I like DFW metro. With 1-1.5 million down payment, I would consider: University Park (quite expensive), Prosper (Northern edge but new development and cheap) or Southlake. 1.5 may not be enough for Highland Park or Westlake but never had that much money so I have no idea. Next would be Flower Mound, Coppell, Frisco, Plano, McKinney or Allen but if you have money, why?
Heard Austin used to be great but getting overcrowded. Scenery was much better than DFW personally.
Don’t trust school ratings by the way. Check student population mix. I got burned by too many ——s.