Dallas & Fort Worth Real Estate Blog

When discussing real estate in Dallas, our focus in this article will be Dallas plus all other suburbs in the surrounding area. This includes Allen, Plano, Frisco, Southlake, Colleyville, Highland Park, Coppell, and others. There are several factors that make certain suburbs more desirable. The cost of homes, availability of public schools, school district ratings, the neighborhood's lifestyle, recreational facilities, security and commute times to work or the airport is important. Big city living may not suit everybody – but urban areas certainly have their perks.

Highland Park

Highland Park is a beautiful landlocked enclave within Dallas. Adjacent to University Park, the two neighborhoods are referred to as the Park Cities. They both constitute a fine collection of old homes, tall trees, broad streets, and a winding creekside landscape. This independent municipality offers residents access to all the advantages of Dallas with fewer of the drawbacks.

Renowned landscape architect Wilbur David Cook developed this suburb with lush, tree-lined streets and a vast landscape.

Construction of homes for sale dates back to the 1920s. Some of Dallas's best architects who created eclectic homes of English, French, Mediterranean and neoclassical styles, designed these homes. Older homes are continually restored and torn down to accommodate larger homes in the same style. Newer constructions follow vernacular style designs that help keep the areas old-world charm.

Foodies appreciate that Highland Park Village is the main gathering spot with several local eateries, tearooms, bistros, and pizzerias. For a great grilled sandwich, malt or ice cream float, head to Highland Park Soda Fountain. During the high school football season, visitors and locals alike flock to Javier's Gourmet Mexicano for great, traditional south of the Border Fare. 

Southlake 

Southlake is located in north Tarrant County, at the southern end of the scenic Lake Grapevine. Southlake is home to roughly 30,000 residents within 22.5 square miles. Considered one of the safest communities in the country, Southlake is home to the Carroll Dragons, Southlake Town Square, the Bob Jones Nature Center, and Bicentennial Park.

Southlake is a fantastic community for an active lifestyle. Outdoor aficionados enjoy horseback riding, hiking, fishing, swimming, paddling, and other water sports. Hit the links at North Texas’ best golf courses, enjoy live entertainment at the Palace Arts Center or sample the best wines of the Dallas-Fort Worth area.

Luxurious homes for sale that average $1,000,000 describe Southlake’s premium real estate. Carroll ISD is Southlake’s school district. The district has five elementary schools, two middle schools, one high school, and one senior school. Great schools rate Carroll ISD a perfect 10/10. 

Frisco Texas 

Once a stop on the railroad coming and going to Dallas, the growth of Frisco's real estate exploded around 2000, turning Frisco into a booming suburb in one of the hottest real estate markets in the US. With a population of roughly 137,000 residents, the biggest portion of Frisco is located in Collin County with a small section in Denton County. Frisco's location is convenient to the North Dallas Tollway, the George Bush Tollway and 121.

Located just 25 minutes north of downtown Dallas, Frisco offers fun for the whole family in an affordable, safe and unique setting. Whether you're a sports fan wanting to cheer the Dallas Cowboys or want to take a stroll through a sculpture garden, and shopping at Stonebriar Shopping Centre, Frisco offers a variety of experiences for all ages. For live entertainment and concerts, the Dr. Pepper Arena & Toyota Stadium hosts many events throughout the year.

Other entertainment options include the Pole Position Raceway, the Strikz entertainment center, and the Frisco Athletic Center Water Park. Home listings average the mid-six-figure range although homebuyers can find listings as low as $200,000. Frisco has its own school district and Great schools rank Frisco ISD at 9/10. 

Plano Texas

Plano is located in Collin and Denton counties, about 16 miles northeast of Dallas. Plano is a community of plenty as it combines modern luxury with historic charm. The city overflows with amenities and attractions that make it perfect for an active lifestyle or entertainment. Plano’s location north of Dallas provides easy access to performing arts, professional sports, and museums.

