5 April 2 - 8, 2026 dallasobserver.com DALLAS OBSERVER Classified | MusiC | dish | Culture | unfair Park | Contents Frisco What the report says: Frisco, TX, shows a median income of $145,444, boosted by 33% wage growth since 2019. The labor force is highly engaged (74.2%) with low unemployment and a strong employer base supported by 3,050 es- tablishments per 100k residents. With 95% fiber access, excellent healthcare and top- tier safety, Frisco backs its economic strength with day-to-day comfort. Flower Mound What the report says: Flower Mound, TX, is one of Texas’s most affluent suburbs, supported by a $166,624 median income and 25% wage growth from 2019 to 2024. The workforce is highly active (70.7% LFPR) and affordability remains fa- vorable relative to income levels. McKinney What the report says: McKinney, TX, closes the top 20 by combin- ing good income levels ($124,177), 34% wage growth over the past 5 years and a very ac- tive labor force (72% participation). Its bal- anced mix of affordability, opportunity and amenities secures its place in the top. Along with Pflugerville, this trip of North Texas ’burbs were the only Lone Star State locations in the top 20. Alpharetta, Georgia, about 25 miles north of Atlanta is ranked No. 1 on the list of small cities with big job op- portunities. Virginia, Cali- fornia and In- diana, like Texas, had multiple cities named on the list. What is about these spots that make them so attractive to major job providers and those looking for work? “The strongest drivers aren’t surface- level perks, they’re the public supports that make daily life workable,” said Sarah Moss- eri, a sociologist specializing in labor, in- equality, and the hidden dynamics of workplace culture. “Workers now prioritize affordable housing, transportation, child- care, and healthcare. Without these, people overwork just to stay afloat. High-skilled workers want sustainability in both work and life, and they’re leaving places where these supports have broken down.” As has been stated on this site before, it’s of little shock that these local suburbs were named so high on a list such as this. It seems as though one of these cities ends up as a “best” selection on reports ranging from places with the most diverse population to cities with the best quality of living on a de- pendably annual basis. In January, for exam- ple, Plano was near the top of U.S. cities for job seekers in a different report, while Flower Mound was named as the best place to live in the nation not all that long ago. As if Frisco needed any more praise, a new report says it has the most affordable childcare in the nation, so there you go, job seekers with kids. “WORKERS NOW PRIORITIZE AFFORDABLE HOUSING, TRANSPORTATION, CHILDCARE, AND HEALTHCARE.” –SARAH MOSSERI SCAN HERE TO ENTER TO WIN 2 TICKETS
