Families seeking the ideal balance between employment possibilities and raising children don’t have to travel far, as two North Texas cities are leading the way. A new national study identifies Frisco and Plano as the best destinations for working parents in 2025, citing their affordability, flexibility, and family-friendly amenities.
Researchers examined 93 U.S. locations using eleven metrics, including childcare affordability, access to high-quality education, career prospects, and the rise of remote work. Frisco and Plano emerged as national leaders, providing parents with a unique combination of great employment opportunities and affordable daycare prices.
The data support a developing trend: Texas continues to lead the way for working families. Nine Texas cities ranked in the top 20 nationwide for daycare affordability, solidifying the state’s position as a leader in alleviating one of the most significant financial burdens that parents confront.
Frisco: A Center for Flexibility and Family Life
Frisco, ranked fifth in the nation, is swiftly emerging as a model for how cities should help working parents. Nearly 34% of inhabitants work remotely, one of the highest proportions in the country, yet the city also has a strong 84% office job market.
Frisco also excels in the area of affordable childcare. Families spend only 7% of their median household income on childcare, the lowest rate in the country. Beyond cost, the city provides nearly 10 acres of green space per 1,000 residents, providing children space to play and parents peace of mind.
With high household incomes and a great reputation for safety, Frisco provides both economic opportunity and quality of life, making it a top choice for parents around the country.
Plano: Stability with Room for Growth
Plano finished 12th nationally, providing a slightly different but equally appealing mix for working families. The city strives to strike a balance between affordability and job market strength. Childcare costs 9.4% of the typical household income, whereas office jobs employ 79% of the workforce.
Remote employment opportunities are also increasing, with 25.3% of inhabitants working from home. This flexibility enables parents to balance work obligations and family time, supporting Plano’s reputation as a community where families may thrive without jeopardizing career advancement.
Texas Cities Lead the Way
Austin also made the top 15, and several other Texas cities fared highly for daycare affordability. Together, they reflect a greater shift in how families perceive the state, not just as a source of jobs and prosperity, but also as a location where raising children is becoming more viable.
On a national basis, Washington, D.C. ranked first among working parents, followed by Arlington, Virginia, and Seattle, Washington. Still, North Texas’ outstanding performance demonstrates that the region ranks among the best in the country for balancing work and family.
