The Best Suburbs of Dallas - 2025 Buyer's Guide

Many folks moving to Dallas want to be in the heart of the city, enjoying the arts and music scene in Deep Ellum or hitting the clubs of Uptown. 

Yet, many homebuyers fall in love with the quiet suburban enclaves surrounding this massive metroplex. Homes sit on larger plots of land, many suburbs have robust job markets, and outdoor and indoor recreation is just minutes away, depending on where you look for a house. 

To give buyers a lay of the land, we've compiled a list of the best Dallas suburbs.

Best Suburbs of Dallas, TX

• Plano
• Frisco 
• Wylie 
• Allen 
• Richardson
• DeSoto 
• Cedar Hill 
• Mansfield 

Plano

Plano is a top choice for homebuyers who want to live within reach of Dallas. President George Bush Turnpike borders Plano to the south and the Sam Rayburn Tollway to the north. 

Plano boasts numerous shopping centers, offering residents various retail options without the hassle of commercial traffic infiltrating residential neighborhoods. Designed in a grid format, commercial hubs strategically dot key intersections. This way, neighborhoods like Post Oak Estates and Preston Springs are thoughtfully laid out to prevent traffic jams in residential areas. 

Notable centers include the expansive shopping destination at Independence Parkway and Parker Road and another hub to the west at Parker and Coit Road. 

This is a wonderful city to live in, as Plano's residential landscape offers a small town feel. Homes are set back on generous plots of land, often featuring spacious yards. The architectural diversity is notable, with a prevalence of Colonial and Ranch designs. In the historic district of Old Town Plano, charming Victorian homes like the Ammie Wilson House, complete with inviting wraparound porches, add a touch of classic elegance.

A distinctive feature of Plano is its claim as the Balloon Capital of Texas. Annually, in September, the city hosts a spectacular hot-air balloon festival, painting the sky with a myriad of colors as these balloons take flight.

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Frisco 

Frisco, Texas, is one of the fastest-growing cities in the U.S., as it is close to Dallas and Fort Worth and has a sizable corporate presence of its own. 

Frisco's allure goes beyond economic prospects; it is a haven for sports enthusiasts and entertainment seekers. The crown jewel is undoubtedly The Star, the iconic headquarters of the Dallas Cowboys. This multifaceted complex is a mecca for football fans and a hub of entertainment, dining, and shopping experiences. 

Video game fans will love the National Video Game Museum, which showcases digital gaming from Atari to modern e-sports. Folks who love to catch a game of soccer will love Frisco as it's the home of Toyota Stadium, where the FC Dallas professional soccer team plays their home games. 

Commuting from Frisco to Dallas is a breeze, thanks to well-planned and efficient transportation options. Folks who need to hear into Dallas for work can use the Dallas North Tollway to enter the city's heart. Regarding getting around town, Main Street cuts east to west through Frisco, with several branching roads taking drivers north or south. 

Frisco's real estate market features charming older homes with classic architectural styles and modern developments with cutting-edge designs and amenities. Major roads and highway service roads are separate master-planned communities from each other, creating plenty of commercial corridors where locals can find plenty of shops and restaurants. 

Regarding condos and townhomes, a few communities are clustered near the Dallas Parkway, like the Bell Frisco Market Center Apartments near the Frisco Market Center and Frisco Square shopping centers. 

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Wylie 

Since Dallas is in the North Texas region, there are few opportunities to get out on the open water. But if you move to Wylie, northwest of Dallas, you can live close to the shores of Lavon Lake and Lake Ray Hubbard. 

Homes here range from traditional townhomes in managed communities to single-family homes on large plots of land. There are also chances to purchase modern new construction homes, too. 

This blissful city is just a bedroom suburb of Dallas, offering locals a commute of about 30 minutes to the City Center District. South State Highway 78 is the town's main route towards Garfield and Dallas. The road is also where folks can find quick service restaurants, smatterings of shopping outlets, and grocery stores. On E Farm to Market 544 Road, shoppers can find a T.J. Maxx, Target, and a Kroger supermarket. The B&B Theatres Wylie 12 is right near here as well. 

While there are no homes directly on Lavon Lake, many boaters and anglers dock their vessel at the Collin Park Marina, which has two slips and a boat ramp. 

To the south on Lake Ray Hubbard, there are homes right on the shores of the lake, some of which come with private docks. But not everyone moving to Wylie wants to get out on the water. If you're a fan of hitting the links, you'll love the Woodbridge Golf Club, which is open to the public. 

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Allen 

You'll find the city of Allen on the northwestern outskirts of Dallas. This community offers diverse housing options and plenty of retail and dining. 

The Allen Premium Outlets beckon savvy shoppers with designer brands like Coach, Nike, and Fossil. Watters Creek Village offers an outdoor mall to the south with plenty of shopping and down-to-eat eateries like Beaubeaux's Bourbon & Biscuits. 

What sets Allen apart is its commitment to community spirit through engaging events and festivals. From the dazzling fireworks of the Market Street Allen USA Celebration in the summer to the culturally enriching Allen Arts Festival, these gatherings foster fun experiences, bringing the community together.

When it comes to exploring homes, there is a rich tapestry of styles to choose from. Allen has charming neighborhoods like Watters Crossing and Twin Creeks, where classic suburban homes coexist with modern developments featuring sleek designs. For instance, you can find apartments for sale in Settler's Gate, which is surrounded by a neighborhood of single-family homes. 

