Relocating to
Collin County?
Moving to a new state is a big decision — and it should feel exciting, not stressful. As a Collin County native with over 20 years of experience, I have helped hundreds of families relocate to North Texas. This guide covers everything you need to know.
Why People Are
Moving Here.
Collin County added nearly 43,000 new residents in just the past year — ranking second in the entire U.S. for numeric population growth. Here is why so many families are choosing to call North Texas home.
No State Income Tax
Texas has no state income tax, which means more money in your pocket every month. This alone can save thousands per year compared to states like California, New York, or Illinois.
Booming Job Market
The DFW metroplex added over 123,000 new residents in the past year. Major employers in Collin County include Toyota, JPMorgan Chase, Liberty Mutual, FedEx, AT&T, and dozens of tech companies relocating headquarters here.
Top-Rated Schools
Collin County school districts — Frisco ISD, McKinney ISD, Prosper ISD, Allen ISD, and Plano ISD — consistently rank A-rated by the Texas Education Agency and are among the best in the nation.
300+ Days of Sunshine
Mild winters, warm summers, and over 300 days of sunshine per year. Perfect for outdoor living, year-round sports, and the active lifestyle families love.
Quality of Life
World-class dining, professional sports (Cowboys, Rangers, Mavericks, Stars, FC Dallas), arts and culture, outdoor recreation, and a welcoming community spirit throughout North Texas.
DFW International Airport
One of the busiest airports in the world is right in your backyard — typically a 15-35 minute drive from anywhere in Collin County. Direct flights to virtually anywhere on earth.
What to Know
Before You Move.
Texas Property Taxes
Texas has no state income tax, but the trade-off is higher property taxes. In Collin County, the median effective property tax rate is approximately 1.30%, with the county rate at $0.1493 per $100 of valuation. Combined with school district, city, and special district levies, total tax bills are higher than the national median — but for many relocators coming from California, New York, or Illinois, the overall tax burden is still significantly lower when you factor in zero income tax. The key is knowing what to expect, and I walk every relocating client through the real numbers.
Cost of Living
Collin County is estimated to be roughly 11.7% more expensive than the national average, driven primarily by housing costs. However, this number tells only part of the story. For relocators from major coastal markets, Collin County offers dramatically more home for the money. A luxury home that would cost $3M+ in California or New York is available here for $500K–$1.5M. Grocery, transportation, and healthcare costs are close to or below the national average. Combined with zero state income tax, most relocators find their overall cost of living decreases significantly.
Climate & Weather
North Texas enjoys over 300 days of sunshine per year with mild winters and warm summers. Average highs range from 52°F in January to 96°F in July. Spring and fall are particularly beautiful. The area does experience occasional severe weather in spring (tornado season is April–June), but modern construction is built to current wind-resistance standards. Snow is rare — typically once every few years, and it melts quickly. For most relocators, the weather is a welcome upgrade from northern winters.
Driving Distances
Major highways serving Collin County include US-75, the Dallas North Tollway, Sam Rayburn Tollway (SH-121), and US-380. The area is well-connected and continues to expand its road infrastructure to keep pace with growth.
DFW International Airport
Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) is one of the busiest airports in the world and sits right at the southern edge of Collin County. It offers direct flights to over 250 destinations worldwide. For relocators who travel for work or want easy access to visit family back home, the proximity is a major advantage — most Collin County residents reach DFW in 15–35 minutes. Dallas Love Field, a convenient alternative for domestic flights, is about 30–45 minutes south.
Top Cities for
Relocators.
Ranked the #1 Best Place to Live in America by Money Magazine, McKinney features a beautifully preserved historic downtown square, top-rated McKinney ISD schools, and master-planned communities like Stonebridge Ranch and Craig Ranch. The blend of old-town character and modern luxury is unmatched.
One of the fastest-growing cities in Texas, Prosper attracts relocators with master-planned communities like Windsong Ranch (complete with a crystal lagoon), Lilyana, Light Farms, and Star Trail. A-rated Prosper ISD, resort-style amenities, and the latest in home design make it ideal for families seeking brand-new.
Celina offers the perfect blend of rural Texas charm and suburban convenience. It is booming with new construction communities like Legacy Hills and Ramble, competitive pricing compared to neighboring cities, and a strong sense of community. Ideal for families who want value without compromising quality.
The economic engine of Collin County, home to the Dallas Cowboys headquarters (The Star), the PGA of America, and major corporate campuses. Frisco ISD is consistently A-rated, and the city offers world-class dining, entertainment, and shopping at Legacy West. A top choice for relocating professionals.
A mature, well-established city with Fortune 500 headquarters — Toyota, JPMorgan Chase, Liberty Mutual, and FedEx. Plano offers diverse housing from classic neighborhoods to contemporary builds, top-rated Plano ISD schools, and a thriving dining and retail scene at Legacy West and Legacy Hall.
