Moving to The Colony TX 2026 Guide

The Colony is a fast-growing lakeside city on the eastern shore of Lewisville Lake — roughly 47,000 residents in 2025, served by Lewisville ISD, anchored by the massive Grandscape mixed-use development and Nebraska Furniture Mart. Once a sleepy bedroom community, The Colony has transformed over the past decade into one of the more dynamic mid-sized DFW cities, balancing lake recreation, modern retail, and family-friendly neighborhoods. Here's your complete 2026 moving guide.

Key Takeaways

Population: ~47,000 in 2025; steady 2–3% annual growth.
Median home price: Around $445,000 — mid-tier for DFW, with lakefront premiums on Lewisville Lake-adjacent properties.
Schools: Lewisville ISD covers The Colony; The Colony High School rates B+/A and is a Hebron/Marcus alternative for LISD families.
Commute: 30–45 minutes to downtown Dallas, 25–35 minutes to downtown Fort Worth, 15–25 minutes to DFW Airport.
Big advantages: Lewisville Lake access, Grandscape mixed-use district, Nebraska Furniture Mart, central north-DFW location, growing dining scene.

What makes The Colony worth moving to?

The Colony's defining feature is lakefront access + Grandscape + central north-DFW position. The city has 9+ miles of Lewisville Lake shoreline, with multiple parks (Stewart Creek Park, The Tribute lakefront, Lewisville Lake Park), boat ramps, and marinas. Lewisville Lake supports boating, sailing, fishing, and swimming, with weekend recreation culture that draws DFW-wide visitors.

Grandscape — a 433-acre mixed-use development anchored by Nebraska Furniture Mart (one of the largest furniture stores in the world) — has transformed The Colony's commercial profile. The district includes 150+ restaurants and retailers, a movie theater, the Scheels sporting goods megastore, residential mid-rises, and ongoing expansion. The Colony also hosts the Tribute Golf Course (championship golf at the lakefront), the Old American Golf Club, and the Five Star Complex sports facility. The trade-off: longer Dallas commutes than central suburbs, and the city's identity is still solidifying as it grows.

What are the best neighborhoods in The Colony?

The Colony's strongest neighborhoods include:

The Tribute — Premier lakefront master-planned community with golf course frontage and lake views. $525K–$1.2M.

Stewart Creek / Stewart Peninsula — Established lakefront subdivisions with mature trees and lake access. $475K–$925K.

Austin Waters — Newer luxury subdivision near Grandscape. $475K–$725K.

Eastvale — Family-oriented established subdivisions. $400K–$575K.

Lakeview Estates — Mid-luxury lakefront-adjacent homes. $425K–$650K.

The Colony Heights / Original Colony — Older established neighborhoods near the historic core. $350K–$475K.

Grandscape area mid-rise apartments and condos — Modern construction walkable to Grandscape amenities. Rentals from $1,500–$2,800/month; condos $400K–$725K.

Lewisville Lake Estates — Lakefront subdivisions on the southwestern shore. $475K–$925K.

For lakefront living, target The Tribute, Stewart Creek, or Lewisville Lake Estates. For walkability to Grandscape, target Austin Waters or the mid-rise apartments adjacent to the district. For affordability, target The Colony Heights or older central subdivisions.

How do The Colony schools work?

The Colony falls in Lewisville ISD (LISD). The Colony High School is the main campus and rates B+/A. The feeder pattern runs through Lakeview Middle School and Griffin Middle School, with multiple elementaries distributed across the city. The Colony HS is one of LISD's stronger high schools — not quite at Marcus or Hebron level (which serve Flower Mound, Highland Village), but solidly above district average.

LISD overall covers Lewisville, Flower Mound, Highland Village, The Colony, and parts of Lake Dallas. Within The Colony specifically, ratings are uniformly strong because the entire city is on the eastern, more affluent edge of LISD's geographic territory. For families weighing The Colony vs. Plano or Frisco for schools, the trade-off: The Colony is meaningfully more affordable but the ratings are a half-tier below Frisco ISD or Plano ISD's strongest campuses.

How much does it cost to move to The Colony?

Local moves into The Colony from elsewhere in DFW run $600–$1,400 for a 2-bedroom apartment and $1,300–$2,900 for a 3- to 4-bedroom home. From Dallas proper, expect 5–7 hours total. From Frisco or Plano, 4–6 hours. From Fort Worth, 6–8 hours.

Long-distance moves into The Colony typically run $5,000–$13,000+. The city attracts families upgrading from smaller Lewisville or Carrollton homes, plus out-of-state arrivals wanting lakefront lifestyle near Frisco's amenities at lower prices. Lakefront properties at The Tribute and Stewart Peninsula often involve narrow private streets — confirm truck access before move day. For seasonal pricing trade-offs, see our best time of year to move in Dallas guide.

