Welcome to the DFWmark Blog!

Welcome to the DFWmark Blog! This is a collection of content by Mark M. Hancock, a REALTOR with Keller Williams North County in Celina, Texas. I'm based in Frisco, Texas to best service the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex.

To browse the most useful content or when you have a specific question, please visit the blog index (also linked as "I've Got Your Six!" in most posts). It organizes information by categories.

To search for a new, preowned or lease home anywhere in the United States, please visit my website: DFWmark.com. My site is tied directly to the multiple listing service (MLS). You have no-cost access to the most accurate, safe and up-to-date information available.

For your real estate needs, please call, text or email.

I've Got Your Six!

Mark M. Hancock, GRI, MRP, AHWD
REALTOR, New Build certified
214-862-7212
markhancockrealty@gmail.com
DFWmark.com

Ready to sell your property? Please watch this short video!

#REALTOR #DFWmark #ArmyVeteran #NotaryPublic #CommercialDronePilot #AwardWinningPhotojournalist #Buy #Sell #Lease

Your City: Little Elm

Little Elm

Origin Story
Little Elm was settled in 1844 by C.C. "Kit" King on the banks of Little Elm Creek. King named the town after the creek.
The first post office opened in his house in 1852, and the first store opened in 1859.
The town incorporated in June 1966 under the Council/Manager form of government.
Part of the original downtown now lies beneath Lewisville Lake.

What the City Is Known For
Its motto is "The Town With A Lake Attitude," reflecting its lake-centered lifestyle.
It sits along the northern and eastern shores of Lewisville Lake.
It is one of the fastest-growing cities in Texas by percentage. Population grew from about 3,646 in 2000 to 46,453 in 2020.

National Awards
Ranked No. 100 overall in the U.S. News & World Report "Best Places to Live" (2026-2027), No. 30 in Texas.
Earned the "Scenic City" certification.
Other recognitions are state-level, including Tourism Friendly Texas and Music Friendly Texas certifications.

Top Employers (Official List)
The city's Economic Development Corporation publishes only 6 named major employers, not a full top-10. They are:
Little Elm ISD (1,025 employees)
Town of Little Elm (469)
Retractable Technologies (203)
Lowe's Home Center (117)
Kroger (105)
Holt Cat (87)
Target opened a new store in 2026 with about 200 jobs, which would now rank among the largest private employers.

Employers by Prominence/Prestige
Retractable Technologies: A medical device manufacturer known for inventing retractable safety syringes.
Holt Cat: A major Caterpillar equipment dealer.
Little Elm ISD: The largest employer, central to the community.

Notable People
Weston McKennie: Professional soccer midfielder for Juventus (Italy) and the U.S. Men's National Team. Played in the 2026 World Cup.
Marsai Martin: Actress and producer, best known for the TV show "Black-ish." Youngest person to executive produce a major studio film ("Little," 2019).
Cole Beasley: Former NFL wide receiver (Dallas Cowboys, Buffalo Bills, Tampa Bay Buccaneers).
Trevante Rhodes: Actor who starred in "Moonlight," which won Best Picture at the Oscars.
John Mateer: College football quarterback, starting QB at Oklahoma.
R.J. Hampton: Professional basketball player who played in the NBA.
Ryan Watts: NFL cornerback drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Samuel S. Wilks: Statistician and mathematician, born in Little Elm; founder of the Institute of Mathematical Statistics.
Tom Whitney: Professional golfer on the PGA Tour.

Size
Population: 46,453 in the 2020 census; estimated 62,727 as of July 1, 2025.
Land area: 18.07 square miles, about 11,565 acres.
The city has about 4.1 square miles of water area (part of Lewisville Lake).

Distances from City Hall
DFW Airport: about 26 miles
Dallas Love Field: about 32 miles
Dallas City Hall: about 33.5 miles

Major Attractions and Amenities
The Cove at The Lakefront: An indoor water park open year-round with water slides, a lazy river, and a surf machine.
Little Elm Beach: Billed as the largest beach in North Texas.
The Lakefront District: Mixed-use lakeside area with restaurants, a hotel, and entertainment.
Little Elm Park: Camping, boat ramp, swim beach, amphitheater, sports fields, and trails.
Parks: Beard Park, McCord Park, Union Park, Cottonwood Park, and dog parks.
Trails: Lakefront Trail, Harts Branch Trail, and nature trails.
Sports facilities: Lobo Stadium (7,500 seats), Cottonwood Sports Complex, Lakeside Sports Complex.
Library: Little Elm Public Library.

Education Levels
Breakdown for residents age 25+ (ACS 2023):
Less than high school: 8.3%
High school graduate: 22.1%
Some college, no degree: 18.4%
Associate's degree: 10.6%
Bachelor's degree: 26.0%
Graduate or professional degree: 14.6%

Schools
The main district is Little Elm ISD, which serves Little Elm, plus parts of Frisco, The Colony, Oak Point, and all of Hackberry and Lakewood Village.
Other districts also serve parts of Little Elm: Denton ISD (northeast, via Braswell High School) and Frisco ISD.
TEA Ratings for Little Elm ISD: 2023 = 71 (C), 2024 = 74 (C), 2025 = 79 (C).

UIL Classification and Championships
Little Elm High School is UIL Class 6A (the largest class).
State championship: Boys basketball won the Class 6A Division II state title in 2026, beating Austin Westlake 57-35. This was the school's first state championship.
Little Elm also won UIL Number Sense (academic event) titles in 1993 and 1994.
Note: The 3A/4A/5A/6A breakdown applies across many schools; Little Elm's own high school is 6A.

Lakes
Lewisville Lake is the main lake bordering the city, along its northern and eastern shores.
The city has about 66 miles of shoreline (66.39 miles per the EDC).
About 6,200 acres of the town (53%) lie within the lake.

Highways and Tollways
US Highway 380: Major east-west route (Denton to McKinney).
FM 423: North-south route through the city.
FM 720: Local road intersecting US 380.
Eldorado Parkway: East-west arterial linking I-35 to the Dallas North Tollway.
Dallas North Tollway: North-south tollway connecting to Dallas.
State Highway 121 / Sam Rayburn Tollway: East-west tollway south of Little Elm.

Bordering Cities
Frisco, The Colony, Hackberry, Prosper, Aubrey, Providence, Oak Point, Cross Roads, and Lakewood Village.

Counties
Little Elm is located entirely in Denton County.

Airports
There are no public or private airports within the city limits.
Spanish Oaks Airport is a private grass strip about 1 mile west, outside the town proper.
Nearest public airports: Lakeview (Lake Dallas, about 2 miles), Denton Enterprise (about 13 miles), DFW (about 18-20 miles), Love Field (about 22-23 miles).

Public Transportation
There are no public transportation options within the city limits.
DCTA bus and rail routes do not run inside Little Elm. Residents drive to DCTA services in nearby cities.
The town runs a free seasonal shuttle ("Efrogs") for beach access.

Future Plans
Target a population of 75,000 to 100,000 at full build-out over the next 7 to 10 years.
Grow the Lakefront District with new restaurants, a hotel, and entertainment. Tinman Social is set to reopen in 2026.
Add retail, including a second Kroger and a Chipotle.
Build Fire Station 4 and expand the animal shelter.
Improve Little Elm Park with new campsites and an amphitheater rebuild (about $6 million).
Adopt small area plans for the Lakefront District and the US 380 corridor.

Sources: Texas State Historical Association (TSHA) Handbook of Texas, Town of Little Elm website (littleelm.gov), Little Elm Chamber of Commerce, Little Elm Economic Development Corporation (littleelmedc.com), U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts and ACS 5-Year Estimates (data.census.gov), Little Elm ISD (littleelmisd.net), Texas Education Agency ratings, UIL (uiltexas.org), Little Elm ISD; Little Elm High School; Frisco ISD; Sam Rayburn Tollway; People from Little Elm, Texas), Texas Almanac, DCTA (dcta.net), The Dallas Morning News, Dallas Business Journal, NBC DFW, distance-cities.com, fromto.travel, rome2rio Important Websites:
Cities
School Districts
Chambers of Commerce: includes VCBs (Visitor & Convention Bureaus) and EDCs (Economic Development Corporations)

Your City: Allen

Allen, Texas

Origin story & incorporation
Settled in the 1840s through the Republic of Texas's Peters Colony land program.
Established in 1870 as a water stop on the Houston and Texas Central Railway; named in 1872 for Ebenezer Allen, a former Texas attorney general and railroad promoter.
The Sam Bass gang committed Texas's first recorded train robbery in Allen in 1878.
Officially incorporated June 20, 1953, with about 400 residents. Virgil Watson was the first mayor.

