Check out some of Texas' finest cities:
 Frisco    The Colony    Carrollton
 Little Elm    Plano    McKinney
 Prosper    Allen   Richardson

FRISCO  

The city of Frisco, with a population approaching 62,000 as of November of 2003, is located about 20 miles north of Dallas. The Frisco Planning Department projected to have 75,825 residents by January 2005. This business- and citizen-friendly community grew 21% last year. Diverse multi-family housing serves its growing population. One example, Stonebrook Estates, is a small community consisting of 92 single-family residences. This neighborhood is conveniently located with quick, easy access to shopping centers, schools, recreation areas, apartments and businesses. 

While Frisco is growing at a record pace, the city ensures quality development and coordinated land uses through a Comprehensive Plan and Development Standards, designed to guarantee high quality neighborhoods and adequate infrastructure for business. 

Frisco enjoys a strong, diverse economy, another reason for rapid growth here. As part of its efforts, the business community created The Frisco Economic Development Corporation. The FEDC is charged with attracting new business to the area, assisting the expansion of existing businesses, diversifying the tax base, providing employment, and improving the quality of life for all Frisco citizens. The FEDC funds certain development incentives such as grants and loans, and assists with property tax abatements and TIF zones. The city has one of the lowest tax rates in the area, due to its strong financial condition and forward planning. 

For children, the Frisco Independent School District currently operates six elementary schools, two middle schools, and two high school campuses. To keep up with the growing population, the district opened another elementary school in 2000 and has purchased sites for additional schools. 

Frisco has twelve park sites throughout the community that provide a variety of activities for the entire family. Soccer, baseball, basketball, tennis, volleyball courts, and playground equipment are available at several parks. Swimming is available year-round, as are hike and bike trails. Warren Sports complex offers an eight-acre lake recently restocked with black bass and channel catfish. Learn more about Frisco Parks.  

Health care has become increasingly important to families, and Frisco easily meets the medical needs of its residents. Frisco residents can choose quality physicians and dentists from the growing numbers of health care providers establishing practices here. Our facilities boast state-of-the-art medical diagnostics and treatment technology and are staffed and operated by some of the country's leading practitioners and researchers. Hospitals serving the Frisco area include North Central Texas Medical Center, the Medical Center of Plano, and the Presbyterian Hospital of Plano. 

Retail stores are popping up on virtually every corner. Stonebriar Centre Mall is the largest shopping center in north Texas, featuring Macy's, Nordstrom's, J C Penney, Sears, and Foley's stores, along with over 125 retail shops. Stonebriar Centre also features an NHL-size ice rink, a 24-screen AMC movie theater, and a soft play area as well as a carousel. 

Learn More About Frisco, TX.  

Also visit the Frisco's Newcomers Information Page. 

THE COLONY 

The Colony is located by Lake Lewisville near the intersection of State Highway 121 and Farm Road 423. It is eight miles east of Lewisville, fifteen miles northeast of the Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport, and twenty-four miles north of downtown Dallas in southeastern Denton County.  

The Colony, named after the Peters' Colony, was established as a housing development by Fox and Jacobs, Incorporated, on some 3,000 acres in 1973. The developer established a municipal utilities district and secured services from the Lone Star Gas, Texas Power and Light, and Southwestern Bell Telephone companies. The Colony residents later organized a volunteer fire department. In 1977, a homeowners' association initiated incorporation of the city once a release of the land from the extraterritorial jurisdiction of the city of Frisco, Texas was negotiated. Residents approved a charter that established a council-manager government with a seven-member city council in 1979.  

The Colony has many beautiful communities with Austin Ranch being the largest master planned community. It is on 1,500-acres located on the southeast portion of the city near the intersection of State Highway 121 and the Dallas North Tollway. This development is to include 448 acres for multi-family housing, 314 acres of corporate and retail space, 48 acres of mixed-use facilities including both apartments and retail stores, and 179 acres of dedicated park-land.  

The Colony is quickly growing and developing. It has several shopping centers and a 208,500 square foot Wal-Mart Supercenter which employs 550 associates and serves the community 24 hours per day. Home Depot opened in the Spring of 2001 at the corner of SH 121 and Paige Road.  

