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Choosing Between Two Top-Tier Family Communities
When families consider relocating to the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, Frisco and Plano consistently top the list. Both Collin County cities offer exceptional schools, family-friendly amenities, and high quality of life—but they each have distinct characteristics.
This comprehensive comparison will help you determine which community is the best fit for your family's priorities and lifestyle.
Overview: Tale of Two Cities
Frisco: The New Growth Hub
Frisco has transformed from a small town to one of America's fastest-growing cities, with a population now exceeding 200,000. Known for modern development, sports culture, and family-centric planning.
Plano: The Established Suburban Icon
Plano, with over 285,000 residents, is a mature suburb that successfully balances established neighborhoods with ongoing development. Known for corporate headquarters, top schools, and diverse community.
Schools: Academic Excellence
Frisco Independent School District
Overall Rating: Excellent (A+)
Key Stats:
- Student enrollment: ~65,000 students
- Student-teacher ratio: 15:1
- Graduation rate: 97%
- College readiness: 76%
- State test scores: Above state average
Standout Schools:
- Liberty High School
- Centennial High School
- Independence High School
- Wakeland High School
- Frisco High School
Strengths:
- Newer, state-of-the-art facilities
- Rapidly expanding to meet growth
- Strong extracurriculars and sports
- Innovative programs and technology
- Active parent involvement
Considerations:
- Some schools still being built
- Redistricting happens as district grows
- Varying experiences across campuses
- New schools still establishing traditions
Plano Independent School District
Overall Rating: Excellent (A+)
Key Stats:
- Student enrollment: ~53,000 students
- Student-teacher ratio: 14:1
- Graduation rate: 98%
- College readiness: 80%
- State test scores: Consistently high
Standout Schools:
- Plano West Senior High
- Plano East Senior High
- Plano Senior High
- Jasper High School
- Various acclaimed elementary schools
Strengths:
- Established reputation (decades of excellence)
- Consistent high performance
- Strong AP and advanced programs
- Excellent arts programs
- International Baccalaureate options
Also Served By:
- Lewisville ISD (parts of West Plano)
- Some Frisco ISD (Legacy West area)
Considerations:
- Some older facilities (though well-maintained)
- High academic pressure in some schools
- Large class sizes in popular schools
- Competitive admissions for special programs
Verdict: Both offer world-class education. Frisco has newer facilities and growing programs; Plano has established excellence and proven track records. Choose based on specific school boundaries.
Housing and Real Estate
Frisco
Median Home Price: $535,000
Price Range: $350K - $2M+
Typical Home Size: 2,500-3,500 sq ft
Housing Types:
- Newer construction (mostly 1990s-present)
- Modern floor plans and architecture
- Master-planned communities
- Townhomes and condos available
- Custom home options in premium areas
Popular Neighborhoods:
- Starwood: Established luxury ($600K-$1.5M)
- Phillips Creek Ranch: Family-friendly ($500K-$900K)
- Hollyhock: Newer development ($400K-$700K)
- Castle Hills: Upscale homes ($800K-$2M+)
- Lebanon Trail: Growing area ($450K-$650K)
Property Characteristics:
- Larger lots in newer developments
- Modern kitchens and open concepts
- Home offices increasingly standard
- Resort-style pools common
- Smart home features
Plano
Median Home Price: $475,000
Price Range: $300K - $1.5M+
Typical Home Size: 2,200-3,200 sq ft
Housing Types:
- Mix of established (1970s-1980s) and new
- Variety of architectural styles
- Established tree-lined streets
- Townhomes, condos, single-family
- Custom homes in premium areas
Popular Neighborhoods:
- Willow Bend: Upscale established ($600K-$1.2M)
- Oak Point: Family-friendly ($400K-$600K)
- Parker Road Corridor: Affordable options ($300K-$450K)
- West Plano: Mix of ages and prices ($400K-$900K)
- Legacy West: Modern urban living ($350K-$800K+)
Property Characteristics:
- Mature trees and landscaping
- Some homes need updates
- Strong bones, good layouts
- Established neighborhood amenities
- Mix of lot sizes
Verdict: Frisco offers newer homes at higher prices; Plano provides more variety and affordability. Both offer excellent value for quality of schools and amenities.
