Addison, The Colony, and Plano each offer distinct living experiences in North Dallas. Here’s a quick breakdown:
- Addison: Perfect for young professionals who enjoy nightlife, dining, and events. Located just 10 miles from downtown Dallas, it offers easy highway access and vibrant mid-rise apartment options. Median rent: $1,560.
- The Colony: Ideal for families and outdoor enthusiasts with lakeside activities, modern developments like Grandscape, and newer suburban-style apartments. Median rent: $1,678.
- Plano: A balanced choice for professionals and families, combining upscale dining, luxury apartments, and strong corporate presence. Commutes can be longer due to traffic, but public transit is better than in Addison or The Colony. Median rent: $1,673.
Quick Comparison
| Criteria | Addison | The Colony | Plano |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vibe | Nightlife & social scene | Family-friendly & outdoorsy | Suburban comfort & professional |
| Median Rent | $1,560 | $1,678 | $1,673 |
| Commute | 20–25 mins to nearby hubs | Car-dependent, near SH 121 | Traffic-heavy, better public transit |
| Entertainment | Bars, restaurants, events | Lakeside, Grandscape attractions | Upscale dining, Legacy West |
| Best For | Young professionals | Families & outdoor lovers | Professionals & families |
Each area caters to different lifestyles. Choose Addison for nightlife, The Colony for family-friendly living, or Plano for a mix of suburban life and professional opportunities.
Addison vs The Colony vs Plano: Rent, Commute, and Lifestyle Comparison
Entertainment, Dining, and Nightlife
This section dives into the entertainment and dining options that shape each area’s personality and cater to different lifestyles.
Addison: Nightlife and Restaurant Scene
Addison packs a punch when it comes to nightlife and dining, with Belt Line Road and Addison Circle serving as the heart of its vibrant social scene. Niche has given Addison an impressive A+ rating for nightlife, making it a magnet for young professionals who enjoy walking to happy hours, late-night hangouts, and a variety of dining spots, much like what to expect when renting apartments in Dallas. The area is also known for hosting standout events like Addison Kaboom Town – ranked among the top five 4th of July fireworks displays in the U.S. – as well as Taste of Addison and Oktoberfest. For those who love convenience, spots like Addison Town Center make it easy to enjoy dining and nightlife on foot. Meanwhile, The Colony offers a more family-oriented and outdoorsy entertainment vibe.
The Colony: Family Activities and Lakeside Recreation
The Colony’s entertainment revolves around Grandscape, a massive destination that blends dining, shopping, and attractions like Top Golf. It’s an ideal spot for families and outdoor lovers, thanks to its direct access to Lewisville Lake, perfect for boating and fishing. With a median rent of $2,020 as of January 2026 – slightly higher than Addison’s $1,867 – The Colony ranks #6 among the Best Suburbs for Young Professionals in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.
Plano: Upscale Dining and Shopping
Plano offers a more polished entertainment and dining experience, with developments like Legacy West and The Shops at Legacy leading the way. The focus here is on upscale restaurants and luxury retail, drawing in both professionals and families who enjoy a sophisticated setting. Legacy Town Center adds a walkable district that hosts cultural events, though much of Plano remains car-dependent. Ranked #5 for Best Suburb for Young Professionals, Plano is also celebrated for its clean, safe, and well-maintained environment. For outdoor enthusiasts, parks like Bob Woodruff Park and Shawnee Trail Park provide plenty of recreational options.
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Commute Times and Access
Addison: A Hub of Highways and Convenience
Addison sits at the intersection of three major North Texas highways: the Dallas North Tollway (DNT), I-635 (LBJ Freeway), and the President George Bush Turnpike (PGBT). This prime location makes it an attractive option for professionals, offering relatively short commutes to the bustling North Dallas business district. During the workday, Addison’s population swells to over 120,000, driven by its many major employers. Addison earns a B+ grade for commute from Niche, with residents reporting average travel times of about 20 minutes to Irving and 20–25 minutes to University Park. However, with a WalkScore of 58 and a TransitScore of just 2, Addison is largely car-dependent. While DART stations nearby provide limited rail access, the area’s infrastructure leans heavily on personal vehicles. Compared to Addison, The Colony and Plano offer distinct commuting dynamics shaped by their respective growth and transit systems.
The Colony: Expanding Roads, Limited Transit
The Colony, anchored by the growing Grandscape development, benefits from direct access to the Sam Rayburn Tollway (SH 121). This highway connects residents to key employment hubs in Frisco and Plano, making it a practical choice for those working in the northern suburbs. As the area continues to grow, its road infrastructure is adapting to meet demand. However, like many suburban areas, The Colony is heavily car-reliant, with minimal walkability and few public transit options.
