Dallas-Fort Worth added about 123,500 new residents between mid-2024 and mid-2025, bringing the metro to nearly 8.5 million people. Only Houston grew more. For the second year in a row, PwC and the Urban Land Institute named DFW the No. 1 real estate market to watch in the country.
Whether you're relocating from out of state or moving up from elsewhere in the metroplex, here's what's driving the move to North Texas and how to choose where to land.
Jobs Are Following the Companies
DFW has added more than 100 corporate headquarters since 2018. In 2025 alone, it attracted 11 headquarters relocations, more than any other U.S. city, according to CBRE. Companies like Toyota, Caterpillar, and Charles Schwab have planted their flags here, and Goldman Sachs is building a major regional campus in Dallas.
That steady stream of employers keeps the job market healthy. DFW's unemployment rate was 3.9% this past February, below both the Texas and national rates. Many of these jobs sit in the northern suburbs, along the Dallas North Tollway and Highway 121 corridors, which is one big reason Frisco, Prosper, McKinney, and Celina keep growing.
Your Paycheck Goes Further
Texas has no state income tax. For a household moving from California, New York, or Illinois, that alone can mean thousands of dollars a year back in your pocket.
Home prices are another draw. Even after years of growth, North Texas typically offers far more house for the money than coastal metros, especially in newer suburbs. Buyers can often find a larger home, a bigger lot, and a newer build for what a much smaller place would cost elsewhere.
One trade-off to know about: Texas relies heavily on property taxes, so rates here are higher than in many states. When you compare costs, look at your total monthly payment, including taxes and any MUD or PID fees, rather than the price tag alone.
There's Always Something to Do
North Texas has quietly become an entertainment destination, and much of it sits in the northern suburbs:
Universal Kids Resort opened in Frisco this summer, with a 32-acre theme park and a 300-room hotel built for families with young children.
PGA of America moved its headquarters to Frisco, bringing championship golf and the public courses at PGA Frisco.
Pro sports are everywhere: the Cowboys, Rangers, Mavericks, Stars, FC Dallas, and more, plus minor-league baseball and hockey in Frisco.
Air travel is easy. DFW International and Love Field connect you nonstop to most of the country, and McKinney National Airport is adding commercial flights this November.
Add in mild winters, lakes for weekend boating, and a dining scene that keeps expanding north, and it's easy to see why newcomers stay.
Where to Land: Celina vs. Prosper vs. Frisco vs. McKinney
| City | The vibe | Housing | Great fit for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Celina | Fast-growing with a small-town core | Mostly new construction in master-planned and luxury communities | Buyers who want a newer home with room to spread out |
| Prosper | Upscale and family-focused | Larger homes on bigger lots, plenty of new construction | Families who prioritize schools and space |
| Frisco | Polished and amenity-packed | Wide range, from townhomes to estates | People who want shopping, sports, and entertainment close by |
| McKinney | Historic charm meets big-city convenience | Established neighborhoods plus new builds on the northwest side | Buyers who want character, variety, and a walkable downtown |
The Bottom Line
Jobs, lower taxes, more space, and plenty to do make North Texas one of the most popular places in the country to put down roots. The hardest part is usually deciding exactly where.
Whether you're moving across the country or across town, I'd love to help you find the neighborhood that fits your life. I can set up a tour of these cities, from model homes to established neighborhoods, so you can see the differences for yourself.
Call or text 469-590-4275 or email kristenholan@cannonteam.com.
Kristen Holan, REALTOR | The Cannon Team at LPT Realty
