subject: Commitment To Local Economy And Quality Of Life In Frisco [print this page] Frisco, Texas, with a population of more than 100,000, lies 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 grounded in a strong, well-tended economy.
Projects to foster public art and to preserve trees -- Frisco received National Arbor Day Foundation Growth Award three years running -- stand side-by-side with major retail and civic developments. Combined, they make Frisco unlike any other suburb in North Texas and an ideal relocation spot for both families and singles.
** High Quality Economic Development **
Thanks to the activities of the Frisco Economic Development Corporation (FEDC), the city has benefited from unique multi-use developments like the Frisco Square, which has evolved into the new downtown. With 250 residential units for rent, seven restaurants and 40,000 sq. ft. of commercial space, the project evokes the days when the life of a community revolved around the town square. It includes a new city hall, main library, and public commons.
The Stonebriar Centre, which opened in August 2000 at the intersection of Preston Road and SH 121, offers shoppers their choice of 165 retail venues. Six major department stores anchor the complex, which also includes a 24-screen theater and an ice arena (National Hockey League regulation size.)
Frisco also landed a major coup when the Swedish (now Dutch) furniture giant IKEA opened a 310,000 sq. ft. store there in 2005. The worlds largest furniture retailer, with a reputation for trendy ready-to-assemble pieces, IKEA is famous for designing stores that are a destination within themselves. The Frisco IKEA has a restaurant, a childrens area, and free wifi.
** Exceptional Sports Facilities **
The two-story Frisco Athletic Center gives residents access to upscale exercise equipment for individual or group workouts and classes in two full-sized gyms and two aerobics studios. Additionally, it offers 18,000 sq. ft. of indoor aquatic elements and another 40,000 sq. feet of water features outside. With locker rooms for men and women, family changing suites, a childcare area, and an adjacent cafe, the Center is a well-used local asset. (Open Monday through Friday from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. Weekend hours vary by season.)
Dr. Pepper Ballpark, a baseball stadium that seats 10,600, opened in 2003. The ballpark is the home of the Frisco Rough Riders, (Texas League AA), a minor league affiliate of the Texas Rangers. Dr. Pepper Arena, a venue for hockey and football, is home of the Texas Legends of the NBA Development League and also that of 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, plays host to FC Dallas soccer, football games, and concerts. On January 7, 2011, the Football Championship Subdivision (previously the NCAA Division 1 AA) championship game 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 to teacher ratio stands at 14:1. Parent and community activity in the district is strongly encouraged, with the Frisco Education Foundation (est. 1999) raising money for both scholarships and teaching grants annually. More than 90% of graduating seniors in Frisco plan to continue their education at the collegiate 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 for placement in its parks, city facilities, and along major road ways. This effort to strengthen local culture while improving Friscos aesthetic appeal has resulted in the installation of works of art at 17 locations around the community over the past six years.
The careful planning exhibited by Friscos local government has resulted in targeted economic developments with a multi-use emphasis, the cultivation of major local sports venues, well-funded and high-performing local schools, and an unusual commitment to culture and aesthetics. Given the low-cost of living in Frisco and the strength with which North Texas as a whole has weathered the economic recession and real estate crunch, families and singles relocating to Dallas should seriously consider making Frisco their home base.
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 foundation for its residents.