Furthermore, The Colony has two suite-style motels with over 400 units. The connection of Josey Lane to State Highway 121 is a significant transportation improvement expected to lead to $50 - $100 million in tax base growth. One of the newest forms of expansion in The Colony is Hawaiian Falls, a water park that opened in 2004! 

The City also has eight churches and the local newspaper is known as The Colony Courier-Leader. (Click on preceeding link and then click on "The Colony Courier Leader" on the left side of the page for more information.)  

The Colony is served by the fast growing Lewisville Independent School District (LISD), recognized for its academic excellence as one of the best in Texas. Students win annual honors in science, art, math, journalism, instrumental music, industrial arts, health occupations, and sports. LISD operates 6 elementary schools, 2 middle schools and 1 high school in The Colony. Visit the LISD website. 

The city has 23 miles of shoreline on Lake Lewisville. On May 1, 1995, The Colony acquired an abandoned State Park from the State of Texas formerly known as Lake Lewisville State Park. This park is now called Hidden Cove Park. It offers a vast array of activities such as fishing, boating, tent camping, shelters, conference center, picnicking, hiking, and much more. Stewart Creek Park is another city facility with many of the same activities. Learn more about the Colony Parks and Lakes. 

As of March, 2002, The Colony population has grown to approximately 30,985. The North Central Texas Council of Governments projects a population of 45,450 by 2005.  

Learn more about The Colony, TX. 

CARROLLTON 

It is said that the City of Carrollton is named after the first settlers who came from Carrollton, Illinois. The City's name was officially established on May 16, 1878, when the first U.S. Post Office opened in Carrollton. 

Around 1904, a new industry emerged in Carrolton--manufacturing of brick. The Carrollton Pressed Brick Company was located northeast of the Carrollton Town Square, next to the Cotton Belt and Frisco railroads. Popular structures like the Belle Allen home on Clint Street, the chimney and fireplace in the Wade H. Perry home, the Gravley Hardware store on the Carrollton Square, the Vandergriff building on the southwest corner of the Carrollton Square, and possibly some stores on the north side of the square where made with this brick. The brick from this plant is easy to identify because the name "CARROLLTON" is embedded on it. This brick is highly prized by collectors.  

Railroads and a new post office started a new era in Carrollton in the late 1800s. Carrollton quickly emerged from an agricultural community to the center of business and professional activity. The Dallas-Wichita Railroad arrived in Carrollton in 1879. By 1908, there were three railroads using Carrollton as a station. The Cottonbelt and the Katy Railroads provided passenger service and maintained a depot while the Frisco Railroad only provided freight service. The three tracks intersected north of what is now the Carrollton Town Square. The three railroads intersecting in this part of the country was unique and contributed to Carrollton's early prosperity. With the coming of the railroads, Carrollton developed into a sizable shipping center, particularly for cattle.  

As of January 2003, Carrollton's estimated population was 113,800. The city has had over 1,304 new business expansions and relocations since 1986. This has added over 42,500 people to Carrollton's workforce.  

Today Carrollton is a vibrant corporate and residential community with a unique advantage because of its prime location. Businesses and neighborhoods flourish throughout the city's approximate 37 square miles. The surrounding major highways, three rail freight lines, and Foreign Trade Zone designation ensure continued success.  

This business-friendly city ranks in the top three cities in the region in the following: Creating the highest number of new jobs, Total new development square footage, and Number of businesses moving to Carrollton/Expansion of current businesses. As the momentum in commercial/industrial development continues, the economic cornerstone is the well-balanced residential and business tax base.  

The city was recently named a national "Kid Friendly City," "Tree City USA" and Texas' Safest City. 

Carrollton has numerous other assets such as excellent schools, parks and greenbelts, and convenient services are available to every neighborhood. The wide variety of housing, community partnerships and civic opportunities enhance Carrollton's diversity. Residents enjoy the award-winning sports complexes, libraries, natural areas, golf courses, lifestyle amenities and community events. Learn more about Carrollton's Parks and Recreation. 

