Regional Trends: North Texas housing is shifting toward a buyer’s market. Inventory is at a 20-year high (about 5.4 months supply, +20% year-over-year)[1]. Homes now sell at ~95% of list price on average, with rising price reductions and many sellers cancelling listings (Collin County saw a 57% jump in listing withdrawals)[2]. Mortgage rates (~6.8% on 30-year loans) are expected to gradually ease through 2026[3], improving affordability. Combined with strong population growth, these trends should stabilize prices and give buyers more negotiating power later in 2025[3][4].
Plano
- Zoning & Housing Policy: New state laws will force Plano to allow more housing. Legislation signed in mid-2025 (SB 840, SB 15, SB 2477) mandates multifamily/mixed‐use housing in all nonresidential zones, raises minimum lot sizes to 3,000 sq ft, and eases conversion of offices to housing. Plano officials are evaluating these rules at upcoming Planning & Zoning and Council meetings (target compliance by Sept. 2025)[5][6]. This could spur more townhome and small‐lot development in commercial corridors.
- Infrastructure/Construction: As of July 2025, Plano City Council agenda highlights include naming a new park and approving concrete repairs (e.g. Custer Road)[7]. Major projects like the redevelopment of The Shops at Willow Bend (“The Bend” mixed-use center) have been approved and are underway (Transforming the former mall into retail, office and residential). (Plano’s weekly “City Page” notes new developments but no specific grocery/retail openings were reported for August 2025.)
Richardson
- Housing Diversity (“Missing Middle”): With undeveloped land scarce, Richardson is actively approving “missing middle” projects. City studies emphasize adding townhomes and multifamily for young families and grads[8]. Recent approvals include an 89-unit townhome complex at 3600 Shiloh Road[9]. Other small-lot projects in the east (e.g. 36-unit Duck Creek Villas, 34-unit Valencia Villas, 88-unit “Park Hollow” opening Summer 2026) are in progress[10][11]. Overall, middle‐housing (cottages, duplexes, townhomes) is rising toward 20% of Richardson’s stock. City staff will use a new housing needs study (late 2025) to guide further zoning changes[12][13].
- Local Planning: Richardson City Council and Plan Commission are reviewing development cases. (For example, a zoning change for a Mediterranean restaurant was approved recently.) The city continues to update its Comprehensive Plan (Vision 2040) and hold budget/workshop meetings in early August, but no single retail grand openings were reported for August.
Frisco
- Major Master-Planned Developments: Frisco approved a $3B “The Mix” project (112 acres at Dallas Parkway & Lebanon Rd). This mixed-use hub will include 2 million sq ft of Class‑A office, 375,000 sq ft retail (including a high-end grocery), hotels, 630 residences (townhomes/apartments), and a 9‑acre park[14]. City incentives ($113.4M in grants) were tied to building an underground parking garage, office and grocery (40,000 sq ft) as first-phase milestones[15]. Construction on The Mix is slated to start in 2025.
- Infrastructure Projects: Frisco’s $201M Northern Corridor initiative is underway. Key road rebuilds (including 18 miles of Dallas North Tollway lanes) are scheduled for completion in Q3 2025[16][17]. In early August 2025 Frisco news noted freeway widening closures (DNT) and local streetwork (e.g. PGA Pkwy)[18][16]. In downtown, a $69M “Rail District” makeover (Main/4th Street plazas and parking garage) began in 2024 and should finish mid-2026[19]. These projects will improve traffic flow and support new residential/retail growth citywide.
- Tourism/Economic Drivers: Large attractions (Universal Kids Resort opening 2026, the Fields master plan with PGA headquarters and theme parks) continue construction[20][21]. Frisco remains a top HQ destination (notably Toyota’s future campus) and is rapidly absorbing new office space[15][16].
McKinney
- Retail/Grocery: McKinney’s first Whole Foods Market opens Aug 27, 2025 (8 am) in the West Grove mixed-use center on W. University Drive[22][23]. The 47,918 sq ft store will anchor that center and draw natural/organic shoppers from McKinney and surrounding suburbs. (Whole Foods added ~75–100 jobs and features local Texas products.)
- Mixed-Use Development: In April 2025, McKinney council approved Long Branch (155 acres at US-75/380 bypass). This $1.3B project will eventually include ~1,600 apartments, 135,000 sq ft retail (anchored by a ~65,000 sq ft grocery), 318,600 sq ft of office, a hotel and structured parking[24]. Infrastructure work begins late 2025, with phased buildout over the next decade. This massive development is expected to boost housing supply and retail in north McKinney.
