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Dallas is a big, vibrant and bustling city – the ninth-largest city in the country, and a major economic and cultural hub in the region. It has a strong and diverse economy, offering abundant job opportunities across various industries such as finance, technology, healthcare, and energy. The city has a strong entrepreneurial spirit, making it an attractive destination for career growth and business ventures.
And it boasts a vibrant cultural and arts scene with world-class museums, galleries, and performance venues – The Dallas Arts District is the largest urban arts district in the United States, featuring the Dallas Museum of Art, the Nasher Sculpture Center, and the AT&T Performing Arts Center. The city also hosts numerous festivals, live music events, and theatrical productions throughout the year. And sports fans, Dallas’ hometown teams – the Dallas Cowboys (NFL), Dallas Mavericks (NBA), Texas Rangers (MLB), and Dallas Stars (NHL) – will keep you rooting all year long.
You might want to live in the city to be close to all the action, or you might find that Dallas suburbs are a better fit. The cost of living is lower in the ‘burbs, and it’s generally a more family-friendly environment with good schools, parks, playgrounds and plenty of activities for the kids, and a strong sense of community. The quieter suburban lifestyle also appeals to folks of all ages who want a more tranquil, greener living environment while still being close enough to enjoy the amenities and cultural offerings of the city.
But which suburb? Our local Bellhop movers in Dallas have picked the areas that we think you should definitely check out. And when you’re ready to make your move, whether its cross-country or a quick trip – we’ll be here to help you.
Allen, Texas
Allen is in Collin County, approximately 25 miles north of downtown Dallas. It’s officially a city and is ranked as one of the safest cities in Texas, and gets official kudos for its schools and general quality of life. It’s a great place to raise kids.
What’s happening in Allen?
Allen’s downtown area exudes charm and character. The historic downtown, known as Allen Heritage Village, features preserved buildings from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Here, residents and visitors can explore unique boutiques, art galleries, and locally owned restaurants.
Choosing a place to eat is a challenge in Allen, there are so many options. Check out Local Yocal BBQ & Grill for its outstanding Texas-style barbecue. Kelly’s at the Village is a laid-back neighborhood restaurant that serves New American food, craft beers and cocktails. Allen Café is where you want to go for a classic American breakfast or brunch, it’s a cozy diner-style restaurant. We also recommend Zorba’s Greek Café, Sushi Axiom, and Gloria’s Latin Cuisine.
The aptly named Allen Event Center hosts concerts, sporting events and exhibitions. Allen also offers an extensive park system with numerous green spaces, sports fields, playgrounds, and walking trails. Celebration Park is a popular destination, featuring a skate park, splash pad, and picnic areas.
Feeling the need for open spaces? With 1,196 acres of parkland, 70 miles of trails, 60 parks – including one of the largest outdoor skate parks in the state – Allen fits the bill. Like to bike? The Allen Parkway Trail and the Cottonwood Creek Trail are popular routes for cycling (and walking).
And for indoor fun, you can shop till you happily drop at one of the largest shopping destinations in North Texas, the Allen Premium Outlets. The outlets feature a wide range of designer and brand-name stores with deeply discounted prices.
Schools in Allen
The Allen Independent School District (AISD) consistently ranks among the top districts in the state, offering a rigorous academic curriculum and a wide range of extracurricular activities. AISD is committed to providing students with a well-rounded education and has received numerous accolades for its high-performing schools.
Housing and Transportation in Allen
Allen offers a mix of single-family homes, townhomes, and apartments, catering to various lifestyles and budgets. The median sale price for a home is $522, 250 and a condo/co-op is $489,000. Popular neighborhoods include Craig Ranch, Twin Creeks, Eldorado Heights, Timberbend and Watters Crossing.
The best way to get around is by car, Allen is situated near U.S. Highway 75 (Central Expressway) and State Highway 121, connecting to nearby cities such as Plano, Frisco, and McKinney. You can get into downtown Dallas in 30-60 minutes, depending on the time of day.
Allen is not directly served by the Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART), but you can drive or take a bus to access the Red Line at Parker Road Station in Plano and the Downtown Plano Station. Cost of a DART ticket varies wildly depending on what fare option you choose. Allen is served by the Denton County Transportation Authority (DCTA), which operates local bus routes in the area that connect the city to neighboring communities.
For longer trips, Allen is located approximately 30 miles north of Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW). This major international airport serves as a gateway for domestic and international air travel,
Coppell, Texas
Coppell, an upscale suburb located about 20 miles northwest of Dallas, prides itself on its strong community spirit. Coppell has a strong local economy, with a mix of corporate headquarters, small businesses and big retail centers. Residents can take advantage of the city’s extensive park system, hiking and biking trails, and sports facilities. The housing market features a diverse selection of single-family homes, townhouses, and gated communities.