What the city is known for
Allen High School football and its large marching band, playing at the 18,000-seat Allen Eagle Stadium, one of the largest high school stadiums in the country and costing $60 million to build.
A large parks system: 1,196 acres of parkland, 60 parks, and 80+ miles of hike-and-bike trails.
Major retail and entertainment destinations (Allen Premium Outlets, Watters Creek, The Village at Allen).
A growing business and tech presence, including data centers and a cybersecurity sector.

National awards (selected)
#2 Best Place to Live in America — Money magazine, 2017.
#2 Best Place to Launch a Career — Money magazine, 2018.
Top 10 Best Towns for Families — Family Circle, 2013.
Best City to Move to in Texas — Consumer Affairs, 2025.
Best Small Cities in America — WalletHub, 2025.
Best School District in Texas (Allen ISD) — Niche, 2026.
NRPA Gold Medal Award Finalist (parks) — 2026.
Top 10 largest employers (City of Allen 2023 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report)

Employer — Employees
Allen ISD — 2,755
City of Allen — 937
Experian Information Solutions — 817
Andrew's Distributing — 487
Jack Henry & Associates — 450
Motorola Solutions — 436
Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital — 425
Credit Union of Texas — 424
NetScout Systems — 420
Crawford and Company — 365

Top employers by prominence/prestige
Allen ISD — Educates about 20,000 students; rated "A" by the state; nationally ranked by Niche.
Experian Information Solutions — Global credit-reporting and data company; major national brand.
Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital — Part of a major North Texas healthcare network; key regional medical provider.
Jack Henry & Associates — Nationally known financial-technology firm serving banks and credit unions.
Motorola Solutions — Global leader in communications and public-safety technology.

Most recognized people from Allen
Kyler Murray — NFL quarterback, Heisman Trophy winner, NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year; played at Allen High School.
J.D. Walton — Former NFL center, Super Bowl XLVIII champion (Denver Broncos).
Levi Onwuzurike — NFL defensive tackle, Detroit Lions.
Jalen Guyton — NFL wide receiver (Dallas Cowboys, Los Angeles Chargers).
Jim Parrack — Actor known for HBO's True Blood.
Brian J. Smith — Actor known for Stargate Universe and Sense8.
Quenlin Blackwell — Internet creator named to the TIME100 Creators list (2025, 2026).

City size
Latest population estimate (July 1, 2025): 113,447 (2020 census: 104,627).
Land area: 26.40 square miles = about 16,896 acres.

Distances from Allen City Hall
DFW Airport: ~32 miles (~45 min).
Dallas Love Field: ~28 miles (~40 min).
Dallas City Hall: ~25 miles (~26–35 min).

Major attractions & amenities
Credit Union of Texas Event Center (7,000+ seat arena, two ice rinks).
Allen Eagle Stadium (18,000-seat high school stadium).
Allen Premium Outlets (110+ stores).
Watters Creek Village (52-acre mixed-use shopping and dining).
The Village at Allen (Topgolf, Bass Pro Shops, and more).
Don Rodenbaugh Aquatics Center (indoor water park).
The Edge (one of the largest skate parks in Texas).
60 parks, 80+ miles of trails, municipal golf course.

Education Level (residents age 25+) — %
Less than high school — 4.1%
High school graduate — 13.0%
Some college / Associate's — 26.9%
Bachelor's degree — 33.6%
Graduate or professional — 22.6%

School districts
Main district: Allen ISD — serves most of Allen plus sections of Parker and McKinney. TEA rating: A (92).
Other districts with small portions inside Allen: Lovejoy ISD (A, 94), McKinney ISD (B, 88), Plano ISD (B, 82).

UIL high school breakdown
Allen High School is Class 6A (largest classification). Allen has no other high schools.
Football state championships (team): 2008, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2017 — 5 titles.
Boys wrestling: 16 UIL team state championships (most recent 2026). Girls wrestling has also won multiple 6A titles.

Lakes within/bordering the city
Allen has no large natural lakes — its "lakes" are small city park ponds (Bethany Lakes, Shadow Lakes, and others, all under ~8.5 acres; shoreline measured in feet, not miles).
Nearest major reservoir: Lavon Lake, ~10 miles southeast, with about 83 miles of shoreline (U.S. Army Corps of Engineers figure).

Highways & tollways
US-75 (Central Expressway) — north–south through the middle of the city.
State Highway 121 / Sam Rayburn Tollway — east–west, along Allen's northern border with McKinney.
State Highway 5 — north–south, parallel to US-75.
The President George Bush Turnpike does not run through Allen.

Cities with attached borders
Plano (south), Fairview (east/northeast), Lucas (northeast), Parker (west).
McKinney, Murphy, and Wylie are nearby but do not directly border Allen.

County
Allen is located entirely in Collin County.

Airports
There are no operating public or private airports within the city limits. The former Kittyhawk Airport closed and was redeveloped into housing in the early 2010s. The nearest general aviation airport is McKinney National Airport, outside the city.

Public transportation
Allen has no DART rail, no train, and no fixed-route bus service within the city.
The only option is Collin County Rides, an appointment-based service for seniors 65+ and qualifying individuals with disabilities.

Major future plans
Sloan Corners (~$3B mixed-use at US-75/SH-121) — office, retail, housing, up to 30,000 jobs.
Kalahari Resorts Destination (~$950M resort/water park on SH-121).
Downtown Allen Catalyst Project (~$17M) — restaurants, retail, and a public park with a stage.
H-E-B-anchored mixed-use development (~60 acres).
2027–31 Capital Improvement Program — road widenings, new police headquarters, ~$18M in park projects.

Sources: Texas State Historical Association (TSHA Handbook of Texas), Allen Heritage Guild, City of Allen official website, The Dallas Morning News, U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts and ACS 2023, City of Allen 2023 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report, Texas Education Agency 2025 Accountability Reports, UIL official records; Texas Parks & Wildlife Department, Allen ISD; Visit Allen; lifeinallen.org, usboundary.com (Census boundary data); DCTA; McKinney National Airport, and Community Impact.

Important Websites:
Cities
School Districts
Chambers of Commerce: includes VCBs (Visitor & Convention Bureaus) and EDCs (Economic Development Corporations)

Learn about other cities in the Your City series.

I’ve Got Your Six!

Mark M. Hancock, GRI, MRP, AHWD
REALTOR, New Build certified
KW North Country Realty
214-862-7212
dfwmark@KW.com
DFWmark.com

#DFWmark #REALTOR #Allen #CollinCounty #AllenISD #YourCity #WelcomeToTexas #Texas

Your City: Plano

Plano, Texas

Origin & Incorporation
• First settlers arrived in the 1840s from Kentucky and Tennessee under the Peters Colony land grants.
• Name comes from the Spanish word for "flat" — the area was Blackland Prairie.
• Incorporated June 2, 1873; celebrated its 150th anniversary in 2023.
• Growth began when the Houston and Texas Central Railway arrived in 1872.

What Plano Is Known For
• Home to major corporate headquarters: Toyota Motor North America, Capital One, PepsiCo Foods, and the joint Pizza Hut/KFC HQ.
• Tech and R&D hub (Ericsson, Samsung, Intuit, USAA).
• Top-rated parks system and high-performing Plano ISD schools.
• ~292,000 residents, one of America's fastest-growing cities.

