Frisco, Texas, with a population of over 100,000, is located 25 miles north of Dallas in Collin and Denton counties. In 2007, Forbes named the city the seventh fastest growing suburb in the United States. Frisco not only serves as a bedroom community for the DFW Metroplex, but offers residents an active local life based on a strong and well-cared-for economy.
Projects to encourage public art and preserve trees (Frisco received the National Arbor Day Foundation’s Growth Award for three years in a row) sit alongside major commercial and civic developments. Combined, they make Frisco unlike any other suburb in North Texas and an ideal relocation spot for families and singles alike.
High-quality economic development
Through the activities of the Frisco Economic Development Corporation (FEDC), the city has benefited from unique multi-use developments such as Frisco Square, which has become the new “downtown.” With 250 residential units for rent, seven restaurants and 40,000 m2. foot of retail space, the project evokes the days when the life of a community revolved around the town square. It includes a new town hall, a main library and public common areas.
The Stonebriar Center, which opened in August 2000 at the intersection of Preston Road and SH 121, offers shoppers a choice of 165 retail locations. Six department stores anchor the complex, which also includes a 24-screen theater and an ice rink (National Hockey League regulation size).
Frisco also got a big hit when Swedish (now Dutch) furniture giant IKEA opened a 310,000-square-foot store. foot shop there in 2005. The world’s largest furniture retailer, with a reputation for ready-to-assemble fashion pieces, IKEA is famous for designing stores that are destinations unto themselves. Frisco IKEA has a restaurant, children’s area and free Wi-Fi.
Exceptional Sports Facilities
The two-story Frisco Athletic Center provides residents with access to state-of-the-art exercise equipment for individual or group classes and workouts in two large fitness centers and two aerobics studios. In addition, it offers 18,000 m2. foot of indoor water features and another 40,000 square feet. feet of water features outside. With men’s and women’s locker rooms, family locker rooms, a childcare area, and an adjacent cafeteria, the Center is a well-used local asset. (Open Monday through Friday from 5 am to 10 pm Weekend hours vary by season.)
Dr. Pepper Ballpark, a 10,600-capacity ballpark, opened in 2003. The ballpark is home to the Frisco Rough Riders (Texas League AA), a minor league affiliate of the Texas Rangers. Dr. Pepper Arena, a venue for hockey and soccer, is home to the Texas Legends of the NBA Development League and also the Texas Tornado (North American Hockey League). The Dallas Stars (National Hockey League) use the arena as a practice facility.
Finally, Pizza Hut Park, a 20,500-seat stadium, hosts FC Dallas football, soccer games, and concerts. On January 7, 2011, the championship game of the Football Championship Subdivision (formerly NCAA Division 1 AA) will be held at the park.
Commitment to Education
The Frisco Independent School District has five high schools, 12 middle schools, and 30 elementary schools. Overall, the district has facilities to serve 52,000 students. Currently, the student-teacher ratio is 14:1. Parental and community activity in the district is strongly encouraged, with the Frisco Education Foundation (1999 est.) raising money for scholarships and teaching grants annually. Over 90% of Frisco’s graduating seniors plan to continue their education at the college level.
Funding for public art
In 2002, the city council passed an ordinance to fund a Public Art Program for Frisco. Guided by a master plan, the city has commissioned works of art to be placed in its parks, city facilities, and along major thoroughfares. This effort to strengthen local culture while enhancing Frisco’s aesthetic appeal has resulted in the installation of artwork at 17 community locations over the past six years.
The careful planning exhibited by Frisco local government has resulted in targeted economic developments with an emphasis on multiple uses, the cultivation of important local sports venues, high-performing, well-funded local schools, and an unusual commitment to culture and community. esthetic. Given the low cost of living in Frisco and the strength with which North Texas as a whole has weathered the economic downturn and housing crisis, families and singles relocating to Dallas should seriously consider making Frisco their home base. operations.
Situated in a prime location for access to both Dallas and Fort Worth, this thriving “bedroom” suburb has exhibited steady growth while building a strong local base for its residents.
