If you’re looking for a growing Texas town that offers small-town charm, top-tier schools, and easy access to the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, then Melissa, Texas should be on your radar. This fast-growing Collin County community has been turning heads in recent years as families, professionals, and retirees flock here in search of more space, better schools, and a higher quality of life.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about relocating to Melissa—including housing, cost of living, schools, job opportunities, recreation, and more. If you’re serious about finding a place where you can grow roots and enjoy a relaxed lifestyle, Melissa might just be your perfect fit.
Melissa is located in North Texas, in Collin County, approximately 40 miles north of downtown Dallas and just 7 miles northeast of McKinney. The city sits along U.S. Highway 75, providing quick access to major cities like Plano, Allen, and Frisco.
This strategic location makes Melissa perfect for those who work in the Metroplex but want to live in a quieter, more family-oriented environment.
Melissa isn’t just another North Texas suburb—it’s a community that combines rural tranquility with modern growth. Here’s why so many people are relocating to Melissa:
Award-winning public schools
Rapid residential and commercial development
Spacious homes and affordable land
Safe, close-knit neighborhoods
Proximity to major cities with small-town feel
Friendly, community-driven atmosphere
As Melissa grows, it’s maintaining its core identity—making it one of the most desirable places to live in Collin County.
The cost of living in Melissa is moderate by Texas standards and more affordable than neighboring cities like Frisco or Plano. While housing prices have risen in recent years, you’ll still find excellent value for your money.
Housing: Melissa offers larger homes and lots for the same price as much smaller homes in nearby suburbs.
Utilities: In line with the Texas average.
Groceries and dining: Affordable with access to both local markets and national retailers.
Property taxes: Slightly above average but balanced by no state income tax.
Melissa’s housing market is booming. New subdivisions, custom homes, and even semi-rural properties are drawing buyers who want space, style, and community. The city offers:
Modern single-family homes
Custom builds on acreage
Luxury townhomes and patio homes
Master-planned communities with amenities
Liberty – Family-friendly community with pools, parks, and top-rated elementary school.
North Creek – One of Melissa’s fastest-growing neighborhoods with trails and recreation areas.
Hunter’s Ridge – Spacious homes with easy access to Highway 75.
Country Ridge – Upscale homes on large lots and a private, rural feel.
The median home price typically ranges from $400,000 to $600,000, depending on features and location.
One of Melissa’s biggest selling points is its exceptional school district. Melissa Independent School District (MISD) is a top-rated public school system known for:
Academic excellence and college readiness
Small student-teacher ratios
Modern facilities
Strong extracurricular programs
Notable schools include:
Melissa High School – Offers AP courses, athletics, and college/career counseling.
Melissa Middle School
Melissa Ridge Education Center
Harry McKillop Elementary School
MISD has a reputation for innovation and community involvement, making it a huge draw for families.
Melissa is close to several well-known institutions of higher education, including:
Collin College (McKinney Campus – 10 mins away)
University of North Texas (UNT)
University of Texas at Dallas (UTD)
Texas A&M University – Commerce (Frisco Campus)
Whether you’re a traditional student or a working professional looking to continue your education, you’ll find excellent options nearby.
Melissa is growing not just in population, but in economic opportunity. While many residents commute to larger cities, local opportunities are also on the rise, especially in:
Education
Construction and real estate
Healthcare
Retail and services
Major nearby employers include:
Raytheon Technologies
Globe Life
Toyota North America (Plano)
Baylor Scott & White Health
Thanks to remote work trends, many residents now work from home, taking advantage of fast internet and a peaceful environment.
Melissa has access to a wide array of healthcare providers, including:
Baylor Scott & White Family Medical Center – Melissa
Urgent Care of Melissa
Children’s Health Plano (nearby)
Medical City McKinney and Texas Health Allen
Residents are never far from high-quality hospitals, specialists, or urgent care clinics, making it an ideal place for families and seniors alike.
Melissa is still a developing town when it comes to retail and restaurants, but you’ll find a growing selection of local favorites, and it’s only a short drive to major shopping centers in McKinney and Allen.
Brookshire’s Grocery Store
CVS and Walgreens
Walmart Supercenter (McKinney)
Allen Premium Outlets (20 mins away)
Maria’s Mexican Restaurant – Local favorite for Tex-Mex
Nom Noms Mexican Grill
Sweetwater Grill
Jimmy’s Burger & Wings
Zamora’s BBQ
As the city expands, so does the culinary and shopping scene—with more businesses opening every month.
Melissa places a strong emphasis on recreation and community wellness. The city is actively investing in parks and trails, with several recreational gems already available:
Zadow Park – Features baseball fields, basketball courts, and walking trails.
Melissa Sports Complex – A hub for youth sports and community events.
City Hall Plaza – Green space in the heart of town, with concerts and food trucks.
Hurricane Creek Country Club – Golfing, dining, and social events.
In addition, you’re just minutes from Lakes Lavon and Ray Hubbard, both great for boating, fishing, and camping.
Melissa has a tight-knit, community-oriented culture. Residents gather for seasonal events and local traditions like:
Melissa’s Independence Day Celebration
Christmas at City Hall
Farmers Market and artisan pop-ups
High school football nights—a big deal in Texas!
These events help foster a deep sense of belonging, and newcomers often comment on how quickly they feel at home.
Melissa is home to a variety of faith-based organizations, including:
First Melissa Church
Christ Fellowship Church
Melissa United Methodist Church
Elevate Life Church (nearby in McKinney)
Faith communities play an important role in charitable outreach, youth mentorship, and spiritual growth.
Melissa provides modern utility services, including:
Electricity: Providers like CoServ, Reliant, or TXU Energy
Water/Sewer/Trash: Managed by the City of Melissa
High-Speed Internet: Providers include AT&T Fiber, Spectrum, and Rise Broadband
The city is continually upgrading infrastructure to accommodate new growth, ensuring reliable and fast service for all residents.
Melissa is well-connected for commuters:
US-75 offers direct access to McKinney, Allen, Plano, and Dallas
State Highway 121 connects east-west across Collin County
Dallas North Tollway is about 20 minutes west
Although there is no DART rail service in Melissa yet, the proximity to larger hubs makes car commuting efficient, and the roads are well-maintained.
Melissa is one of the fastest-growing cities in Collin County, but city leaders are planning smart:
New commercial zones and retail centers
School expansions
Roadway improvements
Expanded parks and trail systems
Business development incentives
All signs point to Melissa becoming a thriving city with the heart of a small town, making now a smart time to relocate or invest.
If you’re seeking a place where you can enjoy peaceful living, strong schools, community connection, and big-city convenience, then Melissa, Texas is ready to welcome you.
With its blend of small-town warmth and big potential, Melissa offers an ideal setting for families, retirees, professionals, and anyone in search of a better way of life in North Texas.
It’s not just a place to live—it’s a place to build your future.
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