- Zoning/Public Projects: At its Aug. 5, 2025 meeting McKinney City Council will consider rezoning 8 acres on N. Custer Road to “C2” commercial. The P&Z Commission has recommended approval; the site (near future Wilmeth Rd extension) is planned for neighborhood-serving retail or a private school[25][26]. Separately, McKinney’s Economic Development office is studying housing and neighborhoods – an Aug 5 open house invites resident input on McKinney’s new Housing Plan (combining public feedback and city strategies for growth).
Prosper & Celina
- Grocery/Construction (Prosper): Prosper’s first H-E-B supermarket will open Aug 13, 2025 at 2145 W. Frontier Pkwy (6 am launch)[27][28]. The 132,000 sq ft store (with pharmacy and BBQ restaurant) broke ground in April 2024. This major grocer will serve Prosper/Celina families and spur nearby retail. Prosper’s Town Council also approved a $10.87M contract (in July 2025) to widen Coit Road (First Street → Frontier Pkwy). Phase 1 (First St. to Prosper Trail) begins late Aug/early Sept. 2025[29], adding lanes, trails and drainage. This expansion (full $24M project) is funded by bonds and a county grant[29][30].
- Schools (Prosper/Celina): Prosper ISD will open four new campuses for Fall 2025: two elementary schools (Jana Thomson ES and Virgie Witt Smothermon ES), one middle school (Pete Moseley MS), and its 4th high school (Richland HS)[31][32]. In Celina, the district is building its 5th elementary (Big Bend Lane) for 2025-26[33]. These new schools (opened Aug. 2025) will relieve crowding in these rapidly growing districts.
- Residential Developments: Both Prosper and Celina have many new housing projects underway. In Prosper, a 285-home neighborhood (“Mirabella” at University/Custer) is gearing up with ground-breaking slated summer 2025[34]. In Celina, multiple subdivisions are moving ahead:
- Ramble Celina – a 1,380-acre master plan (4,000 homes) between Preston and Custer. Model homes open by April 2026[35].
- Silo Crossing – approved mixed-use on GA Moore Pkwy (311 homes + 8 acres commercial)[36].
- Mesa Verde – 130 homes on Celina Pkwy; Millen Farms – 58 homes near Preston; both approved in mid-2025[37].
- Yardly Frontiers (246 cottage-style homes) and
Yardly Sutton Fields (150 homes) are under construction in northeast Celina[38][39].
This flurry of building reflects Celina’s explosive growth – Celina’s planners note that a bond will add 10 new schools (1 HS, 2 MS, 7 ES) to serve the influx[40]. - Retail (Celina): Beyond H-E-B in Prosper, Celina’s first Sprouts Farmers Market is approved. Sprouts broke ground March 2026 (planned 23,299 sq ft store at Frontier Pkwy & Preston Rd) and will open in early 2027[41][42]. This organic grocer will add 75–100 jobs and diversify Celina’s retail mix.
Sources: Local city and school board documents and recent news reports were used. Data and quotes are cited from official city releases and reputable outlets (Community Impact, local planning updates, market analyses)[27][29][43][9][14][25][3].
[1] [2] [3] [4] Dallas-Fort Worth Housing Market Update: Mid-2025 Analysis | M&D Real Estate
[5] [6] Plano officials anticipate impacts to residential development standards following Texas legislature session | Community Impact
[7] Plano, TX - Official Website | Official Website
[8] [9] [10] [11] [12] [13] The missing middle: Richardson eyes diverse housing options to aid growth, talent retention | Community Impact
[14] [15] [18] News Flash • City of Frisco approves Master Development Agre
[16] [17] [19] [20] [21] Top 6 Major Projects Shaping Frisco In 2025 And For Years To Come - Local Profile | Collin County News & Events
[22] [23] Whole Foods in McKinney to open Aug. 27 | Community Impact
[24] McKinney City Council Approves $1.3 Billion Mixed-Use Development in Texas
[25] [26] Commercial zoning case for 8 acres heads to McKinney City Council | Community Impact
[27] [28] H-E-B sets opening date in Prosper | Community Impact
[29] [30] Prosper OKs $10.8M contract for Coit Road improvements | Community Impact
[31] [32] [33] [43] 5 campuses set to open for 2025-26 school year in Prosper ISD, Celina ISD | Community Impact
[34] [35] [36] [37] [38] [39] 8 developments coming soon, underway in Prosper, Celina | Community Impact
[40] Celina ISD looks to build 10 new schools with bond program
[41] [42] Sprouts Farmers Market to open in Celina | Community Impact
If you're looking for the best place to invest in real estate this year, forget the overvalued coasts and look straight to North Texas . According to the 2025 Emerging Trends in Real Estate® report by PwC and the Urban Land Institute, Dallas-Fort Worth has officially been named the #1 real estate market in the U.S. for investors . This marks another major win for the DFW metro, beating out 79 other major metros across the country for its unmatched combination of economic strength, long-term growth, and investor-friendly fundamentals .
