January 5, 2021

Families are Moving to These 6 up-and-coming Cities in Texas

As the old saying goes, “everything is bigger in Texas”, and in this case, it’s true. As up-and-coming Texas cities continue to gain popularity nationally, a greater number of families are laying down roots in areas of Texas where the American Dream is alive and well.

This is just one of the things Pecan Square has in common with up-and-coming Texas cities, making it one of the best places to live in Texas for families. From walkability and great schools and restaurants to friendly neighbors and a sense of community, check out some of our favorite up-and-coming cities in Texas and how you can find your dream home in these emerging towns.

This is just one of the things Pecan Square has in common with up-and-coming Texas cities, making it one of the best places to live in Texas for families. From walkability and great schools and restaurants to friendly neighbors and a sense of community, check out some of our favorite up-and-coming cities in the Lone Star State and how you can find your dream home in these emerging Texas cities.

1. Frisco

According to the Census Bureau, Frisco is the fastest-growing city in Texas and sixth nationwide, in terms of community and business development. Not to mention, Money magazine named Frisco as the top city on its ‘50 Best Places to Live in America’ list in 2018.

So, what makes Frisco so appealing for families and first-time homebuyers? For one, it is one of the best places to work in Texas with a booming job industry, particularly in tech. As one of the first cities in the United States to welcome autonomous vehicles, Frisco is making strides in reimagining the weekday commute and connecting businesses to create an interconnected community.

As well as these technology innovations, Frisco still maintains its connection to nature. With over 1,500 acres of parkland and 90 miles of hiking and biking trails, Frisco proudly dons a badge for being one of the best places to live in Texas for families who love the great outdoors and staying active. Here are some other reason Frisco is a great place to live:

  • It is a safe, beautiful, and vibrant community.
  • Its nickname is ‘Sports City USA’ because it is home to the Dallas Cowboys, FC Dallas, Dallas Stars, and more, making it the perfect for sports lovers.
  • It is filled with lots of museums, shopping, and dining options.

Frisco Statistics and Information

  • Population: 200,509
  • Median household income: $128,761
  • Median home value: $438,104
  • Crime rate: Low
  • Zip codes: 75034, 75035

2. Plano

Located in Northeast Texas, Plano is an up-and-coming city in Texas with art and culture to boot. While it may have a big city feel  many young professionals and families who move to Plano stay active in the community, forming close-knit relationships with neighbors as one might in a small town.

Like many communities in Texas, Plano thrives on members of the community connecting with one another. That’s why the city proudly hosts annual events like the Plano Balloon Festival, which was held virtually this year, and regularly hosts live theater and performing art shows for the whole family to enjoy.

Kids can also let off steam at Amazing Jakes playing classic arcade games, driving bumper cars, and more. This kid-friendly town is great for having fun, but it also boasts some of the best school districts in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. This makes Plano a great place to build lasting memories and raise a family.

Plano Statistics and Information

  • Population: 285,494
  • Median household income: $96,348
  • Median home value: $513,325
  • Crime rate: Low
  • Zip codes: 75093, 75023, 75024, 75025, 75075

3. Fort Worth

In recent years, Dallas-Fort Worth has led the nation in relocations. Think big city living with opportunities to escape to pockets of nature within minutes of your home. Here’s why Fort Worth is one of the best places to live in Texas for families:

  • It combines true Texas heritage with modern and urban design.
  • It offers a variety of job opportunities with a relatively low-cost of living.
  • Its suburbs are all within 30 minutes of Downtown Fort Worth, making it accessible for all types of families.

While Fort Worth may have the biggest population of any city in our list, there are opportunities to enjoy the benefits of city living in a close-knit community. Pecan Square sits just 25 miles outside of Fort Worth in Northlake, Texas, making it an easy commute to downtown Fort Worth for date nights or special outings with the kids.