With over 1,000 restaurants, world-class shopping, abundant natural beauty, and a lively art scene, Plano is a destination in its own right. Enjoy the Plano International Festival and Plano Balloon Festival every year as outdoor aficionados gather at the Arbor Hills Nature Preserve. 

Plano's growth accelerated in the 80s as residents began moving north in the DFW Metroplex. Thanks to developments such as Shops at Legacy, the Shops at Willowbend and Toyota company Hqs, the west side of Plano has experienced tremendous growth and an increase in property taxes.

The Plano ISD has several elementary, middle and high schools. With three senior high schools, Great Schools ranks Plano ISD at 8/10. The average price for a listing is in the mid-six figure range with a high price of over $5,000,000. 

Coppell Texas 

The ring of freeways that surrounds Coppell not only shields the town from the hustle and bustle of Dallas but has also made it a virtue of concrete. The freeways also offer easy access to the airport and the DFW Metropol area. Major companies such as AAA Texas and Container Store call Coppell home. Coppell High School, ice-cream socials, block parties, and outdoor concerts fuel the small-town pride.

Top attractions in Coppell include an extensive system of municipal parks and sports fields, an Aquatic Center, Coppell Community Gardens, and Cozby Public Library. Dining in Coppell is a snap with over 70 restaurants from which to choose. Lose yourself in Coppell’s boutiques or hop on any of the major regional freeways leading to upscale shopping malls such as Vista Ridge, Grapevine Mills, and Stonebriar. For easy travel and vacations, DFW Airport is only a short drive away.

Despite being an older suburb, Coppell is still one of the best suburbs in Dallas. There was a boom in construction in the late 1980s and early 1990s leaving few home sites for new developments. Homes for sale average $615,000. Proximity to DFW airport and easy access to 635 and I-35 makes Coppell a popular suburb for business travelers. Great schools rank Coppell ISD at 9/10. The district has 10 elementary schools, 3 middle schools, and one high school. 

Colleyville 

Colleyville is conveniently located 20 minutes from Fort Worth and about 35 minutes from Downtown Dallas. Surrounded by amenities and conveniences, the city is dotted with parks including Echo Hills Park, Colleyville City Park, and Sparger Park.

If you're looking to enjoy water recreation and adventure, Colleyville is only half an hour from Grapevine Lake, a popular destination for swimming, boating, and fishing. Practice your swing at Water Chase Golf Club, Riverside Golf Club, Bear Creek Golf Club, and Great Southwest Golf Club. If you’re into professional sports, watching the Texas Rangers and Dallas Cowboys play in Arlington is only a short commute for residents.

Growing families and first time home buyers can find a selection of low to mid-six-figure range homes that offer great value for your money. Colleyville homes for sale offer the best of suburban living, coupled with the convenience of easy access to Metroplex amenities. The Village at Colleyville offers both shopping and living in the village.

Colleyville and Grapevine share a school district with only two high schools. Heritage High School is in Colleyville. Great schools rate Colleyville schools at 8/10. 

Keller Texas 

Keller boasts a comfortable location in the heart of the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. Emphasis on quality of life, a blend of big-city conveniences and amenities with small-town roots has gained Keller national attention. The urban Keller Town Center and historic Old Town Keller are two of Keller's unique economic engines.

Outdoor aficionados love to gather at the citywide parks and trails system including Big Bear Creek, The Keller Pointe, and several sports facilities. Other top activities and attractions in Keller include Adventure World Park, Marshall Creek Ranch, The Parks at Town Center and Tornado Terry's Family Amusement Center.

Since 2007, Keller has been named three times to CNN/Money Magazine's biennial listing of "Top 100 Places to Live - America's Best Small Towns." Keller is mostly residential featuring over 300 acres of developed land. In comparison to neighboring cities of Southlake and Colleyville, Keller’s listings have reasonable prices. The average listing is in the mid-six-figure range with listings going as high as $2,500,000.

