South DFW Suburbs Compared: The Honest 6-City Guide for 2026
Quick Comparison: All 6 Cities
| City | Median Price | Schools (TEA) | Dallas Distance | Known For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mansfield | $470K | B (20 A-rated campuses) | 25 mi | Top-rated schools, parks |
| Midlothian | $460K | B | 28 mi | New construction |
| Waxahachie | $375K | C | 35 mi | Value, character |
| Cedar Hill | $315K (Lowest) | C | 22 mi (Closest) | Outdoors, lakes |
| Burleson | $305-330K | B | 30+ mi | Fort Worth commute |
| Red Oak | $375K | C | 21 mi (Closest) | Budget + Dallas access |
Ratings: TEA 2024-25 Accountability. Updated February 2026.
Mansfield: Top-Rated Schools & Parks
If schools are your top priority, Mansfield wins. Mansfield ISD has 20 campuses with A ratings from TEA. The Frontier STEM Academy is ranked #1 in Texas. The city has 1,100 acres of parkland and community events like the Pickle Parade draw crowds every year. See the full Mansfield guide for neighborhood breakdowns and current pricing.
Strengths
- Top-rated schools
- Active community events
- Parks and recreation
- Master-planned communities
Trade-offs
- Highest prices in South DFW
- 45+ min Dallas commute
- 2.3% property tax
- Limited nightlife
Consider other cities if: You commute daily to Dallas (45+ min), have a budget under $400K, or need new construction inventory.
View Mansfield Buyer's Guide → New Construction in Mansfield →
Midlothian: New Construction Hub
Midlothian is where builders are building. 50+ communities are actively under construction, giving you options from townhomes to custom lots. If you want a brand-new home with modern floor plans, Midlothian has more inventory than anywhere else in South DFW.
Strengths
- New construction variety
- Builder incentives
- Modern amenities
- Remote workers
Trade-offs
- Constant construction
- Limited retail/dining
- 28 mi to Dallas
- Not established yet
Consider other cities if: You want established neighborhoods with mature trees, dislike ongoing construction, or need walkable retail nearby.
View Midlothian Buyer's Guide →Waxahachie: Value + Historic Character
Waxahachie has five National Register Historic Districts with Queen Anne and Folk Victorian homes. The downtown square is walkable with local restaurants. The Ellis County Courthouse has appeared in films like "Places in the Heart." Median prices run $100K below Mansfield.
Strengths
- Historic character homes
- Walkable downtown
- Lower prices
- Small-town community
Trade-offs
- 35+ min Dallas commute
- Fewer new construction options
- Older infrastructure
- Limited chain amenities
Consider other cities if: You need a short Dallas commute (35+ mi), want brand-new construction, or prefer big-box retail nearby.
View Waxahachie Buyer's Guide →Not Sure Which Suburb Fits Your Budget?
A local agent who covers all 6 cities can help you compare in person. Book a free consultation to narrow down your search.
Book a Free ConsultationCompare South DFW Suburbs
Pick any two cities to compare prices, schools, commutes, and lifestyle side by side.
Data: Redfin, TEA 2024-25. Updated February 2026.
Cedar Hill: Outdoors & Lake Access
Cedar Hill State Park and Joe Pool Lake put serious outdoor recreation minutes from your door. It is also the closest South DFW suburb to Dallas at 22 miles. The trade-off: older housing stock and C-rated schools (TEA 2024-25).
Strengths
- Lake and park access
- Outdoor lifestyle
- Lowest prices
- Closest to Dallas
Trade-offs
- Older housing stock
- C-rated schools
- Less new construction
- Fewer amenities
Consider other cities if: You prioritize higher-rated school districts, want new construction, or need master-planned amenities.
View Cedar Hill Buyer's Guide →
Burleson: Fort Worth Commute
If you work in Fort Worth, Burleson makes sense. It's 15 miles to downtown Fort Worth vs 30+ miles to Dallas. 93% of residents rated the city "excellent" or "good" in the 2024 survey.
Strengths
- Fort Worth commuters
- Small-town atmosphere
- High resident satisfaction (93%)
- Affordable prices
Trade-offs
- 30+ mi to Dallas
- Limited new construction
- Fewer master-planned amenities
- Less urban access
Consider other cities if: You work in Dallas (30+ mi commute), want new master-planned communities, or prioritize higher-rated school districts.
View Burleson Buyer's Guide →Red Oak: Budget + Dallas Access
Red Oak has the shortest Dallas commute in Ellis County at 21 miles. Money Magazine recognized the city for affordability and quality of life. Population grew 13% from 2021 to 2023, bringing new restaurants with it. The catch: schools are C-rated by TEA.
Strengths
- Shortest Dallas commute
- Budget-friendly prices
- Growing amenities
- Rapid population growth
Trade-offs
- C-rated schools
- Limited dining/entertainment
- Still developing
- Fewer established neighborhoods
Consider other cities if: You prioritize higher-rated school districts, want established dining and entertainment, or prefer mature neighborhoods.
View Red Oak Buyer's Guide →
School Districts: TEA Ratings Compared
District-level grades don't tell the whole story. Some C-rated districts have individual A-rated campuses, and a B-rated district like Mansfield ISD has 20 campuses with A ratings. Use the tool below to compare any two districts side by side.
Select two districts to see TEA 2024-25 ratings, campus breakdowns, and key differences.
Data: TEA 2024-25 Accountability Ratings via txschools.gov. Student counts from 2023-24.
For a deep dive into every Mansfield ISD campus, see our Mansfield ISD Schools Guide.
How Far Apart Are These Cities?
Drive times based on typical non-rush conditions via major routes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I consider when choosing a South DFW suburb?
It depends on your priorities. Mansfield has the highest-rated schools. Waxahachie offers the best value with historic character. Midlothian has the most new construction inventory. Cedar Hill has state park and lake access. Burleson is closest to Fort Worth. Red Oak has the shortest Dallas commute at budget prices. The detailed breakdowns for each city are above.
What is the cheapest suburb in South DFW?
Cedar Hill has the lowest median home price at $315K (January 2026), followed by Burleson at $305K-$330K. Trade-off: Cedar Hill has older housing stock. Red Oak has C-rated schools. Burleson requires 30+ mile commutes to Dallas.
Which South DFW suburb has the best schools?
Mansfield ISD is the highest-rated, with Mansfield Frontier STEM Academy ranked #1 high school in Texas per SchoolDigger. School quality correlates with home prices: better schools = higher prices.
How far are South DFW suburbs from Dallas?
Red Oak: 21 miles (shortest). Cedar Hill: 22 miles. Mansfield: 25 miles. Midlothian: 28 miles. Burleson: 30+ miles. Waxahachie: 35 miles. Rush hour adds 15-30 minutes. None have public transit.
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