North Texas Weekly
Moving to Collin County: 2026 Relocation Guide
Jane A.
6/5/26
Planning a move to Collin County in 2026? This guide covers every city, cost of living, property taxes, top school districts, commuting, and what to do first after you arrive.
Collin County is one of the fastest-growing counties in the United States, and 2026 shows no sign of slowing that trajectory.
With a median household income exceeding $120,000, nationally ranked school districts, low crime rates, and a booming corporate job market anchored by employers including Toyota, JPMorgan Chase, Texas Instruments, and Frito-Lay, Collin County continues to attract families, professionals, and remote workers from across the country.
If you are planning a move to Collin County this year, this guide covers everything from choosing the right city to understanding your first utility bill — organized to get you functional as quickly as possible after arrival.
Choosing Your City in Collin County
Frisco
Frisco has been one of the fastest-growing cities in the United States for over a decade. It is home to The Star — the Dallas Cowboys' world headquarters and entertainment complex — along with the PGA of America headquarters and a rapidly expanding retail and restaurant corridor.
Frisco ISD is consistently ranked among the top school districts in Texas. Median home prices run $550,000–$700,000. Frisco attracts families, corporate professionals, and sports tourism.
McKinney
McKinney is Collin County's seat and one of the most historically charming cities in North Texas. Its downtown square is lined with locally owned restaurants, boutiques, and antique shops that give it a character distinctly different from other Collin County communities.
McKinney ISD is a top-performing district. Median home prices range from $420,000–$580,000. McKinney attracts buyers who want suburban convenience with a stronger sense of place.
Plano
Plano is the most established and densely developed city in Collin County. It is home to major corporate campuses and has one of the most diverse populations in North Texas, with approximately 23 percent foreign-born residents and a strong international dining and cultural scene.
Plano ISD is consistently top-ranked statewide. Median home values range from $380,000–$530,000. Plano is particularly popular with tech and finance professionals.
Allen
Allen consistently ranks among the best places to live in America. It is a highly planned community with excellent parks, recreation facilities, and schools in Allen ISD.
The Allen Premium Outlets and a strong retail corridor make it one of the most self-contained communities in the county. Median home values range from $420,000–$570,000.
Prosper and Celina
Prosper and Celina represent the northern growth edge of Collin County. Both are among the fastest-growing cities in Texas with extensive new construction, newer infrastructure, and slightly more affordable entry points than Frisco or McKinney.
Prosper ISD and Celina ISD are growing rapidly and earning strong reputations. Median home values in Prosper run $480,000–$650,000; Celina runs $380,000–$520,000.
Cost of Living Overview
Collin County's cost of living is higher than the Texas average but favorable compared to the California, Chicago, and New York markets from which many residents relocate.
Median home value: $447,000–$475,000 county-wide (2024 ACS)
Median household income: $117,000–$124,000 (2024 ACS)
Property tax rate: 1.8–2.4% of assessed value depending on city and school district
Average monthly utility costs (summer peak): $250–$450 for a 2,000–3,000 sq ft home
No Texas state income tax — a significant factor for high earners relocating from income-tax states
Understanding Property Taxes in Collin County
Texas has no state income tax, but property taxes are among the highest in the nation. Collin County homeowners typically pay a combined property tax rate between 1.8 and 2.4 percent of assessed value annually, covering city, county, school district, and special district levies.
For a $450,000 home, this means annual property taxes of approximately $8,100 to $10,800.
Texas offers a homestead exemption that reduces the taxable value of your primary residence. Apply for your homestead exemption with the Collin County Central Appraisal District in the year you move in — it takes effect for the following tax year.
Schools in Collin County
School quality is one of the primary drivers of the Collin County real estate market. The major school districts — Frisco ISD, McKinney ISD, Plano ISD, and Allen ISD — are all consistently ranked among the top districts in Texas on TEA accountability ratings.
Collin County also has a well-developed private school ecosystem with both faith-based and non-sectarian options.
If schools are a primary factor in your city or neighborhood selection, research individual campus ratings on the TEA website and GreatSchools.org before finalizing your home purchase. School district boundaries in fast-growing areas can be redrawn as new campuses open.
Commuting in Collin County
Collin County is served by US Highway 75 (Central Expressway), the Dallas North Tollway, and State Highway 121, all of which connect south to Dallas and DFW Airport.
Traffic congestion on all three corridors is significant during peak hours, particularly southbound in the morning and northbound in the evening.
DART (Dallas Area Rapid Transit) serves parts of Plano and Allen with light rail connections to downtown Dallas and DFW Airport. Remote work penetration in Collin County is approximately 25 percent, which meaningfully reduces commute pressure for a large share of residents.
First Steps After Moving to Collin County
Apply for your homestead exemption at the Collin County Central Appraisal District — do this in January of the year following your move-in
Transfer your Texas driver's license within 90 days of establishing residency
Register your vehicle with the Texas DMV within 30 days
Set up utilities — Oncor is the electric transmission provider; you choose your retail electricity provider through the Power to Choose portal
Establish water service through your city utility department
Register your children for school through your school district's enrollment portal
Update your voter registration through the Collin County Elections office
Frequently Asked Question
Is Collin County a good place to raise a family?
By virtually every measurable standard, yes. Collin County has some of the lowest violent crime rates in the Dallas-Fort Worth metro, top-ranked public schools, extensive park and recreation infrastructure, and strong community programming. It consistently appears on national best-places-to-live rankings from Money, Niche, and similar outlets.
What is the best city in Collin County for remote workers?
McKinney and Allen are both popular with remote workers who want a quieter suburban environment without the congestion and higher home prices of Frisco. Plano offers the best access to coworking spaces and corporate amenities for hybrid workers who need occasional office access in the DFW metro.
How do I choose an electricity provider in Texas?
Texas has a deregulated electricity market. You choose your retail electricity provider through the Power to Choose portal at powertochoose.org. Compare plans by rate per kilowatt-hour, contract length, and plan terms. Oncor handles the physical transmission infrastructure regardless of which provider you select.