National Awards (recent)
• 2026: #2 Safest Big City in the U.S. (CultureMap)
• 2026: 6th Best City to Live in America (Niche)
• 2025: First Happiest Big City in America (SmartAsset)
• 2021: Safest City in Texas (WalletHub)
• 2019: Happiest City in America (WalletHub)
• #1 park system in Texas (Trust for Public Land)

Top 10 Employers (by employees, 2025 city report)
Employer — Approx. Employees
JPMorgan Chase — 11,261
Capital One Finance — 5,649
Toyota Motor North America — 4,938
PepsiCo — 3,759
Ericsson — 3,346
AT&T Foundry & Services — 2,500
Liberty Mutual Insurance — 2,100
JCPenney — 2,000
NTT DATA — 1,968
Samsung Electronics America — 1,711

Top Employers by Prominence/Prestige
These are the most nationally recognized, based on brand and corporate standing:
• Toyota Motor North America — US headquarters of the world's largest automaker.
• Capital One — major national bank and credit-card issuer.
• JPMorgan Chase — largest US bank by assets.
• PepsiCo Foods — global food and beverage giant.
• Ericsson — global telecom equipment leader.
• Samsung Electronics America — global electronics and tech giant.
• JCPenney — national department-store chain (historic HQ).
• Bank of America — major national bank.
• USAA — major financial services firm for military families.
• Fannie Mae — US housing-finance agency.

Famous People From Plano
• Lance Armstrong — former cyclist, seven-time Tour de France winner.
• Alan Tudyk — actor (Firefly, Rogue One, Moana); 2026 Disney Legend.
• Chace Crawford — actor (Gossip Girl, The Boys).
• Kevin McHale — actor/singer (Glee).
• Michael Irvin — Pro Football Hall of Fame receiver.
• Nastia Liukin — Olympic gold medalist gymnast (trained in Plano).
• Jake Arrieta — Cy Young Award-winning MLB pitcher.
• Anousheh Ansari — first self-funded woman in space.
• Ross Perot — billionaire businessman, two-time presidential candidate.
• Boz Scaggs — Grammy-winning musician.
• Austin Tice — journalist kidnapped in Syria.

Size
• Population: 293,028 (Census estimate, July 1, 2025).
• Land area: 71.69 sq mi = about 45,882 acres.

Distances from City Hall
• DFW Airport: ~28–29 miles driving (~21.5 mi straight-line).
• Love Field: ~20 miles driving.
• Dallas City Hall: ~19 miles driving (~17.5 mi straight-line).
• (Approximate; actual miles vary by route.)

Major Attractions & Amenities
• Legacy West — largest mixed-use district in North Texas; high-end retail, Legacy Hall food hall.
• The Shops at Legacy — open-air shopping and dining.
• Downtown Plano Arts District — historic brick streets, boutiques, DART station.
• Arbor Hills Nature Preserve — 200 acres, trails, observation tower.
• Oak Point Park — Plano's largest park (800 acres); home of the Plano Balloon Festival.
• 80+ parks and 100+ miles of trails.
• Heritage Farmstead Museum, Interurban Railway Museum, ArtCentre of Plano.
• 6 recreation centers, multiple pools, and entertainment venues.

Education Levels (age 25+)
• Less than high school: ~6%
• High school diploma / some college: ~27%
• Associate's degree: ~6%
• Bachelor's degree: ~36%
• Graduate degree: ~25%
• Verified benchmarks: 94.3% have a high school diploma; 60.5% have a bachelor's or higher.

School Districts
• Main district: Plano ISD — serves most of the city.
• Other cities served by Plano ISD: Richardson, Dallas, Murphy, Allen, Carrollton, Garland, Lucas, Parker, Wylie.
• Other districts serving small parts of Plano: Lewisville ISD (west), Frisco ISD (north), Allen ISD (east/northeast).
• TEA ratings: Plano ISD B (85/100); Allen ISD A; Frisco ISD A; Lewisville ISD B.

High Schools & UIL
• All 3 Plano senior high schools are Class 6A: Plano, Plano East, Plano West.
• State championships:
o Plano football — 7 titles (1965, 1967, 1971, 1977, 1986, 1987, 1994); only Texas school to win titles at 2A, 3A, 4A, and 5A.
• Plano girls soccer — 1986, 1988.
• Plano West team tennis — 7 titles (2001, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2016, 2021, 2023–24).
• Plano West boys basketball — 2015; girls basketball 2006; volleyball 2018–19.
• Plano East boys basketball — 2024 (perfect 38–0 season).
• Individual: Tagen Jamison (Plano West), 2019 UIL 6A wrestling champion (132 lbs).

Lakes
• Lake Lavon — borders Plano's east side; ~121 miles of shoreline (USACE reservoir).
• Lake Lewisville and Lake Ray Hubbard are nearby but outside city limits (Lewisville ~233 mi, Ray Hubbard ~111 mi shoreline).
• White Rock Creek and Rowlett Creek flow through Plano.

Highways, Tollways
• US 75 (Central Expressway) — north–south, along east side.
• Dallas North Tollway — north–south, along west side.
• President George Bush Turnpike (SH 190) — east–west arc, southern border.
• Sam Rayburn Tollway (SH 121) — east–west, northern border.
• SH 289 (Preston Road) — north–south through the city.

Bordering cities
Frisco (North), Allen (Northeast), The Colony (NW/W), Little Elm (Northwest), Carrollton (West), Dallas (Southwest), Richardson (South), Murphy (East).

Counties
Collin County (most) and Denton County (small west portion).

Airports
• No public or private airports within the city limits — the seven FAA-registered facilities are all private heliports (hospital and corporate helipads). Nearest public airports are in Addison and McKinney.

Public Transportation
• DART Red Line (light rail) — 4 Plano stations: Parker Road, Downtown Plano, Shiloh Road, 12th Street.
• DART Silver Line (regional rail, opened late 2025) — 2 Plano stations: Shiloh Road, 12th Street; runs Plano ↔ DFW Airport.
• DART buses — routes 234, 236, 239, 241, 243, 245, 247, 308.
• DART GoLink — on-demand rideshare; DART Paratransit; Plano Rides (seniors 65+).

Major Future Plans
• Dallas Stars arena + entertainment district at Willow Bend — ~$3 billion project; arena possible by 2031 (demolition starts early 2027).
• Downtown Plano redevelopment — land purchases and a new Downtown Design Guide (2026).
• Collin Creek redevelopment — former mall being converted to mixed-use housing (through 2028).
• Transportation — Silver Line station-area development, road and trail projects (G Avenue, Spring Creek Corridor, Shady Brook Trail).

Sources: City of Plano (plano.gov, planotexas.org), Visit Plano (visitplano.com), U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts, TSHA Handbook of Texas, The Dallas Morning News, Plano ISD, Texas Education Agency (via Community Impact), UIL archives, Wikipedia (Plano, Texas; Plano High Schools; Lavon Lake), NTTA, DART, DCTA, GlobalAir (FAA data), Lake Lavon guide, City of Lewisville, Texas Outside.

Important Websites:
Cities
School Districts
Chambers of Commerce: includes VCBs (Visitor & Convention Bureaus) and EDCs (Economic Development Corporations)

Learn about other cities in the Your City series.

I’ve Got Your Six!

Mark M. Hancock, GRI, MRP, AHWD
REALTOR, New Build certified
KW North Country Realty
214-862-7212
dfwmark@KW.com
DFWmark.com

#DFWmark #REALTOR #Plano #CollinCounty #DentonCounty #PlanoISD #YourCity #WelcomeToTexas #Texas

Your City: Frisco

Frisco, Texas

Origin & incorporation
• Settled along the Shawnee Trail (later Preston Road); the community of Lebanon got a post office in 1860.
• In 1902 the St. Louis–San Francisco Railway ("the Frisco") built a line through the area and placed a watering stop about 4 miles west of Lebanon, on lower ground. Some Lebanon residents rolled their houses to the new spot.
• First named Emerson, then renamed Frisco City in 1904 in honor of the railroad (shortened to Frisco).
• Incorporated 1908.

What it's known for
• "Sports City USA" — Dallas Cowboys HQ at The Star, PGA of America HQ + PGA Frisco, FC Dallas at Toyota Stadium, Frisco RoughRiders, Dallas Stars HQ/Comerica Center.
• One of the fastest-growing U.S. cities (fastest-growing in 2017 and 2000–2009).
• Tree City USA since 2003.

National awards (City of Frisco list)
• #1 Best Real Estate Market (WalletHub) — 2017, 2021, 2022, 2026.
• #1 Best Place to Live in America (MONEY) — 2018.
• #1 Safest City in the U.S. (SmartAsset) — 2022, 2023.
• #1 Fastest-Growing City (U.S. Census Bureau) — 2016–17.
• #1 Best Place to Raise an Athlete (Men's Journal) — 2011.
• #9 Best Place to Live (U.S. News & World Report) — 2026–27.

