Best suburbs in Dallas
The GI Bill of Rights, Ike’s interstate system, suburban development, and the growing affordability of cars allowed the suburbs to flourish throughout the mid-20th century. During this era, a new American Dream was established: one with single-family homes, white picket fences, and lush green lawns.
Today, however, the traditional suburb may no longer cater to what 79% of Americans want: walkability. Younger people are especially attracted to neighborhoods where stores, restaurants, and other amenities are a short walk away, according to a National Association of Realtors survey released in 2023. But a good location comes with a cost.
A Redfin analysis showed homes in 2019 in walkable areas sold for almost 25% more than homes without the same walkability, equivalent to nearly $78,000 more in the national average. Some suburbs offer the amenities of city life, whether through easy transit to big cities (such as Wilmette, Illinois, with easy proximity to Chicago), or college-town amenities such as those found in Claremont, California.
What individual families and people look for in a suburb will vary, of course, with some prioritizing quiet and extra space, even if that means driving more often.
Stacker used data from Niche to examine the best suburbs in Dallas. Niche ranked suburbs across the U.S. based on several factors, including diversity, the cost of living, the share of the population with college degrees, and the quality of schools and housing.
Read on to see the highest-ranked suburbs in Dallas.
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#25. Farmers Branch, Texas
– Population: 35,985
– Median home value: $289,200
– Median rental price: $1,701
– Top schools nearby: School for the Talented & Gifted (grade A+), School of Science & Engineering (grade A+), Uplift North Hills Preparatory – High School (grade A+)
– Top private schools nearby: St. Mark’s School of Texas (grade A+), Greenhill School (grade A+), The Hockaday School (grade A+)
– Overall Niche grade: A
— Weather grade: B+
— Cost of living grade: B
— Outdoor activities grade: B
#24. Euless, Texas
– Population: 60,360
– Median home value: $273,500
– Median rental price: $1,497
– Top schools nearby: Uplift North Hills Preparatory – High School (grade A+), Westlake Academy (grade A+), Glenhope Elementary School (grade A+)
– Top private schools nearby: Alcuin School (grade A+), The Episcopal School of Dallas (grade A+), Cistercian Preparatory School (grade A+)
– Overall Niche grade: A
— Weather grade: B+
— Cost of living grade: B−
— Outdoor activities grade: C+
#23. Sachse, Texas
– Population: 27,829
– Median home value: $328,500
– Median rental price: $1,670
– Top schools nearby: Don Whitt Elementary School (grade A+), Richland Collegiate High School (grade A+), Raymond B. Cooper Junior High School (grade A+)
– Top private schools nearby: Akiba Yavneh Academy (grade A+), John Paul II High School (grade A+), Trinity Christian Academy (grade A+)
– Overall Niche grade: A
— Weather grade: B+
— Cost of living grade: B
— Outdoor activities grade: B
#22. Wylie, Texas
– Population: 57,063
– Median home value: $316,500
– Median rental price: $1,844
– Top schools nearby: Plano East Senior High School (grade A+), Lovejoy High School (grade A+), Jenny Preston Elementary School (grade A+)
– Top private schools nearby: John Paul II High School (grade A+), Qalam Collegiate Academy (grade A), Spring Creek Academy (grade A)
– Overall Niche grade: A
— Weather grade: B+
— Cost of living grade: B
— Outdoor activities grade: B
#21. The Colony, Texas
– Population: 44,323
– Median home value: $325,900
– Median rental price: $1,739
– Top schools nearby: Uplift North Hills Preparatory – High School (grade A+), Reedy High School (grade A+), Jim Spradley Elementary (grade A+)
– Top private schools nearby: St. Mark’s School of Texas (grade A+), Greenhill School (grade A+), The Hockaday School (grade A+)
– Overall Niche grade: A
— Weather grade: B+
— Cost of living grade: B
— Outdoor activities grade: B−
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#20. Carrollton, Texas
– Population: 132,284
– Median home value: $327,300
– Median rental price: $1,555
– Top schools nearby: School for the Talented & Gifted (grade A+), School of Science & Engineering (grade A+), Coppell High School (grade A+)
– Top private schools nearby: St. Mark’s School of Texas (grade A+), Greenhill School (grade A+), The Hockaday School (grade A+)
– Overall Niche grade: A
— Weather grade: B+
— Cost of living grade: B
— Outdoor activities grade: B−
#19. Lucas, Texas
– Population: 7,746
– Median home value: $792,000
– Median rental price: $1,757
– Top schools nearby: Plano East Senior High School (grade A+), Lovejoy High School (grade A+), Jenny Preston Elementary School (grade A+)
– Top private schools nearby: John Paul II High School (grade A+), Qalam Collegiate Academy (grade A), Spring Creek Academy (grade A)
– Overall Niche grade: A
— Weather grade: B+
— Cost of living grade: B
— Outdoor activities grade: B
