Why Collin County is the best place
to live in Texas.

I was born and raised right here in Collin County. I have watched this area grow from a collection of quiet Texas towns into one of the most desirable regions in the entire country. National publications keep naming Collin County the best place to live in Texas — and honestly, they are not wrong. After more than two decades of selling real estate here and helping thousands of families find their home, I can tell you firsthand why this is the place to be.

The Growth Speaks for Itself

Collin County has been one of the fastest-growing counties in the United States for years running — and the momentum has not slowed down. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Collin County added 42,966 new residents between 2024 and 2025 alone — a 3.4% increase that ranked second in the entire nation for numeric population growth, bringing the total population to nearly 1.3 million. We are talking about a population that has more than doubled in recent decades, driven by a booming job market, Fortune 500 headquarters, and an infrastructure that actually keeps up with demand. People are not just moving here on a whim. They are relocating from California, the Midwest, the East Coast, and even internationally because the opportunity here is real.

Toyota North America, JPMorgan Chase, Liberty Mutual, FedEx Office, and dozens of other major corporations have planted flags in Collin County. That means stable, high-paying jobs — and a housing market that stays strong because demand keeps growing. The median household income in Collin County reached $121,600, and Bureau of Labor Statistics data from the first quarter of 2025 shows the county ranking among the top 50 nationwide for average weekly wages at $1,945.

McKinney — The Heart of Collin County

If you have not visited downtown McKinney lately, you are missing out. Money Magazine named it the #1 Best Place to Live in America, and it still lives up to that reputation. The historic square is full of locally owned restaurants, boutiques, and a community vibe that is hard to find anywhere else. Outside of downtown, you have master-planned communities like Stonebridge Ranch and Craig Ranch that offer resort-style amenities — pools, trails, tennis courts, and open green space. McKinney blends historic charm with modern luxury in a way that very few Texas cities can match.

Frisco — Where Big Energy Meets Top Schools

Frisco is the economic powerhouse of the county. The Dallas Cowboys headquarters at The Star, the PGA of America campus, and major corporate offices make Frisco a destination for both careers and lifestyle. The dining scene has exploded — from upscale steakhouses to chef-driven spots along the Dallas North Tollway corridor. And Frisco ISD? Consistently ranked in the top five school districts in Texas. If education is a priority for your family, Frisco delivers.

Prosper and Celina — The New Luxury Frontier

Prosper and Celina are where a lot of the most exciting new construction in North Texas is happening right now. These cities have attracted the best luxury builders in the country, and the communities they are creating are something special. Windsong Ranch in Prosper has a 5-acre crystal lagoon, miles of hike-and-bike trails, and a lifestyle that feels like a permanent vacation. In Celina, communities like Legacy Hills and Ramble offer that perfect blend of small-town Texas charm with brand-new homes designed for modern living.

What I love about both of these cities is the value. You can get a stunning new-build home with top-tier finishes, a large lot, and access to world-class amenities at a price point that would cost you significantly more in Dallas or even parts of Frisco. That is a huge draw for growing families and move-up buyers.

Plano — The Established Powerhouse

Plano is the mature, established city in Collin County — and there is real value in that. Corporate headquarters for Ericsson, Capital One, and FedEx keep the economy strong. Legacy West and The Shops at Legacy offer walkable, urban-style dining and entertainment that rivals anything in Uptown Dallas. Plano ISD is consistently ranked in the top 10 statewide. For buyers who want established neighborhoods with mature trees, larger lots, and a proven track record of appreciation, Plano is hard to beat.

Anna, Melissa, and Aubrey — Space, Value, and Community

These three cities are the hidden gems of Collin County — and they are not hidden for long. If you want acreage, custom builds, equestrian properties, or just more room to breathe, this is your corridor. Aubrey has Gentle Creek and Sandbrock Ranch, Melissa offers rural luxury estates with top-rated Melissa ISD schools, and Anna is one of the fastest-growing small cities in Texas. New construction here gives you modern homes at price points that make a lot of sense, and you are still just 15 to 25 minutes from everything Frisco and McKinney have to offer.

Schools That Actually Deliver

I cannot talk about Collin County without talking about schools, because they are one of the biggest drivers of relocation here. Frisco ISD, McKinney ISD, Prosper ISD, Allen ISD, Plano ISD, and Lovejoy ISD all consistently rank among the top school districts in the state of Texas. According to the Texas Education Agency (TEA) accountability ratings for the 2024–2025 school year, Wylie ISD became the only district in Texas with over 10,000 students to have both the district and all of its campuses earn an "A" rating (overall score of 92). Prosper ISD and Allen ISD also received "A" ratings, alongside Frisco ISD — positioning these districts among the strongest in the state. Whether you are looking for strong academics, championship athletics, STEM programs, or fine arts, the options here are world-class. This is not marketing — this is what the data shows year after year.

Lifestyle — Dining, Parks, and Events

Living in Collin County is not just about the houses and the schools. The quality of life here is genuinely outstanding. We have incredible dining — from the locally owned spots on McKinney's square to the upscale restaurants at Legacy West in Plano and the rapidly expanding food scene in Frisco. The parks and trail systems across the county are maintained beautifully. The Arbor Hills Nature Preserve in Plano, the hike-and-bike trails through Prosper and Frisco, and the open spaces in Celina and Aubrey give you room to enjoy the outdoors.

Community events run year-round — the McKinney Christmas Tour of Homes, the Prosper Fun Run, the Celina Independence Day celebration, live music at The Star in Frisco, and farmers markets across every city. There is always something happening, and the sense of community is one of the things I hear from my clients most often.

Why I Stay — And Why My Clients Never Leave

I have had offers to work in other markets. I have seen agents chase the next hot city. But Collin County is home, and it is not just because I grew up here. It is because I genuinely believe it is the best combination of opportunity, education, community, and lifestyle that Texas has to offer. My clients who relocate here from other states consistently tell me the same thing — they wish they had made the move sooner.

The market in 2026 is strong, inventory is growing, and new construction is giving buyers more options than we have seen in years. If you have been thinking about making the move to Collin County, now is the time to have the conversation.