Three independent school districts serve the City of Carrollton. The majority of Carrollton's students attend schools within the Carrollton/Farmers Branch Independent School District (CFB/ISD). The Dallas ISD (DISD) and the Lewisville ISD (LISD) also serve portions of Carrollton. Carrollton is also within 30 minutes away from most of DFW's Colleges and Universities.  

Learn more about Carrollton, TX. 

LITTLE ELM

Little Elm was established in 1844 by Kit King on the banks of Little Elm Creek. Today, Little Elm is located on Farm Road 720 and along the banks of Lewisville Lake. It is located 12 miles southeast of Denton in east central Denton County.  

The Little Elm’s first post office was located in King's house in 1852. In 1859, the first store in Little Elm began operations. Little Elm had a population of 194 with 6 businesses in 1900. The community's population and businesses have grown steadily because of road development in the county that has made it more accessible to both Denton and Dallas and because of its location near Lewisville Lake. The city's poplulations has expanded in the last 4 years because of continued growth and development of land and new home construction. As of 2000, the City's population was 3,646. Today, Little Elm has approximately 4,800 acres or 7.5 square miles within the corporate limits of the Town with the population estimated at 11,200. 

The Town of Little Elm is served by the Little Elm Independent School District and the Frisco Independent School District.

The Town of Little Elm operates the Cottonwood Creek Marina, Beard Park, and the Little Elm Park as part of its parks system. Learn more about Little Elm's Parks and Recreation, click on Recreation. 

Visit Little Elm's Official Website.  

PLANO  

The community of Plano originated in the early 1840's. A majority of the pioneers migrated from Kentucky and Tennessee. Initial efforts to settle the area began in 1841, but progress was halted by Indian attacks until 1844. In 1846, William Foreman bought Peter's Colony land from Sanford Beck and settled a half-mile northeast of Plano. He erected a sawmill and gristmill that was in demand by his neighbors. Later a store and gin were added and these facilities attracted other settlers to the area.  

In 1846, Dr. Henry Dye arrived in the area and was the first medical doctor in the settlement. Mail service was established around 1850 and William Foreman's home became the unofficial post office. Soon Dr. Dye decided that the community needed a name. He contacted Washington D.C. requesting that the city be named “Fillmore”, in honor of the President of the United States. The name Fillmore was rejected. Later the name Foreman was suggested but declined by William Foreman. So Dr. Dye determined to name the community with a name that described the surrounding terrain. He suggested Plano since Plano means "plain" in Spanish. Postal authorities approved the name and William Foreman served as the first postmaster.  

Soon raising livestock was the principal business in the county and the populace began farming the rich, black land. Churches and schools were built and local business began to prosper. From 1861 to 1864 Plano’s growth was at a standstill because of the Civil War. After the war, people wanted to start a new life so they settled into Plano from the North and South to escape their gutted communities and farms.  

With the completion of the Houston and Texas Railroad in 1872, the city was on its way to new growth. By 1874 the population soared to over 500. Plano was the first depot by rail entering Collin County by the south. The city was incorporated in June, 1873, and the town's first official mayor was C.J.E. Kellner.  

In 1881, 51 places in Plano’s business district were destroyed because of fires. The oldest structure in the district was the only building to survive. The old burned and wooden structures were later replaced with modern brick buildings and a new look of prosperity took place. Buildings and business flourished in the 1880's and almost anything was bought or traded in Plano.  

Throughout much of this century Plano relied on surrounding farms and ranches for its livelihood. By the 1960s, the growth of both the City of Dallas and the success of several large high-technology firms made the city’s growth prosper. In the 1970’s, the city welcomed many newcomers when the U.S. population began its historic shift. This resulted in Plano being one of the fastest-growing cities in Texas and the United States. Many business professionals and executives began moving to the city impressed by the meticulous planning and development.  

The City of Plano has earned a national reputation as one of the best places in the country for employers to do business and for families to live and work. The city was incorporated in 1873 and chartered as a home rule city in 1961. It is located 20 miles north of downtown Dallas and is the largest city in Collin County. The estimated population as of January 1, 2001 was 236,539.  