Size • Population: 248,971 (City of Frisco monthly estimate); 236,955 per Census Bureau (July 2025); 200,509 in 2020 Census.
• Area: 69.1 sq mi ≈ ~44,224 acres.

Distances from City Hall
• DFW Airport: ~26 mi driving (~21.4 mi straight-line).
• Dallas Love Field: ~25 mi driving.
• Dallas City Hall: ~27.2 mi driving.

Top 10 employers (by jobs, city CAFR)
Employer - Employees
Frisco ISD — 7,442
City of Frisco — 1,628
T-Mobile USA — 1,000
Mario Sinacola & Sons — 800
Conifer Health Solutions — 615
Baylor Medical Center (Warren Pkwy) — 460
Fiserv — 460
IKEA Frisco — 423
UT Southwestern / Texas Health — 415
Baylor Scott & White (Centennial) — 400
Note: Toyota and JPMorgan Chase are headquartered in Plano (Legacy West), not Frisco.

Most prominent/prestigious employers
• TIAA — Fortune 500 firm ($1.3T assets); Corporate Center at The Star; on track to be Frisco's largest private employer.
• PGA of America — national HQ on the 660-acre PGA Frisco campus.
• Dallas Cowboys / The Star — $1.5B mixed-use HQ complex.
• Comerica, McAfee, Boingo Wireless, ExteNet, Ruiz Foods, SoFi — major HQ relocations/expansions.

Notable people
• Jaedyn Shaw — USWNT soccer; scored at 2024 Paris Olympics; Frisco-raised.
• P.J. Washington — NBA forward, Dallas Mavericks; Frisco native.
• Nick Bolton — NFL linebacker, Kansas City Chiefs; Frisco HS grad, Super Bowl champion.
• Ryan O'Hearn — MLB player (Baltimore Orioles); Frisco native.
• Marion Barber III — former NFL running back; Frisco-raised.
• Dude Perfect — YouTube group; Frisco-based.
• Maelyn Jarmon — winner of The Voice (Season 16); Frisco native.
• Jenna Davis — actress (Disney's Sydney to the Max, voice of M3GAN).
• Courtney Gibbs — Miss USA 1988.
• Anika Chebrolu — 3M Young Scientist Challenge winner (2020).

Major attractions & amenities
• Toyota Stadium — FC Dallas (MLS), National Soccer Hall of Fame, NCAA championship.
• The Star / Ford Center — Cowboys HQ, Ring of Honor Walk.
• PGA Frisco — 4 courses, Omni resort, PGA District.
• Riders Field — Double-A RoughRiders baseball.
• Comerica Center — Texas Legends, Stars practice, concerts.
• Universal Kids Resort — Theme park for smaller children (opened July 2026).
• National Videogame Museum + Frisco Discovery Center (Sci-Tech, TrainTopia).
• Frisco Heritage Center — historic homes, steam locomotive.
• Stonebriar Centre — 224-store mall.
• Kaleidoscope Park — arts/culture park (opened Oct 2024).
• Frisco Athletic Center + Frisco Water Park.
• 60+ parks and a growing trail network.

Education levels (adults 25+, US Census ACS)
• Less than high school: 3.7%
• High school graduate / GED: 9.6%
• Some college / associate degree: 20.7%
• Bachelor's degree: 38.5%
• Graduate or professional degree: 27.4%

School districts
• Main: Frisco ISD — ~67,000 students; serves parts of Frisco, Little Elm, Plano, McKinney, and Prosper.
• Other districts serving parts of Frisco: Lewisville ISD (~2.47 sq mi, 903 students), Little Elm ISD, Prosper ISD (Rock Hill HS and Bill Hays MS are in Frisco).

TEA accountability ratings
• Frisco ISD: A (5th straight).
• Prosper ISD: A.
• Lewisville ISD: B.
• Little Elm ISD: C.

UIL classification (12 Frisco ISD high schools)
• 6A: 1 (Wakeland).
• 5A: 11 (Centennial, Emerson, Frisco, Heritage, Independence, Lebanon Trail, Liberty, Lone Star, Memorial, Panther Creek, Reedy).

UIL state championships (verified)
• Frisco HS — Girls Cross Country 1982 (3A); Girls & Boys Track 1981–84 (2A); Softball 2002 (4A); Boys Swimming 2005, 2006, 2008 (4A); Girls Swimming 2011 (4A).
• Centennial — Boys Soccer 2016 (5A); Wrestling 2014, 2015, 2020; Team Tennis 2024, 2025, 2026 (5A).
• Liberty — Girls Basketball 2020, 2023 (5A).
• Wakeland — Girls Soccer 2022 (5A); Girls Volleyball 2024.
• Heritage — Boys Basketball 2026 (5A DI).
• Frisco ISD reports 15 team state champions since 2020.

Lakes
• Lewisville Lake — borders Frisco's northwest; 29,592 acres, 183 miles of shoreline (USACE).
• Nine small fishing ponds/lakes within the city (Warren Sports Complex, Frisco Commons, Northeast Community Park, etc.).
• Arrowhead Pond planned in Grand Park.

Highways & tollways
• Dallas North Tollway (DNT) — north–south; frontage road = Dallas Parkway.
• Sam Rayburn Tollway / SH 121 — east–west across southern Frisco.
• US 380 (University Dr.) — east–west across northern Frisco.
• SH 289 (Preston Rd.) — north–south.
• FM 423 — north–south on the west side.
• FM 720 — east–west via Little Elm and Frisco (Eldorado Pkwy).

Bordering cities
• Plano (south), McKinney (east), Little Elm (northwest), Prosper (north), The Colony (southwest), Allen (southeast).

Counties
• Frisco spans Collin and Denton counties.

Airports
• No public or private airports within the city limits. Only 4 private hospital heliports (Texas Health, Medical City, Baylor Scott & White, Centennial).
• Nearest public airport: McKinney National Airport (in McKinney, ~7,000-ft runway).
• Aero Country Airport (T31) — nearest general-aviation field, in McKinney and just across the boundary from northern Frisco. Privately owned (Aero Country Property Owners Association) but open to the public. Runway 17/35, 4,352 ft asphalt/turf.

Public transportation
• Frisco is not a DART member; served by DCTA.
• GoZone Frisco — on-demand rideshare (central Frisco).
• Frisco Demand Response — paratransit for seniors/disabled.
• Rail District Boxcar — free downtown circulator (pilot, June 2026).

Major future plans
• Grand Park — 1,011-acre park (DNT to Lake Lewisville); Phase 1 completion ~Fall 2027.
• New Toyota Stadium — $182M redevelopment, coming 2028.
• 2027 PGA Championship at Fields Ranch (first men's major in DFW in 64 years).
• The Mix — $3B, 112-acre mixed-use development.
• Fields / Fields West — 2,544-acre development at US 380 & Preston.
• The Link — $1B, 240-acre addition to PGA Frisco.
• Universal Kids Resort — opened July 2026.
• Downtown Rail District — $68M redevelopment.
• Kaleidoscope Park expansion — $14M.

Sources: City of Frisco (friscotexas.gov — demographics, awards, parks, transit, Grand Park); U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts & ACS S1501; Dallas Morning News; Frisco EDC; Frisco Chamber of Commerce; Visit Frisco; Community Impact; Frisco ISD; Prosper ISD & Lewisville ISD official pages; Texas DOT; NTTA; DCTA; DART; GlobalAir/FAA; TSHA; rome2rio; distance-cities.com.

Important Websites:
Cities
School Districts
Chambers of Commerce: includes VCBs (Visitor & Convention Bureaus) and EDCs (Economic Development Corporations)

Learn about other cities in the Your City series.

I’ve Got Your Six!

Mark M. Hancock, GRI, MRP, AHWD
REALTOR, New Build certified
KW North Country Realty
214-862-7212
dfwmark@KW.com
DFWmark.com

#DFWmark #REALTOR #Frisco #CollinCounty #DentonCounty #FriscoISD #YourCity #WelcomeToTexas #Texas

Your City: McKinney

McKinney, Texas Origin story
• Settlers arrived in the early 1840s as part of Peter's Colony, a land settlement program.
• Collin County was created in 1846 and named for Collin McKinney, a signer of the Texas Declaration of Independence.
• McKinney became the county seat on March 16, 1848.
• William Davis donated 120 acres for the townsite on March 24, 1849.
• The city was first incorporated in 1849 and incorporated again in 1859.

