If you’ve ever driven through Coppell, and especially if you’re a resident, you’ll see that it’s a cool city — not too big or small. It’s a cozy little suburb that seems to have access to anything.

Travel + Leisure, a New York-based travel media brand, thought so, too. The editors recently compiled a top-10 list of the best U.S. suburbs to live in based on feedback from expert Realtors and recent livability rankings.

Coppell was ranked No. 5 overall and the second-best place to live in Texas. Cinco Ranch, west of Houston, was ranked No. 2. John’s Creek, a suburb north of Atlanta, was No. 1.

It’s a case of another North Texas suburb making a best-of list. This listing is well-deserved.
Travel + Leisure “has beautiful parks, top-rated public schools, restaurants, independent boutiques, and coffee shops.”

Plus, “it’s conveniently located within a short distance to the Dallas Fort Worth International Airport and makes a wonderful location for those who travel for business and pleasure,” Deb Borrell, executive vice president of relocation at Allie Beth Allman & Associates, told Travel + Leisure.

But let’s drill down and list our five reasons for appreciating Coppell.

It recognizes its history

The Coppell Historical Museum / Heritage Park has a model of the first Minyard grocery store in East Dallas. The Minyard family donated the model, which was moved from its original site in 2011. The store sells vintage gift items, historic stationery and postcards, 1900s candy, and drinks. I bet the place doesn’t have a self-checkout.

It’s a Sports Town … And a Band Town

The city of 42,983 (2020 census) has one public high school. As mentioned, it has top-rated schools. It also has athletic traditions such as the Coppell Cowboys and Cowgirls. The school has produced an Olympian — Chiaka Ogbogu, who will compete on the U.S. Women’s National Team at the Paris Olympics this year. If you’re into band, the Coppell middle schools have a tradition of excellence.

It Has Diverse Dining Choices

OK, I expect pushback on this one from barbecue purists. But Hard Eight, tucked along the industrial district, is hard to beat. It’s my go-to stop. Tripadvisor.com lists it as No. 1 in Coppell. If barbecue isn’t your jam, a few grills along Denton Tap Road are worth checking out. Or you can get ingredients for a fine meal at the Coppell Farmers Market.

It’s Affordable … Really

Yes, Zillow lists the current median home price at $643,116. But Borrell pointed out that the community offers a range of housing options at various price points.

It can be exciting. Watch out for ‘Coppelligator’

Earlier this month, an alligator was spotted near small ponds and tributaries along Denton Creek in the northeast part of the city. Among other things, the city advised residents not to feed the alligator. Feeding a gator can result in a misdemeanor, a $500 fine, and possibly loss of a limb. If encountered, the Texas Parks & Wildlife says if the gator hisses, you’re too close. Officials advise walking away slowly and presumably pretending you don’t see it. On Facebook, one resident called it a “Coppelligator.”

If gators bore you, there’s the Coppell Art Center, which has a big calendar of events.