The 10 Best Dallas Suburbs To Consider for Your Move to DFW

If the warm weather, friendly Lone Star charm, and beautiful homes have inspired you to move to Dallas, we totally get it. But the city is big — even by Texas standards — and it’s hard to know where to start your home search. That’s why we’ve compiled this comprehensive guide to help you navigate the best Dallas suburbs. Whether you’re looking for invigorating night life or a quieter small-town feel, Dallas suburbs offer something for everyone. Before we explore our top 10 list, let’s get acquainted with the area. 

Cost of Living in Dallas

The cost of living in Dallas is just a smidge higher than the nationwide average. But when you compare the city to other major hubs like Seattle, San Francisco, and even Denver, it’s significantly cheaper. Here’s a closer look at the cost of living in Dallas, Texas. 

• Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $1,400
• Average rent for a two-bedroom apartment: $1,850
• Average home value: $305,650
• Median household income: $67,800

While the costs look fairly reasonable, the Dallas suburbs have some of the most expensive homes in the country — like University Park near Southern Methodist University (SMU), where the average home value is over $2.2 million. But there are lots of other options if “budget-friendly” is what you’re looking for in the Dallas suburbs.

Dallas 101: The Basics 

Many of the best Dallas suburbs are surprisingly full of historic flavor, particularly in established districts where residents have focused on restoration in recent years. But quaint architectural details can become less charming if you have a two-hour drive to the office — so be sure to consider commute times from the Dallas suburbs if working from home isn’t an option. 

For some perspective: DFW is a sprawling region composed of more than 8,500 square miles (on a Dallas map, the city itself occupies 385 square miles). With a population of nearly 8 million, DFW is forecast to overtake New York City as the largest metro area in the nation by the year 2100. 

Transportation in Dallas

There are no two ways about it: You need to have a car in Dallas. Yes, there is public transportation: Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) operates a bus service and rail system that can get you around most of the city and its surrounding areas. Commuters actually praise the mostly reliable timing and convenience. But the city lies at the intersection of several major highways — the I-20, I-30, and I-35 — and there are dozens of byways and business loops that criss-cross through the enormous metroplex. Simply put, it’s a car town.

Schools in Dallas

The best Dallas suburbs all have something special to offer residents. 

Comparing the 10 Best Dallas Suburbs by the Numbers

There are a lot of benefits to living in Dallas and its surrounding suburbs, but each community offers its own perks. Here’s a quick overview of our top picks for the best Dallas suburbs, and then we’ll dive into the 

1. Coppell, TX

• Population: 42,500
• Average home value: $610,050
• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,775
• Rush-hour commute to downtown: 25-40 minutes

2. McKinney, TX

• Population: 196,160
• Average home value: $510,700
• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,675
• Rush-hour commute to downtown: 35-50 minutes

3. Allen, TX

• Population: 105,400
• Average home value: $506,700
• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,675
• Rush-hour commute to downtown: 25-45 minutes

4. Grapevine, TX

• Population: 50,800
• Average home value: $506,100
• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,675
• Rush-hour commute to downtown: 25-40 minutes

5. Flower Mound, TX

• Population: 76,600
• Average home value: $599,900
• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,800
• Rush-hour commute to downtown: 35-50 minutes

6. Frisco, TX

• Population: 202,100
• Average home value: $671,200
• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,800
• Rush-hour commute to downtown: 30-45 minutes

7. Murphy, TX

• Population: 20,900
• Average home value: $591,150
• Median Rent: $3,100
• Rush-hour commute to downtown: 30-45 minutes

8. Melissa, TX

• Population: 15,200
• Average home value: $463,575
• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,850
• Rush-hour commute to downtown: 40-55 minutes

9. Sunnyvale, TX

• Population: 7,900
• Average home value: $630,800
• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,175
• Rush-hour commute to downtown: 20-35 minutes

10. Prosper, TX

• Population: 31,500
• Average home value: $816,700
• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,900
• Rush-hour commute to downtown: 40-55 minutes

10 Best Dallas Suburbs

Without further ado, here are the top 10 best suburbs in Dallas. 