The City of Plano has received many awards and recognitions:  

The National Civic League and Allstate Foundation has recognized Plano as the All-America City. This award is earned by the entire community for "outstanding grass-roots action and collaboration among the public, private and non-profit sectors in identifying and solving critical community issues." The award recognized Plano for successful implementation of three initiatives: the community's crime prevention efforts-including the Neighborhood Crime Watch program; Practical Parent Education, which provides family support services; and Plano's Children's Medical Clinic, which provides free medical treatment and services to children of families without health insurance.  

In 1996, the City recieved the honor of being the "Best City in the U.S. for Home-based Businesses" by the publication “Home Office Computing”.  

Also in 1996, Plano was recognized as the 4th most "Kid-Friendly City" in the U.S. based on the findings of the Children's Environmental Index.  

In 1997, based on the recent Federal Bureau of Investigation crime statistics, Plano received the honor of being the 8th Safest City in the United States. This was reported in Money magazine's listing of "America's Safest Places."  

The highly regarded and recognized Plano Independent School District (PISD)serves residents within approximately 100 square miles in the southwestern corner of Collin County. This geographic area includes all of the City of Plano, northern portions of the cities of Dallas and Richardson, the City of Parker, and portions of Allen and Murphy.  

PISD operates 38 elementary schools, 11 middle schools, 5 high schools, 3 senior high schools, a Special Programs Center, a Preschool Program for Children with Disabilities/PreK Center, and a Science Learning Center.  

The District has been recognized by the Texas Education Agency as one of eight state independent school districts with students who demonstrate mastery of higher level cognitive skills. Average SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test) and ACT (American College Test) scores area all well above state and national averages. Twenty-one PISD schools are named “National Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence” by the U.S. Department of Education. Plano ISD was also selected by School Match, a national educational research firm, as a 1999 Eighth Annual Award Winning School System for a “What Parents Want” survey.  

Other school districts in the Plano area include Lewisville ISD and Frisco ISD. 

Plano is home of the annual Plano Balloon Festival. This event has attracted weekend crowds in excess of 120,000 people and has expanded from five ballooning events to a full weekend of activities including performing arts stages, children's hands-on activities and more. The hot aired balloons are sponsored by many of the local merchants and companies, like ReMax.  

The city of Plano has numerous parks, public swimming pool facilities, as well as a Dog Park at Jack Carter. For all of Plano's facilities including pools, senior centers, recreation centers, parks and more visit: Plano's Facility List.  

Located on the western border of Plano, Arbor Hills Nature Preserve is a 200-acre park within the Plano Parks and Recreation Department system. The park features vast areas of natural beauty for walking, jogging, hiking, orienteering, and other outdoor activity. Amenities include: playground, three pavilions, paved recreational trail (approx. 1.3 miles), off-road cycling trail (approx. 2 miles), a natural biofilter, hills, creek, 3 natural zone forests and restrooms.  

If you like to shop, Plano is the place. Plano has 2 malls, over 70 shopping centers, a historic downtown shopping district and more. Find more information on Plano Shopping here! 

Visit the City of Plano's Official Website for further information. 

MCKINNEY 

It’s country living in the city with a little history! The City of McKinney was incorporated in 1848. The current size of the city is approximately 59.52 square miles. The city has 2 High Schools, 4 Middle Schools and 15 Elementary Schools. The City of McKinney is served by 2 school districts, McKinney ISD and Frisco ISD.  

With approximately 65,660 residents, this beautiful city still has a small-town feeling. McKinney is known for its world-class education, state-of-the-art health care, responsive city government and an involved business community. 

The City of McKinney is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Many of the buildings that line the downtown McKinney Square and surrounding residential streets have historical significance. The city features three historic districts, two residential districts with many Victorian homes, a historic downtown shopping district with over 100 boutiques and shoppes, and an Old Court House square. Enjoy the two-mile Historic Tour designed to showcase McKinney's heritage and charm! 

There are several master planned communities in McKinney with all the amenities of contemporary living like golf courses, parks, hike and bike trails and lakes. Green belts and walkways have been planned into most neighborhoods. McKinney prides itself on its recreational facilities and outdoor opportunities for year-round family fun. 