Allen's strategic location ensures convenient commuting to Dallas and the Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport. Folks can take US-75 South to head towards Dallas, while the Sam Rayburn Tollway provides a clear route to DFW.

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Richardson

Part of the beauty of Dallas is that businesses are not centralized in any one area. 

Even in the suburbs, you can find thriving industrial parks filled with innovating tech firms. One such area is Richardson, Texas. Located just south of Plano, this small city is known to locals as "Telecom Corridor." 

Over the years, Richardson became a hub for technology and telecom companies, making it a top choice for professionals seeking a thriving tech environment. The intersection of US-75 and East Campbell Road is where you can find firms like Reverent Technologies, Nemo IT Solutions, BBTech Solutions, and other tech and telecom providers. 

Part of the reason so many firms call Richardson home is because the city is home to the highly rated University of Texas at Dallas. As such, many graduates stay here for work and become young professionals. 

Golf is a popular pastime in Richardson, as there are two courses for locals to explore. Sherrill Park Golf Course is east of the Telecom Corridor and is open to public play. Canyon Creek Country Club is a private course on the western side of US-75, offering a pristine course where members can find solitude on the links. To the northwest is the expansive Firewheel Golf Park, which has three distinctive courses for golfers to explore. 

When folks aren’t on the links, you can find them at the Charles W. Eisemann Center for Performing Arts Center, which hosts concerts, ballet, and other performances throughout the year. 

Like other Dallas suburbs, commercial corridors separate neighborhoods from one another, making sure the streets remain free of truck traffic. Many homes here are single-story, with a connected garage. But there are opportunities to find unique takes on modern homes and properties surrounding one of the many golf courses. 

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DeSoto 

To the south of Dallas, homebuyers will find the quiet streets of DeSoto. Despite being less than 20 miles from Downtown Dallas, this small city offers a calm alternative to the busy suburbs north of Dallas. Many areas here are still under development, which means new construction homes are aplenty. 

Areas like Windmill Hill and Briarwood provide an array of housing options, from cozy single-story homes to larger mansions right near the Paul S. Dryer Nature Preserve At Windmill Hill. 

DeSoto offers locals large green spaces to unwind after work, unlike other Dallas suburbs. Several creeks wind through DeSoto, and lush thickets of trees and protected space surround these vibrant areas. Yet not all natural areas here are forests. The Thortree Golf Club offers tee times to anyone looking to hit the links after a long week in the office. 

One of the most popular locales is the DeSoto Town Center on Pleasant Run Road. This is where you can find the city hall, local recreation center, the public library, and an outdoor amphitheater. 

DeSoto provides convenient access to major highways like I-35E. I-35E connects to Route 20, making trips to Fort Worth much easier. Plus, many big box retailers are positioned on the I-35, from Home Depot to Walmart to familiar quick-service chains like Starbucks and Outback Steakhouse. 

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Cedar Hill 

Cedar Hill stands out from most Dallas suburbs because of its stretches of forest and marshland blended with suburban living. 

The Cedar Hill State Park, nestled around Joe Pool Lake, provides residents with opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, and camping. The Dogwood Canyon Audubon Center is another popular haunt where visitors can explore the native flora and fauna. 

When folks are not exploring nature, you can find them at Historic Downtown Cedar Hill. Phat Girlz BBQ & Catering is a local favorite here, and many will stop in for a BBQ plate before heading off to the nearby Hillside Village Shopping Center.

Due to the unique landscape, Cedar Hill offers a variety of housing options catering to different preferences. You can find single-family ranch homes in established neighborhoods and newer developments with modern designs. Neighborhoods like Lake Ridge and High Pointe showcase the diversity of housing choices available, such as post-modern mansions on hilltops overlooking Joe Pool Lake.

While Cedar Hill maintains a peaceful suburban atmosphere, it is conveniently located near major highways like U.S. Route 67. It offers easy access to downtown Dallas and other parts of the DFW metroplex. 

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Mansfield 

As you start to head west of Dallas, the suburbs share a border with Fort Worth. 

Mansfield is a suburb where you can reach Dallas or Fort Worth in about 30 minutes. Major highways like U.S. Route 287 can take you toward Fort Worth, while the 360 offers convenient transportation options for commuting to Dallas.

While people move here for the easy commute, what keeps them here are all the fun things to do in Mansfield. There are numerous parks, trails, and sports facilities scattered throughout Mansfield. Elmer W. Oliver Nature Park is a popular destination, offering a serene natural environment for hiking and wildlife observation. 

Folks looking for time out on the links will be happy to know there are two courses in town. The private Walnut Creek Country Club is near the 287, while the public Mansfield National Golf Club is near the 360.

Locals take pride in their arts and music, which is evident in the Music Alley Music & Arts Festival held each year in the historic downtown of Mansfield. Another popular event is the Mansfield Pickle Parade, where folks gather each March to try different pickles, engage in keg races, and participate in a 10k run for charity. Yet you do not have to wait for the festivities for a good time in Mansfield, as there are weekly farmers markets most of the year. 

Mansfield offers a variety of housing options for homebuyers looking for a change. There are sprawling neighborhoods of traditional single-family homes and neighborhoods like Walnut Creek, which showcase the diversity of architectural styles and housing preferences available in the city.

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