1. Coppell, TX

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,775
• Average home value: $610,050
• Commute and transportation: 25-min drive to downtown Dallas; close to many bus lines
• Great for: Affluent professionals, families, commuters, frequent travelers

Coppell is one of the prominent Dallas suburbs just northwest of the city, offering residents a pleasing blend of suburban tranquility and convenient access to downtown. Coppell is one of the best Dallas suburbs for families due to its top-rated schools and safe, community-focused environment. Coppell features 17 parks over 545 acres of land, where residents can enjoy trails, pavilions, water fountains, and more.

With just a quick ride to the DFW International Airport, Coppell is a favorite for frequent travelers. And while it’s got a quiet, relaxed vibe, the town is also home to a growing number of restaurants, boutiques, and community events. For fresh, seasonal produce, visit the Coppell Farmers Market every Saturday, and for local cuisine you can’t beat, check out Anamia’s, a family-owned Tex-Mex restaurant. 

2. McKinney, TX

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,675
• Average home value: $506,700
• Commute and transportation: 35-min drive to downtown Dallas
• Great for: Families, shopping enthusiasts, history lovers, commuters

Just 30 minutes north of Dallas you’ll find the suburb of McKinney, home to a charming and historic downtown that has been the heart of the community for more than 150 years. Like a lot of north Dallas suburbs, McKinney is an affluent area (remember “Dallas,” the 1980s nighttime soap opera?), with communities of sprawling estates, golf courses, and lakes. For less expensive tastes, the neighborhood of Tucker Hill features charming homes with front porches on tree-lined streets — still a highly upscale community, but more modest. 

Take advantage of the city’s free trolley and explore the downtown historic district, where you’ll find more than 170 shops — from boutiques, galleries, and antique stores to restaurants and specialty shops. For a glimpse into early 20th century life, check out the beautifully preserved homes and seasonal events in McKinney’s Chestnut Square Historic Village.

While McKinney residents are close enough to Dallas to take advantage of big city eateries, the local dining scene is impressive on its own. We recommend checking out Hutchins BBQ for melt-in-your-mouth brisket, Harvest at the Masonic for organic eats, and  Rick’s Chophouse for an elegant steak meal in the Grand Hotel (a must for special occasions). 

Allen is home to Hydrous Wake Park, an extreme sports center for both novice and experienced wakeboarders.
(Source: @HydrousWakePark via Facebook)

3. Allen, TX

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,675
• Average home value: $506,100
• Commute and transportation: 25-min drive to downtown Dallas, depending on traffic; public transit is limited
• Great for: Jobs, families, public schools, diversity, affordability

Welcome to Allen, the location of the very first train robbery in Texas history! Since that fateful day in 1878, when Sam Bass and his associates took about $1,500 from train No. 4, Allen has grown from a sleepy Western burg to a bustling community.

Today, Allen is known as one of the best Dallas suburbs — and though there are fewer (as in zero) train robberies, that doesn’t mean it’s boring. There’s plenty to do, including skating at the community ice rink, wakeboarding at the Hydrous Wake Park, or exploring the Connemara Meadow Nature Preserve. Not to mention plenty of great restaurants to grab a bite. 

Allen is located south of McKinney and north of Plano, but US-75 cuts right through the heart of Allen and will take you straight to downtown Dallas in less than 30 minutes. 

Thanks to Allen’s renowned beauty and highly-rated school district, it’s considered one of the best Dallas suburbs for families, whether they're moving from out of state or one town over. 

4. Murphy, TX 

• Median Rent: $3,100
• Average home value: $591,150
• Commute and transportation: 30-minute drive to downtown Dallas
• Great for: Families, school-age kids, corn enthusiasts

Into dad jokes? Murphy just might be your town. Its annual Maize Days Festival, known fondly as the Cornival, celebrates all things corn — even though the crop isn’t necessarily a big one in the area. Still, the festival highlights the town’s connection to its rural past in a festive, community-centered fashion with live music, food, and local crafts.