Plano: Well-Connected but Crowded
Plano offers a mix of residential appeal and employment opportunities, hosting the headquarters of Toyota Motor North America, JCPenney, and Frito-Lay. Residents depend on US-75 and Highway 121 for their daily commutes, but heavy congestion during peak hours – especially on US-75 – can be a challenge. Plano stands out for its better public transit options, earning a TransitScore of 27, thanks to DART light rail services that connect the city to downtown Dallas. Additionally, Plano’s WalkScore of 56 and BikeScore of 54 reflect its sprawling suburban design, where most errands still require a car. Despite the traffic, Plano’s established transit network appeals to professionals who prioritize access to a variety of commuting options.
Apartment Options: Pricing, Amenities, and Community Types
Let’s dive deeper into the apartment options available in each area, focusing on pricing, amenities, and the unique characteristics of their communities.
Addison: Mid-Rise Living Close to Nightlife
Addison’s apartment scene is dominated by mid-rise and mixed-use developments, particularly in hotspots like Vitruvian Park and Addison Circle. As of January 2026, the median rent in Addison sits at $1,560 – about 11.4% higher than Dallas’s median rent of $1,400. For one-bedroom apartments, renters can expect prices ranging from $1,486 to $1,630, while two-bedroom units average $2,056.
Addison also offers distinctive “mini-townhouse” style apartments with direct-entry designs and attached garages. For instance, Avalon Addison, a 197-unit community built in 1996, features one-bedroom apartments priced within the $1,486 to $1,630 range. These units come with modern touches like quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances, and private garages. On the higher end, AMLI Addison stands out with one-bedroom units starting at $1,855, offering luxury perks like poolside cabanas and fitness centers equipped with Peloton bikes. Interestingly, rents in Addison have been trending downward, decreasing by 2.7% year-over-year. These options cater well to Addison’s energetic, nightlife-centric vibe.
The Colony: Suburban Living with Modern Amenities
By late 2025, The Colony emerged as one of the most expensive rental markets in the DFW metroplex, tied with Frisco. Median rents for one-bedroom apartments reached $1,620, while two-bedroom units averaged $2,130. This pricing reflects the area’s appeal, thanks to its upscale, mixed-use developments near key destinations like Grandscape.
Take Live Grandscape, for example, located at 5750 Grandscape Blvd. Studio apartments here start at $1,561, while two-bedroom units begin at $2,693, attracting renters who value family-friendly environments paired with entertainment and dining options. For those seeking more affordable options, Discovery at The Realm offers studios and one-bedroom units starting between $1,299 and $1,300. These newer complexes combine modern designs with easy access to retail and recreational facilities, making The Colony a desirable option for suburban living with modern conveniences.
Plano: A Blend of Luxury and Established Communities
Plano offers an impressive variety of apartments, ranging from budget-friendly options in established neighborhoods to high-end luxury high-rises. As of late 2025, the median rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Plano is $1,470 – matching Dallas for the fourth-highest rents in the region – while two-bedroom units average around $2,030.
The rental market in Plano spans a wide spectrum. On the budget-friendly side, one-bedroom apartments in areas like south or east Plano can be found for under $1,000. On the other end, luxury developments such as LVL 29 in Legacy North offer high-end living, with one-bedroom units starting at $2,249. This diversity in pricing reflects Plano’s reputation for upscale dining and a refined lifestyle. The area is particularly attractive to corporate professionals and families, thanks to its proximity to top-rated schools and a strong sense of community. Additionally, Plano emphasizes wellness, boasting over 9,100 rental listings with gym or fitness center amenities.
Each of these areas offers a distinct living experience, catering to a variety of lifestyles and preferences, from vibrant nightlife to family-friendly suburban charm.
Who Lives in Each Area
The character of each area isn’t just defined by its apartments but also by the people who call it home. Resident demographics play a big role in shaping the vibe and appeal of these neighborhoods.
Addison: Young Professionals and Social Renters
In Addison, renting is the norm – 82% of residents rent their homes. This makes it a magnet for young professionals. Nearly a third of the population (29%) is aged 25–34, with a median age of 35.6 and a median income of $82,858. Most residents work in fields like professional, scientific, and technical services, as well as finance and insurance. The lifestyle here is all about convenience and socializing, with plenty of bars, restaurants, and entertainment venues to choose from. Plus, with 62% of residents holding a Bachelor’s degree or higher and an average commute of just 24.9 minutes, Addison is a great fit for educated professionals who prioritize nightlife and dining over suburban family living.
