Why Move to Plano, TX?

Yes. Plano has experienced steady growth over the past decade, attracting families and professionals seeking top-rated schools, proximity to major employers, and a high quality of life. While growth has leveled compared to Frisco, Plano remains one of the largest and most established suburbs in North Texas.

Plano’s cost of living is moderately high, primarily due to housing and property taxes, but still lower than nearby cities like Frisco and Southlake. It’s more expensive than McKinney or Allen but often considered a better value given the schools, amenities, and mature neighborhoods.

Top-rated neighborhoods for families include Willow Bend, Lakeside on Preston, Normandy Estates, Russell Creek, Avignon Windhaven, and Kings Ridge. These areas offer excellent schools, parks, walking trails, and strong community vibes.

Yes. Plano is one of the most diverse cities in North Texas, with a wide mix of cultures, languages, and cuisines. More than 40% of residents identify as non-white, creating a welcoming and multicultural environment for families relocating from out of state or abroad.

Plano ISD is top-rated statewide, known for strong academics, award-winning teachers, and highly competitive athletics. Many Plano high schools regularly rank among the best in Texas for college prep and STEM programs. GreatSchools scores are consistently 8-10/10 for top campuses.

Traffic is moderate compared to Dallas or Frisco but can get congested during rush hours on US-75, George Bush Turnpike, and Dallas North Tollway. Plano offers multiple arterial roads, helping disperse traffic better than some newer suburbs.

Yes. While Plano has many upscale neighborhoods, it also offers a variety of apartments, townhomes, and older single-family homes at lower price points. Rent for a 2-bedroom apartment typically ranges from $1,800–$2,300/month, with higher-end options near Legacy West.

Plano consistently ranks among the safest large cities in the U.S., with low violent crime rates well below national averages. Property crime exists, as in any city, but Plano Police maintain strong community policing and neighborhood watch programs.

Plano is well-established and has managed growth with strong city planning. Roads, schools, and utilities are mature, and the city is largely built out. Amenities like parks, shopping centers, hospitals, and restaurants are abundant, avoiding the “overcrowded” feel of rapidly developing suburbs.

Plano’s property taxes average around 2–2.2% of assessed value, similar to nearby cities. With no state income tax, these taxes fund schools and city services. Some neighborhoods may have HOA dues or PID fees on top of property taxes.

Plano is home to major employers like Toyota North America, J.C. Penney, Liberty Mutual, Frito-Lay, Capital One, and FedEx Office. Its proximity to Dallas and other corporate hubs adds thousands of additional job opportunities in tech, finance, and healthcare.

Plano features more than 85 parks, 4,300 acres of green space, Oak Point Nature Preserve, Arbor Hills, Legacy West dining district, and The Shops at Legacy. Cultural highlights include the Plano Balloon Festival, historic downtown, theaters, and art centers.

Pros: Mature neighborhoods, shorter commutes, top schools, established amenities. Cons: Fewer brand-new homes, some older infrastructure, and limited available land for new builds compared to Frisco or Prosper.

Plano is part of the DART light rail and bus system, offering direct access to Dallas. Most residents still rely on cars, but public transit is more available here than in many North Dallas suburbs.

Electricity bills in summer often range $250–$400 for larger homes. Solar panels and energy-efficient upgrades can significantly lower costs. Plano also has programs for recycling, water conservation, and sustainability initiatives.

Plano offers many rental homes and apartments ideal for temporary stays before buying. Build-to-rent communities and corporate housing near Legacy West cater to professionals relocating for work.

Plano has a lively restaurant scene, upscale bars at Legacy West, live music, comedy clubs, and family entertainment. While not as busy as Dallas or Addison, nightlife is growing rapidly.

Plano is served by top-rated hospitals including Baylor Scott & White, Medical City Plano, and Children’s Medical Center Plano. Specialized clinics and urgent care centers are abundant throughout the city.

Many Plano neighborhoods have HOAs with guidelines for landscaping, fencing, and exterior design. City ordinances cover noise, parking, and short-term rentals. Buyers should review these rules before purchasing a home.

Potential downsides include higher home prices than neighboring towns like Wylie or Sachse, property taxes, and limited new construction options. Some residents prefer the larger lots and slower pace found in outlying suburbs.

Plano offers more established neighborhoods, mature trees, and long-standing schools. Frisco has newer homes and rapid growth. Both have top schools, but Plano’s infrastructure is more built out with shorter commutes.

Yes. Legacy West and The Shops at Legacy offer luxury apartments, restaurants, and proximity to major corporate campuses. Plano’s central location is ideal for commuting across the Dallas-Fort Worth area.

Plano home values have seen steady appreciation, driven by limited land for new builds, high demand for good schools, and proximity to employers. Price growth has been slower than Frisco’s but more stable during market fluctuations.

Historic Downtown Plano and Legacy West are the most walkable neighborhoods, featuring shops, dining, and entertainment within easy reach. Most other areas remain car-dependent.

Plano has hot summers (90°F+), mild winters, and occasional severe storms in spring. Snow is rare but possible. The area is humid in summer and experiences brief cold snaps in winter.

Yes. Plano has more than 85 parks, hiking and biking trails, Oak Point Nature Preserve, Arbor Hills, and several golf courses, offering plenty of outdoor recreation for families.

Commutes typically range from 25–40 minutes via US-75 or Dallas North Tollway, depending on traffic. Light rail (DART) provides an alternative for non-drivers.

Plano has a very strong job market with corporate headquarters, tech companies, and financial firms. Unemployment rates are typically below national averages, attracting professionals from across the country.

Absolutely. Excellent schools, safe neighborhoods, youth sports programs, libraries, and kid-friendly events make Plano a top choice for families of all ages.

Plano residents choose from multiple energy providers under Texas’ deregulated market. Water and trash services are city-managed. Internet providers include AT&T, Spectrum, and Frontier with high-speed options.

Homes in Plano often receive multiple offers, particularly in top school zones. Buyers should be pre-approved and ready to act quickly on well-priced properties.

DART light rail and buses provide access to downtown Dallas and nearby suburbs, making Plano one of the few North Dallas suburbs with commuter rail service.

Texas has no state income tax, which offsets higher property taxes. Homeowners may also benefit from homestead exemptions to reduce taxable home value.

Yes. Legacy West, The Shops at Legacy, and Preston Park Village offer high-end shopping and dining. Grocery stores, local restaurants, and international cuisine are abundant throughout the city.

Plano is increasingly popular for retirees due to low crime, quality healthcare, no state income tax, senior-friendly amenities, and a variety of housing options from single-family homes to active adult communities.