What’s Happening in Coppell?
Coppell has a reputation for being a safe city, with a low crime rate compared to national averages. The local economy is strong, and the city is committed to providing excellent public services and responsive governance
Coppell also boasts a vibrant cultural scene, featuring art exhibits, theaters, and community events. The city’s annual festivals, such as the Coppell Independence Day Celebration, Coppell Arts Festival, and the Holiday Tree Lighting, offer opportunities for neighbors to connect and create a tight-knit community atmosphere.
Coppell’s local restaurants will tempt you with barbecue, Tex-Mex, deli sandwiches, Italian cuisine, or unique fusion dishes. Get classic Q at the Hard Eight BBQ, authentic Tex-Mex at Anamia’s, and homemade pasta at ZenZero. The Rainbow Grill has delighted the community with its homemade desserts for 20+ years.
After indulging, walk it off at one of Coppell’s well-maintained parks. The Andrew Brown Park and Wagon Wheel Park offer expansive green spaces, trails for walking or jogging, playgrounds, and sports fields. The city also maintains aquatic centers, tennis courts, and other recreational facilities to help you stay active and healthy.
Schools in Coppell
Coppell Independent School District (CISD) consistently ranks among the best school districts in the state of Texas. CISD provides an excellent education system with highly regarded schools that prioritize academic excellence and offer a wide range of extracurricular activities. The district’s commitment to quality education makes Coppell an attractive choice for families with school-age children.
Housing and transportation in Coppell
Coppell offers a mix of single-family homes, townhouses, apartments and gated communities. Median cost for a home in Coppell is $650,000.
Coppell is well-connected to major highways, including State Highways 121, 114, and 161, as well as the President George Bush Turnpike (Highway 190). These highways provide easy access to nearby cities and facilitate commuting to other parts of the Dallas-Fort Worth area. It’s roughly a 20–45-minute commute into Dallas but can take 60 minutes during rush hour.
Coppell is served by the Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) which operates several bus routes within Coppell and connects the city to neighboring areas and downtown Dallas. The Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) is easily accessible from Coppell.
Frisco, Texas
Frisco, located approximately 25 miles north of downtown Dallas, has experienced tremendous economic growth in recent years, attracting numerous corporations, businesses, and job opportunities. The city boasts a robust business climate and is home to the Dallas Cowboys. This development has brought jobs, entertainment venues, and a vibrant atmosphere to the area, contributing to the city’s economic prosperity. Frisco’s exceptional school district is another major draw, providing outstanding educational opportunities.
What’s Happening in Frisco?
You’ll find a wealth of sports and entertainment options here. The Ford Center at The Star, a state-of-the-art sports facility, hosts numerous sports events, including high school football games and other sporting events. Frisco also features the Dr Pepper Ballpark, home of the Frisco RoughRiders minor league baseball team. In addition, the city is home to a variety of shopping centers, dining establishments, and entertainment venues, ensuring there is always something to do in Frisco.
The food here is amazing too – we love the “Original Culinary Bastards” at Mash’d, who serve up classic southern food with a twist, from moonshine-inspired cocktails to Killa Cake. For wine, craft beers, pizza and small plates, check out Eight 11 Place. Brunch is great at The Heritage Table, where Southern comfort food is made fresh with locally sourced ingredients. Celebrating something special? Head to Randy’s Steakhouse.
Frisco is dedicated to fostering a vibrant cultural and arts community. The city is home to the Frisco Discovery Center, which features art galleries, performance spaces, and studios for local artists. The center hosts various art exhibitions, theater performances, and cultural events throughout the year. Frisco also hosts the annual Frisco Arts Festival, showcasing the work of local artists and musicians.
And there’s an extensive park system with well-maintained parks, trails, and green spaces. Notable parks include Warren Sports Complex, Harold Bacchus Community Park, and Frisco Commons Park. These parks offer amenities such as sports fields, playgrounds, picnic areas and walking trails, providing residents with plenty of options for outdoor recreation and relaxation.
Schools in Frisco
The Frisco Independent School District (FISD) consistently ranks among the best districts in the state, offering high-quality education and a wide range of academic and extracurricular programs. The district’s focus on educational excellence is a major draw for families considering Frisco as their home.
Frisco housing and transportation
Frisco features a mix of single-family homes, townhouses, and apartments, with various architectural styles and neighborhood settings. The median home price is $668, 678. Unlike many Dallas suburbs, where people tend to own their homes, you can find a good selection of apartments for rent in Frisco, ranging from an average of $1,400-$2,000 a month.