The Colony: Families and Outdoor-Focused Renters
The Colony offers a completely different vibe. It’s a favorite for families and renters who enjoy outdoor activities, thanks to its lakeside location and family-friendly amenities. Instead of the mid-rise apartments near nightlife typical of Addison, renters here lean toward newer suburban-style complexes. This makes The Colony especially appealing for those working in the North Texas corporate corridor who want a quieter, family-oriented lifestyle.
Plano: Professionals and Families Seeking Balance
Plano strikes a balance between suburban stability and modern amenities, making it a top choice for both professionals and families. Renters in Plano have a variety of housing options, from single-family homes to townhomes and multi-unit complexes. The city’s Neighborhood Services department ensures property standards remain high while fostering community programs that enhance the area’s polished, professional feel. With extensive parks and recreational facilities, Plano offers a well-rounded lifestyle that caters to those seeking a mix of suburban charm and quality municipal services. These resident profiles shape the community features and amenities highlighted throughout this guide.
Which Area Fits Your Needs
Finding the right area to live in depends on your lifestyle and priorities. Below are tailored suggestions to help you choose the best fit based on common renter preferences.
Choose Addison for Nightlife Access
If nightlife is high on your list, Addison is the spot for you. This area is packed with restaurants, bars, and a buzzing social scene, making it perfect for young professionals who want to stay close to the action. Addison’s central location and easy highway access also make commuting a breeze, so you won’t sacrifice convenience for fun.
Looking for something quieter and more family-oriented? The Colony might be a better fit.
Choose The Colony for Family-Friendly Living
For those seeking a suburban retreat with modern amenities, The Colony offers a peaceful, family-friendly vibe. With picturesque lakeside views and contemporary apartment complexes, it’s a haven for families and outdoor lovers. While commute times can be affected by the area’s growing road network, many find the serene environment and opportunities for family activities well worth the tradeoff.
If professional convenience is your priority, Plano might check all your boxes.
Choose Plano for Professional Convenience
Plano offers a mix of suburban comfort and access to corporate hubs, making it a great choice for professionals. The area features upscale dining options, luxurious apartment communities, and plenty of parks, catering to both families and individuals who value a polished lifestyle. While traffic can sometimes be an issue, Plano’s proximity to major employment centers ensures commutes remain manageable. As Sherin Richardson, a local Realtor, aptly notes:
"Not every city fits every lifestyle – and that’s a good thing".
Each of these areas offers its own unique advantages, whether your focus is on entertainment, family life, or professional growth.
FAQs
Which area is best for nightlife and dining options?
If you’re after a lively nightlife and plenty of dining options, Frisco is hard to beat. This area is packed with entertainment venues, stylish bars, and high-end restaurants, making it perfect for anyone who thrives on an active social calendar. Hotspots in Frisco often include bustling mixed-use developments and entertainment districts that cater to a wide range of preferences.
On the other hand, Allen and Plano offer fantastic dining and shopping opportunities but lean more toward a relaxed, family-oriented vibe. While they feature great restaurants and some casual nightlife options, they don’t quite match Frisco’s buzz and variety.
For renters who value a vibrant social scene and exciting culinary adventures, Frisco takes the top spot.
How do the living costs compare between Addison, The Colony, and Plano?
Living costs in Addison, The Colony, and Plano differ significantly based on housing options, amenities, and personal lifestyle choices.
Plano tends to be the priciest of the three, thanks to its high-end shopping, dining options, and proximity to major employers. If you’re renting, expect apartment prices here to be higher compared to the other two areas.
The Colony offers a more budget-friendly suburban vibe. With rents slightly lower than those in Plano, it’s a solid pick for families or anyone looking for a quieter, more laid-back environment.
Addison, however, is perfect for those who thrive on nightlife and entertainment. Apartment prices here fall in the mid-range, and the area boasts a lively social atmosphere that appeals to renters who enjoy being in the heart of the action.
Each area has its own charm: Plano for luxury and convenience, The Colony for suburban comfort at a lower cost, and Addison for an energetic, entertainment-driven lifestyle.
What are the commuting options and challenges in Allen, McKinney, and Frisco?
Commuting in Allen, McKinney, and Frisco largely hinges on their distance from Dallas and the transportation options available.
Allen residents often rely on U.S. 75 and the Sam Rayburn Tollway for reaching North Dallas and Plano. While these routes are direct, heavy traffic during peak hours can make the commute a bit of a headache.
McKinney also utilizes U.S. 75 for connectivity, with limited public transit options available through DART. However, depending on the number of transfers required, commutes from McKinney can take a bit longer.
Frisco, being further north, depends on the Dallas North Tollway and regional roads. This means trips to North Dallas may take more time, especially during rush hour when traffic tends to back up.
All three areas benefit from major highway access, but congestion remains a shared challenge. Frisco might have slightly longer commute times overall, but each city offers decent access to major employment centers based on where you’re starting from.