Rated by CNN Money as the top place to live in the Western United States, Plano is home to the corporate headquarters of such companies as J.C. Penney, Frito-Lay, Dr. Pepper, Alcatel, and EDS. The thriving economy, good neighborhoods, and city services all contribute to its high ranking and new home prices of about $114,000 to 5 million dollars. The city is also known for its annual balloon festival, held each September.

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• Population 222,030
• Land area: 71.6 square miles
• Median resident age: 34.1 years
• Median household income: $78,722
• Median house value: $162,300
• High school or higher: 93.9%
• Mean travel time to work: 27.5 minutes
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Located just north of Plano and just west of Lake Lavon, Allen's growth is largely attributable to the economic developments of its neighbors. Allen offers an appealing combination of modern convenience and small town charm. and will soon be the home of Collin County's new three-city arts center. Subdivisions in this area offer homes priced from $150,000 to $800,000.

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• Population 43,554
• Land area: 26.3 square miles
• Median resident age: 31.4 years
• Median household income: $78,924
• Median house value: $142,400
• High school or higher: 95.6%
• Mean travel time to work: 30.0 minutes
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Despite its small town roots, Frisco is making its mark as one of North Texas' sports cities: providing a home for the Frisco Roughriders baseball team, Dallas Stars training facility, and Kurt Thomas gymnastics facility. It has also been selected as the future home of the Dallas Burn soccer team. The area also boasts a world-class outdoor arts venue, Hall Sculpture Garden, and the largest shopping mall in north Texas, Stonebriar Mall. New homes in this fast-growing city range from $100,000 to $9,000,000, and all comply with the EPA's "Energy Star" program.

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• Population 33,714
• Land area: 69.9 square miles
• Median resident age: 30.9 years
• Median household income: $79,149
• Median house value: $157,200
• High school or higher: 94.5%
• Mean travel time to work: 31.0 minutes
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McKinney has been the county seat since 1848. Home to The Heard Natural Science Museum and Wildlife Sanctuary, McKinney still has a charming old town square with antique shops and cafes, surrounding the historic courthouse, which is now the community arts center. The old town is contrast to all the new community growth. Planned communities offer residents community pools and parks. New homes are priced from $130,000 to $1,000,000.

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• Population 54,369
• Land area: 58.0 square miles
• Median resident age: 30.6 years
• Median household income: $63,366
• Median house value: $148,100
• High school or higher: 83.2%
• Mean travel time to work: 27.3 minutes
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Fairview, Melissa, Anna, and Prosper are all old rural communities that are now experiencing growth. These new subdivisions often offer some acreage with each home. If you would like a more peaceful country setting, take a look here. These communities are in the northern half of Collin County, and range from $100,000, to one million dollars.

Wylie, Sachse, Murphy, and Parker are found in the southeastern corner of the county. Southfork Ranch, J.R.'s estate from the 1970s television show, Dallas, is located in this area. These quaint country towns are meeting progress and growth with open arms. This area has great access to the I-190 tollway, facilitating access to all of north Dallas. Homes range from $120,000 to $700,000.