😳 Frisco Is Now One of the Most Expensive “Middle Class” Cities

No, that's not a typo.

A new SmartAsset study ranked Frisco among the top 10 U.S. cities with the highest minimum income threshold to be considered middle class. We're talking a lower bound of around $64,000 just to qualify, putting us in the same conversation as cities in California and Northern Virginia.

For context: in Cleveland, you hit middle class at $29,000. In Memphis, it's $35,000.

Here in Frisco? Better have your finances in order.

Look, I get it. I work in Legacy West. I see the new construction every single day. The restaurants, the retail, the $600,000 starter homes. Frisco is not cheap, and it's not pretending to be.

But there's something a little wild about living in a place where doing "fine" financially still feels like sprinting on a treadmill. Emily and I talk about this. We made intentional choices to be here: good schools, safe neighborhoods, community we actually like. And we believe in it.

The tradeoff is real though. If you've ever wondered why your budget feels tighter than it should despite a solid income, this study basically confirms you're not imagining it. Frisco just costs what it costs.

Okay, technically this is Allen. But hear me out.

Allen City Council just approved Phase 1-A of its Downtown Catalyst Project: a $17 million mixed-use development going up at Allen Drive and McDermott Drive, centered around a historic fire station building that's been sitting there for years.

Here's what's planned:

Construction starts this fall. Opening expected in 2028.

The funding structure is actually pretty smart: half public incentives, half private development, with the city retaining land ownership through a 45-year ground lease. The developer only gets paid out if they deliver.

Mark it: 2028. New date night spot.

Tuesday night, Heritage senior Cameron Lomax had the ball, a tied game, and 8 seconds to do something about it.

He dribbled right. Crossed left. Beat one defender, then another, then ran into a third at the lane and somehow still got the shot off.

It hit the rim. Bounced two feet in the air. And fell through the net.

Heritage 65, Birdville 63. Final.

Lomax finished with 30 points and single-handedly punched the Coyotes into their first-ever UIL state title game. The team is 33-2 on the season and has been building toward this moment all year.

They play Saturday at 11 a.m. at the Alamodome in San Antonio against defending state champ Beaumont West Brook (34-3).

I'm not going to pretend I have the logistical capacity to load a 4-year-old, a 2-year-old, and a newborn into a car for a San Antonio road trip. But I will be on the couch, fully invested, probably stress-eating whatever's in the pantry.

Go Coyotes. Bring it home.

Frisco isn't a one-price market, and the ZIP code you're shopping in matters more than most people realize.

75068 still has entry points in the mid-$400Ks. Meanwhile, 75034 and 75078 (think: The Star, PGA Frisco, the newer luxury developments) are pushing well past $800K. Same city, very different mortgage payments.

The spread is actually good news for buyers who feel priced out. There's more range here than the headlines suggest.

And if you're thinking about making a move, the agent you pick matters a lot. My wife Emily runs a referral service that matches buyers and sellers with agents who actually fit their situation: whether you're relocating, buying your first place, downsizing, or investing. She has a quick conversation with you first, then makes the introduction. No cost to you (the agents cover her).

Worth a 15-minute chat before you start Zillowing at midnight.