The city is located near the intersection of the Dallas North Tollway and Sam Rayburn Tollway (State Highway 121), providing easy connections to nearby cities such as Plano, McKinney, and Dallas. Driving into downtown Dallas can take 30-45 minutes, though that time can vary by 20 minutes either way depending on how many other folks are also on the road.
The Denton County Transportation Authority (DCTA) operates bus services in Frisco, connecting the city to neighboring areas and other cities in the region. DCTA also operates the A-train, a commuter rail service that connects Frisco to Denton and downtown Dallas.
Frisco is walking/biking friendly and is participating in several ongoing regional transportation initiatives, including potential future commuter rail extensions and improved highway infrastructure, aimed at easing traffic congestion.
Frisco is located approximately 25 miles north of the Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport.
Grapevine, Texas
Grapevine is known for its wineries, golf courses, proximity to Grapevine Lake and distinct architecture. And if Christmas is your favorite holiday, this is your place, and these are your people. Grapevine hosts over 1,400 Christmas events in just 40 days annually, including the biggest Christmas parade in North Texas. Located roughly 22 miles northwest of Dallas, Grapevine combines small-town charm with a vibrant community atmosphere.
What’s happening in Grapevine?
Grapevine’s historic downtown, known as Main Street, is a major attraction that showcases the city’s rich heritage. Lined with preserved buildings from the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Main Street is home to boutique shops, art galleries, restaurants, and plenty of fun community events.
Among the festivals held here is GrapeFest, one of the largest wine festivals in the Southwest, held annually in September. It celebrates the local wine industry with wine tastings, live entertainment, grape stomping, and a variety of food vendors. Main Street Fest takes place in May and features live music, arts and crafts vendors, carnival rides, and delicious food from local restaurants.
About those local restaurants: Farina’s Winery & Café is a family-owned Italian restaurant that serves delicious Italian dishes accompanied by their own wines. Mason & Dixie is where to go for southern classics. Tolbert’s Restaurant & Chili Parlor, a local institution, is known for its chili and hearty Texas-style comfort food. Esparza’s Restaurante Mexicano has been serving authentic Tex-Mex cuisine and their famous margaritas since 1985.
There’s plenty of nature to explore here too. Grapevine Lake, situated within the city, spans over 7,000 acres and provides opportunities for boating, fishing, swimming, hiking, and picnicking. There are numerous parks and marinas surrounding the lake, where you and your family can enjoy water sports, nature walks, and relaxing days by the water.
For a more grown-up day, explore the Grapevine Wine Trail. Local wineries include Delaney Vineyards & Winery, Messina Hof Grapevine Winery, Sloan & Williams Winery (in the Main Street district), Cross Timbers Winery and Umbra Winery. You can also check out what’s playing at the Palace Arts Center, which hosts live theater, concerts, and film screenings. The city is also home to the Grapevine Opry, showcasing live country and gospel music.
Schools in Grapevine
Grapevine is served by the Grapevine-Colleyville Independent School District, which is highly regarded for its academic programs and extracurricular activities. The district encompasses several top-rated schools – including Colleyville Heritage High School, Colleyville Middle School and Glenhope Elementary School.
Housing and transportation in Grapevine
The city offers a mix of beautiful historic homes, appealing neighborhoods, and brand-new developments. The median sale price for a home is $580,000.
State Highways 121 and 26 intersect in Grapevine, connecting to nearby cities such as Southlake, Colleyville, and Coppell, as well as major employment centers and attractions in the region. The average commute time from Grapevine to downtown Dallas is approximately 30 to 45 minutes by car, expect it to take longer during rush hours.
Grapevine does not have its own DART station, but is served by the DART bus system, which provides local transport options and connects to nearby DART rail stations such as the DFW Airport Station or the Downtown Irving/Heritage Crossing Station.
Grapevine is committed to promoting active transportation and has developed a network of sidewalks, trails, and bike lanes throughout the city.
The Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) is easily accessible from Grapevine.
Moving to a Dallas Suburb
We think the above locations are some of Dallas’ best suburbs, and hope this guide makes it easier for you to choose the right spot for your next home.
When you’re ready to relocate, we have local Dallas movers, throughout Texas and across the nation who are ready to help make your move as stress-free as humanly possible. We’re Bellhop and making smart moves is our business. From long distance to local moves, full-service and special project hourly rates, storage services and last-minute moves – we do it all. Let us know how we can serve you.
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Is Moving to Texas Right for You? A 2022 Guide.
Moving From Colorado to Texas: Your Guide to a Smooth Move
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