While many initially move to Texas for the warm winters and Dallas Cowboys, there are other benefits to living in the Lone Star State—for one, it’s a wonderful place to raise a family.
Texas is a hotspot to move to, especially for those with families. The state’s population increased by 3.8 million from 2010 to 2019. Southern charm, a thriving job market, and a family-oriented mindset make Texas incredibly appealing.
Where you decide to raise a family can make an everlasting impact on your children. It’s best to live in a safe area with good school systems, and of course, a loving home environment.
Here are the nine best places to live in Texas with a family, based on the median home and rental prices, school district, and safety. But first, let’s talk about some important environmental factors.
Importance of Environmental Impacts on Children
Major factors that affect early childhood development are the household setting, physical environment, and financial situation. One of the most important is raising a child in a loving, caring, and safe environment. Parents who spend quality time with their children create a secure bond with them, allowing the child to grow up with confidence.
The physical environment your child is raised in can also impact their personal development. If you live in a house or apartment that is too cramped, loud, or filled with aggression, it can affect their development.
The school your child attends can also alter their personal development. They will likely spend more waking hours at school than at home, so their school setting can have an even bigger impact on their development than their home life. Make sure you pick a school that is right for your child’s needs.
Where you raise a child is important. As a parent, you should do all you can to set your child up for success, and one way to do this is living in a safe city that has a good school system.
Top 9 Suburbs to Move to Near Dallas if You Have a Family
The Dallas Metroplex spans almost 10,000 square miles, so finding a new home “outside of Dallas” can be a lot to take on. For the sake of this article, we are considering cities within 30 miles of the Dallas city limits. All of the cities mentioned here have an A+ rating on Niche.
Frisco
Over the last few years, Frisco has become a hot spot for company headquarters and family-friendly living. Roughly 30 minutes north of Dallas, it is known for its sports-centric attractions that include the Ford Center at The Star (the Dallas Cowboys’ practice facility), the soon-to-be headquarters of the Professional Golfers’ Association, Toyota Stadium where the FC Dallas plays, and the Frisco Roughriders.
Along with endless sporting options, Frisco also has museums, parks, and discovery centers like KidZania that are great places to take your kids for a day of fun.
Frisco, TX stats:
- Median home value: $368,000
- Median rental price: $1,441
- School district: A+
- Crime rate: B-
Plano
Some see Plano as a mini-Dallas because of its vast options for restaurants, coffee shops, shopping, and entertainment. Legacy Food Hall has put Plano on the radar as a destination spot. Plano is home to many families and young professionals as well.
For the kids, Plano boasts many museums and parks. The Crayola Experience Plano is a haven for children to play and learn.
Plano, TX stats: 
- Median home value: $291,300
- Median rental price: $1,330
- School district: A+
- Crime rate: B-
Coppell
Coppell is located about 25 minutes northwest of Dallas and has popped up as one of the most popular Dallas suburbs because of its outdoor scene, parks, and small-town family feel. You won’t get the hustle and bustle of city living here.
Coppell, TX stats:
- Median home value: $368,800
- Median rental price: $1,349
- School district: A+
- Crime rate: B-
University Park and Highland Park
Located just north of the heart of Dallas, University Park and Highland Park are known as the most upper-class neighborhoods in the area. They have their own “towns” within Dallas city limits that are fun for adults and safe for children.
Highland Park also offers its residents their own public safety department, which includes police, fire, and emergency medical services, so you will be in great hands living in these neighborhoods. Plus, since it’s in Dallas, you will get all the attractions, entertainment, and restaurants the big city has to offer.
University Park and Highland Park stats:
- Median home value: $1,230,200–$1,440,400
- Median rental price: $1,990–$2,686
- School district: A+
- Crime rate: B
Flower Mound
Flower Mound is a great location for families who want a nice, quiet, rural town to call home. It has many outdoor activities and parks to enjoy as a family where the kiddos can run around safely. Plus, their public school system is highly rated.
Flower Mound, TX stats:
- Median home value: $342,200
- Median rental price: $1,660
- School district: A+
- Crime rate: B
Allen
Allen, TX is known for its modestly priced homes, its location, and its safety. The city is also known for its abundance of shopping and retail stores. The Allen Premium Outlets are growing bigger and bigger. Surrounded by a ton of restaurants, coffee shops, and parks, Dallasites go to Allen to “spend a day there” because there is so much to do. Imagine living there!
Allen, TX stats:
- Median home value: $286,300
- Median rental price: $1,456
- School district: A+
- Crime rate: B-
Richardson
Richardson, TX is the closest suburb north of Dallas, straight up I-75. This is an ideal city to live in for new or younger families who aren’t quite ready to give up the big city feeling just yet. It is also home to the University of Texas at Dallas, so the city has a college feel to it.
Richardson, TX stats:
- Median home value: $250,100
- Median rental price: $1,336
- School district: A
- Crime rate: C+
Colleyville
Located a little further from Dallas city limits at just under 30 miles away, Colleyville has a rural feel and joins this list because of its great school districts and small-town community. It has many parks and nature preserves, making it a great residence for outdoor-minded and active families. Colleyville also has JumpStreet, a popular destination for children—and the perfect place to get their wiggles out!
Colleyville, TX stats:
- Median home value: $488,900
- Median rental price: $1,865
- School district: A+
- Crime rate: B+
Grapevine
Grapevine offers residents a suburban feel, and more residents own homes than rent. It’s a nice area to move to with a family because of its highly rated school district and low crime. The city is also right in the middle of Fort Worth and Dallas, so you have access to both large cities and the attractions that come with both.
Grapevine is also known as a homey wine town. Downtown Grapevine holds Grapefest every year. It is a festival full of opportunities for wine tastings, so it’s a fun time for parents. As for the kids, Grapevine is home to LEGOLAND and the Grapevine Aquarium, along with museums and parks for educational fun.
Grapevine, TX stats:
- Median home value: $294,600
- Median rental price: $1,278
- School district: A+
- Crime rate: B-
Moving to a Dallas, Texas Suburb
There’s no doubt about it—Texas is awesome—and the stats prove it. The Dallas suburbs listed are best-rated for the area when it comes to school systems, safety, and housing costs. Moving here with a family would be a great decision!
If you find yourself making your way to the Lone Star State, we can help you choose the right moving company.
