Looking for recommendations about DFW Metroplex cities

Posted by Average_human_bean@reddit | askdfw | View on Reddit | 17 comments

Hello everyone,

I've done my research related to this, but I'm looking for personal opinions.

I plan on moving to the Dallas Metroplex soon, and I'm deciding exactly which part.

Up until now my first choice is Plano, but I'm also considering Frisco, McKinney, and Richardson.

I'll be moving with my family, so I'm prioritizing safety and school quality above everything else.

For reference, I'll be working somewhere between Downtown Dallas and Mesquite. I'm aware of the traffic. It is my understanding that my commute will be somewhere between 40 minutes and 1 hour, which I'm used to.

I appreciate your comments. Thanks!

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Repulsive_Pin_6585@reddit

I was in the same situation as you several years ago. Office located downtown Dallas and have kids so safety and schools were important. We settled in east Dallas and love it. It’s a very different option compared to the suburbs on your list, but I’ve fallen in love with the area, its trees and greenbelt, and only a 20 min commute to downtown. Lochwood, little forest hills, Eastwood, Lakewood are all great communities for families and would give you more time at home and less time in the car

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Average_human_bean@reddit (OP)

Sounds good! After some thought I am now strongly considering Somewhere around Lakewood, Little Forest Hills, or anywhere near White Rock Lake. How safe is the area? Right now I have mostly looked into the Windsor at White Rock apartments or Lakewood Flats. Any apartment recommendation would be really helpful! Thanks!

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Repulsive_Pin_6585@reddit

I actually lived at Windsor at white rock and am over there fairly regularly still. Highly recommend for both safety and price point

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Average_human_bean@reddit (OP)

Excellent, thanks!

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Traditional_One8465@reddit

I second this. There are pockets in Dallas that are safe and great community. I grew up in East Dallas & still love it! Dallas also has some of the best schools in the nation. You'll have an overall better school district in the suburbs, but certain schools in DISD are elite, albeit can be competitive to enter.

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Cold_Mix5156@reddit

You've narrowed it to the right cities for families prioritizing schools and safety imo. Quick breakdown based on your commute (Downtown/Mesquite):

Richardson — Closest to your work, 25-35 min commute. Richardson ISD is academically strong. More affordable than the others, established neighborhoods with mature trees. The knock: older housing stock (1970s-80s), some areas feel dated. The upside: Silver Line just opened, connecting you to DFW Airport without going through downtown. I think personally think Richardson is heavily underrated.

Plano — 35-45 min commute. PISD is the most proven district of the four. West Plano (75024, 75093) has the prestige but higher prices. East Plano (75074, 75075) is more affordable with upside — the $1B Collin Creek redevelopment is transforming that area. Plano is fully built out, so you're buying into stability rather than growth.

Frisco — 45-55 min commute. Frisco ISD is excellent but crowded (fastest-growing district in Texas). Newer housing stock, master-planned communities, lots of families with young kids. The trade-off: longer commute and higher property taxes via MUDs/PIDs in newer neighborhoods. Follow the Frisco subreddit if you haven't already -- there is a lot of consternation and tension about the makeup of the city. It's really alarming, unfortunately.

McKinney — 50-60 min commute. McKinney ISD is solid. More affordable than Frisco with a similar vibe (sans community tension). Historic downtown is a plus. The knock: farthest from your work, and the US-380 corridor can be brutal during construction.

My take: Given your commute to Downtown/Mesquite, I'd prioritize Richardson or East Plano. You get strong schools without the 50+ minute drive. Frisco/McKinney are great cities, but that daily commute adds up.

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Average_human_bean@reddit (OP)

Hi, me again with another DFW question. I'm now considering moving to somewhere around White Rock Lake. Somewhere around Lakewood or Little Forest Hills. I'd really appreciate your thoughts on those. Thanks!

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Average_human_bean@reddit (OP)

Thank you for your response! I'm really torn, they all seem like great options.

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ExpertBirdLawLawyer@reddit

Double Oak, Texas

Feels like you're in the country but you're 3 minutes from a super Target plus some of the lowest taxes around

I'll probably die in this town I love it so much

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Ok_Tadpole7839@reddit

Richardson tbh it's family oriented and diverse its easy to go down town just gettingg to Mesquite..... I mean honestly porb Mesquite tbh if... What travel times are you looking for?

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Hembalaya@reddit

They're all going to be pretty similar in terms of safety - they're typical suburbs. Frisco and McKinney are going to have a higher density of good schools compared to Plano and Richardson. Just depends on your budget and appetite for a commute. I wouldn't recommend a commute from Frisco or McKinney to either Downtown Dallas or Mesquite, but I know that folks do it. It's easy for a commute time to double because of a wreck, especially when you're commuting that many miles on highways.

I guess the unsatisfying answer is it depends - what is most important of schools, home price, commute? That will help guide your answer

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Average_human_bean@reddit (OP)

Thank you for your response. The most important aspect for me is school quality, assuming safety is comparable.

I'll be renting an apartment in any case.

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Hembalaya@reddit

Sure thing! It’s what I’m here for. If that’s the case, I’d focus on Frisco and MicKinney.

If you need help finding an apartment feel free to DM me. I can set you up with a list of what’s available in whatever city you decide on.

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HeChosePoorly50@reddit

If you want location and school quality, Coppell is hard to beat.

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LibertyProRE@reddit

Put in the address of any place you're considering here to check nearby:

https://www.familywatchdog.us/

You do not have to make an account. Just put in the address and search.

You plan to purchase or rent at first?

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Average_human_bean@reddit (OP)

Thank you for your response.

I plan on renting an apartment at first. If all goes well I might purchase in the future.

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KatInNDallas@reddit

I live in Richardson and love it. We are on the West side of 75 and near UTDallas. It is pretty much central to everywhere we go.