Location & Timeline Dig World, the innovative construction-themed adventure park, is opening its second Texas location at Grapevine Mills mall (southwest corner by Entry 1) in early 2026 — likely springtime. What is It? Visitors of all ages will be able to climb aboard real, full-size construction equipment —bulldozers, excavators, mini loaders—that’s been modified to operate safely under professional supervision. It's an immersive space where both kids and adults can literally dig in and operate the machinery themselves.
If you're looking for the best place to rent in the U.S., skip the pricey coastal cities and head straight to McKinney, Texas. According to RentCafe’s 2025 Best Cities for Renters Report , McKinney ranks #1 in the nation — beating out 149 other cities for its ideal mix of affordability, apartment quality, and overall livability. Surprisingly, nearby Dallas didn’t even make the top 50 , weighed down by high costs, smaller rentals, and lower quality-of-life scores.
North Texas is getting even more convenient for residents and savvy shoppers. Costco, the beloved membership-based grocery warehouse known for its bulk deals and iconic food court, is expanding its footprint across the Dallas-Fort Worth area with three new stores — including locations in Prosper, Weatherford, and Celina. New Openings This Spring Two of the new stores are scheduled to open in mid-March: Prosper: Located at 5620 W. University Dr., near FM 1385 and adjacent to a new School of Rock. This location has been in the works for nearly two years and officially broke ground in March 2024. Weatherford: Positioned at 310 Center Point Rd., at the northwest corner of I-20 and Center Point Road. This 160,000-square-foot facility will be the first of its kind in Parker County, featuring gas stations, a tire center, food options, and in-house optical, hearing, and pharmacy services. According to Prosper Economic Development President Jordan Simms, the city is enthusiastic about the economic benefits the new Costco will bring, including increased sales and property tax revenue. Looking Ahead to Celina Costco also has big plans for Celina, with a new store projected to open by December 2025. The Celina location will be part of The Crossing at Moore Farm, a 105-acre mixed-use development at the corner of Ownsby and Preston Road, led by Shop Companies. Construction is already underway. While Costco typically remains tight-lipped about the factors behind its location choices, this expansion reflects the company’s growing confidence in the region’s booming residential and commercial growth. Costco’s Growing Presence in DFW With over 800 locations worldwide and more than a dozen across the DFW area — including in Plano, McKinney, Southlake, and Fort Worth — Costco continues to be a major draw for homebuyers seeking value, convenience, and community amenities. The last store to open in the region was in McKinney in 2018. From discounted groceries and household items to flat-screen TVs and fuel, Costco is more than just a shopping destination — it’s a lifestyle perk that adds to the appeal of living in North Texas.
