Plano, Texas: A Comprehensive Guide to Living in the Dallas Suburb

In this video, we dove into everything you need to know about living in Plano Texas. So if you want to know all the details, make sure to watch the video above on our youtube channel.

This blog summarizes some of the points we discussed, to give you an overview of what is included in the video.

Plano, Texas is a city located in the Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan area and has a population of around 290,000 people. It is known for its high-quality schools, low crime rates, and thriving economy. If you are considering moving to the Dallas area or are curious about what Plano has to offer, then keep reading.

History of Plano, Texas

Plano was incorporated in 1872 after the development of the Houston Central Railway. The city's population grew steadily until the 1980s when several large corporations such as JCPenney, Honeywell, and Frito-Lay moved their headquarters to the area, causing a population explosion. Plano was recognized as an All-American City in 1994 and has continued to grow and thrive ever since.

Cost of Living

The cost of living in Plano is slightly higher than the national average, but it is still considered to be relatively affordable compared to other cities in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Housing costs are the biggest expense, with the median home value being around $493,000. However, there are many rental options available for those who prefer not to buy.

Schools

Plano is known for its top-notch schools, with several schools ranking among the best in the state of Texas. The Plano Independent School District serves most of the city, with over 55,000 students enrolled. There are also several private schools in the area, including religious schools and Montessori schools.

Employment Opportunities

Plano is home to several Fortune 1000 companies and more than 10,000 businesses. Some of the companies that have their headquarters in Plano include JCPenney, Alliance Data Systems, Rent-A-Center, Keurig Dr. Pepper, Frito-Lay, and Toyota of North America. With such a diverse range of industries, there are plenty of employment opportunities available in the city.

Demographics

according to the 2020 census, Plano had about 288K people,  and as of 2023 is now around 293K people. making it now the 9th largest city in Texas.

So 74% of the residents were born in the US, about 40% were actually born right here in Texas, and about 15% of the residents are not US Citizens which is shown here in the visual.

While the median age in Plano is 38.9 yrs old,  and for Men, it's 37.8,  and the women median age is 40 yrs old. 

Shopping and Dining

Plano has a wide variety of shopping and dining options, ranging from high-end boutiques to chain stores and restaurants. Legacy West is a popular shopping destination, with stores such as Lululemon, Madewell, and Nike, as well as high-end stores like Louis Vuitton and Cartier. There are also plenty of dining options in the area, with restaurants serving everything from Tex-Mex to sushi.

Parks and Recreation

Plano has an abundance of parks and recreational facilities, including two large parks, Oak Point Park and Nature Preserve, and Arbor Hills Nature Preserve. Oak Point Park and Nature Preserve covers over 800 acres and features hiking trails, picnic areas, and a zipline adventure park called Go Ape. Arbor Hills Nature Preserve covers over 200 acres and has several miles of hiking and biking trails. There are also five recreational centers in Plano, each with swimming pools, aquatic centers, and fitness centers.

Living in Plano

Plano is a safe, family-friendly city with excellent schools and a thriving economy. It has a low crime rate, great shopping and dining options, and plenty of parks and recreational facilities. With a diverse population and plenty of employment opportunities, Plano is an attractive option for anyone looking to move to the Dallas area.