Moving From California to Frisco: Lifestyle Differences and What to Expect

Frisco, Texas, is one of the fastest-growing and most desirable cities in North Texas, attracting families and professionals from across the country—including many relocating from California. With top-rated schools, a lower cost of living, and a booming economy, Frisco offers a high quality of life without the high price tag of California.

If you’re considering a move from California to Frisco, here’s what to expect in terms of cost of living, housing, jobs, weather, lifestyle, and more.

1. Cost of Living: Frisco is More Affordable

One of the biggest reasons Californians are moving to Frisco is the significantly lower cost of living.

• Housing Costs:

  • California: The median home price is $750,000+, and over $1M+ in cities like San Francisco, Los Angeles, and San Diego.

  • Frisco: The median home price is around $600,000, and you get larger, newer homes with more amenities.

• Taxes:

  • California: High state income tax (up to 13.3%).

  • Texas: No state income tax, meaning you keep more of your paycheck.

• Everyday Expenses:

  • Gas, groceries, utilities, and entertainment are cheaper in Frisco than in major California cities.

What to Expect: If you’re moving from California, your money will stretch further in Frisco, especially when it comes to real estate and taxes.

2. Housing: More Space, Modern Homes, and Master-Planned Communities

One of the biggest perks of moving to Frisco is the size and quality of homes compared to California.

• California: Older homes, smaller lots, and sky-high prices.

• Frisco: New construction homes with modern features, spacious backyards, and luxury amenities at a much lower price.

Many Frisco homes feature:

✅ Open floor plans, high ceilings, and gourmet kitchens

✅ Larger lots with private backyards and pools

✅ Master-planned communities with resort-style amenities

Top Neighborhoods in Frisco for Luxury Living:

• Phillips Creek Ranch – High-end homes with parks, trails, and a top-rated school district.

• The Grove Frisco – Upscale community with resort-style pools, fitness centers, and green spaces.

• Edgestone at Legacy – Exclusive gated community with luxury homes and premium amenities.

• Starwood – A prestigious, gated community known for custom-built estates and proximity to The Star (Dallas Cowboys headquarters).

What to Expect: You’ll likely upgrade your living space, with bigger homes, modern designs, and high-end amenities that are hard to find in California.

3. Weather: Hot Summers, Mild Winters, and No Beach Breezes

Weather is a major adjustment when moving from California to Frisco.

• Summers: Hot and humid, with temperatures reaching 100°F+ in July and August.

• Winters: Mild (usually in the 40s and 50s), with occasional snow or ice days.

• No coastal breezes: Unlike California, Frisco is inland, so expect warmer temperatures year-round.

What to Expect: If you’re used to California’s coastal climate, be prepared for hotter summers and some unpredictable weather in Texas.

4. Traffic and Transportation: Easier Driving, But You’ll Need a Car

Traffic in California—especially in Los Angeles, the Bay Area, and San Diego—is notoriously bad. While Frisco has some congestion, it’s much easier to navigate than California’s major cities.

• Frisco is car-dependent – Public transportation is limited, so you’ll need a car.

• Less congestion than California – Commutes are generally shorter and less stressful.

• Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) is 25–30 minutes away, making travel convenient.

What to Expect: If you’re moving from a walkable California city, expect to drive more in Frisco, but the roads are well-maintained, and parking is easier.

5. Job Market: Growing Economy and No State Income Tax

Many companies are leaving California for Texas, and Frisco is one of the biggest job growth hotspots in the state.

• California: High business taxes and regulations are causing companies to relocate.

• Texas: Frisco is home to many Fortune 500 company headquarters, tech startups, and corporate offices.

Top Industries in Frisco

:✅ Technology (Frisco is becoming a major tech hub)

✅ Finance, healthcare, and corporate headquarters

✅ Real estate and construction (due to rapid growth and development)

Major employers in and around Frisco include:

• Toyota North America

• JPMorgan Chase

• Liberty Mutual

• T-Mobile

• Texas Health Resources

What to Expect: If you work in tech, healthcare, finance, or real estate, you’ll find plenty of job opportunities in Frisco and nearby Plano/Dallas.

6. Culture & Lifestyle: More Space, More Community, More Family-Focused

Life in Frisco is very different from California’s big-city culture.