Stonebridge Ranch is a master planned community in McKinney. Town homes, zero lot line homes, or single-family homes are priced from the $120’s to over $1 million. Enjoy the well-acclaimed McKinney Schools, 2 Championship Golf Course and 1 public golf course along with 3 tennis court complexes. You can have fun in the sun at the aquatic center or build a sand castle at the beach club! Stay in shape with 20 miles of hike and bike trails with exercise stations as well as a YMCA. Your kids will love the many fun parks and over 1,100 acres of open land! Have a family fishing retreat at one of the 14 small lakes. 

Craig Ranch North is a single-family community located on 1,750 acre Master Planned Development. Enjoy a 233-acre TPC GPA Tour Owned Championship Golf Course and Club, pools and the highly regarded Frisco Schools. 

The Eldorado Community is built on a 870-acres on rolling hills with single family homes priced from $100,000 to over $500,000. Enjoy McKinney Schools, Eldorado Country Club, an 18-hole golf course, tennis courts, hike and bike trail system with parks, and basketball courts. 

McKinney is located only 35 miles from the center of Dallas and has access to all the amenities of one of the Southwest's premier cities. Business, dining, shopping, theater, professional sports, and an international airport, are all less than an hour away.  

A wide variety of local industries contribute to the city's strong economy. McKinney was one of the first Texas towns to receive the Community Economic Development Award of Excellence, for it's supportive role in creating jobs and business opportunities within the community. McKinney has five business parks, an enterprise zone, and a local airport. The proximity to Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport and major interstate thoroughfares make McKinney ideally situated for most business opportunities. 

Learn more about McKinney, TX by visiting their Official Website or by visiting the McKinney Convention and Visitors' Bureau.  

PROSPER 

The area of Prosper, Texas today covering 5 square miles, was first settled in 1846. When the first settlers arrived, the prairie soil was black and fertile, perfect for cotton growing. Two settlements existed between 1850 and 1902. One community, two miles south of the present town, was called Rock Hill and the second community, one mile north, was called Richland. The development of these small communities was expedited in 1876 when County Courts ordered small tracks of land to be established for quick sale. These tracts, each approximately 160 acres in size, were sold for $3.50 per acre. One of the tracts sold to Dr. A. T. Bryant of McKinney became the geographic nucleus for the Town of Prosper.  

In March of 1902, the establishement of the St. Louis and San Francisco Railroad caused the communities of Rock Hill and Richland to merge forming the Town of Prosper. Prosper became the central stop for the railroad between Dallas and Sherman.  

Soon officials applied for a Post Office with the name "Richland", they were informed that city name was already taken. J.C. Slaughter suggested the name Prosper since crops that year had been very "prosperous".

In 1914, The Town of Prosper was incorporated with a commission form of government and a population of 500. U.N. Clary became the first Mayor and served in that position for the next 49 years.  

The automobile began the evolution of people moving in and out of the rural community. Surviving the war and the depression, the mechanization of farming provided the next big impact on Prosper's population.

Today Prosper, Texas is the home to more than 100 businesses and hundreds of new families. As of 2000, Prosper's median resident was 32.5 years old with a median household income of $64,063. The median house value was $132,200. In July of 2002, the estimated population in the City of Prosper was 2,612, which is +24.6% change from year 2000. 

Prosper Independent School District (PISD) has been rated with "Superior Achievement". Among other recreational activities, Prosper Kids can play sports on the Prosper Sports Association League. 

The Town of Prosper is served by 5 local newspapers: Celina Record, Dallas Morning News, Denton Record Chronicle, Frisco Enterprise, and McKinney Courier Gazette. 

Prosper tax rates are as follows:
CCCD: 0.090646%
County: 0.25%
City: 0.4797%
School Tax: 1.9515%
Total Tax: 2.771846%  

For further information on Prosper, Texas, visit Prosper, TX Official Website or "The Chamber's City Profile". 

ALLEN 

Allen, Texas is located north east of Dallas, in southwestern Collin County and just South of the Oklahoma border and encompases approximately 26.3 square miles. Allen is adjacent to Interstate Highway 75, one of Texas' major interstates, which connect Dallas and Houston.  