What the city is known for
• Historic Downtown Square, one of the largest historic downtown districts in Texas.
• Its official motto is "Unique by nature."
• It is one of the fastest-growing large cities in the U.S.
• It is a hub for corporate and defense employers.

National awards
• Money magazine #1 Best Place to Live in America, 2014.
• Most Affordable City in the U.S. (Motley Fool Money), 2025.
• Best City for Renters in America, 2025.
• #1 Housing Market in the U.S., 2025.
• Tourism Friendly Texas Certified Community, 2025.
• SolSmart Bronze designation for clean energy, 2025.

Top 10 largest employers
   Employer - Sector
• Globe Life Inc. - Insurance
• SRS Distribution - Building materials
• Raytheon Intelligence & Space (RTX) - Defense
• Encore Wire (Prysmian) - Wire and cable
• McKinney ISD - Education
• Collin County - Government
• Independent Financial - Banking
• Dynacraft (PACCAR) - Automotive
• LifePath Systems - Healthcare
• Emerson - Technology

Most prominent employers and why
• Raytheon Intelligence & Space: global leader in aerospace and defense sensors and systems; runs a large advanced manufacturing center.
• Encore Wire: billed as the largest vertically integrated cable factory on the planet; acquired by Prysmian in 2024.
• Globe Life: a Fortune 500 insurance company and the city's largest private employer.
• SRS Distribution: one of the largest national roofing and building supply distributors.
• Independent Financial: one of Texas's largest community banks, with a major corporate campus.
• Emerson: a Fortune 500 global technology and engineering company.

Recognized people from the city
• Tom Kite: pro golfer, 1992 U.S. Open winner, World Golf Hall of Fame member. Raised in McKinney.
• Haystacks Calhoun: pro wrestler, WWE Hall of Fame Legacy Wing (2017). Born in McKinney in 1934.
• Hollie Cavanagh: American Idol season 11 top-5 finalist. McKinney resident.
• MO3: Dallas area rapper. Born in McKinney.
• Jason Ralph: actor, starred in The Magicians. McKinney raised.
• Quindon Tarver: singer who performed in the film Romeo + Juliet. Grew up in the McKinney area.
• Josh Duhon: actor on General Hospital. Born in McKinney.
• Deborah Crombie: bestselling crime novelist. McKinney resident.

Size
• Population: 237,130 as of January 1, 2026, per the City of McKinney.
• Total area: about 67.7 square miles, or about 43,330 acres.

Distances from McKinney City Hall
• DFW International Airport: about 36 miles.
• Dallas Love Field: about 33 miles.
• Dallas City Hall: about 33 miles.

Major attractions
• Historic Downtown McKinney.
• Adriatica Village.
• TUPPS Brewery.
• McKinney Performing Arts Center.
• Chestnut Square Historic Village.
• Towne Lake and the city parks system.

Education pie chart
• Bachelor's degree 30.2%
• Some college no degree 21.5%
• High school graduate 16.0%
• Graduate or professional degree 14.3%
• Associate's degree 9.8%
• Less than high school 7.1%

School districts
• Main district: McKinney ISD. It also serves parts of New Hope, Allen, Fairview, Princeton, and Lowry Crossing.
• Other districts that serve parts of McKinney: Frisco ISD, Prosper ISD, Allen ISD, and Melissa ISD.
• TEA ratings for 2025-26:
o McKinney ISD: B (87 of 100).
o Frisco ISD: A.
o Prosper ISD: A.
o Allen ISD: A.
o Melissa ISD: A.

High schools and UIL classifications
• McKinney High School: 6A.
• McKinney Boyd High School: 6A.
• McKinney North High School: 5A.

UIL state championships
McKinney High
• Football (3A), team, 1979, beat Bay City 20 to 7.
• Girls wrestling (6A), individual, 2026, Riley Drennan won the 125 pound class.
McKinney Boyd
• Girls soccer (5A), team, 2011, beat Colleyville Heritage 1 to 0.
• Spirit/cheer (6A D-II), team, 2026.
McKinney North
• Girls soccer (4A), team, 2006, beat Dallas Highland Park 3 to 0.
• Girls cross country (4A), individual, 2006-07, Samantha Means.
• Girls track and field (5A), team, 2016 and 2017.
• Girls swimming (5A), individual, 2026, Courtney Cusack won the 200 and 500 yard freestyle.
• Spirit/cheer (5A D-I), team, 2026.

Lakes
• Towne Lake: about 22 acres.
• Bonnie Wenk Park lake: about 5 acres.
• Katherine B. Winniford Park pond: about 2.5 acres.
• Serenity Park pond: about 2 acres.
• Myers Park lake: size not published.
• Lake Lavon is outside city limits, about 17 miles southeast.

Highways and tollways
• US 75: runs north and south.
• US 380: runs east and west.
• SH 5: runs north and south through downtown.
• SH 121 (Sam Rayburn Tollway): runs along the south border, connects to DFW Airport.
• FM 2478: runs along the west border.
• FM 543: runs east and west in the north.

Bordering cities
• Allen, Frisco, Prosper, Princeton, Melissa, Lowry Crossing, Fairview, and Lucas.

Counties • McKinney is entirely in Collin County and is the county seat.

Airports • McKinney National Airport (KTKI): public, general aviation with a new commercial terminal. Avelo Airlines began service in late 2026 to five destinations.
• Aero Country Airport (T31): privately owned, public use. About 244 based aircraft.

Public transportation
• Collin County Transit: on demand curb to curb ride service for seniors, people with disabilities, and low income residents.
• Downtown McKinney Trolley: free service through downtown.
• Passenger rail: none currently. The only rail line is freight only.
• Proposed future: a Plano to McKinney passenger rail study and a DCTA Route 70 bus.

Major future plans
• Sports and entertainment complex in north McKinney.
• Long Branch mixed-use development, about $1.3 billion.
• Former Globe Life campus redevelopment, about $200 million.
• SH 121 corridor initiative with Allen.
• New commercial terminal at McKinney National Airport.
• East McKinney redevelopment.

Sources: City of McKinney, Local Profile, CultureMap Dallas, Office of the Texas Governor, Unique McKinney (city EDC), McKinney Chamber, CompanyData, PR Newswire, Community Impact, Globe Life, The Dallas Morning News, Visit McKinney, OpenStreetMap, McKinney ISD, txschools.net, UIL, Texas Prep Football, McKinney Parks, Collin County map, McKinney GIS, AirNav, KERA, and DCTA.

Important Websites:
Cities
School Districts
Chambers of Commerce: includes VCBs (Visitor & Convention Bureaus) and EDCs (Economic Development Corporations)

Learn about other cities in the Your City series.

I’ve Got Your Six!

Mark M. Hancock, GRI, MRP, AHWD
REALTOR, New Build certified
KW North Country Realty
214-862-7212
dfwmark@KW.com
DFWmark.com

#DFWmark #REALTOR #McKinney #CollinCounty #McKinneyISD #YourCity #WelcomeToTexas #Texas

Your City: Prosper

Prosper, Texas

Origin & incorporation
• First settlers arrived in 1846, drawn by fertile blackland prairie soil.
• Two early settlements existed: Rock Hill (2 mi south) and Richland (1 mi north).
• The St. Louis–San Francisco Railroad arrived in March 1902, forcing the two towns to merge.
• The name "Prosper" came from a postmaster's suggestion after a good harvest year ("prosperous").
• Officially incorporated in 1914 (population ~500).

What it's known for
• One of the fastest-growing, most affluent suburbs in the Dallas–Fort Worth area.
• Top-rated Prosper ISD schools.
• Master-planned communities (Windsong Ranch, Star Trail) and the Gates of Prosper retail center.
• Sits on Preston Ridge, the highest point in Collin County, along US 380 and the Dallas North Tollway.

National awards
• Niche "Best Places to Live" — overall A+ grade.
• SafeWise (2017) — ranked #12 safest city in Texas.
• Medium.com (2024) — ranked #10 safest city in Texas (announced by Prosper EDC).