During the other 364 days of the year, this town is one of the more quiet (but growing) Dallas suburbs. Located about 20 miles northeast of Dallas, Murphy is close enough to commute. Here you’ll find neighborhoods like The Aviary and Rolling Ridge Estates, which feature mainly large, contemporary home designs in well-maintained communities with lots of amenities and greenspace.

Schools are highly rated here — important for families deciding where to live in Dallas — with both the local school districts earning excellent marks for academic programs, strong extracurricular activities, and supportive community involvement. In fact, Murphy is ranked No. 8 for best public schools in the state, according to Niche.

5. Grapevine, TX 

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,725
• Average home value: $535,575
• Commute and transportation: 25-minute drive to downtown; you can catch the orange DART line at DFW International Airport
• Great for: Families, hikers, wine aficionados, foodies, retirees

When early settlers arrived in this part of what’s now Texas, they discovered wild grapes growing everywhere. Hence the name: Grapevine. Today, there are fewer wild grapes — but plenty of wineries have taken their place. 

In many ways, Grapevine is one of the quintessential Dallas suburbs — and definitely has the hallmarks of the best place to live in Dallas: You’ll find older bungalows, ranch houses, and cottages mixed in with a smattering of new subdivisions and apartment complexes. But there’s more to this ‘burb than meets the eye. 

Grapevine’s quaint and historic Main Street is more alive than ever, with locally owned restaurants, high-end shopping, and art galleries (not to mention those wineries). You can grab farm-fresh produce from the farmers and artisan market. And just steps away from the hustle and bustle, you’ll find yourself with endless options for outdoor recreation, including nature parks, hiking trails, sports fields, and more.

Grapevine is located in the Mid-Cities suburban region, making it not just one of the best Dallas suburbs but one of the best Fort Worth suburbs, too. And homes are less expensive in this centrally located area than in some neighboring areas, which in recent years has drawn more retirees seeking an active lifestyle.

6. Prosper, TX

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,900
• Average home value: $816,700
• Commute and transportation: 40-minute drive to downtown Dallas
• Great for: Young families, affluent professionals, commuters, outdoor lovers

Prosper might be your destination if you’re looking for wide-open spaces and a small-town feel — but with a distinctive Texas style. And though its name hints at big ambition, this Dallas suburb 36 miles north of the city is relaxed, welcoming, and one of the best places to live in Dallas, Texas. 

A standout community is Whitley Place, known for large homes, shaded streets, and well-tended lawns. Stocked fishing ponds top the list of amenities along with resort-style pools, tennis, and scenic walking trails — perfect for family outings (but with a touch of luxury). Gentle Creek Estates is another in-demand Prosper neighborhood, with homes that showcase not only views of the nicely tended golf course but also sweeping vistas of the rolling Texas landscape.

When it comes to dining, Prosper locals like The Gin, located in a historic cotton gin building and serving up classic Texas burgers and ribs. And for family nights out, Silo Park in Prosper’s Old Town district has a rotating lineup of food trucks offering a wide variety of cuisines from burgers and tacos to pizza and sweets. Live music is often on the menu as well, and there’s plenty of outdoor seating under the twinkle-lights and trees. How’s that for a Saturday night out in one of the best Dallas suburbs for families?

The Riverwalk at Central Park is a new retail and residential development in Flower Mound.
(Source: @FlowerMound via Facebook)

7. Flower Mound, TX 

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,975
• Average home value: $599,900
• Commute and transportation: 35-minute drive to downtown; few public transit options available
• Great for: Families, public schools, housing, jobs, diversity

Just north of Grapevine Lake lies one of the best suburbs to live in Dallas: Flower Mound. This large, established area offers great schools, plenty of shopping, abundant homes, and, yes, a 12.5-acre “mound” of wildflowers in the center of town. 
 
Expansive homes are situated on spacious lots, many featuring koi ponds, gardens, and pools. And the town is overflowing with beautiful scenery, making it ideal for wraparound porches and outdoor living — and always a contender for the best place to live in Dallas.
 