Allen is known as one of the fastest growing communities with an approximate population of 667,147 as of September of 2004. Allen was founded by a purchasing agent of the Houston and Texas Central Railway in 1870. The town’s early growth was due in large part to the arrival of the railroad and was later enhanced by the expansion of nearby communities.  

Allen students are served by approximately eleven (11) elementary schools, two (2) middle schools and one(1) high school located within the Allen Independent School District (AISD). Allen is also served by Lovejoy Independent School District, and the exemplary Plano Independent School District (PISD). 

The city’s Parks and Recreation Department maintains a Senior Center, Natatorium, Swimming Pool, Recreation Center, and Golf Club. Allen has many ball fields, ponds, a hockey rink as well as tennis, basketball and volleyball courts which are located in Allen’s many city parks. Kids can enjoy team sports through the Allen Sports Association. 

For the fishing fans, enjoy fishing at nearby lakes such as Lavon Lake, Lake Lewisville, or Lake Texoma (located on the Texas/Oklahoma border).  

Presbyterian Hospital of Allen is located off of Interstate Highway 75 (Central Expressway). Allen is located approximately 23 miles from Dallas Love Field Airport and approximately 30 miles from Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport. The KittyHawk is a public-use airport located within the city. 

In 2000, the median resident's age in Allen was approximately 31.4 years with a median household income of approximately $78,924 and a median house value of approximately $142,400. 

Allen's real estate consists primarily of single-family homes. Condominiums and townhouses can also be found. Allen’s convenient location, numerous recreational possibilities, excellent schools, and lovely homes continue to draw new residents of all ages to the city.  

Visit the City of Allen, TX Official Website or the Local Government Website. 

RICHARDSON

The original City of Richardson, known as Brekinridge back then, was originally inhabited by the Caddo Indian Tribe in a town situated near what is now Richland College. After the Civil War, William J. Wheeler donated land northwest of Brekinridge for a new town site and railroad righ-of-way. Wheeler decleind the new city to be named after himself so the new city was named after E.H. Richardson, a railroad contractor. 

The City of Richardson was chartered in 1873 with 3 businesses available: a general store, a post office and a drug store. In 1914, a red brick school house was built. Currently, this is the Administrative offices of the Richardson Independent School District. Greenville Avenue, then called Red Brick Road, was completed in 1924, which brought an increase of traffic, population, and property values. 

Richardson incorporated in 1925 and elected its first mayor, Thomas F. McKamy. Bonds were issued around 1926 which brought waterworks, utilities, a sewage treatment plant and a volunteer fire department. 

By 1940, the population in Richardson was 740. After World War II, the population soared to 1,300. The 1990 Census counted the population of Richardson at 74,840 while the 2000 estimated population stood at 91,050. Much of the population increase in the 1990s arose from development of the far northeast sector of the City. For more information about the City of Richardson Census, visit: Richardson Census Bureau. 

Today the City is the heart of a significant employment center, the Telecom Corridor®, where more than 80,000 people work each day. The Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) started construction on three light rail stations for the City in the late 1990s, with rail service expected to be available in the City by the summer of 2002.  

In the spring of 2000, City of Richardson officials broke ground on the Charles W. Eisemann Center for Performing Arts and Corporate Presentations at the Galatyn Park urban center, located just east of Central Expressway and just south of Lookout Drive. The Center anchos a two-acre public pedestrian plaza bordered by a DART station, a luxury hotel and a mixed use area. 

Currently Richardson, Texas is located in both Dallas and Collin Counties within both Richardson (ISD) and Plano(ISD) Independent School Districts. 

Entertainment in Richardson can be fun for the entire family year round from the Wildflower Festival in May to Santa's Village in December.  

For more information on Richardson, Texas visit Richardson's website. 

"Request my Free Frisco, The Colony, Carrollton, Little Elm, Plano, McKinney, Prosper, or Allen Relocation Package. It's packed full of useful and important information about the Frisco, The Colony, Carrollton, Little Elm, Plano, McKinney, Prosper, Allen, or Richardson, Texas area. Remember, I will send the package for free and without obligation. Just fill out the form and I will send it right out." --Dee