The Best Places to Buy a Home in DFW

The Lagoon at Windsong Ranch beach with people walking.

According to Dallas Morning News?, Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) has quickly become the hottest real estate market in the United States. With its thriving job market, diverse culture, family-friendly communities, and an array of lifestyle amenities, DFW has something for nearly everyone. But with so many neighborhoods and cities to choose from, finding the perfect home can feel overwhelming.

Whether you’re new to the area or relocating from within, choosing the right location to call home can significantly impact your lifestyle, commute, and investment. This guide will walk you through key factors to consider when buying in DFW and highlight the top neighborhoods that deserve your attention, including communities crafted by Normandy Homes.

Factors to Consider When Buying a Home in DFW

1. Affordability

The cost of living varies across DFW and so do home prices. While neighborhoods in Frisco and Allen may feature higher price points due to their growth and desirability, areas like Mansfield or Celina offer more affordable yet equally appealing options. Carefully evaluate what fits within your budget while accounting for future home equity growth.

2. Top-Rated Schools

For families, access to good schools is often a priority. DFW boasts some of the most highly rated school districts in Texas, including those in Allen, Frisco, Celina and McKinney. These districts not only offer excellent education but also make for a promising long-term investment, as homes in these areas tend to retain value due to high demand.

3. Commuting Options

DFW is a sprawling area, so proximity to your workplace or commuting options is another factor to think about. Neighborhoods like Mansfield, with excellent highway access to downtown Fort Worth and Arlington, or Frisco, home to numerous corporate offices, can make daily travel easier and more convenient.

4. Lifestyle and Amenities

Every neighborhood in the DFW metroplex offers a unique lifestyle. From vibrant urban areas to peaceful suburban communities, consider what suits your lifestyle best. Do you crave green spaces, parks, and walking trails? Or do you prefer proximity to shopping and dining? Communities like Prosper’s Windsong Ranch include luxury amenities like The Lagoon, creating a resort-style living experience.

Top Neighborhoods for Homebuyers in DFW

To help narrow your search, we’ve selected some of the top neighborhoods where you can buy a home in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex.

Allen

Allen, Texas, is a thriving suburban city that offers a perfect blend of modern amenities, excellent schools, and a strong sense of community. With a variety of parks, trails, and recreational facilities, it’s an ideal place for outdoor enthusiasts and families alike.

The city boasts a vibrant shopping and dining scene, including destinations like the Allen Premium Outlets and Watters Creek. Residents also benefit from a strong local economy, low crime rates, and proximity to Dallas, making it a great choice for those who want suburban comfort with easy access to urban opportunities.

Whether you’re raising a family or looking for a dynamic community to call home, Allen, Texas, has something for everyone.

Celina

Celina, Texas, is a fast-growing city that offers a perfect mix of small-town charm and modern convenience. With highly rated schools, a strong sense of community, and plenty of open space, it’s an ideal place for families and professionals alike.

Residents enjoy a peaceful suburban lifestyle while still having easy access to major cities like Dallas and Frisco. Celina also boasts a vibrant downtown, local events, and new home developments, making it a great place to live, work, and grow.

Frisco

Frisco, Texas, is a thriving city known for its top-rated schools, booming economy, and exceptional quality of life. With world-class shopping, dining, and entertainment—including The Star, Stonebriar Centre, and PGA headquarters—there’s always something to do.

The city offers beautiful parks, family-friendly neighborhoods, and a strong job market, making it a great place for professionals and families alike. Its convenient location near Dallas provides easy access to big-city opportunities while maintaining a welcoming suburban feel.

Mansfield

Mansfield, Texas, is an attractive place to live due to its convenient location between Dallas and Fort Worth, offering easy access to big city amenities while maintaining a quiet suburban atmosphere. Known for being family-friendly, it boasts great schools, parks, and a safe environment.

With a growing economy, affordable housing, and a variety of outdoor activities, Mansfield is a perfect choice for those seeking a balanced lifestyle. The community is tight knit, with regular events and a strong sense of belonging, making it a desirable option for families and individuals alike.

  • Highlighted Community: Watson Branch
  • Price Range: Homes from the $400s

McKinney

McKinney, Texas, is a great place to live due to its charming historic downtown, top-rated schools, and strong sense of community. It offers a high quality of life with safe neighborhoods, beautiful parks, and a thriving local economy.

With a mix of modern amenities and small-town charm, McKinney provides an excellent balance for families and professionals. Its proximity to Dallas allows for easy commuting while still enjoying a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere.

Prosper

Prosper, Texas, is an ideal place to live for those seeking a peaceful, upscale suburban lifestyle with top-rated schools and spacious homes. Known for its strong sense of community, excellent safety, and beautiful parks, Prosper offers a high quality of life.

With easy access to Frisco, Dallas, and other growing job markets, it combines charm with modern conveniences, making it a great choice for families and professionals.

  • Highlighted Community: Windsong Ranch
  • Price Range: Homes from the $600s

Why Normandy Homes Stands Out

DFW homebuyers have a variety of builders to choose from, but Normandy Homes offers significant advantages. We build homes that balance impeccable design, high-quality craftsmanship, and thoughtfully selected locations in top-ranked communities. We also make the process simple and stress-free, offering quick move-in options for buyers who want to avoid construction waits.

Here’s what sets Normandy apart:

  • Impeccable Design: Thoughtfully curated floorplans tailored to different lifestyles.
  • High-Quality Materials: Proven durability and the best in building materials for long-lasting homes.
  • Customer First: Personalized guidance and clear communication make working with Normandy Homes a seamless experience.

Discover These Communities and Find Your Dream Home

Finding the right home involves more than just selecting a property; it’s about creating a lifestyle that perfectly suits your needs. With so many incredible cities to choose from in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, your dream home might be closer than you think.

Start by exploring some of these top communities and touring our models—there’s nothing like walking through the neighborhood and experiencing it firsthand. When you’re ready, you can reach out to our sales team to find out more about the process and how you can make homeownership in our one of our communities a reality!

Promotional rate available on select homes that contract after 04/01/2025 and close by 05/13/2025. Offer not valid on contract re-writes, transfers, or for buyers who have had a previously signed contract with Normandy Homes. May not be combined with other offers. Interest rate offered applies only to Normandy Homes financed through Highlands Residential Mortgage (NMLS 134871) for a borrower’s principal residence. Not all borrowers will qualify. All terms and conditions subject to credit approval, market conditions and availability. Final rate will be determined at time of rate lock. Preferred lenders may vary by community. Loan options and down payment may vary from 10% to 25% based on lender. See community sales manager for details on all financing options.

Homebuyers are not required to finance through Highlands Residential Mortgage to purchase a home; however, buyer must use Highlands Residential Mortgage to receive the advertised rate. 5.875/ 6.12% APR rate as of 03/14/25. Included with promotional rate is a 1/0 buydown. First year effective rate 4.875 for first 12 months with year 2-30 interest rate at 5.875%. Availability of rate is limited and is on a first come, first serve basis. Based on a 30-year fixed-rate conventional loan - $700,000 sales price and $525,000 loan amount with 780 FICO score. Rate, fees, and terms subject to change without notice.

Highlands Residential Mortgage is an Equal Opportunity Lender | NMLS ID #134871 | 950 W. Bethany Drive, Suite 800, Allen, TX 75013