Thinking of making the move to Richardson, Texas? You’re in good company. Whether you’re relocating for a job in the tech sector, looking for great schools, or searching for a suburb that balances city access with family-friendly charm, Richardson has everything you need to feel right at home.
Nestled just north of Dallas, Richardson is one of the most desirable suburbs in the DFW Metroplex, offering a high quality of life, top-rated schools, and a vibrant economy. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know—from housing and schools to entertainment and transportation—so you can decide if Richardson is the right place for your next chapter.
Richardson is located in both Dallas and Collin Counties, making it part of the greater Dallas-Fort Worth metro area. It’s bordered by Plano to the north, Garland to the south, and North Dallas to the west, offering quick access to major highways like US-75 (Central Expressway), President George Bush Turnpike, and I-635.
This prime location makes Richardson a commuter’s dream while maintaining a quieter, suburban feel.
Richardson isn’t just another Dallas suburb—it’s a dynamic city with a thriving economy, a welcoming community, and modern infrastructure. Over the last two decades, it has seen steady population growth, thanks to:
Highly rated public schools
Low crime rates
Diverse job opportunities
High walkability and green spaces
Cultural diversity and inclusivity
Many young professionals, growing families, and retirees alike are drawn to Richardson’s unique blend of small-town warmth and big-city opportunity.
While Richardson is slightly more expensive than some nearby suburbs, it offers excellent value considering the amenities, schools, and location.
Median home price: ~$420,000
Average rent for a 2-bedroom apartment: ~$1,800/month
Utilities and internet: Affordable and reliable
Grocery and healthcare: On par with national averages
Though not the cheapest city in Texas, Richardson provides outstanding quality of life for the investment.
Richardson has a variety of neighborhoods that suit every lifestyle and budget—from young professionals and families to retirees and remote workers.
Canyon Creek: Tree-lined streets, great schools, family-oriented
Breckinridge Park Area: Near parks and trails, perfect for outdoor lovers
Heights Park: Mix of mid-century and remodeled homes, highly walkable
Prairie Creek: Luxury homes and upscale ambiance
Duck Creek: Budget-friendly homes with community charm
Most homes in Richardson are well-maintained, single-family homes, though you’ll also find modern townhomes, condos, and rental apartments throughout the city.
Education is one of the biggest draws to Richardson. The city is served by two high-performing districts:
Richardson Independent School District (RISD)
Plano Independent School District (PISD) (serves the northern part of the city)
Richardson High School
JJ Pearce High School
Brentfield Elementary
Mohawk Elementary
Parkhill Junior High
For higher education, The University of Texas at Dallas (UTD) is located right in Richardson and is renowned for its programs in engineering, business, and technology.
Richardson is often called the “Telecom Corridor” due to its concentration of technology and communications companies. Major employers include:
AT&T
Samsung
Fujitsu
Texas Instruments
State Farm (regional HQ)
Raytheon Technologies
This booming economy makes Richardson a hotspot for engineers, software developers, finance professionals, and healthcare workers.
Plus, with remote work on the rise, Richardson’s fiber-optic internet infrastructure makes it ideal for tech-savvy professionals working from home.
Getting around Richardson is a breeze. Thanks to its central location and excellent infrastructure, commuting is easy whether you work in the city or the suburbs.
DART Light Rail Stations: Bush Turnpike, Arapaho Center, and Spring Valley
Easy highway access via US-75 and the President George Bush Turnpike
Dallas Love Field Airport: ~25-minute drive
DFW International Airport: ~35-minute drive
Richardson also prioritizes bike lanes, sidewalks, and trails, making it a pedestrian- and cyclist-friendly city.
Richardson residents have access to top-tier healthcare services, both within city limits and throughout the Dallas metro area.
Methodist Richardson Medical Center
Medical City Plano
UT Southwestern Medical Center (nearby)
Children’s Medical Center Dallas
From general practitioners to specialists and urgent care clinics, you’ll never have to travel far for high-quality care.
If you love the outdoors, you’ll love Richardson. The city is home to over 40 parks and nearly 30 miles of trails.
Breckinridge Park: 400+ acres with lakes, trails, and playgrounds
Heights Park: Perfect for families and local events
Spring Creek Nature Area: A scenic, wooded escape in the heart of the city
Cottonwood Park: Home to the city’s popular art festivals
Whether you’re jogging, biking, or enjoying a picnic, Richardson makes it easy to stay active and connected with nature.
Richardson’s cultural diversity shines through in its culinary scene, offering everything from authentic Asian cuisine to Texas BBQ.
Jeng Chi Restaurant: Beloved Chinese dumpling house in Chinatown
Haystack Burgers & Barley: Casual American comfort food
Afrah Mediterranean: Fresh shawarma and kebabs
Ali Baba Mediterranean Grill
Amigo’s Mexican Restaurant
On the shopping front, Richardson offers:
CityLine mixed-use development (restaurants, boutiques, offices)
Richardson Square
Shops at Eastside
Quick access to NorthPark Center, Galleria Dallas, and Allen Premium Outlets
Richardson is far from sleepy. The city boasts a vibrant cultural scene and hosts a number of annual events and festivals.
Cottonwood Art Festival – One of the top art events in the state
Wildflower! Arts and Music Festival – A celebration of music, food, and family
Charles W. Eisemann Center for Performing Arts – Home to plays, concerts, and symphonies
Residents also enjoy local theater groups, community classes, and a well-funded public library system.
Richardson consistently ranks as one of the safest cities in Texas. Its low crime rates and strong sense of community make it ideal for:
Families with kids
Retirees seeking peace of mind
Professionals looking for stability
The Richardson Police Department is actively involved in neighborhood watch programs and community engagement, helping foster a strong bond between residents and law enforcement.
Richardson is one of the most diverse cities in Texas, with a mix of cultural backgrounds, languages, and religions. This diversity adds depth to the city’s schools, restaurants, festivals, and social circles.
You’ll find a welcoming environment with strong community engagement, active faith-based groups, and a shared pride in local values.
Let’s break it down.
Want to live close to Dallas without being in the middle of the hustle
Need top-rated public schools for your kids
Work in tech, education, or healthcare
Value walkable neighborhoods and city parks
Appreciate diversity, arts, and great food
Whether you’re buying your first home, relocating for work, or planning your retirement, Richardson offers the stability, amenities, and charm that make it an easy “yes.”
Richardson, Texas, truly stands out as a place where modern living meets small-town warmth. With its booming tech sector, award-winning schools, safe neighborhoods, and vibrant cultural life, it’s no surprise more and more people are choosing to call Richardson home.
If you’re searching for a place that checks all the boxes—great jobs, excellent schools, endless dining, safe streets, and room to grow—then Richardson is ready to welcome you.