What's the commute from The Colony?

The commute from The Colony to downtown Dallas runs 30–45 minutes off-peak via Sam Rayburn Tollway (SH-121) and the Dallas North Tollway, and 55–80 minutes during rush hour. Downtown Fort Worth is 25–35 minutes via SH-121 and SH-114. DFW Airport is 15–25 minutes — excellent access. Plano and Frisco are 10–20 minutes east via SH-121.

The Colony has no direct DART or commuter rail service. The closest rail option is the A-Train commuter rail in Hebron/Lewisville (5–10 minute drive), connecting to Carrollton's DART Green Line. Most The Colony residents drive — to Frisco's corporate corridor (Toyota North America HQ, FedEx HQ, etc.), to Las Colinas, or to home offices. Many residents work locally at Grandscape, Nebraska Furniture Mart, Scheels, the city of The Colony, or nearby Frisco employers.

What about taxes and cost of living in The Colony?

The Colony property taxes run around 2.2–2.4% effective, blending Denton County, Lewisville ISD, the City of The Colony, and special-district levies. Sales tax is 8.25%. Texas has no state income tax. Most The Colony residents pay $8,500–$12,500/year in combined property taxes on a typical single-family home.

Utility costs are deregulated under ERCOT for electricity. The Colony Water Utilities provides city water with bills running $95–$170/month. Home insurance averages $1,900–$3,200/year — slightly elevated for lakefront properties due to flood-zone considerations. Overall cost of living in The Colony is 15–20% lower than Frisco or Plano for equivalent housing — making it a strong value play for families wanting LISD schools, lake access, and Grandscape proximity at meaningfully lower prices than the Frisco-Plano premium markets.

When is the best time to move to The Colony?

The best time to move to The Colony is March–April or October–November — mild weather, off-peak pricing, lower mover demand. Avoid June–August unless your schedule demands it; peak Texas heat plus weekend lake traffic at Stewart Creek Park and The Tribute marina. LISD typically starts around August 12 in 2026 — school-age families should aim to finish moving by the first week of August.

Mid-week moves save 10–20% versus Saturday bookings. Our crews handle The Colony moves regularly, including The Tribute lakefront homes, Stewart Creek subdivisions, and modern Grandscape-area apartments. For more on monthly DFW moving cost patterns, see our best time of year to move in Dallas guide.

Ready to make The Colony home?

Our electric-truck crews handle The Colony moves weekly, including The Tribute lakefront luxury homes, Grandscape-adjacent modern apartments, and established central Colony subdivisions. We coordinate around SH-121 construction (frequent), route around weekend Grandscape and Lewisville Lake traffic, and know which lakefront subdivisions have narrow private streets requiring smaller trucks.

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The Colony TX 2026 neighborhood home price ranges by area

Neighborhood	Price Range	Key Feature
The Tribute	$525K–$1.2M	Golf & lake views
Stewart Creek	$475K–$925K	Mature trees, lake access
Austin Waters	$475K–$725K	Near Grandscape
Eastvale	$400K–$575K	Family-oriented
Colony Heights	$350K–$475K	Most affordable option
Grandscape Condos	$400K–$725K	Walkable to retail

Top reasons families are moving to The Colony

The Colony offers over 9 miles of Lewisville Lake shoreline with parks, marinas, and boat ramps.
Grandscape's 433-acre mixed-use district includes 150-plus restaurants, retailers, and entertainment venues.
The median home price sits around $445,000, placing it mid-tier among DFW suburbs.
Commutes to DFW Airport average just 15 to 25 minutes, ideal for frequent business travelers.
The Colony High School earns a B-plus to A rating within Lewisville ISD.
Neighborhoods like The Tribute combine championship golf course frontage with direct lake views.
The city's steady 2 to 3 percent annual growth signals strong long-term investment potential.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is The Colony TX safe to move to in 2026?

Yes. The Colony consistently ranks among the safer cities of its size in Denton County, with violent crime rates well below state averages. The Colony Police Department maintains a strong community-policing model and active school resource officer presence at LISD campuses. Most reported incidents are property crimes — primarily vehicle break-ins at Grandscape retail parking and apartment complex lots. Residential neighborhoods trend low across the city.

How does The Colony compare to Frisco for families?

Frisco offers stronger school district ratings (Frisco ISD vs. Lewisville ISD's Colony zone), more retail variety, more new construction, and higher home prices ($550K+ median vs. The Colony's $445K). The Colony offers lakefront access (Frisco has no lake), Grandscape mixed-use development, and 15–25% lower home prices for equivalent housing. For families prioritizing schools and amenities, Frisco wins; for families prioritizing lake access at lower prices, The Colony wins.

