What Are the Largest Suburbs in the Dallas-Fort Worth, TX Metroplex?
- Nitin Gupta, CRS, REALTOR
- May 1
- 4 min read
The Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) metroplex is one of the fastest-growing regions in the U.S., attracting families, professionals, and businesses from across the country. But when people talk about “moving to Dallas,” they’re often referring to one of the many dynamic suburbs that surround the urban core.
These suburbs are more than bedroom communities—they’re thriving cities in their own right, complete with major employers, top-rated schools, luxury housing, and walkable town centers. Whether you're relocating for work, schools, or a different pace of life, here's a breakdown of the largest suburbs in DFW, ranked by population and recognized for their lifestyle offerings.
1. Fort Worth
Population: ~960,000+Although Fort Worth is technically its own city, it functions as a major suburb within the DFW metroplex and continues to experience explosive growth. It offers a more laid-back lifestyle compared to Dallas but still boasts a vibrant cultural scene, top-tier universities, and the Stockyards National Historic District.
✔️ Best for: Western charm, spacious neighborhoods, large employers, historic districts
2. Arlington
Population: ~400,000+Home to AT&T Stadium (Dallas Cowboys), Globe Life Field (Texas Rangers), and Six Flags Over Texas, Arlington is a central entertainment hub. It sits between Dallas and Fort Worth and offers a mix of urban living and family-friendly neighborhoods.
✔️ Best for: Sports fans, families, and commuters working in both Dallas and Fort Worth
3. Plano
Population: ~290,000+Plano is a corporate powerhouse with headquarters like Toyota North America, JCPenney, and Frito-Lay. It combines luxury living, high-end retail, and award-winning public schools—making it a magnet for executives and families alike.
✔️ Best for: Professionals, luxury buyers, corporate relocations, highly rated schools
4. Garland
Population: ~245,000+Located northeast of Dallas, Garland is a diverse, well-established suburb offering affordable housing and access to DART light rail. It also has strong industrial and tech roots.
✔️ Best for: First-time buyers, working professionals, affordability
5. Irving
Population: ~250,000+Irving is home to Las Colinas, a major corporate district with lakeside living, golf courses, and luxury apartments. It has a significant international community and is one of the most business-friendly suburbs in the metroplex.
✔️ Best for: Young professionals, expats, business travelers (close to DFW Airport)
6. Frisco
Population: ~230,000+One of the fastest-growing cities in the U.S., Frisco is known for luxury master-planned communities, excellent schools, and a booming economy. It’s home to The Star (Dallas Cowboys HQ), PGA of America, and top-tier shopping and dining.
✔️ Best for: High-income families, new construction, lifestyle-focused buyers
7. McKinney
Population: ~215,000+Known for its charming historic downtown, McKinney offers a mix of classic Texas architecture and new development. It regularly ranks among the top “Best Places to Live in America” due to its community vibe and quality of life.
✔️ Best for: Suburban charm, community-focused living, families
8. Grand Prairie
Population: ~200,000+This centrally located city offers a mix of parks, lake access (Joe Pool Lake), and family-friendly neighborhoods. It’s also home to Epic Waters Indoor Waterpark and Lone Star Park.
✔️ Best for: Recreation, water access, central DFW location
9. Denton
Population: ~150,000+A college town at heart, Denton is home to the University of North Texas and Texas Woman’s University. It blends creative energy with suburban affordability and a growing tech presence.
✔️ Best for: College town lifestyle, music and arts culture, affordable housing
10. Carrollton
Population: ~135,000+With a strong Korean and Indian-American presence, Carrollton is known for its diverse culinary scene, top-rated schools, and easy access to both DFW and Love Field airports.
✔️ Best for: Diversity, commuters, suburban comfort with city access
Honorable Mentions (Population Growing Rapidly):
Allen – ~110,000+ | Known for schools, parks, and shopping
Lewisville – ~115,000+ | Offers lakeside living and quick access to DFW Airport
Flower Mound – ~80,000+ | Popular with executives and families for its natural beauty and luxury housing
Prosper & Celina – ~35,000–75,000 | Exploding with new master-planned communities and luxury developments
Southlake – ~32,000 | Smaller in population but among the most affluent suburbs in Texas
Final Thoughts
The Dallas-Fort Worth area is more than just two cities—it’s a sprawling network of dynamic suburbs that offer every lifestyle imaginable, from urban condos to luxury estates with acreage. Whether you’re relocating for work, family, or a lifestyle upgrade, there’s a suburb in DFW that fits your goals.
Want personalized guidance on where to live based on commute, schools, and home type?
📞 Connect with relocation-certified REALTOR® Nitin Gupta, who has helped professionals and families move confidently across the DFW suburbs:👉 https://www.nitinguptadfw.com/contact
📌 Learn more about his designations and local expertise:👉 https://www.nitinguptadfw.com/designations
Call us at 469-269-6541 for more information about Plano real estate!
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