The real estate brokerage Zoocasa compared Dallas-Fort Worth suburbs to find the best places to live, based on affordability, home appreciation, population growth, and convenience. Here’s what they found.

  1. Melissa. On the outskirts of historic McKinney, Melissa is one of the fastest-growing suburbs in Texas. It offers a small-town atmosphere and a highly regarded school district.
  2. Celina. Also near McKinney, Celina features wide-open spaces and a charming downtown. With festivals and regular gatherings like the Friday Night Market, it’s earned a strong reputation for hometown spirit.
  3. Princeton. About 40 miles from downtown Dallas and set along Lavon Lake, Princeton offers median home values well below those of nearby suburbs. The city has invested heavily in public parks and sports fields.
  4. Cedar Hill. On the shores of Joe Pool Lake, Cedar Hill earns its nickname, “The City in a Park,” with abundant parks, nature trails, and protected green spaces. Homes here tend to be larger, with more outdoor space, and remain more affordable than those in neighboring suburbs.
  5. Weatherford. Anchored by Lake Weatherford and about 30 miles west of Fort Worth, Weatherford has a charming downtown and a historic courthouse square. Housing ranges from older homes on large lots to modern builds in new subdivisions.
  6. Grand Prairie. Between Dallas and Fort Worth, Grand Prairie combines established neighborhoods with new developments. With Mountain Creek and Joe Pool Lakes, plus more than 5,000 acres of parkland, it offers countless green getaways in a family-friendly setting.
  7. Sachse. About 20 miles from downtown Dallas, Sachse’s cozy small-town vibe feels worlds away from the city. Nearby lakes Ray Hubbard and Lavon, along with plentiful parks, offer ample space for outdoor recreation.
  8. Anna. A small town surrounded by open countryside, Anna sits about 11 miles from McKinney. It’s one of the fastest-growing communities in North Texas and offers lower home prices than its neighbors. New master-planned developments have been a major draw for families.
  9. Garland. Less than 20 miles from downtown Dallas, Garland blends new subdivisions with established neighborhoods. With nearby Lake Ray Hubbard and more than 60 parks, the city impresses with its abundant green space.
  10. Mesquite. Within 20 miles of downtown Dallas, Mesquite remains one of the more affordable choices for commuters. The city features established homes in older neighborhoods and new construction in expanding developments around a revitalized downtown core.