Are property taxes really 2.2%+ in The Colony?

Yes. Texas funds public education primarily through property taxes. The Colony's combined rate (Denton County + LISD + city + special districts) typically lands at 2.2–2.4% of assessed value annually. The Texas homestead exemption reduces taxable value of your primary residence by $40,000–$100,000. Always verify the specific rate through Denton Central Appraisal District for any address.

What is Grandscape and is it worth living near?

Grandscape is The Colony's massive 433-acre mixed-use development — anchored by Nebraska Furniture Mart (1.9M square feet, one of the largest furniture stores in the world), Scheels sporting goods, the Brickhouse restaurant district, a movie theater, residential mid-rises, and ongoing expansion. For families and shoppers, living within 5 minutes of Grandscape is genuinely convenient. The trade-off: weekend traffic from regional visitors can clog adjacent streets. Most residents adapt by avoiding Grandscape during peak weekend hours.

Is The Colony actually on Lewisville Lake?

Yes, The Colony has 9+ miles of Lewisville Lake shoreline on the eastern shore. Lewisville Lake is one of the larger urban lakes in DFW (29,000+ acres at full pool), supporting boating, sailing, fishing, and swimming. Stewart Creek Park, The Tribute lakefront, and Lewisville Lake Park provide public access. Lakefront homes command 30–50% premiums over comparable inland properties. The lake-recreation culture is genuine, not promotional.

Should I rent or buy in The Colony?

Most newcomers buy in The Colony — the housing stock skews toward single-family homes, and rental inventory is limited to the Grandscape-area mid-rises and a handful of older apartment complexes. Rentals typically run $1,500–$2,800/month for 1–2 bedroom apartments. Single-family rentals are rare and command $2,800–$4,500/month. For families planning 3+ year stays, buying is usually the better financial choice. For 1–2 year corporate relocations, the Grandscape-area apartments are the practical rental option.

Frequently asked questions

How much does it cost to hire movers for a local move to The Colony TX?

Local moves into The Colony from elsewhere in DFW cost $600–$1,400 for a 2-bedroom apartment and $1,300–$2,900 for a 3- to 4-bedroom home. From Dallas proper, expect 5–7 hours of labor. From Frisco or Plano, 4–6 hours. From Fort Worth, 6–8 hours. Long-distance moves into The Colony typically run $5,000–$13,000+. Mid-week bookings save 10–20% compared to Saturday moves.

What is the median home price in The Colony TX and how does it compare to Frisco?

The Colony's median home price is around $445,000 in 2025, roughly 15–25% lower than equivalent housing in Frisco or Plano. Frisco's median runs $550K+. Lakefront properties in The Colony — such as those in The Tribute or Stewart Creek — carry an additional 30–50% premium over comparable inland homes. For families wanting north-DFW amenities at a lower price point, The Colony is the stronger value.

How long is the commute from The Colony to downtown Dallas?

The commute from The Colony to downtown Dallas runs 30–45 minutes off-peak via Sam Rayburn Tollway (SH-121) and the Dallas North Tollway, and 55–80 minutes during rush hour. DFW Airport is just 15–25 minutes away. The Colony has no direct DART rail service; the closest option is the A-Train commuter rail in Hebron/Lewisville, a 5–10 minute drive from The Colony.

What are property taxes like in The Colony TX?

The Colony's combined property tax rate — blending Denton County, Lewisville ISD, the City of The Colony, and special-district levies — runs 2.2–2.4% of assessed value annually. Most single-family homeowners pay $8,500–$12,500 per year. The Texas homestead exemption reduces the taxable value of a primary residence by $40,000–$100,000. Texas has no state income tax. Verify the exact rate for any specific address through Denton Central Appraisal District.

When is the best time of year to move to The Colony TX?

The best time to move to The Colony is March–April or October–November, when DFW weather is mild and mover demand — and pricing — is lower. Avoid June–August if possible: peak Texas heat combined with heavy weekend lake traffic near Stewart Creek Park and The Tribute marina adds logistical friction. Families with school-age children in Lewisville ISD should complete their move before early August, as LISD typically starts classes around August 12 in 2026.

Do I need to check truck access before moving into a lakefront neighborhood in The Colony?

Yes. Lakefront subdivisions in The Colony — particularly The Tribute and Stewart Peninsula — often have narrow private streets that restrict standard moving truck access. Confirm vehicle clearance with your moving company before move day. Smaller trucks or shuttle service may be required. This applies specifically to lakefront addresses; Grandscape-area apartments and inland subdivisions like Eastvale or Austin Waters typically have standard street access.