Build Your
Dream Home.
Collin County is one of the fastest-growing new construction markets in Texas. From master-planned communities in Prosper and Celina to luxury estates in McKinney and Frisco, the options are extraordinary. Major builders like Highland Homes, Perry Homes, Toll Brothers, Shaddock Homes, Lennar, and Bloomfield Homes are actively building across the county.
Buying new construction is different from buying resale. There are builder contracts, design center selections, construction timelines, warranty considerations, and negotiation strategies that most agents do not understand. Having a specialist who works with these builders every day is the difference between a smooth experience and costly surprises.
New Construction Deep DiveHighland Homes
Award-winning production builder with energy-efficient designs and customizable floor plans across multiple Collin County communities.
Perry Homes
Texas-rooted builder known for quality craftsmanship, generous standard features, and communities in McKinney, Prosper, and Celina.
Toll Brothers
National luxury builder offering semi-custom and custom homes with high-end finishes in Prosper, Frisco, and Celina.
Shaddock Homes
Premium North Texas builder with communities in Frisco and Prosper, known for architectural detail and smart-home technology.
Lennar
One of the nation's largest builders offering Everything's Included packages with smart-home features at accessible price points.
Bloomfield Homes
Texas-based builder focused on energy efficiency and open-concept floor plans across Collin County.
What to Expect With New Construction
Timeline: Most new builds in Collin County take 6–12 months from contract to closing, depending on the builder, community, and level of customization.
Deposit: Expect to put down 1–5% of the purchase price at contract, with additional payments at design selection and during construction.
Incentives: Builders frequently offer closing cost assistance, rate buydowns, or design center credits — especially in newer communities building momentum. I know which builders are offering what at any given time.
Inspections: Even with new construction, independent inspections at pre-drywall and final stages are critical. I coordinate these for every client.
Your Relocation
Timeline.
Moving does not have to be chaotic. Here is a practical 8-week countdown that keeps you organized, informed, and confident from the first call to move-in day.
- ■ Research Collin County cities and neighborhoods online
- ■ Schedule a virtual consultation with Chad to discuss your timeline, budget, and lifestyle
- ■ Get pre-approved with our in-house mortgage company — no need to shop around
- ■ Start following local market data and new listings
- ■ Narrow down your top 2-3 neighborhoods based on commute, schools, and price range
- ■ Schedule an in-person visit or virtual tour day to see homes and neighborhoods
- ■ Review school district ratings, commute times, and local amenities
- ■ Identify must-haves vs. nice-to-haves for your new home
- ■ Start making offers on resale homes or sign a new-construction contract
- ■ Begin negotiations with Chad's expert guidance on pricing and terms
- ■ For new construction, visit design centers and select finishes
- ■ If renting, sign your lease and confirm move-in dates
- ■ Complete final walkthrough of your new home
- ■ Schedule utility transfers and setup — electricity, water, internet, gas
- ■ Coordinate moving company or truck rental
- ■ Confirm closing date, title company, and wire instructions
- ■ Complete closing and receive your keys — it's Showtime!
- ■ Walk through your new home before unloading to confirm everything is ready
- ■ Set up essentials first — beds, kitchen, bathrooms
- ■ Meet your neighbors and start exploring your new community
- ■ Register vehicles and update your driver's license within 90 days
- ■ Enroll kids in school — Chad can help with district contacts
- ■ Explore local dining, parks, trails, and community events
- ■ Leave a review and refer friends who are also considering the move
Everything Under
One Roof.
Relocating from out of state means you do not have local contacts — no lender, no title company, no inspector recommendations. That is exactly the problem I solve. Through our in-house mortgage company, you can find the right home AND secure your financing without needing to build a network from scratch. One team. One process. One point of contact from the first call to closing day.
In-House Mortgage Company
Pre-approval, rate shopping, and loan processing all handled internally — no third-party coordination needed.
Virtual Tours & Remote Process
Live video walkthroughs of homes and neighborhoods so you can see everything in real time from wherever you are.
AI-Powered Problem Solving
Halo AI systems provide solutions right away — not scheduling an appointment several days out. It is already taken care of.
20+ Years & 1,000+ Homes Sold
Two decades of hands-on experience with every type of transaction — from first-time buyers to luxury estates and everything between.
Relocating With Chad.
Moving from out of state was overwhelming until we found Chad. He handled everything remotely — virtual tours, neighborhood research, school comparisons, and negotiating our contract. He even coordinated our move-in day. We felt like we already lived here before we arrived.
Making the Move?
Let's Talk.
Whether you are three months out or three weeks out, the sooner we connect, the smoother the process. I handle everything from virtual tours to move-in day coordination. No matter where you are right now, we can begin today.