These 3 Dallas Suburbs Got Top Scores for Safety and Affordability 

Staff Reports

We always knew that North Texas is a great place to live, but our theory was validated by a recent national study showing that McKinney, Frisco, and Plano are among the top 25 most affordable and safest cities in the country. 

Elgin, Ill., topped the list compiled by GOBankingRates, which analyzed the largest cities in the United States by population. Northwest of Chicago along the Fox River, Elgin has a median household income of $85,998 and a $4,008 average monthly cost of living. About 851 property crimes and 215 violent crimes were reported annually. 

GOBankingRates applied FBI Crime Explorer Data for property and violent crimes to determine the safest cities. The most affordable, or cheapest cost of living, was tabulated with average mortgage cost and average expenditures per city.

The team at CandysDirt.com scoured the listings in this Collin County trio of safest cities and affordable suburbs and found some noteworthy homes that just hit the market. 

Also of note, GOBankingRates study found these key takeaways: 

• Cities in Texas: Of the top 25 cities from GOBankingRate’s study, 11 are in Texas.
• Cheapest cost of living: Of the top 50 cities listed, the cheapest cost of living is in Brownsville, Texas, with an estimated monthly cost of $2,940.
• Most violent crime: Even though still much safer than other big cities such as New York City or Los Angeles, the highest rate of violent crimes on this list is in Mesa, Ariz.

McKinney, Texas

McKinney ranked No. 15 of the top 25 safest and most affordable communities in the U.S.

In McKinney, according to the study, the median household income is $113,286. The average household spends about $3,153 per month on a mortgage, and the total monthly cost of living is $5,129. There were 2,163 annual property crimes and 238 violent crimes reported. 

Homes on the market in McKinney range in price from what most would consider affordable to $4.4 million. 

A $505,000 home at 5712 Centeridge Lane. features three bedrooms, two bathrooms, a cozy front porch, and a spacious covered back patio. 

Frisco, Texas

Coming in at No. 16 is Frisco, which has drawn all kinds of luxury development, entertainment venues, and retail in recent years.

The GOBankingRates study found that in Frisco, the median household income is $144,567 and the average monthly mortgage cost is $4,137. The total monthly cost of living is $6,128. Crimes reported annually include 2,928 property crimes and 225 violent crimes.

Frisco home buyers can easily find an $8 million luxury listing, but for something in the more affordable range, we found a two-bedroom, two-bath remodeled property at 9201 Meadow Lane for $464,900.  

Plano, Texas

Plano real estate certainly appeals to all price points, with mansions and condos in the $5 million range. But this Collin County city didn’t get to No. 22 on the most affordable list through its luxury properties. 

The median household income in Plano is about $105,679, and the average monthly mortgage cost is $3,217. The total monthly cost of living is $5,266. The GOBanking Rates study found 5,496 annual property crimes and 458 annual violent crimes. 

For those shopping for an affordable piece of Plano real estate, we found this gem at 1701 Sherrye Drive for $339,000. 

The property has three bedrooms, two bathrooms, and three living areas. It’s conveniently located near Meadows Elementary School.