further enhancing the community atmosphere.
Celina, Texas
Location and Growth
Celina is located just north of Prosper, approximately 40 miles from downtown Dallas. It is one of the fastest-growing areas in North Texas, with a current population of around 51,000. The city has seen an impressive growth rate of nearly 20% and is projected to reach a population of 378,000 at full build-out, making it one of the largest planned communities in the region. Celina covers about 78 square miles and is positioned to become a major hub for new residents seeking a blend of rural charm and modern conveniences.
Celina Texas Population Estimates 2024
Education
Celina ISD is expanding rapidly to keep pace with the city's growth. The district is forecasted to serve nearly 5,400 students in the 2024-2025 school year, marking a 14% increase from the previous year. With 9,700 new homes expected to be built in the next five years, the district is planning for significant enrollment growth, aiming to reach 14,000 students by the 2030-2031 school year. Many communities in Celina, such as Light Farms, Mosaic, and Mustang Lakes, feed into the Prosper ISD, offering residents a choice of school districts as they navigate the rapidly evolving educational landscape.
Celina ISD niche.com Ranking 2024
Real Estate
Celina's real estate market offers a wide range of options, from homes starting in the low $300,000s to expansive properties priced over $8 million. New construction is abundant, with current listings ranging from $373,000 to $2.3 million. The city also provides opportunities for those looking to purchase land, with 52 active land listings featuring parcels from small lots to over 100-acre ranches. Celina is particularly attractive for those seeking custom home builds or larger properties, providing ample space and potential for future growth.
Celina Texas Housing Market Trends!
Homes for Sale in Celina Texas!
Recreation and Lifestyle
Celina combines rural charm with modern amenities, offering residents a unique lifestyle. The city is home to several vineyards, providing opportunities for wine tours and tastings. A new 77-acre mixed-use development is underway at Preston Road and Owensby, featuring a Costco, Chipotle, Chick-fil-A, and more, enhancing the convenience and appeal of living in Celina. The city hosts numerous community events, including the popular Cajun Fest and monthly Friday Market, which feature food trucks, music, and local vendors. Seasonal celebrations like Splash and Bash, Beware of the Square, and Christmas on the Square further strengthen Celina's community spirit, offering residents a variety of activities throughout the year.
Each of these North Dallas suburbs offers distinct advantages and opportunities for families and individuals considering a move to the Dallas-Fort Worth metro area. Whether you prioritize excellent schools, a vibrant community, or access to a range of amenities, there is a suburb that can meet your needs and enhance your quality of life.