Top 10 employers (Prosper EDC)
• Prosper ISD (~3,850)
• Cook Children's (~510)
• Kroger (~500)
• Town of Prosper (~384)
• Walmart (~270)
• Chick-fil-A (~240)
• Home Depot (~185)
• Target (~160)
• Lowe's (~150)
• Texas Health Resources (~120)

Most prominent/prestigious employers
• Prosper ISD — largest employer; anchor for families.
• Cook Children's — respected pediatric healthcare network.
• Texas Health Resources — major North Texas health system (Texas Health Prosper hospital).
• American Leather — luxury furniture maker headquartered in Prosper.
• Celina Insurance Group — property/casualty insurer based in Prosper.
• Jerry Jones / Blue Star Land (Gates of Prosper) — landmark retail development that drew other investment.

Notable people
• Victor Glover — NASA astronaut; first Black man to orbit the Moon (Artemis II pilot).
• Tyler Toney — co-founder of Dude Perfect (global YouTube channel).
• Chris Buescher — NASCAR Cup Series driver.
• Diana Ordóñez — pro soccer forward (NWSL, Mexico national team).
• Ayden Ames — Gatorade National Volleyball Player of the Year (2023–24).
• Ann Ward — winner of America's Next Top Model (Cycle 15).

Size
• Population: 45,605 (Census Bureau estimate, July 1, 2025).
• Land area: ~25.2 sq mi ≈ 16,100 acres.

Distances from Prosper City Hall
• DFW Airport: ~33 miles
• Dallas Love Field: ~33 miles
• Dallas City Hall: ~34–35 miles

Lakes within or bordering the city
• Town Lake — 27-acre stocked lake inside Prosper (fishing, kayaking).
• Windsong Ranch Lagoon — private 5-acre man-made lagoon (resident-only).
• No large natural lakes lie within city limits. Nearest major lakes (outside city): Ray Roberts Lake and Lewisville Lake.

Highways & tollways (in Prosper)
• US 380 — runs east–west through Prosper.
• Dallas North Tollway (DNT) — runs north–south; currently ends at First Street in Prosper.
• Preston Road / SH 289 — runs north–south through Prosper.

Counties
• Prosper sits in Collin County (primary) and Denton County.

Bordering cities
• Celina (north), Frisco (south), Aubrey (west), McKinney (east)

Airports

• "There are no public or private airports within the city limits." (Nearest: Pleasure Field, a private strip ~4 mi northwest, outside city limits.)

Public transportation
• No passenger rail within the city.
• No DCTA GoZone service in Prosper.
• There are no public transportation options within the city limits except a subsidized Collin County Transit taxi voucher program for qualifying residents (seniors, disabled, low-income).

Education levels (adults 25+):
• Bachelor's degree — 39.9%
• Graduate or professional degree — 26.7%
• Some college, no degree — 14.7%
• High school graduate — 11.1%
• Associate's degree — 5.6%
• Less than high school — 2.0%

Independent school districts
• Main district: Prosper ISD, which also serves parts of Celina, Frisco, McKinney, Aubrey, and unincorporated Collin/Denton County.
• Other districts touching parts of Prosper: Celina ISD, Frisco ISD, McKinney ISD, Aubrey ISD.
• TEA rating: Prosper ISD — "A" (2024) (Student Achievement A, School Progress B, Closing the Gaps A).

High school UIL breakdown
• 1 in 5A (Richland HS), 3 in 6A (Prosper, Rock Hill, Walnut Grove). Note: Walnut Grove plays 5A in football/soccer; Richland plays 5A DII in football. UIL state championships (verified)
• Prosper HS baseball — 1984 (Class A) and 2016 (Class 5A), team.
• Prosper HS volleyball — 2017 (5A) and 2023–24 (6A), team.
• Walnut Grove HS boys' soccer — 2025 and 2026 (5A D1), team.
• Rock Hill HS — no team titles; individuals: Skylynn Townsend (6A long jump, 2023) and Gavin Hecke (wrestling gold, 2022).

Major future plans
• DNT Phase 4A extension from US 380 to FM 428 (through Prosper into Celina) — opening fall 2027.
• The Marco ("Venetian Village") — Italian-themed mixed-use with a 15-acre lagoon, retail, hotels, homes, performing arts venue.
• Bella Prosper — $240M mixed-use (shopping, offices, hotel, townhomes); groundbreaking ~2027.
• Gates of Prosper Phase 3 & 4 — adding Barnes & Noble, Total Wine, REI, Carhartt; plus a town-center phase.
• Prosper ISD $2.7B bond — new schools, a 4th high school, and a $125M Performing Arts Center.
• TIRZ No. 3 — $193M funding district for roads, parks, and a new recreation center.
• Frontier Gateway — new office/retail/restaurant development.

• Sources: townofprosper.com, Prosper EDC, Census Bureau, UIL, NTTA, Community Impact.

Important Websites:
Cities
School Districts
Chambers of Commerce: includes VCBs (Visitor & Convention Bureaus) and EDCs (Economic Development Corporations)

Learn about other cities in the Your City series.

I’ve Got Your Six!

Mark M. Hancock, GRI, MRP, AHWD
REALTOR, New Build certified
KW North Country Realty
214-862-7212
dfwmark@KW.com
DFWmark.com

#DFWmark #REALTOR #Prosper #CollinCounty #DentonCounty #ProsperISD #YourCity #WelcomeToTexas #Texas

Your City: Celina

Celina

Origin story
• Settlers arrived in the 1870s, drawn by rich blackland soil along the Preston Trail.
• A settlement formed about 1 mile south of today's location in October 1879.
• First postmaster John T. Mulkey named the town after Celina, Tennessee. A post office opened in 1881.
• In 1902, the railroad missed the town by a mile, so residents reportedly moved the whole town on rollers to the tracks. This earned the nickname "Rollertown."
• The brick Downtown Square was built in 1910.
• Official date of incorporation: 1907 (per the Handbook of Texas).

What it is known for
• The "Rollertown" relocation story.
• Historic Downtown Square (built 1910).
• "Faith, Family, Football" culture and a strong high school football tradition.
• Texas's first "Gigabit City" (citywide fiber internet, 2021).
• Very fast population growth.

National awards
• Fastest-growing city in the U.S. (Census Bureau): 2023, 2024, and 2025.
• First Gigabit City in Texas (2021), recognized by Governor Greg Abbott.
• Scenic City Platinum Certification (2020, again 2025) from Scenic Texas.
• Scenic City of the Year (2022) from Scenic Texas.
• Accredited Main Street America program (2025 and 2026).

Top employers (by employee count, per the Celina EDC)
• Celina ISD (~815)
• City of Celina (~366)
• Methodist Celina Medical Center (~220)
• Lowe's Home Improvement (~200)
• Keller Williams North Country (~200)
• Settlers Ridge Care Center (~120)
• Brookshire's Groceries (~98)
• Collin College Celina Campus (~92)
• Kimley-Horn (~58)
• Southwest Erosion Control (~57)
• The Home Depot opened recently with 149 employees. Costco is expected to add 1,000 to 1,400 jobs.

Most prominent employers and why
• Celina ISD: the largest employer and a big draw for families.
• Methodist Celina Medical Center: the city's main hospital, a key healthcare anchor.
• Collin College Celina Campus: a regional higher-education provider.
• Kimley-Horn: a national engineering and planning firm.
• Costco (coming): a nationally known retailer expected to be a major jobs anchor.

Notable people (from Celina High School or Celina ties)
• Ryan Merritt: MLB pitcher, grew up in Celina, famous for his 2016 playoff start that helped Cleveland reach the World Series.
• Anthony Lynn: NFL player and former head coach of the Los Angeles Chargers.
• D'Anton Lynn: NFL player, now USC defensive coordinator, son of Anthony Lynn.
• Jamie Blatnick and Jordan Roos: former NFL players.
• Craig James: former NFL running back and sportscaster; listed with Celina but born in Jacksonville, Texas.

Size
• Population (July 1, 2025 estimate): 64,427.
• Land area: about 47.7 square miles, which equals roughly 30,528 acres.

