Nearly every part of the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex is growing. But arguably the center of the greatest growth is in the North Dallas suburbs, especially along U.S. 75. The northern suburbs, which include Plano, Frisco, and McKinney, have benefitted from a lot of new jobs and housing developments. Major corporations have established a presence in this area, from Toyota North America to Liberty Mutual. Not surprisingly, the number of new jobs in these suburbs have also driven up housing prices. While affordability is a relative measure, consider some of these other nearby cities where you may find less competition for housing and lower median prices.

Richardson

Park in Richardson Heights, Richardson / Photo by Nathan Beach / CC0

New developments in northern suburbs mean that sometimes homebuyers lose interest in the older suburbs like Richardson. The older suburbs may not be as shiny and new, but many of the homes are updated and renovated. Richardson is only five miles from Plano. Even though traffic in this area is pretty slow during business hours, it’s still close enough that you can’t get much closer to Plano without actually being in the city limits. Prices are generally a bit more reasonable in Richardson than in Plano. Richardson also has a broader selection of housing styles, including condos and townhomes.

Melissa

Courtesy of the City of Melissa, TX

Plano Mayor Harry LaRosiliere says that as many as 60,000 people come into Plano each day for work from cities to the north. Melissa is one such city north of Plano that is more affordable. Melissa still has a small-town vibe, although it is rapidly growing itself. Although Melissa has some high-end properties, especially ranches with acreage, there are still many good deals here as well. Melissa is a particularly convenient location for those who work in McKinney, since it’s eight miles away. 

Celina

Main street in Celina, TX / Photo by Nicholas Henderson / CC BY

Similar to Melissa, Celina is another small but growing town north of Frisco. Because it’s closer to Frisco than other suburbs further north, prices in Celina are increasing. But it’s still a place to find cheaper houses, whether you want a home in a friendly new subdivision or a mini-ranch of your own. Though the town is growing fast, it’s still a charming town where most of the land is undeveloped and inexpensive per acre.

The Colony

Homes nearby recreational pond in The Colony neighborhood of Texas.

Only 12 miles west of Plano, The Colony is an underrated gem. With new developments going in like Grandscape—home to the popular Nebraska Furniture Mart—and the new Austin Ranch, The Colony is nearly indistinguishable from Plano. But because it’s a bit older and is part of the Lewisville ISD instead of the in-demand Plano ISD, it’s still possible to get a good deal on housing. The Colony includes easy access to State Highway 121 and the Dallas North Tollway, making it a convenient place to live.

Little Elm

Photo by Brent Eckley / CC BY

Little Elm is another older suburb in Denton County that is undergoing a renaissance. Located just north of The Colony, Little Elm offers easy access to Frisco, which lies just seven miles to the east. Easy access to Lewisville Lake and an extensive parks and trail system makes Little Elm a place to relax and unwind. Proximity to major roads like the Dallas North Tollway, U.S. 75, and Interstate 35-East via Eldorado Parkway means it’s not difficult to get to other locations in North Dallas. In 2016, the FBI named Little Elm one of the top 15 safest cities in Texas with a population greater than 25,000. A mix of housing from new construction to ones built in the 1940s means that it’s possible to find a house that suits any budget. 

Lewisville

Lewisville Lake in Texas

Lewisville Lake offers 233 miles of shoreline, making Lewisville ideal for nature lovers. The lake is stocked with several varieties of fish, including white bass and catfish. Why drive from some other suburb to fish on the lake when you could live just a mile or two away? This suburb dates back to the 1800s, but there are new developments here, too. Some parts of Plano are even in the western end of Lewisville ISD zoning. 

Wylie

Cozy neighborhood in Wylie, TX

Only nine miles east of Plano, Wylie is a town with an interesting history. Wylie has been a town since the 1870s, but in the 1940s and 50s, it had the nickname “Wide Awake Wylie” because there were so many late-night parties there. These days, it’s a lot more like any other suburb, but residents do enjoy the easy access to Lake Lavon. Housing prices in Wylie have a wide range, but it’s still possible to find houses below the metro DFW median.