Cost of Living
Property Taxes (Critical Factor!)
Frisco:
- Approximate rate: 2.05% of assessed value
- $535K home ≈ $10,968/year
Plano:
- Approximate rate: 1.98% of assessed value
- $475K home ≈ $9,405/year
Note: Rates vary by specific location and MUD districts. Always verify for specific properties.
Overall Living Costs
Both cities have similar costs for:
- Groceries and dining
- Utilities
- Healthcare
- Transportation
- Entertainment
Verdict: Plano slightly lower overall due to established infrastructure and lower median home prices.
Lifestyle and Amenities
Frisco
Sports and Entertainment:
- Ford Center at The Star (Dallas Cowboys HQ)
- Comerica Center (hockey and events)
- FC Dallas soccer stadium
- Dr Pepper Ballpark (baseball)
- Multiple sports complexes for youth
- PGA Headquarters coming soon
Shopping and Dining:
- Stonebriar Centre (major mall)
- The Star (dining and entertainment)
- Legacy West (mixed-use development)
- Rail District (downtown revitalization)
- Diverse restaurant scene growing rapidly
Parks and Recreation:
- 70+ parks
- Frisco Athletic Center
- Simpson Plaza (downtown)
- Warren Sports Complex
- Extensive hike and bike trails
Community Feel:
- Family-focused and youth sports-oriented
- Newer, suburban feel
- Rapid growth and development
- Active community events
- Strong school spirit
Plano
Shopping and Dining:
- Legacy West (upscale dining and retail)
- The Shops at Legacy
- Willowbend Mall area
- Downtown Plano (historic charm)
- Incredibly diverse restaurant scene
- Multiple Asian supermarkets
Entertainment:
- Coyote Drive-In
- Arbor Hills Nature Preserve
- Downtown Plano Arts District
- Courtyard Theater
- ArtCentre of Plano
Parks and Recreation:
- 85+ parks
- Oak Point Park and Nature Preserve (800+ acres)
- Bob Woodruff Park
- Plano Aquatic Center
- Extensive trail system (over 80 miles)
Community Feel:
- Established, diverse community
- Mix of old and new residents
- Strong sense of community
- Cultural diversity
- Active neighborhood associations
Verdict: Frisco for sports enthusiasts and new development lovers; Plano for cultural diversity and established amenities.
Work and Commute
Major Employers
Frisco:
- T-Mobile (regional hub)
- Dallas Cowboys (The Star)
- FC Dallas
- PGA of America
- Multiple corporate offices
Plano:
- Toyota North America HQ
- JPMorgan Chase
- Liberty Mutual
- Frito-Lay (PepsiCo)
- Ericsson
- AT&T (nearby)
- Capital One
Commute Times
From Frisco:
- To Downtown Dallas: 35-45 minutes
- To DFW Airport: 30-40 minutes
- To Fort Worth: 50-60 minutes
- To Legacy Business Park: 15-20 minutes
From Plano:
- To Downtown Dallas: 25-35 minutes
- To DFW Airport: 30-35 minutes
- To Fort Worth: 45-55 minutes
- To Legacy: 10-20 minutes (depending on location)
Public Transportation:
- Frisco: Limited DART access (northern end)
- Plano: Excellent DART rail access (Red and Orange lines)
Verdict: Plano has edge on public transit and slightly closer to Dallas. Frisco better for jobs in northern suburbs.
Demographics and Diversity
Frisco
- Population: ~210,000
- Median age: 36 years
- Median household income: $127,000
- Diversity:
- White: 60%
- Asian: 23%
- Hispanic: 12%
- Black: 10%
- Family-oriented: 42% of households have children
Plano
- Population: ~285,000
- Median age: 38 years
- Median household income: $98,000
- Diversity:
- White: 53%
- Asian: 21%
- Hispanic: 16%
- Black: 8%
- Family-oriented: 38% of households have children
Verdict: Both highly diverse. Frisco slightly younger and higher income; Plano larger and more established.