As you’d expect from a relatively affluent suburb, Flower Mound features a great school district with one of the best high schools in Dallas. When your kids aren’t busy studying, they can play in one of the area’s many parks or hike along miles of trails. 
 
In fact, Flower Mound is an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise. Locals enjoy fishing in the 800-acre Lake Grapevine, running and biking on the trails in Stone Creek Park, and camping in Twin Coves Park.

8. Melissa, TX

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,850
• Average home value: $463,575
• Commute and transportation: 45-minute drive to downtown Dallas
• Great for: Families, commuters

Rural peace and quiet with a relatively easy commute into the metroplex have made Melissa an appealing Dallas suburb for more and more families — in fact, the population has grown more than 85 percent just since the 2020 census. One of the main draws is the school system, which earns an A+ rating from Niche. 

Just 40 minutes from the Oklahoma state line, Melissa has a definite open-and-airy vibe and is becoming known as one of the best suburbs of Dallas for young professionals. The downtown area is small — but the city plans to expand the retail spaces to accommodate all the new residents. 

Liberty is a master-planned community in Melissa that offers family-friendly amenities including a resort-style pool, playgrounds, walking trails, and a community clubhouse (named the Stars and Stripes Club, in keeping with the patriotic theme). The newer North Creek neighborhood offers relatively similar amenities with a focus on nature and outdoor living. 

Frisco Square is a multi-use development where you can live, shop, and dine. 
(Source: @FriscoSquareTX via Facebook)

9. Frisco, TX

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,800
• Average home value: $671,200
• Commute and transportation: 30-minute drive to downtown Dallas; limited public transit options
• Great for: Sports fans, suburbanites, families, public schools, jobs

Frisco is more than a Dallas suburb; it’s really a city of its own, with a significant population base and culture — and a growing reputation as one of the best suburbs of Dallas for young professionals and best places to live in Dallas for sports enthusiasts. Residents are close enough to commute to Dallas daily or simply pop in for the occasional live show — but there’s really no reason to ever leave Frisco if you don’t want to. 
 
Dallas Cowboys fan? You’ll be overjoyed by Frisco’s affordable subdivisions near The Star (the team’s corporate headquarters and practice facility). If European football is more your thing, Frisco is home to Toyota Stadium, where FC Dallas plays soccer.
 
Less sports-inclined Frisco residents can enjoy more than 9 million square feet of retail space throughout the city, from local boutiques to national chains. The dining scene is also growing — and we’re not just talking sports bars: Check out The Heritage Table in the Old Town Frisco district for locally sourced Texas cuisine. 

10. Sunnyvale, TX

• Average rent (two-bedroom): $1,175
• Average home value: $630,800
• Commute and transportation: 20-minute drive to downtown Dallas
• Great for: Young families, affluent professionals, commuters, outdoor lovers

Welcome to Sunnyvale — one of the best places to raise a family in Dallas County and one of the best Dallas suburbs for commuters.

Homes here on the east side of the metro area feature mostly larger designs on acre-sized lots — perfect for all the growing families choosing to put down roots in this Dallas suburb. 

At Stoney Creek, one of Sunnyvale’s more luxurious master-planned communities, custom homes sit atop even larger lots of land with prices to match — starting in the high $500,000s. The community also features two swimming pools, a fitness center, parks, and more than eight miles of walking and biking trails. Budget-friendly homes aren’t really abundant in Sunnyvale, but you can find more modest prices — and floorplans — in The Falls and Stone Canyon neighborhoods.

Choosing Your Place in One of the Best Dallas Suburbs

Whether you’re moving to Dallas from far away or just relocating from another part of the Dallas-Fort Worth area, this part of the Lone Star State has a lot to offer. We hope we’ve helped you get closer to finding the perfect home in one of the best Dallas suburbs. 

Easton Smith works as a freelance writer and researcher, reviewing technology trends and the moving industry.

Editor’s note: For ease of reading, populations were rounded to the nearest 100, monthly rental prices were rounded to the nearest $25, and home values were rounded to the nearest $100.