#18. Lantana, Texas
– Population: 11,706
– Median home value: $482,700
– Median rental price: $3,417
– Top schools nearby: Argyle West (grade A+), Lewisville School of Science and Technology Lower School (K-6) (grade A), Argyle Middle School (grade A)
– Top private schools nearby: Liberty Christian School (grade A+), Selwyn School (grade A), Coram Deo Academy – Flower Mound Campus (grade A)
– Overall Niche grade: A+
— Weather grade: B+
— Cost of living grade: B
— Outdoor activities grade: C+
#17. Rockwall, Texas
– Population: 47,859
– Median home value: $355,000
– Median rental price: $1,728
– Top schools nearby: George W. Bush Elementary School (grade A), Sunnyvale Intermediate School (grade A), New El #15 (grade A)
– Top private schools nearby: Bishop Lynch High School (grade A+), First Baptist Academy (grade A), Dallas Christian School (grade A)
– Overall Niche grade: A+
— Weather grade: B+
— Cost of living grade: B
— Outdoor activities grade: B
#16. Heath, Texas
– Population: 9,771
– Median home value: $621,200
– Median rental price: $1,886
– Top schools nearby: Sunnyvale Intermediate School (grade A), New El #15 (grade A), New Elementary School (grade A)
– Top private schools nearby: Dallas Christian School (grade A), Heritage Christian Academy (grade A), The Fulton School (grade unavailable)
– Overall Niche grade: A+
— Weather grade: B+
— Cost of living grade: B+
— Outdoor activities grade: B−
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#15. Double Oak, Texas
– Population: 3,039
– Median home value: $633,600
– Median rental price: $2,001
– Top schools nearby: Argyle West (grade A+), Marcus High School (grade A+), Lewisville School of Science and Technology Lower School (K-6) (grade A)
– Top private schools nearby: Liberty Christian School (grade A+), Selwyn School (grade A), Coram Deo Academy – Flower Mound Campus (grade A)
– Overall Niche grade: A+
— Weather grade: B+
— Cost of living grade: B+
— Outdoor activities grade: C+
#14. Melissa, Texas
– Population: 15,244
– Median home value: $371,800
– Median rental price: $2,269
– Top schools nearby: Jenny Preston Elementary School (grade A+), Imagine International Academy of North Texas (grade A+), Talley Elementary (grade A+)
– Top private schools nearby: Faith Lutheran School (grade A), Coram Deo Academy of Collin County (grade A−), Cornerstone Christian Academy (grade B+)
– Overall Niche grade: A+
— Weather grade: B+
— Cost of living grade: B
— Outdoor activities grade: B−
#13. Prosper, Texas
– Population: 31,507
– Median home value: $621,200
– Median rental price: $1,892
– Top schools nearby: Jim Spradley Elementary (grade A+), Lawler Middle School (grade A+), Jenny Preston Elementary School (grade A+)
– Top private schools nearby: Trinity Christian Academy (grade A+), Prince of Peace Christian School (grade A+), Legacy Christian Academy (grade A)
– Overall Niche grade: A+
— Weather grade: B+
— Cost of living grade: B−
— Outdoor activities grade: C+
#12. McKinney, Texas
– Population: 196,160
– Median home value: $400,400
– Median rental price: $1,740
– Top schools nearby: Liberty High School (grade A+), Independence High School (grade A+), Jim Spradley Elementary (grade A+)
– Top private schools nearby: John Paul II High School (grade A+), Trinity Christian Academy (grade A+), Prince of Peace Christian School (grade A+)
– Overall Niche grade: A+
— Weather grade: B+
— Cost of living grade: B−
— Outdoor activities grade: B−
#11. Grapevine, Texas
– Population: 50,763
– Median home value: $431,800
– Median rental price: $1,750
– Top schools nearby: Carroll Senior High School (grade A+), Coppell High School (grade A+), Uplift North Hills Preparatory – High School (grade A+)
– Top private schools nearby: St. Mark’s School of Texas (grade A+), Greenhill School (grade A+), The Hockaday School (grade A+)
– Overall Niche grade: A+
— Weather grade: B+
— Cost of living grade: B−
— Outdoor activities grade: B−
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#10. Highland Village, Texas
– Population: 15,883
– Median home value: $459,400
– Median rental price: $2,253
– Top schools nearby: Uplift North Hills Preparatory – High School (grade A+), Universal Academy – Coppell Campus (grade A+), Marcus High School (grade A+)
– Top private schools nearby: Trinity Christian Academy (grade A+), Liberty Christian School (grade A+), Prince of Peace Christian School (grade A+)
– Overall Niche grade: A+
— Weather grade: B+
— Cost of living grade: B
— Outdoor activities grade: C+
#9. Highland Park, Texas
– Population: 8,840
– Median home value: $1,678,600
– Median rental price: $2,673
– Top schools nearby: School for the Talented & Gifted (grade A+), School of Science & Engineering (grade A+), Uplift North Hills Preparatory – High School (grade A+)
– Top private schools nearby: St. Mark’s School of Texas (grade A+), Greenhill School (grade A+), The Hockaday School (grade A+)
– Overall Niche grade: A+
— Weather grade: B+
— Cost of living grade: B−
— Outdoor activities grade: B
#8. Parker, Texas
