Moving to North DFW: How to Choose the Right City
Updated October 2026 by Sherien Joyner, Carrollton REALTOR®, GRI
Moving to North Dallas–Fort Worth usually starts with the same question: which city? Carrollton, Plano, Frisco, Lewisville, Coppell, and their neighbors can look alike on a map, but they differ in commute patterns, home age, and price.
I have lived in Carrollton since 2012 and in Irving before that, and I help relocating buyers narrow the map before they book flights. Use this page to compare cities, then read the detailed guide for each one.
At a glance
- Narrow the map with your commute and budget first.
- The DART Silver Line opened in October 2025.
- Texas has no state income tax, but property taxes vary by address.
On this page
Start with two questions
- Where will you work (or fly)? Downtown Dallas, Las Colinas, Legacy in Plano, the Telecom Corridor in Richardson, and DFW Airport pull you toward different cities.
- New construction or established neighborhood? Farther north usually means newer homes and longer drives; closer in usually means older homes, bigger trees, and shorter commutes.
Download My Buyer's Guide
I have put together a comprehensive home buyer’s guide just for you.
North DFW cities at a glance
| City | Rail access | Home style | City guide |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carrollton | DART Green Line and Silver Line | Established, central | Pros & cons · Neighborhoods |
| Farmers Branch | DART Green Line | Established single-family | Buy in Farmers Branch |
| Addison | DART Silver Line | Condos, townhomes, some houses | Buy in Addison |
| North Dallas 75287 | Near Silver Line (Knoll Trail, Addison) | Established homes, townhomes, condos | Buy in 75287 |
| Coppell | Silver Line at Cypress Waters Station, in Dallas on Coppell’s edge | Built-out suburb | Pros & cons |
| Lewisville | DCTA A-train | Mixed ages, near the lake | Pros & cons |
| The Colony | Car-based | Lake access, mixed ages | Pros & cons |
| Flower Mound | Car-based | Larger lots, newer homes | Pros & cons |
| Grapevine | Silver Line and TEXRail | Historic downtown, near DFW Airport | Pros & cons |
| Irving | DART Orange Line | Las Colinas and Valley Ranch | Pros & cons |
| Plano | DART Red Line and Silver Line | Established and newer west Plano | Pros & cons |
| Frisco | Car-based | Newer, master-planned | Pros & cons |
| McKinney | Car-based | Historic downtown, newer growth | Pros & cons |
| Allen | Car-based | Established and newer suburbs | Pros & cons |
Rail source: DART’s Silver Line project page. City limits and school district lines do not match, so check any specific address with the district.
Have a question about your own situation? Call or text (214) 244-2421, or send me a note. I will walk you through it.
What homes cost: a few reference points
Prices swing by zip and street, so treat these as orientation, not a budget. For the three months ending September 2026, Redfin reported median sale prices of about $412,000 in Carrollton, $410,000 in Farmers Branch, and $545,000 in Addison (Carrollton, Farmers Branch, Addison). Each city guide above has more local detail. North Dallas 75287 was about $452,000 (Redfin, 75287).
Commute reality check
Rush hour on I-35E, the Bush Turnpike, the Dallas North Tollway, and SH 121 is real. Before you write an offer, drive the route at the hour you would actually travel. Rail helps some commuters: the DART Silver Line, which opened in October 2025, connects DFW Airport, Grapevine, Downtown Carrollton, Addison, Richardson, and Plano (DART).
Texas money basics for newcomers
- No state income tax, but property taxes matter. Your total rate depends on the city, school district, county, and other local entities for that address. Read understanding ad valorem property taxes.
- Homestead exemption: file once the home is your primary residence. School districts must exempt $140,000 of a qualifying homestead’s value from school taxes (Texas Comptroller).
- Electricity: much of North DFW lets you choose your electricity provider. See saving on electricity in North DFW.
- Driver license and car registration: new residents must get a Texas driver license within 90 days and register vehicles within 30 days (TxDMV, New to Texas).
How I plan a relocation search
- Video call: we map work, budget, commute, and must-haves, then narrow to two or three cities.
- Short list by video: I preview homes and neighborhoods live, with honest notes on condition, noise, and traffic.
- One focused trip: we tour the best options in a few days instead of 40 houses in a weekend.
- Offer and close remotely if needed: inspections, appraisal, and title can be handled while you finish your move.
Start with my North DFW home buyers page or the first-time home buyer guide if this is your first purchase.
Plan your move
Send me your work address, budget, home type, and move date. I will narrow it to two or three cities and plan one focused house-hunting trip.
Call or text (214) 244-2421.
Moving to North DFW FAQ
How do I choose a city in North DFW?
Start with your commute, budget, and the kind of home you want. Carrollton and Farmers Branch are central and established; Frisco and McKinney are newer and farther north. Compare them before you pick a house.
Which North DFW cities have DART rail?
Carrollton, Farmers Branch, Addison, Plano, Irving, and Dallas have DART rail stations. The Silver Line, which opened in October 2025, also serves Grapevine and DFW Airport. Lewisville connects by the DCTA A-train.
Do I need to sign up for a Texas driver license after moving?
Yes. New residents must get a Texas driver license within 90 days and register their vehicles within 30 days, according to TxDMV.
Can I buy a home in North DFW without visiting first?
Many buyers narrow the search by video and then make one trip. Some buy fully remotely. I recommend seeing the area at least once if you can.
How much are property taxes in North DFW?
It varies by address because city, school district, county, and other rates stack together. I estimate the tax bill for each home before you make an offer.