Distances from City Hall (driving, approximate)
• DFW Airport: about 38 miles.
• Love Field: about 38 miles.
• Dallas City Hall: about 41 miles.

Attractions and amenities
• Old Celina Park (67 acres): sports fields, pond, trails, playgrounds.
• Founders Station Park: downtown park with courts and a gazebo.
• Historic Town Square.
• Celina Railroad Depot (1902), a museum on the National Register.
• Heritage Park: 1885 schoolhouse and replica 1873 jail.
• The Silos in Celina: event and dining venue.
• Two 29 on the Square: indoor event venue.

Education levels of residents (age 25+):
Education level Percent
Less than high school 3%
High school graduate 10%
Some college / associate 23%
Bachelor's degree 41%
Graduate or professional 23%

Schools
• Main district: Celina ISD, which also serves part of Weston.
• Prosper ISD serves southern parts of Celina.
• TEA rating for Celina ISD: B (88) for 2025-26.
• Celina High School moves to UIL Class 5A Division II for 2026-28 (up from 4A).

UIL state championships (all team titles)
• Football: 9 titles, including 1998-2001, 2005, 2007, and 2024 (4A Division I).
• Girls cross country: 4 titles.
• Girls soccer: 5 titles.
• Baseball: 1 title.
• Boys track: 5 titles.
• Girls track: 3 titles.
• Softball: 1 title.
• Cheerleading: 2 titles.
• Marching band: 4 titles.
• Total: 36 UIL state titles.

Lakes
• No lakes sit within or border Celina's city limits. Nearest lakes are 20 to 30 miles away.

Highways and tollways
• SH 289 (Preston Road): north-south, the main spine.
• Dallas North Tollway: north-south, being extended through Celina.
• US 380: east-west along the southern boundary.
• FM 428: east-west across the city.
• FM 546: east-west in the north.

Bordering cities and counties
• Bordering cities: Prosper (south), Aubrey (west), Weston (east), Gunter (north).
• Counties: Celina is in both Collin County and Denton County.

Airports
• No public or private airports exist within the Celina city limits. Nearby private turf strips sit outside the city. The nearest public airport is McKinney National, about 14 miles away.

Public transportation
• No passenger rail or fixed bus routes serve Celina.
• Collin County Transit offers on-demand, subsidized rides (a demand-response service), including reduced rates for residents 65 and older.

Future plans
• Dallas North Tollway extension (Phase 4) north through Celina, which the city calls its "golden growth corridor."
• Buildout population projected near 378,000.
• About $853 million in infrastructure spending over five years.
• Downtown redevelopment, including converting streets to concrete.
• A planned passenger rail corridor from Irving through Frisco to Celina (in study phase).

Sources: Handbook of Texas (TSHA), Celina EDC, U.S. Census Bureau, Scenic Texas, Main Street America, txschools.gov, UIL, and mapping services.

Learn about other cities in the Your City series.

Important Websites:
Cities
School Districts
Chambers of Commerce: includes VCBs (Visitor & Convention Bureaus) and EDCs (Economic Development Corporations)

I’ve Got Your Six!

Mark M. Hancock, GRI, MRP, AHWD
REALTOR, New Build certified
KW North Country Realty
214-862-7212
dfwmark@KW.com
DFWmark.com

#DFWmark #REALTOR #Prosper #CollinCounty #DentonCounty #CelinaISD #YourCity #WelcomeToTexas #Texas

Your City Series

Your City is important to new residents. This series helps future residents learn more about select North Texas cities.
We will explore the Origin & Incorporation, Size, Distances from City Hall to hubs, What it’s known for, National / notable awards, Top employers, Most prominent/prestigious employers, Notable people, Major attractions & amenities, Education levels, Schools, UIL breakdown & state titles, Lakes, Highways, Bordering cities, Airports, Public transportation, and Major future plans.

• Allen
• Anna
• Aubrey
• Carrollton
• Celina
• Dallas
• Denton
• Farmersville
• Frisco
• Lewisville
• Little Elm
• McKinney
• Melissa
• Plano
• Princeton
• Prosper
• Richardson
• The Colony
• Van Alstyne

I’ve Got Your Six!

Mark M. Hancock, GRI, MRP, AHWD
REALTOR, New Build certified
KW North Country Realty
214-862-7212
dfwmark@KW.com
DFWmark.com

#DFWmark #REALTOR #YourCity #WelcomeToTexas #Texas

Your City: Anna

Anna, Texas

Origin & Incorporation
• Area first settled around 1846 (Collin McKinney). John F. Greer built the first home and store in 1870.
• The Houston & Texas Central Railway came through in 1873; the town was platted in 1883; a post office opened that year; the railroad built a depot in 1885.
• Named for Miss Anna Quinlan, daughter of the railroad's superintendent.
• Official incorporation: 1913, with John F. Greer as first mayor.
• Source: City of Anna (annatexas.gov).

Size
• Population: ~35,245 (Census estimate, July 1, 2025); 2020 census count was 16,896.
• Land area: ~16.45 sq mi ≈ 10,528 acres.
• Source: U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts.

Distance from City Hall (201 W 4th St)
• DFW Airport: ~46.6 miles (~43 min)
• Dallas Love Field: ~47.4 miles (~48 min)
• Dallas City Hall: ~46.1 miles (~48 min)
• Source: Google Maps.

What it's known for
• One of the fastest-growing cities in DFW — Census estimates a 105.7% population increase from 2020 to 2025.
• Home of the historic Anna Depot, described as the oldest extant railroad station in Texas.
• Tree City USA (Arbor Day Foundation) and a "Your Hometown" community identity.
• Source: Census Bureau, City of Anna.

National / notable awards
• Governor's Community Achievement Award — First Place 2025 (also 2024, 2nd Place 2023).
• Distinguished Budget Presentation Award — GFOA, 2021–2025.
• Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting — GFOA.
• Tree City USA — Arbor Day Foundation, 2022–2024.
• Texas Safest Cities — SafeWise, 2021–2022.
• Peak Performance Award — NACWA, 2023.
• Source: annatexas.gov.

Top employers
The city's EDC lists these largest employers:
• Anna ISD — ~850 staff (largest employer)
• Walmart Supercenter — ~450 employees
• City of Anna — ~185 employees
• Others: Pate Rehab, Brookshire's, Love's Travel Stop, Hurricane Creek Country Club
• Source: Anna EDC, Anna ISD.

Most prominent/prestigious employers
• HOLT CAT — one of the nation's largest Caterpillar equipment dealers; opened an Anna store Nov 2025.
• Walmart — Fortune 500 retailer.
• Kroger Marketplace — expected to open 2027.
• Bank of America, Chase Bank — national banks.
• Source: holtcat.com, Anna EDC.

Notable people from Anna
• Curley Johnson — NFL punter; Super Bowl III champion (NY Jets, 1968).
• Wally Marshall ("Mr. Crappie") — famed crappie fisherman; Texas Parks & Wildlife Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame.
• Kewpie Morgan — silent-film comedian (Buster Keaton, Laurel & Hardy films).
• Ralph Fults — Depression-era outlaw tied to the Barrow Gang.
• Jim O'Neal — pro football guard, Chicago Rockets (AAFC).
• Jambres Dubar — college football running back (Boise State, Missouri State).

Major attractions & amenities
• Historic Anna Depot; Slayter Creek Park and trail system; Hurricane Creek Country Club; the AnaCapri lagoon community amenity; Keep Anna Beautiful green spaces.
• Source: City of Anna, annayourhometown.com.

Education levels (pie-chart data)
Education level % of adults 25+
Less than high school 6.5%
High school graduate 24.2%
Some college, no degree 22.0%
Associate's degree 12.1%
Bachelor's degree 23.8%
Graduate or professional degree 11.3%

Schools
• Main district: Anna ISD (also serves the Westminster CDP; a small section of the city is zoned to Blue Ridge ISD).
• TEA rating: Anna ISD overall "C" for 2024 (Student Achievement C, School Progress C, Closing the Gaps B).
• Source: TEA.

UIL breakdown & state titles
• Anna High School is the city's only high school, classified 5A in the 2024–2026 realignment (5A D2 football, 5A non-football). So: 5A = 1.
• State championships (team): Football 2023 (4A Division I); Boys Golf 1968 (Class B); Young Filmmakers 2021; Concert Band 2021.
• State championships (individual): Boys Singles Tennis 2023 — Abdulraheem Isa; Wrestling (5A) — Addison Hunt (Anna's first wrestling state champion).
• Source: UIL archives, Anna High School, gocoyoteu.com.