Looking for the best place to call home in the Lone Star State? You might be surprised to learn that the #1 county to live in Texas for 2025 isn’t Austin’s Travis County, nor is it home to Houston, Dallas, or San Antonio. Instead, this year’s top honor goes to Collin County — a rising star in North Texas known for its strong schools, job growth, and exceptional quality of life. According to a new Niche report, which evaluates counties based on nearly a dozen key metrics — including public education, affordability, job opportunities, diversity, and overall livability — Collin County earned an impressive A+ overall rating , placing it firmly at the top of the list. Why Collin County Leads the Pack Home to booming cities like Frisco , Plano , McKinney , and the fast-growing Princeton , Collin County has quickly become one of the most desirable places to live in the entire country. It’s not just growing — it’s thriving. Major employers, entertainment giants, and families alike are flocking to this North Texas gem. The Dallas Cowboys have made Frisco their headquarters, and Universal Studios is currently developing a brand-new, family-friendly theme park in the area — the first of its kind in the nation. But it’s not just about business and development. Collin County also ranks as the healthiest county in Texas , offers some of the state’s top-rated public schools, and consistently earns top marks in family-friendliness and job availability. Here's how Collin County scored: Public Schools : A+ Good for Families : A+ Jobs : A+ Health & Fitness : A+ Diversity : A Nightlife : A− Housing : B+ Outdoor Activities : B+ Commute : B Weather : B Cost of Living : C+ Despite a slightly lower score in cost of living — likely due to increasing demand — the overall lifestyle and opportunity in Collin County make it well worth the investment. One resident of four years summed it up best: “My experience has been very satisfying and gratifying compared to living near downtown Dallas... It’s more spacious, beautifully manicured, and filled with great public and private schools. It’s the dream suburbia lifestyle — perfect for families or entrepreneurs looking to grow.” How the Rankings Were Calculated Niche’s methodology uses data from trusted sources like the U.S. Census Bureau , Bureau of Labor Statistics , and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , alongside real resident feedback. Key ranking factors include: Education and higher learning rates Housing affordability and property values Job market strength and income stability Health and wellness access Commute and transportation Diversity (ethnic, age, and income) Outdoor recreation and local weather Entertainment and nightlife offerings Letter grades were assigned in each category, and counties were scored based on the overall average. If you're thinking about making a move, starting a business, or investing in real estate, Collin County is a name you’ll want to keep on your radar. And if you need help making your move to North Texas, The REAL McCoys® are here to help you find your dream home in the best county Texas has to offer.
Universal Kids Resort in Frisco Takes Major Step Forward Exciting progress is underway for the much-anticipated Universal Kids Resort in Frisco, Texas. On December 3, the Frisco City Council approved the facade plans for the resort’s themed hotel — a major milestone in the development of the city’s upcoming family-focused theme park. The five-story hotel will serve as the primary entrance to the Universal Kids Resort and is a key element of the overall 30-acre project, located at the intersection of Dallas Parkway and Panther Creek Parkway . “Construction has started, and we continue to make progress on our first Universal Kids Resort,” said a Universal Destinations & Experiences spokesperson. “This week, the city of Frisco voted to approve the façade plan for our themed hotel. The city, its businesses, and residents have been wonderful to work with, and we can’t wait to welcome guests to our first theme park designed specifically for families with young children.” Updates and Adjustments The project officially broke ground in late 2022, and facade plans — which outline the appearance of all four sides of a building — are a crucial part of the city’s development review process. Council approval followed two previously tabled meetings in November, where the design underwent revisions to meet community and city expectations. “We’ve made changes to the color scheme, window design, ground-level consistency, and rooftop screening,” said Melanie Becker , Senior Director of Government Relations at Universal Destinations & Experiences. Community Input While the design was ultimately approved, feedback from residents played a significant role. William Scott, a 10-year-old Frisco resident, voiced his concerns about the proposed hotel design during the meeting, stating it felt “cheap” compared to the cohesive look of developments like the PGA Frisco campus. “We need Universal to be the best thing that we can have for our neighborhood,” Scott said, adding that although his parents were initially opposed to the project, he’s thrilled about the park’s arrival. Becker acknowledged that while the design process included feedback from local communities such as Cobb Hill and Fields , it did not incorporate direct input from children — despite the fact that the resort is aimed primarily at families with children under age 10. Looking Ahead The Universal Kids Resort is targeting an opening date in early summer 2026, although an official grand opening timeframe has yet to be confirmed. Meanwhile, infrastructure surrounding the park is also taking shape — Universal Parkway, the main access road to the resort, is already under construction and expected to be completed before 2025. “We’ll continue to collaborate with city leaders and our neighbors as we bring this one-of-a-kind destination to life,” Becker said. As excitement builds, Frisco is poised to become home to one of the most unique family entertainment attractions in the country — a first-of-its-kind theme park crafted just for young children and their families. -The REAL McCoys
If you've been keeping up with the news lately, you've probably come across headlines talking about the increase in foreclosures in today’s housing market.
Buying a new construction home can be an exciting experience.
According to a recent Gallup poll, real estate has been voted the best long-term investment for 11 years in a row, beating gold, stocks, bonds, and more.
Wondering if it still makes sense to sell your house right now?
