When thinking about moving to Dallas-Fort Worth with your family, choosing the right city can be a daunting task. With so many factors to consider—such as schools, safety, housing, and accessibility—it’s essential to know which cities are the best options for families. Based on a recent Niche.com article, here are the top five cities in the Dallas-Fort Worth area for raising a family.
5. Murphy, Texas
Overview and Location
Murphy, Texas may be small in size—only six square miles with about 21,000 residents—but it has a lot to offer families. Located north of Dallas and east of Plano, Murphy has easy access to the President George Bush Turnpike and Highway 75. It’s about a 35-minute drive to Dallas-Fort Worth Airport and 40 minutes to downtown Dallas.
Schools
Murphy offers families access to two highly rated school districts: Wylie Independent School District and Plano Independent School District. Both districts boast impressive ratings, with Wy ISD scoring a 96/100 and Plano ISD earning an 89/100 from the Texas Education Agency.
Safety and Housing
According to CrimeGrade.org, Murphy receives an “A” rating for crime and safety. Housing costs are higher here, with a median home price of $639,000 compared to the DFW median of $386,000. However, the investment in Murphy reflects its desirability, safety, and access to quality education.
4. Flower Mound, Texas
Overview and Location
Covering 44 square miles and home to about 78,000 people, Flower Mound is another excellent city for families. Positioned northwest of Dallas in Denton County, it offers easy access to several highways, including 377, 121, and Interstate 35. The city is only about 15 minutes from Dallas-Fort Worth Airport.
Schools
Residents of Flower Mound have access to the Lewisville Independent School District, which serves over 49,000 students with a strong teacher-to-student ratio. The district earned a solid “B” rating from the Texas Education Agency, with portions of the city feeding into the highly-rated Argyle Independent School District.
Safety and Housing
Flower Mound’s overall crime and safety rating is a “B,” and the median home price here is $775,000. While there isn’t as much new construction, Flower Mound offers a range of beautiful homes, including high-end, gated communities.
3. Frisco, Texas
Overview and Location
Frisco is a rapidly growing city with a population of around 223,000. Located about 16 miles north of Dallas, it provides residents with convenient access to major highways like the Dallas North Tollway and Sam Rayburn Tollway, making commutes easy to various parts of DFW.
Schools
The Frisco Independent School District is highly regarded, with a rating of 95/100 from the Texas Education Agency. It includes 72 schools that serve approximately 65,000 students.
Safety and Housing
Frisco is one of the safest cities in America, according to recent FBI crime data. The city is transparent about crime, offering residents access to a tool to track local crime rates. The median home price here is $678,000, and with the city’s size and growth, Frisco offers diverse housing options, from single-family homes to townhouses.
2. University Park, Texas
Overview and Location
With a population of just over 25,000, University Park is a smaller but affluent city near Southern Methodist University (SMU). Located north of Dallas between the Dallas North Tollway and Highway 75, it’s about a 16-minute drive to downtown Dallas and a short commute to Dallas Love Field Airport.
Schools
University Park feeds into the Highland Park Independent School District, one of Texas’s highest-rated districts, with an accountability rating of 98/100. Although it’s a small district with only eight schools, it’s known for its excellence.
Safety and Housing
University Park has a crime and safety rating of “B-.” This area is known for its higher housing prices, with a median home price of $2.5 million. It’s a prime location for affluent families, featuring high-end shopping and older homes with historic charm.
1. Coppell, Texas
Overview and Location
Finally, Coppell tops the list as the best city to raise a family in Dallas-Fort Worth. Located northwest of Dallas, Coppell covers 14 square miles and is home to about 43,000 people. Its location is ideal for frequent flyers, as it’s only 7-10 minutes from Dallas-Fort Worth Airport.
Schools
The Coppell Independent School District is another highly rated district, with an accountability score of 97/100. This district has consistently maintained high standards over the years, serving around 13,000 students in 16 schools.
Safety and Housing
Coppell’s crime and safety rating is a “C.” However, the city provides crime-tracking tools for residents to stay informed. The median home price in Coppell is $740,000, with limited new construction opportunities due to its well-established neighborhoods.
Conclusion
Each of these cities offers something unique, from Coppell’s ideal location near major airports to University Park’s prestigious schools and Flower Mound’s spacious suburban feel. Whether you prioritize top-rated schools, safety, or a range of housing options, there’s a city on this list that can meet your family’s needs. If you have questions about relocating to the Dallas-Fort Worth area, feel free to reach out for personalized guidance.
