Desirable Dallas-Fort Worth Suburbs

The Dallas-Fort Worth metro area is a massive region that matches the size of some U.S. states. This area covers an expanse of land larger than Delaware or Connecticut and is home to more than seven million people. There’s a lot to love about living in this area. Dallas and Fort Worth are major cities with powerful economies and tons to see and do. Whether it’s the Fort Worth Stock Yards or the Dallas Arts District, there’s a lot to experience living in the center of this metro area.

However, some people prefer the comfort of a scenic suburb, and the Dallas-Fort Worth metro area has plenty of these to offer. Let’s explore some of the cities and towns in this region that make for excellent places to settle down.

Mansfield is a mid-sized city of around 70,000 roughly a 35-minute drive from Dallas. It is perfect for raising a family with affordable homes, quiet and welcoming neighborhoods, and a high-rated school district. Beyond that, Mansfield has more than 800 acres of parks and trails.

Southlake is situated just south of Flower Mound, roughly a half-hour drive to Dallas. Southlake is located on the shores of Grapevine Lake, giving it a scenic look and plenty of trails along the water. This community of just over 30,000 is one of the wealthiest in Texas, and the real estate in the town reflects that. With luxury homes, excellent schools, and upscale shopping and dining, there’s much to love about life in Southlake.

Frisco is a city located north of Dallas, roughly a half-hour drive. This is no small suburb, as it is a big city in its own right, home to nearly 190,000. Frisco has excellent commercial options, with great shops and restaurants. It also has family-friendly museums like the Sci-Tech Discovery Center and the Frisco Heritage Museum.

Plano is a major suburb perfect for young professionals. It is a thriving economic hub home to around 290,000 residents and just a short 22-minute drive from Dallas. Plano is home to more than 10,000 businesses, including several Fortune 1000 companies, so job opportunities are boundless. It also has excellent parks and trails, like Oak Point Park.

Prosper is north of Frisco, around 45 minutes from Dallas. This is a smaller suburb for those that don’t want to live in a large city, although its population has been surging over the years. Today, Prosper is home to roughly 25,000 residents and maintains its small-town community feel. It has a great school district and tons of parks.

McKinney is yet another large North Texas suburb, and is located just east of Prosper. McKinney is a 35-minute drive to Dallas without traffic and is home to more than 191,000 people. McKinney has a historical downtown where much of the shopping and restaurants are concentrated. It has golf courses, breweries, and vineyards as well.

Godley is a community that feels far removed from the busyness of the big cities. An hour’s drive from Dallas, this small town is home to just over 1,000 residents. It is a quiet country community known for its hiking and nearby nature. Godley also has a charming downtown with delicious local restaurants and an array of shops.

Wylie is a 35-minute drive northeast of Dallas. It is a mid-sized community with a long agricultural history, but today is a modern and vibrant city. Wylie has ranked among the best places to live in the country for its great weather, low crime rate, easy commute to the big city, and growing economy.

Allen is a pleasant suburb that offers residents a dense feel. It is home to around 105,000 residents and is less than a half-hour drive to Dallas. Allen is known for its massive shopping destinations, more than 250 restaurants, and top-notch parks. It features over 70 miles of hiking and biking trails and 60 public parks.

Flower Mound is a city that derives its name from the large hill covered in flowers in the town, which is part of the city’s scenic appeal. Flower Mound is a mid-sized city home to 80,000, located a 35-minute drive northwest of Dallas. Flower Mound attracts many families who seek it out for its great public school district, 30 miles of hiking trails, and 680 acres of parkland.