• More family-friendly – Frisco has a strong sense of community, safety, and family-oriented events.

• Southern hospitality is real – Expect friendlier neighbors, more small talk, and a welcoming vibe.

• Sports culture is huge – Home to The Star (Dallas Cowboys headquarters), FC Dallas, and PGA Frisco.

• Dining is different – Frisco is known for Tex-Mex, barbecue, and Southern comfort food, which may feel different from California’s health-conscious food scene.

What to Expect: Frisco offers a suburban, upscale lifestyle with strong community involvement, but you may miss California’s beaches and diverse food scene.

7. Schools & Family Life: Frisco ISD is One of the Best in Texas

If you’re moving with kids, Frisco is home to one of the top school districts in Texas—Frisco ISD.

Top-Rated Schools in Frisco ISD:

• Hosp Elementary – High test scores and strong STEM programs.

• Vaughn Elementary – Recognized for academic excellence and innovative learning programs.

• Lawler Middle School – One of the best middle schools in Texas.

• Liberty High School & Centennial High School – Top-ranked high schools with strong AP and IB programs.

Frisco ISD is known for

:✅ Smaller class sizes than other Texas districts

✅ Award-winning STEM and arts programs

✅ State-of-the-art school facilities and resources

What to Expect: Families moving from California will find Frisco’s schools outperform many California public schools, making it a top choice for raising kids.

8. Politics & Taxes: More Conservative, Business-Friendly Policies

One of the biggest differences between California and Frisco is the political and tax climate.

• Texas is more business-friendly, with lower taxes and fewer regulations.

• Property taxes are higher than California (around 2.5-3% in Frisco), but there’s no state income tax.

What to Expect: You’ll likely notice lower business costs, different political views, and a more business-friendly environment.

Final Thoughts: Is Moving to Frisco From California Worth It?

✅ Pros of Moving to Frisco:

✔ Lower cost of living – Affordable housing, no state income tax.

✔ Great schools – Frisco ISD is one of Texas’ best.

✔ Family-friendly communities – Safe, modern, and spacious.

✔ Booming job market – Plenty of opportunities in tech, finance, and healthcare.

❌ Cons of Moving to Frisco:

❌ Hot summers – Be ready for 100°F+ heat.

❌ More driving required – Less public transit than California.

❌ No beaches – The closest beaches are in Galveston, 4+ hours away.

Bottom Line: If you’re looking for a better cost of living, top schools, and more space, Frisco is a great alternative to California.

Thinking about moving to Frisco? Let’s find you the perfect home! I specialize in helping new Texas residents find luxury homes in Frisco’s best neighborhoods. Let’s connect today!

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Please call us at 469-269-6541 for more details about Frisco real estate!

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About us: Frisco New Construction Expert Real Estate Agent

As a Top Real Estate Professional in Frisco & Dallas area, I understand the challenges that arise when buying a new construction home. There are over 50 builders in the Dallas area. I work with most of the new home builders in Dallas and understand how various builders operate. I am familiar with the options they offer, current incentives and I frequently visit the upcoming communities they are building. I guide my clients through all steps of the new home construction process and aggressively protect their interests in the transaction.

As a holder of top real estate industry certifications and designations like CRS, ABR & GRI, I can offer my clients experience as a Buyer's Agent in Frisco and REALTOR®, top Industry Customer Service, in-depth, up-to-the-minute and comprehensive market knowledge; honesty, integrity, dedication, and professionalism in my business.

Whether you are a first time buyer in Frisco looking to buy a home in Dallas or Frisco or whether you are relocating to Frisco from California or moving your entire family from areas like San Francisco, Fremont, Palo Alto, Los Angeles, San Diego in California due to job transfer with your company, I can help you find a new construction home in Frisco. Our relocation team eases the transition - whether you are moving across town or across the globe. We will work with you to find an area that best suits your professional, family and lifestyle needs. We have all the tools you need to help your home search. Whether it is video previews of homes, extended work hours, digital signatures for documents or more, we can make this process as comfortable as possible no matter where you are located.

What is most important to you in your new construction home in Frisco? Send us an email at info@NitinGuptaDFW.com or give us a call at (469) 269-6541 to schedule a no obligation consultation. We’ll give you honest advice about Frisco community that you can use to help make your home buying decision.