Fort Worth Statistics and Information

  • Population: 918,915
  • Median household income: $64,567
  • Median home value: $311,106
  • Crime rate: Medium
  • Zip codes: 76006, 76008, 76012, 76013, 76020, 76028, 76036, 76039, 76040, 76051, 76052, 76053, 76060, 76102, 76103, 76104, 76105, 76106, 76107, 76108, 76109, 76110, 76111, 76112, 76114, 76115, 76116, 76117, 76118, 76119, 76120, 76123, 76126, 76127, 76129, 76131, 76132, 76133, 76134, 76135, 76137, 76140, 76148, 76155, 76164, 76177, 76179, 76244, 76247, 76248, 76262

4. Round Rock

Located 15 miles north of Austin, sits Round Rock, a town recognized in 2019 as the fifth-best city in America to buy a home. From safety to proximity to industry, Round Rock has something for every family:

  • It is one of the most affordable communities in Texas to live.
  • It has a lively art scene similar to that of neighboring
  • It is incredibly walkable — coffee shops, farmer’s markets, parks, and schools are all walking distance from most neighborhoods.
  • It has an award-winning park system and school district.
  • It prioritizes clean energy, advanced manufacturing, and an overall better quality of life for its residents.
  • Its property tax rate and overall cost of living is much lower than Austin.

Round Rock Statistics and Information

  • Population: 119,468
  • Median household income: $86,121
  • Median home value: $548,738
  • Crime rate: Low
  • Zip codes: 78664, 78665, 78681, 78728

5. Sugar Land

With a name like Sugar Land, it’s bound to be a sweet experience for families moving to this up-and-coming Texas city. Founded as a sugar plantation in the 1800’s, Sugar Land is approximately 20 miles southwest of Downtown Houston.

Sugar Land is a great city to move to in Texas for several reasons. For one, it is home to many master-planned communities with large, affordable homes perfect for first-time homebuyers and young families alike. Sugar Land also has great schools, libraries, and civic organizations, and it was recently recognized by the Center for Digital Government, which makes it a prosperous place to live and work.

Among its many recognitions, it is one of the best cities for working parents to live and one of the most-livable mid-sized cities in the country. Families can enjoy outdoor activities like freshwater and saltwater fishing, or spend the day at Oyster Creek Park which is considered one of the most beautiful parks in the great Houston area. There’s plenty to do in this little town which is one of the reasons it makes our list of up-and-coming cities in Texas.

Sugar Land Statistics and Information

  • Population: 111,026
  • Median household income: $123,261
  • Median home value: $421,212
  • Crime rate: Low
  • Zip codes: 77498, 77479, 77478, 77477

6. Northlake

Northlake is truly a city of opportunity, with wide open spaces of land ready to be developed for new homes and businesses. At its core, Northlake embraces the best of both worlds: the beauty of the rural Texas landscape and an appreciation for urban life, with its 15-mile proximity to Dallas-Fort Worth.

Northlake Statistics and Information

  • Population: 5,201
  • Median household income: 92,750
  • Median home value: $526,966
  • Crime rate: Low
  • Zip codes: 76247, 76226, 76262

We know one thing: any of the six up-and-coming Texas cities listed above from Dallas-Fort Worth, South Texas and the Hill Country would be lucky to have you as its newest residents!

It’s time to give your family the upgrade you’ve all been yearning for, and Hillwood Communities is here to help you do just that.

One reason why Northlake is one of the up-and-coming cities in Texas is because of its prospect for growth. We have built a master-planned community in the heart of Northlake called Pecan Square, with new homes and new schools that instill a sense of authentic family tradition.

At Hillwood, our communities are all-inclusive for every family. You and your family can benefit from the welcoming sense of a “town within a town” at Pecan Square. With fitness centers, entertainment spaces, collaborative workspaces, playgrounds and greenery, you can rest easy knowing your lifestyle will be supported by the endless resources Pecan Square has to offer.

We know one thing: any of the six up-and-coming Texas cities listed above would be lucky to have you as its newest residents!

It’s time to give your family the upgrade you’ve all been yearning for, and Hillwood Communities is here to help you do just that.