Lakes
• No natural lakes within or bordering the city limits. Slayter Creek (a creek) runs through the city. Lavon Lake is ~20 miles southeast, outside the city. The AnaCapri lagoon is a private man-made amenity.
• Source: City of Anna.

Highways / tollways (Anna)
• US-75 — north–south freeway through the west side of Anna
• SH 5 — north–south highway through the city
• SH 121 — east–west, near/through the Anna area
• FM 455 — east–west, interchanges with US-75
• Collin County Outer Loop — east–west beltway with junctions at US-75 and SH 5 in Anna (a freeway, not currently a tollway)

Bordering cities
• Van Alstyne (north), Melissa (south), Weston (west), Westminster (east) County
• Anna is entirely in Collin County
• Source: City of Anna, Collin County.

Airports
• No public or commercial airport within city limits. Two private-use turf-strip airfields are associated with the area: Top Fun Ranch (88XA) and Adams Field (TT47). Nearest public airports: McKinney National (~11–13 nm) and Dallas Love Field (~35 nm).
• Source: AirNav/SkyVector.

Public transportation
• No passenger rail and no fixed-route bus service in Anna (0% of workers commute by transit). The city is studying transit options for seniors/disabled via the Collin County Transit Study.
• Source: Census, city sources.

Important Websites:
Cities
School Districts
Chambers of Commerce: includes VCBs (Visitor & Convention Bureaus) and EDCs (Economic Development Corporations)

Major future plans
• Sherley Farms — $1.5 billion, ~3,000-home master-planned community near downtown (ground broke 2026).
• Liberty Hills — 1,800-home, 1,035-acre mixed-use community on US-75 (construction began fall 2025).
• Anna ISD growth — new Ora Bell Russell Elementary and L.D. Hendricks Elementary.
• Infrastructure — US-75 widening, new FM 455 interchanges, trails/bike lanes.
• Source: Dallas Morning News, Local Profile, Anna ISD.

Learn about other cities in the Your City series.

I’ve Got Your Six!

Mark M. Hancock, GRI, MRP, AHWD
REALTOR, New Build certified
KW North Country Realty
214-862-7212
dfwmark@KW.com
DFWmark.com

#DFWmark #REALTOR #CITY #COUNTY #ISD #YourCity #WelcomeToTexas #Texas

Heat Protection Priorities

North Texas summers bring prolonged periods of extreme heat. According to the National Weather Service, extreme heat kills more people annually than any other weather event — more than hurricanes, floods, and tornadoes combined. When temperatures climb into the upper 90s and 100s, it’s critical to prioritize the protection of people, pets, home systems and plants. Here are key steps for each:

Protect People
☀ Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water before you feel thirsty. The American Red Cross recommends about 3/4th of a gallon per day for an average person. Avoid sugary, caffeinated, and alcoholic beverages, which can contribute to dehydration. Replace salt and minerals lost through sweat with snacks or sports drinks.

☀ Dress appropriately: Wear lightweight, loose-fitting, light-colored clothing. Add a wide-brimmed hat and UV-protective sunglasses when outdoors. Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30+) and reapply every two hours. Cover skin near lakes because water reflects sunlight.

☀ Limit outdoor activity: Schedule outdoor work or exercise for early morning or late evening. Take frequent breaks in shaded or air-conditioned areas. The CDC advises that electric fans alone won’t prevent heat-related illness when temps exceed the high 90s.

☀ Know the warning signs of heat illness:
• Heat Cramps: Heavy sweating, muscle pain/spasms.
◦ Go to a cool place, drink water. Seek help if it lasts more than 1 hour.
• Heat Exhaustion: Heavy sweating, cold/clammy skin, fast weak pulse, nausea, and dizziness.
◦ Move to a cool place, loosen clothing, apply cool wet cloths, sip water. Seek help if vomiting occurs or symptoms worsen.
• Heat Stroke (MEDICAL EMERGENCY — Call 911): Body temperature 104°F+, hot red skin (dry or damp), fast strong pulse, confusion, and loss of consciousness.
◦ Move to a cool place, cool the body with wet cloths or a cool bath. Do NOT give fluids.

☀ Check on vulnerable individuals: Elderly neighbors, young children, pregnant women, people with chronic medical conditions, and those without air conditioning are at highest risk. Check on them regularly during extreme heat events. Ensure they have clean drinking water.

☀ Know where to go: Identify local cooling centers, public libraries, shopping malls, or community centers in advance in case of air conditioner failure or power outage.

Protect Pets
☀ Provide ample fresh water: Pets dehydrate quickly in high heat. Keep multiple water bowls filled with cool, clean water and check them frequently. Add ice cubes on especially hot days.

☀ Never leave pets in a parked vehicle: According to the ASPCA, the temperature inside a parked car can reach 120°F in minutes — even with windows cracked. This can cause fatal heat stroke and is illegal in several states. Texas animal cruelty laws apply if pets are endangered.

☀ Limit outdoor time and avoid hot pavement: Walk pets in the early morning or late evening when pavement is cool. If the pavement is too hot for the back of your hand for 7 seconds, it’s too hot for your pet’s paws. Air at 95°F can heat asphalt to 150°F. Dog paws can burn at 125°F.

☀ Know the signs of overheating: Excessive panting, difficulty breathing, drooling, increased heart rate, weakness, or collapse are warning signs. Flat-faced breeds (Pugs, Persian cats), elderly pets, and overweight animals are especially vulnerable.

☀ Provide shade and cooling options: If pets must be outside, ensure access to full shade and consider a kiddie pool, cooling mat, or damp towels for them to lie on. Bring pets indoors during the hottest hours.

Protect Home Systems
☀ Service your AC before peak season: Have a certified professional inspect, clean and tune up your air conditioning unit. Replace or clean filters monthly during heavy-use periods — a dirty filter restricts airflow and strains the system. Ensure condensation line is clear and drains.

☀ Set your thermostat wisely: The U.S. Department of Energy recommends 78°F when you’re home and awake. Raise it 4 to 7 degrees while away to help the electrical grid and lower your bill.

☀ Block out the sun: Close blinds, curtains, or shades during the day — especially on south- and west-facing windows. Blackout curtains or reflective window film can significantly reduce indoor heat gain.

☀ Use fans strategically: Ceiling fans cool people (not rooms) through the wind-chill effect. Turn fans off when not in a room. Run fans counterclockwise to push cool air downward.

☀ Seal air leaks: Check weatherstripping around doors and windows. Air leaks through cracks and openings can account for up to 30% of a cooling system’s energy consumption. Use an infrared thermometer.

☀ Avoid adding indoor heat: Run ovens, stoves, dryers, and dishwashers in the early morning or late evening. Use a microwave or grill outdoors when possible and when an air conditioner is used.

Protect Plants
☀ Water deeply and in the morning: Water at 5 to 9 a.m. to minimize evaporation and allow plants to hydrate before peak heat. Direct water at the soil to prevent scorching and waste. Drip lines are ideal.

☀ Apply mulch: Spread 2 to 4 inches of mulch around the base of plants to retain soil moisture, regulate root temperature, and reduce evaporation. Keep mulch away from stems to prevent rot.

☀ Provide temporary shade: Use shade cloth, row covers, or patio umbrellas to shield plants during the hot part of the day (2 to 6 p.m.).

☀ Move container plants: Relocate potted plants to shaded areas or bring them indoors during extreme heat events. Containers heat up faster than in-ground soil.

☀ Delay fertilizing and pruning: Fertilizer encourages new growth that is vulnerable to heat stress. Pruning exposes previously shaded leaves to direct sun. Save these tasks for cooler periods.

Take these proactive steps to help minimize the risks created during extreme summer heat and protect your loved ones, pets and property. Stay cool and stay safe!

I’ve Got Your Six!

Mark M. Hancock, GRI, MRP, AHWD
REALTOR, New Build certified
KW North Country
214-862-7212
dfwmark@KW.com
DFWmark.com

#DFWmark #REALTOR #heat #WelcomeToTexas #western #Texas #culture