Once the basic needs of food, water and shelter are out of the way, young families invariably look to public school systems, cost of living and economic growth in determining the prime location to revel in familial bliss.
The number crunchers behind NerdWallet took a look at these factors in locales across the Lone Star State to come up with the "Best Texas Cities for Young Families." Although Dallas proper didn't make the cut, six of its suburbs dominate the list of 10 family-friendly towns.
Allen takes the No. 2 slot, noted for its high median income, excellent schools, winning football team and award-winning marching band. No mention, however, of the ongoing bus barn feud or the $60 million Allen High School football stadium.
On its heels is No. 3 Flower Mound, one of the country's highest earning cities, with 62.8 percent of households pulling in more than $100,000 a year. The median household income of $138,759 is the highest on this list; the $274,000 median home value is the second highest. NerdWallet also points to the exemplary music education program in Lewisville ISD.
Frisco and McKinney rank Nos. 6 and 7, respectively. The former receives props for its urban forests, which have earned environmentally-friendly Frisco a "Tree City USA" designation. McKinney impresses NerdWallet for its plethora of farmers markets and art galleries.
Richardson (No. 9) and Carrollton (No. 10) both are recognized for affordable housing and employment opportunities. NerdWallet mentions the Telecom Corridor and University of Texas at Dallas in Richardson and Halliburton Energy Services in Carrollton.
At the top is Houston suburb The Woodlands, where the deer are made of bronze, and (most of) the public schools are considered some of the best in the nation. Although home prices — at $277,300 — are higher than the Texas average, parents can rest assured that they're making a good investment.
Allen High School's $60 million football stadium was dubbed a "pigskin palace" by the New York Daily News.
