Nestled just to the north of Dallas, this modern suburb offers a desirable mix of amenities—Richardson is home to dozens of parks, extensive hiking and biking trails and great shopping, and is a hub for technology and telecommunications.
The DART runs right through the heart of the city, giving you easy urban access, while safe and friendly neighborhoods evoke a sense of community. Combine all this with its relatively low cost of living, and Richardson is a winner for families.
NEARBY:
Richardson borders the Lake Highlands area of Dallas, North Dallas, Far North Dallas, Plano, Murphy, Sachse and Garland.
Richardson Fast Facts
POPULATION
117,435
2023 U.S. Census
REAL ESTATE
$450,000
Median listing price, realtor.com
Neighborhood Gems
All Moms: The inclusive group is welcoming to moms from all walks of life —from those navigating newborn life to raising teens and beyond. Activities include bi-monthly meetings, educational speakers, childcare services, playdates, mom’s night out events, book clubs and more. allmoms.org
Canyon Creek Moms Club: This neighborhood-based groups hosts monthly themed happy hours for moms, monthly playdates for the kids, quarterly family events and bi-annual couples’ events, plus coordinates opportunities for giving back to the local community. canyoncreekmomsclub.org
FUMCR Mamas: Guest speakers, service opportunities and connections with other moms is offered at this group though the First United Methodist Church that meets twice a month. fumcr.com/women_mamas
RELATED: Where to Find Mom Groups in DFW
Richardson Farmers Market: Browse everything from produce to cheesecake to dog treats every Saturday at this market in Dal-Rich Towne Square, featuring over 40 vendors. And if you’re in a hurry, you can even preorder and pick-up curbside. // 101 S. Coit Rd., Richardson; fourseasonmarkets.com
RELATED: Farmers Markets Around DFW
Eisemann Center for Performing Arts: From Broadway musicals to concerts and ballet, the Eisemann Center presents hundreds of performances each year, and is the primary venue for the Plano and Richardson Symphony Orchestras. The building, which features three performance halls, was honored with design awards from the American Institute of Architects. // 2351 Performance Dr., Richardson; eisemanncenter.com
DFW Chinatown: Try a variety of Asian cuisine, shop for gifts and regional specialties at this prime destination for Asian food, shopping and events in Dallas-Fort Worth. // 400 N. Greenville Ave., Richardson; dfwchinatown.com
Prairie Creek Waterfall: Not your usual sight in urban DFW, you’ll find this scenic waterfall tucked in Prairie Creek Park. // 2400 W Prairie Creek Dr., Richardson; alltrails.com
Spring Creek Nature Area: This 100-plus acres of forest is a unique open space at the heart of a highly developed area. Enjoy its expansive trail system and opportunities to view urban wildlife. // Central Expressway and Renner, Richardson; cor.net
RELATED: 181 Places to Go with Kids in DFW
Monster Yogurt: Families get satisfy their sweet tooth than with a healthy snack while the kids get some playtime inside the Monster Cove indoor play place (for ages 3 and up). Choose from dozens of flavors of nonfat frozen yogurt, Greek yogurts and sorbets. (Dairy and dairy-free options available too). There’s always something wacky and tasty to try, and complimentary coffee for parents. The Richardson location has an outdoor patio as well. // 1360 W. Campbell Rd., Suite 101, Richardson; scarytastesgood.com
RELATED: Indoor Play Places Around DFW
Property Tax Rate
(per $100 accessed value)
Dallas County / Richardson ISD: 2.18%
Collin County / Plano ISD: 1.81%
Property taxes may vary based on location and taxing entities.
Child Care Centers & Preschools in Richardson
Richardson Schools
Public School Districts
Richardson Independent School District
• 37,100+ students
• 37 elementary schools, 1 alternative school, 8 middle schools, 4 high schools
• TEA rating: C
Plano Independent School District
• 48,700+ students
• 44 elementary schools, 13 middle schools, 6 high schools, 3 senior high schools
• TEA rating: B
Learn more about the Texas Education Agency’s accountability rating system at tea.texas.gov.
Mom-Approved Pediatricians in Richardson
Find more DFWChild Mom-Approved Pediatricians near you.
Top Family Neighborhoods
Active lifestyle realtor with Epique Realty Courtney Jay Slater on her three favorite family-friendly neighborhoods in Richardson.
Canyon Creek
Known for its tree-lined streets, excellent public schools and close-knit feel, Canyon Creek is an ideal setting to raise children. The neighborhood surrounds Canyon Creek Country Club and is just minutes from Prairie Creek Park, offering beautiful green spaces and walking trails that encourage outdoor family time. There’s access to shaded parks, creek trails, and golf course views, and easy access to Central Expressway and local shopping. Learn more at realtor.com.
Reservation
Offering a peaceful suburban feel with the perks of urban convenience, Reservation is known for its mid-century homes, mature trees and a strong sense of tradition. Families are drawn here for the walkability, the tight-knit school community at Mohawk Elementary, and the overall feeling of safety and serenity. If you’re looking for a neighborhood where kids can ride their bikes and neighbors know your name, this is it. Learn more at realtor.com.
Richardson Heights
Richardson Heights offers a blend of vintage charm and modern living that has become increasingly popular with young families due to its affordability, diverse culture and central location. With Cottonwood Park, the Heights Family Aquatic Center, and fun community festivals, there is plenty of family entertainment just steps from your front door. It’s more budget-friendly than neighboring suburbs, with lots of potential and easy access to 75, Richardson ISD schools and local shops. Learn more at realtor.com.
Richardson Mom Life
Why Emilie McCarthy Calls Richardson Home
“When it was time to get a bit more space we started looking all over DFW for a place we felt we could put lasting roots down,” says Emilie McCarthy, 36, a mom of three.
“My husband suggested we drive through the Richardson area, and you could tell it was full of life, full of families and we were both hooked. There’s a timeless charm to the area that immediately drew us in. We were also drawn by the excellent schools and the strong sense of community. Everyone we’ve met has been incredibly warm and welcoming—it truly feels like home.”
Emilie’s Local Picks
Family Outings
Custer Park, Canyon Creek Park and the waterfall at Prairie Creek are beloved spots for Emilie and her brood. And to satisfy a sweet tooth? Ice cream from Sweet Firefly.
For Mom
Emilie is a board member of the Canyon Creek Moms Club, which allowed her to connect to other moms in her neighborhood even before she moved in.
“It gave me the opportunity to form lasting friendships and helped my kids find playmates their own age—kids they could grow up with … At the root of the CCMC group is a spirit of support, with the overall goal serving to knit lasting friendships, providing ways to getting involved in our community, serving one another and being an outlet for other moms going through similar phases in life.”
RELATED: DFWChild’s Best for Families winners
Family-Friendly Events In & Around Richardson
Yogees Yoga 4 Kids
Galleria Dallas
Lucky Little Charms
Galleria Dallas
Irish Dancing Performance
Galleria Dallas
Science of Soccer Activity
Galleria Dallas
DJ Raphi 2026 USA Tour
Granada Theater
Artmaking with the DMA
Galleria Dallas
Lowe’s Kids Club Workshop
Lowe's
Sonia de los Santos
Charles W. Eisemann Center for Performing Arts
Moon Mouse: A Space Odyssey
Dallas Children's Theater
Music Made Here: The Marshall Tucker Band ft. Monte Montgomery
Downtown Garland Square
Chamberlain Ballet’s Peter & The Wolf & Sleeping Beauty
Robinson Fine Arts Center
Verdigris Ensemble: The Velveteen Rabbit
Dallas Children's Theater
Find more family fun events every day of the week at dfwchild.com/calendar.