Top 5 Cities People are Moving to in DFW

The Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex continues to grow year after year, making it the place to be when it comes to living, working and raising a family. In fact, it has experienced the second-largest population boom in the state for the second year in a row, behind only the Houston metro area, according to U.S. Census Bureau findings in the Dallas News. DFW gained more than 144,000 residents this past year, bringing its population up to a cool 7.1 million. Incidentally, Houston gained 159,000 new residents.

The DFW area is comprised of cities in 13 counties throughout North Texas. This bustling up and coming area is on the move for many reasons, not the least of which is the decrease in crime over the last four years and increased home values, says D Magazine. The suburbs of Dallas are actually outpacing the growth of their big-city counterparts. So where is everyone moving in the DFW? Here’s a list of the top communities attracting the most people thanks to a variety of factors, from quality of life and home values to quality of education and work.

1. Highland Park

An affluent community, Highland Park tops the list for its sense of close-knit community, excellent police presence, amenities like public pools and tennis courts, and close proximity to plenty of shops and restaurants. It’s what’s called a “walkable” city, where residents feel safe in their neighborhoods and around town. This self-contained community borders some of Dallas’ most vibrant neighborhoods, such as Knox-Henderson and Oak Lawn, SMU, owing to its modern appeal yet with a throwback to times gone by.

2. Parker

Experiencing a population growth of 194% between 2000 and 2013, Parker was named for the son of its first settler, William C. Parker. Home to the oldest continuing congregation in Collin County, Parker boasts 95% owner-occupied homes with an average home price of $568,000. Its students are well educated, scoring high on their SATs and other standardized tests. This community also features a low violent crime rate, with a high walkability score.

3. Colleyville

Also an affluent city, Colleyville is nestled in Tarrant County just 12 miles from Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport. Although the population is about 22,000, this community had modest beginnings as a small, rural settlement area meandering along the Cotton Belt Route. Colleyville was named after physician and veteran Dr. Lilburn H. Colley. With a low crime rate and good schools, Colleyville consistently ranks among the best communities in the DFW.

4. University Park

This is a young community, as the median age is just 26, owing largely to the fact that it is home to Southern Methodist University. With high average SAT scores and high average home prices, University Park residents enjoy several beautiful area parks, such as Burleson Park, Caruth Park, Coffee Park, Curtis Park, and Elena’s Children’s Park.

5. Murphy

Backed by a huge population growth of 529% over the last decade, Murphy was named after landowner William Murphy. With history spanning back to the 1900s, this community is relatively small with a population of 17,000. Located in southern Collin County, Murphy represents an old-world feel to a modern community experiencing exponential growth.