Everything’s bigger in Texas. And Dallas, the nation’s fourth largest metropolitan area, is getting even bigger. Ranking as the second fastest-growing metropolitan area in the nation, Dallas’ surrounding towns have grown more than the city itself. In fact, North Dallas has seen unprecedented growth since the early 2000s, with businesses migrating to the suburbs (not downtown). With the influx of telecom, automotive, food, finance, and media industries, thousands of employees now call North Dallas home. Comparing the populations from 2010 to 2016 shows even the small towns have seen big changes.
1. Prosper
With Frisco to its south and the Dallas North Tollway running through the middle, Prosper offers access to just about anywhere in North Dallas. That probably explains how it’s grown by 10K people in the past six years. Plus, now they’ve built a brand new high school — equipped with everything, from a greenhouse, to a complete medical tech lab, to an indoor football practice facility. With additions like these, their growth won’t stop soon.
2. Melissa
Just north of McKinney, this little town is on the rise. And with a population of only 7K, there’s still room for growth. With a climbing real estate market, convenient access to I-75, and great schools, Melissa prides itself on small-town charm in the midst of a booming economy.
3. Frisco
At the heart of North Dallas growth sits Frisco. With a hot job market, nine million square feet of shopping, and a top-rated school district, who wouldn’t want to live in Frisco? Time and again it’s voted as a top suburban choice in the US. Plus, it’s a sports-lover’s dream. The local Dr Pepper Ballpark, Toyota Stadium, and Dr Pepper Arena provide venues for various levels of baseball, hockey, and basketball. And now the Dallas Cowboys have even moved their corporate headquarters to Frisco, building brand new training facilities, practice fields, and a 12K seat stadium for some good ole’ Friday night football.
4. Little Elm
In 2000, this little town was home to just under 4,000 people. With 35,000 residents today, it’s one of the fastest-growing towns in the nation. Although most of the growth happened earlier in the 2000s, it’s still growing. Located right on the Lewisville Lake, Little Elm offers a laid-back atmosphere with beaches, marinas, parks, and miles of hiking and biking trails along the shore. And since this little town has boomed so recently, almost everything is new. Plus, with neighbors like Frisco, the job market is looking good.
5. McKinney
Second in population to Plano, this town was named Money Magazine’s #1 Place to Live in 2014. With high employment, low crime, great schools, beautiful parks, and affordable housing, people flock to the area. The parks, hills, streams, and lakes of McKinney offer outdoor recreation amidst a thriving economy of medical technology, data management, manufacturing, sustainability, aviation, defense, retail, office, and transportation.
6. Denton
Known as a college town, Denton is home to the University of North Texas and Texas Women’s College, which keep students coming. In this community (that bleeds green for UNT), you’ll find a thriving tech field, a growing music and arts scene, and a love for the rodeo. It’s a true Texas town where cowboys and city folk live next door from each other.
7. Allen
Allen’s growth rate has climbed steadily since before 2000. As it keeps expanding its job market, restaurants, and retail offerings, people continue to stream into the area. Plus, it’s one of the safest cities around. Allen ISD consistently ranks among the best schools in the nation with top academic offerings, strong athletic teams, and thriving arts programs. Plus, residents have about 800 acres of parks to enjoy right within their city limits.
8. Plano
Named “best city to find a job in 2016”, Plano acts as a catalyst for growth in surrounding areas. Legacy West is in its final stages as it develops corporate offices, residences, retail, and hotels all in one prime location. The five million square feet of corporate space will soon be home to companies like Toyota, Liberty Mutual, and JP Morgan Chase. In the next two years, this area alone will bring 16K jobs to the community.
Plano offers a high quality of life with stellar public schools, low taxes, and too many lifestyle amenities to list. No wonder its surrounding towns are booming.
9. Richardson
As Dallas’ closest neighbor to the north, Richardson attracts its residents with an ever-growing telecommunications industry. Home to AT&T, Ericsson, Verizon, Cisco Systems, Samsung, MetroPCS, Texas Instruments, Qorvo, and Fujitsu, there’s no shortage of jobs in this market. For those in healthcare, the BlueCross BlueShield of Texas headquarters are in Richardson. And for those in education, there is the University of Texas Dallas.
24/7 Wall St. named it one of America’s Best Cities to Live in 2014, based on crime, economy, education, housing, environment, leisure, and infrastructure. It offers easy access both in and out of Dallas, great schools, and an ever-increasing job market. Richardson may not be the newest city around, but it’s great.
10. Carrollton
Another steadily growing North Dallas town, Carrollton continues to give residents easy access to Dallas-Fort Worth, while offering the convenience of the suburbs. Its central location between these major cities provides an ideal place for both business and lifestyle. It continually ranks as a top city for new jobs, business expansion, and new developments. All the while it’s still a small town with great schools, parks, trails, and a community atmosphere.