Safety and Quality of Life
Crime Rates
Both cities rank among the safest in Texas:
Frisco:
- Consistently ranked in top 10 safest cities in Texas
- Low violent crime rate
- Active community policing
- Well-funded police department
Plano:
- Historically one of safest cities in America
- Low crime rates across all categories
- Neighborhood watch programs
- Excellent police response times
Verdict: Both exceptionally safe. Choose confidently based on other factors.
Pros and Cons
Frisco
Pros:
- ✅ Newer homes and infrastructure
- ✅ Sports and entertainment hub
- ✅ Rapidly expanding amenities
- ✅ Modern master-planned communities
- ✅ Strong youth sports culture
- ✅ Excellent schools with new facilities
- ✅ Family-focused community
Cons:
- ❌ Higher home prices
- ❌ Rapid growth can mean construction
- ❌ Newer = less established community feel
- ❌ Limited public transportation
- ❌ Schools may redistrict due to growth
- ❌ Less dining/cultural diversity than Plano
- ❌ Higher cost of living
Plano
Pros:
- ✅ More affordable housing options
- ✅ Established neighborhoods with character
- ✅ Excellent DART rail access
- ✅ Diverse dining and cultural options
- ✅ Mature trees and landscaping
- ✅ Proven school track record
- ✅ Mix of home ages and styles
- ✅ Large job market within city
Cons:
- ❌ Some older homes need updates
- ❌ Higher traffic congestion in places
- ❌ Less "new and shiny" than Frisco
- ❌ Smaller lot sizes in older areas
- ❌ More competitive housing market
- ❌ Some schools have older facilities
- ❌ Can feel crowded in central areas
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Frisco If You:
- Want a newer home with modern amenities
- Prioritize youth sports and athletics
- Like master-planned community feel
- Don't mind paying premium for newest
- Work in northern suburbs or from home
- Want state-of-the-art school facilities
- Prefer suburban development over established neighborhoods
- Love being in the center of sports action
Choose Plano If You:
- Value affordability and housing variety
- Appreciate established neighborhoods
- Want excellent public transportation
- Love diverse dining and cultural options
- Work in central Dallas corridor
- Prefer mature landscapes and trees
- Like mix of old and new
- Want larger city with more job options
Making Your Decision
Key Questions to Ask:
1. Budget
- Can you afford Frisco's premium prices?
- Do you want more house for less in Plano?
2. Home Preference
- New construction or established homes?
- Modern or character-filled?
3. Commute
- Where will you work?
- Need public transportation?
4. Lifestyle
- Sports-centric or culturally diverse?
- Rapid growth or established feel?
5. Schools
- Specific school boundaries important?
- Prefer new facilities or proven track records?
Both Are Excellent Choices
You truly can't go wrong with either Frisco or Plano. Both offer:
- ✅ Outstanding schools
- ✅ Safe communities
- ✅ Family-friendly environment
- ✅ Strong property values
- ✅ Excellent amenities
- ✅ High quality of life
The "better" choice depends entirely on your family's priorities, budget, and lifestyle preferences.
EnterActDFW Can Help
Our team has deep expertise in both Frisco and Plano markets:
Our Services:
- Neighborhood tours: See both cities firsthand
- School guidance: Navigate district boundaries and programs
- Market analysis: Understand pricing and value
- New construction expertise: Navigate builders and options
- Resale specialists: Find hidden gems in established areas
- Family focus: Understand what matters to families
We'll Help You:
- Narrow down specific neighborhoods
- Understand school attendance zones
- Compare properties side-by-side
- Negotiate best terms
- Close smoothly and start your new chapter
The Bottom Line
Frisco and Plano represent two different flavors of suburban excellence. Frisco offers newer development, sports culture, and modern amenities at a premium. Plano provides established communities, diversity, accessibility, and value.
Both cities will provide your family with exceptional schools, safety, and quality of life. The key is understanding which characteristics matter most to you and finding the specific neighborhood within either city that checks your boxes.
Ready to explore Frisco, Plano, or both? Contact EnterActDFW today for a personalized tour of family-friendly neighborhoods in both communities. Let us help you find the perfect home for your family's next chapter.
Data current as of October 2025. Statistics, prices, and tax rates subject to change. Visit schools and neighborhoods personally as part of your decision process.