Frisco, Texas; A shining example of rapid growth in the state of Texas.
By: Madeline Steffler
Frisco, Texas, has emerged as a shining example of rapid growth and economic development over the past 10 years. Located north of Dallas, Frisco’s rise to prominence is due to a combination of factors, including its strategic location, robust economy, family-friendly environment and proactive urban planning initiatives.
Despite its rapid growth, Frisco remains a safe and inviting place for families to live, with just about everything to offer. It’s never ending opportunities, and constant modernization somehow never takes away from the small town charm that Frisco once exuded. Infinite opportunities for business, incredible school systems, sports for all ages and more, it’s hard to not want to live in this city.
One of the key drivers of Frisco’s rapid growth is its favorable location within the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. Frisco is conveniently located along major highways, including the Dallas North Tollway and the Sam Rayburn Tollway, providing easy access to neighboring cities and businesses. Its proximity to two major airports appeal to businesses and residents.
From the city’s charming downtown district to its world-class sporting facilities and exciting new attractions and future plans, Frisco offers an infinite variety of experiences for visitors and residents. But despite the city’s rapid growth, Frisco’s loyal residents hang onto the traditions of the original Frisco experience.
Mary Mathis Sanchez, better known as Frisco’s “Snowcone Lady”, is a shining example of Frisco’s history residents still cling to. The Snowcone Lady snow cone shop opened in 1983, and remains the city’s most popular sweet treat spot in the summer and fall seasons. The small building is located in the heart of historic downtown Frisco, and is surrounded by some of the city’s oldest buildings. Frisco’s oldest residents still regularly visit, and recall their memories of the original snow cone shop from as early as 1983.
“I’ve lived in Frisco since I was two years old and have been going to the Snowcone Lady with my family and friends for as long as I can remember. I’ve even had friends work for the shop.” said Zach Cheney, son of former Frisco Mayor, Jeff Cheney. “I can’t imagine not going to the snow cone lady during the summer and fall, everyone in Frisco loves it so much.”
At the heart of downtown Frisco lies a picturesque area known as the Rail District. The area is known for its historic Main Street, lined with charming boutiques, galleries, and restaurants housed in beautifully restored buildings dating back to the city’s early days. The Rail District highlights Frisco’s history and small-town charm, making it the perfect day of shopping, dining, and exploring.
Although the Rail District is one of the oldest parts of Frisco and represents the history of the city, it is constantly being updated with the additions of new museums, art exhibits, and other exciting spots. When visiting during the summer, you can’t forget to stop by Frisco’s most popular dessert spot, The Snowcone Lady, a small shop located in the heart of downtown.
While residents take pride in the historic parts of Frisco, the city has adapted with the growing population’s interest. Just a few minutes south on the Dallas North Tollway lies one of the newest additions for the Frisco sports scene: The Ford Center at The Star. This state of the art sports complex serves as the training facility for the Dallas Cowboys and hosts a variety of sporting events, concerts, and entertainment throughout the year. Construction finished on the 91 acre campus in 2016.
Visitors can catch a glimpse of the Cowboys in action during training camp, join a Cowboys football watch party on Sundays or attend highschool football games at the 12,000 seat stadium. Situated around the Ford Center are beautiful hotels, apartment complexes, restaurants, shops and bars. The Star really offers something for everyone.
“Frisco offered tons of sports activities for kids which made it really easy to try any sport I was interested in. Playing high school football in Frisco was an insane experience. Getting to play Friday night games inside the Cowboys practice facility was something not many highschool kids get to experience,” said Zach Cheney.
For golf enthusiasts, as of 2022, Frisco offers a new and exciting attraction with the opening of the PGA of America’s headquarters and two championship golf courses. Set amidst the rolling hills of north Frisco, the PGA campus offers a world-class golf experience for players of all skill levels.
Clearly sports are a major part of many residents lives in Frisco, Texas. But the city offers plenty for those who don’t share the same interests. Despite the constant development of neighborhoods to support the rapidly growing population, the city still features many nature preserves, parks and other fun activities.
While the Star may be centered around its sporting events, the area also features some incredible shops, bars and restaurants, including a DFW resident personal favorite, Mi Cocina. The restaurant is known for its incredible Tex-Mex food, but more importantly, their house made sangria margarita, the Mambo Taxi.
Looking towards the future, Frisco has its sights on becoming an even more dynamic destination with the development of a new Disney Universal park. Announced at the beginning of 2023, the groundbreaking project will bring the magic of Disney to north Texas, offering immersive attractions, entertainment experiences, and themed lands that will delight visitors of all ages.
With the new Disney park’s close proximity to downtown Frisco, the new PGA property, and other popular attractions, the Universal park is poised to become a must-visit destination for families and tourists. Although an exact opening date has yet to be announced, the project is estimated to be completed by the year 2027.
For visitors planning a trip to Frisco, there are plenty of accommodation options to choose from featuring a variety of hotels, bed-and-breakfasts and vacation rentals. The city’s central location makes it an ideal home base for exploring the DFW area, with easy access to major highways and transportation hubs.
In addition to its attractions and amenities, Frisco is a thriving community with a strong sense of identity and pride. Residents of all ages enjoy a high quality of life, with top-rated schools, abundant parks and recreational facilities, and a diverse array of dining and entertainment options. From family-friendly festivals and community events to sports leagues and cultural activities, there is always something happening to bring people together and create lasting memories in this unique city.
For high school students and young adults growing up in Frisco, the experience is truly unique. With access to world-class educational opportunities, career pathways, and extracurricular activities, students have the chance to excel academically, socially, and athletically.
“The entire Frisco Independent School District is amazing and full of such amazing and hardworking students and teachers,” said Cristal Maddox, FISD highschool teacher and Varsity cheerleading coach. “I’ve made some incredible friends during my time teaching in the district, and having the privilege of also coaching varsity cheerleading is something I really enjoy.”
Whether it’s cheering on their high school football team on a friday night at the Ford Center, participating in community service projects, or exploring the many activities the city has to offer, young residents in Frisco are afforded countless opportunities to learn, grow, and make a positive impact on their community.
“Although I’ve only lived here since 2018, I’m so thankful I get to teach in this city. The amount of growth I’ve experienced has made me realize this is exactly the kind of place I would want to raise my family in. Seeing how happy my young daughter is here is something I could never take for granted. I see myself staying here for a very long time,” said Cristal Maddox.
Despite its rapid urbanization, Frisco residents old and new have found ways to make the city still feel like home. Its charm mixed with modernization is why so many people find the city such an appealing spot to raise families, and discover new opportunities.
Frisco, Texas is a thriving example of a rapidly growing city that offers a wealth of experiences for visitors and residents. Frisco continues to evolve and innovate, cementing its status as a premier destination in North Texas. Whether you’re exploring the historic streets of downtown, teeing off at championship golf courses, or soon to be experiencing the magic of Disney, Frisco offers something for everyone to enjoy.
If you go:
Frisco is an extremely lively city everyday of the week, but like anywhere, it’s most popular spots will be at full capacity Thursday-Sunday. Expect to make reservations at restaurants, and wait in line at popular bars and events. When traveling to Frisco during the summer months, be sure to pack clothes for very hot weather, and definitely a swimsuit, but most importantly, don’t forget to stop by the Snowcone Lady!