Keller ISD serves four high schools, six middle schools, and 23 elementary schools. Great Schools ranks Keller ISD at 7/10. The Keller Public Library provides over 80,000 literary content and online resources. DFW airport is only minutes away allowing frequent travelers easy access to the airport, and highways 635,183 and 114. 

Flower Mound  

Flower Mound balances a unique blend of country atmosphere with a dynamic environment for economic development. The city takes pride in offering quality life, being a leader in managed growth, and environmental sensitivity.

Home pricing in Flower mound varies depending on the location, size of the home, the year the house was constructed, finish outs and condition. Buyers will find a variety of housing options such as townhouses, condominiums, and luxury single-family homes. Leisure and recreation opportunities abound for locals.

The Flower Mound Community Activity Center features a wonderful collection of amenities including a water park, fitness center, gym, indoor pool and an assortment of lifestyle programs. The Great Wolf Lodge, an indoor water park resort is another popular local attraction. If professional sports is your thing, the Dallas Mavericks, Dallas Cowboys, Texas Rangers, Dallas Burn and the Dallas Stars are all competing for your attention.

For a day in the greens, Flower Mound is home to two nationally-recognized golf courses, Bridlewood Golf Club and Tour 18 And. The Lewisville ISD serves the homes in Flower Mound with two high schools, several middle schools and a handful of elementary schools. Great schools rate Flower Mound schools at 8/10. 

Grapevine 

According to CNNMoney.com, Grapevine is one of "America's Best Places to Live". Grapevine’s location smack dab in the heart of everything makes it the ideal place to live or relocate. Boasting a prime location at the center of seven major roads and proximity to the airport, Grapevine is the best place to call home.

As its name suggests, Grapevine boasts a booming wine industry, including wineries and wine-tasting festivals. Proximity to The DFW International Airport has attracted many residents who travel for business and pleasure. Grapevine’s Historic Downtown has a collection of charming shops and art galleries plus over 200 restaurants. In recent years, fantastic hotels and resorts that offer fun for the entire family have also relocated to Grapevine.

Home construction in Grapevine dates back to the 1960s, making it one of the older suburbs in Dallas. Grapevine has a population of roughly 50,000 with listings averaging $500,000. Listings as low as $250,000 and as high as $2,000,000 are available. Grapevine shares a school district with the neighboring Colleyville. Grapevine High School is Grapevines' high school. 

Allen Texas 

Thanks to plentiful shopping opportunities, exciting outdoor activities and a thriving arts and culture scene Allen isn't your typical run-of-the-mill Dallas suburb. Shopping enthusiasts love to explore the Allen Premium Outlet Mall. Cash in on bargains on designer fashions at The Village at Allen and Watters Creek at Montgomery Farm which offers a great shopping experience in a lovely setting.

An active lifestyle awaits you at Allen as the suburb features over 800 acres of parkland that consists of nature trails, hiking and a variety of recreational facilities. Art lovers can join the Public Art Committee or visit the Allen Arts Alliance which offers everything from dance by the Allen Civic Ballet to the theater by Allen's Community Theatre.

Live concerts are some of Allen's most popular events including Rob Thomas at the Allen Event Center or Bach by the Allen Philharmonic Orchestra & Symphony Chorus. Commutes to airports can be a bit longer, but reasonable home prices, friendly people and a small-town atmosphere make Allen one of the best suburbs to live in.

List prices of Allen homes for sale average the mid-six-figure range though buyers can find houses starting from $200,000. Allen is home to Allen High School football team which boasts the country's largest high school football stadium. From 2012 to 2014, Allen High School won three consecutive state championships. Great Schools rates Allen ISD at 9/10.

The views, opinions and positions expressed within this guest posts are those of the author alone and do not represent those of VIP Realty.

Thank you to Bruce Gains for this guest post. He is a internet marketing specialist focusing on the real estate niche. He regularly publishes information regarding digital marketing at www.BravoDemand.com.