– Population: 5,573
– Median home value: $792,900
– Median rental price: $969
– Top schools nearby: Plano East Senior High School (grade A+), Jenny Preston Elementary School (grade A+), Tibbals Elementary School (grade A+)
– Top private schools nearby: John Paul II High School (grade A+), Prince of Peace Christian School (grade A+), Qalam Collegiate Academy (grade A)
– Overall Niche grade: A+
— Weather grade: B+
— Cost of living grade: B
— Outdoor activities grade: B
#7. Murphy, Texas
– Population: 20,880
– Median home value: $458,400
– Median rental price: $2,354
– Top schools nearby: Plano East Senior High School (grade A+), Don Whitt Elementary School (grade A+), Tibbals Elementary School (grade A+)
– Top private schools nearby: Akiba Yavneh Academy (grade A+), John Paul II High School (grade A+), Prince of Peace Christian School (grade A+)
– Overall Niche grade: A+
— Weather grade: B+
— Cost of living grade: B
— Outdoor activities grade: B
#6. Sunnyvale, Texas
– Population: 7,873
– Median home value: $496,500
– Median rental price: $999
– Top schools nearby: Richland Collegiate High School (grade A+), Sunnyvale Elementary School (grade A), Sunnyvale Intermediate School (grade A)
– Top private schools nearby: Lakehill Preparatory School (grade A+), Bishop Lynch High School (grade A+), First Baptist Academy (grade A)
– Overall Niche grade: A+
— Weather grade: B+
— Cost of living grade: B
— Outdoor activities grade: B
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#5. Allen, Texas
– Population: 105,444
– Median home value: $390,200
– Median rental price: $1,747
– Top schools nearby: Jim Spradley Elementary (grade A+), Lovejoy High School (grade A+), Lawler Middle School (grade A+)
– Top private schools nearby: Alcuin School (grade A+), Dallas International School (grade A+), Jesuit College Preparatory School of Dallas (grade A+)
– Overall Niche grade: A+
— Weather grade: B+
— Cost of living grade: B−
— Outdoor activities grade: B−
#4. Flower Mound, Texas
– Population: 76,630
– Median home value: $467,600
– Median rental price: $2,039
– Top schools nearby: Uplift North Hills Preparatory – High School (grade A+), Flower Mound High School (grade A+), Westlake Academy (grade A+)
– Top private schools nearby: Alcuin School (grade A+), Cistercian Preparatory School (grade A+), Dallas International School (grade A+)
– Overall Niche grade: A+
— Weather grade: B+
— Cost of living grade: B
— Outdoor activities grade: B−
#3. Frisco, Texas
– Population: 202,075
– Median home value: $531,400
– Median rental price: $1,803
– Top schools nearby: Liberty High School (grade A+), Uplift North Hills Preparatory – High School (grade A+), Reedy High School (grade A+)
– Top private schools nearby: St. Mark’s School of Texas (grade A+), Greenhill School (grade A+), The Hockaday School (grade A+)
– Overall Niche grade: A+
— Weather grade: B+
— Cost of living grade: B−
— Outdoor activities grade: B−
#2. University Park, Texas
– Population: 25,179
– Median home value: $1,600,300
– Median rental price: $2,686
– Top schools nearby: School for the Talented & Gifted (grade A+), School of Science & Engineering (grade A+), Uplift North Hills Preparatory – High School (grade A+)
– Top private schools nearby: St. Mark’s School of Texas (grade A+), Greenhill School (grade A+), The Hockaday School (grade A+)
– Overall Niche grade: A+
— Weather grade: B+
— Cost of living grade: B−
— Outdoor activities grade: B
#1. Coppell, Texas
– Population: 42,513
– Median home value: $489,700
– Median rental price: $1,743
– Top schools nearby: Coppell High School (grade A+), Uplift North Hills Preparatory – High School (grade A+), Coppell Middle School – East (grade A+)
– Top private schools nearby: St. Mark’s School of Texas (grade A+), Greenhill School (grade A+), The Hockaday School (grade A+)
– Overall Niche grade: A+
— Weather grade: B+
— Cost of living grade: B−
— Outdoor activities grade: B−
This story features data reporting and writing by Emma Rubin and is part of a series utilizing data automation across 67 metros.
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By Stacker
I love how Euless, Sachse, Wylie, and The Colony not only have great schools but also parks and cool dining spots. They really feel like vibrant communities perfect for families!
You’re spot on! Those suburbs really do have that perfect blend of community vibes. Did you know that The Colony is home to the popular Hawaiian Falls water park? It’s a great spot for family fun! Plus, the dining scene is definitely worth exploring in those areas.
Euless, Sachse, Wylie, and The Colony all sound like fantastic places to live! Have you checked out Frisco for its booming economy? McKinney’s charming downtown and parks are a must-see, too!
Have you noticed how the Dallas suburbs are transforming? It’s like they’re becoming these vibrant communities with parks, cafes, and shops that make walking a breeze. Farmers Branch is a gem with great schools and affordable homes. It’s a thrilling time to find a place that feels just right!