11 Fine Reasons to Move to Plano, Texas (you'll come for #6)

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Thinking of a move to Plano, Texas? Here’s why you may want to call it home.

Plano welcomes families of all kinds. In fact, it is welcoming to whichever life stage you are in: young child, young adult, new college grad, big family, small family, dog families and retirees. From the time it was founded in 1849 new arrivals have been welcomed with open arms and the majority of residents are extremely proud to live here. The city boasts an impressive array of family friendly activities and events for residents (both young and old) that are both great fun and affordable.

When you move to this northern suburb of Dallas, you will be able to tell others that “you live in Plano” without the need of mentioning Dallas and sure enough people will know that you are referencing – yes, its that big of a town.

Where is Plano, TX?

Plano Texas is approximately 20 miles north of the heart of Downtown Dallas. And about 1/2 of that distance if you are withing the city borders.

Plano was ranked #3 for Best Cities to Raise a Family in America based on its great public schools, low crime rates, affordable cost of living, and family-friendly amenities.

Why Are People Moving To Plano, Texas?

Located within a typically reasonable commute to downtown Dallas, Plano has been booming for well over 2 decades and offers all the amenities of big city life without the constant hustle and bustle. Named one of the top three places in America to live in 2016, Plano has more job openings every year, some of the lowest taxes in the area and the lowest crime rate of any city in the state. If you’re thinking of moving to Texas, and who isn’t right now, Plano should be on your radar. 😀

Is Plano a nice place to live? The simple answer is “yes.” However, diving deeper into what makes this Texas city such a desirable place to live, and why so many people are moving to Plano, TX, can help potential newcomers decide for themselves.

#1 You are a quick drive to many historic districts

There are so many historic areas you can access from Plano including historic Frisco, the McKinney square, downtown Dallas, downtown Carrollton and of course downtown Plano. You can also access many these destinations via the DART train for more convenience.

The city boasts an impressive array of family friendly activities and events for residents that are both great fun – from ice skating to concerts, markets with fresh produce or crafts. Plano is also a big supporter in the arts culture and has recently turned the downtown area into an arts district with a public stage for events.

#2 Plenty of parks for the outdoor enthusiast

The City of Plano has a fantastic Parks & Rec department. There are so many parks in the city that you’ll never have to go without your daily dose of nature. From park playgrounds, picnic areas, hiking trails, mountain biking trails and splash pads- there’s something for everyone!

You can even get a membership at one or more municipal pools where it will include access all year long with family memberships for about $150 bucks per year.

If you are looking just to enjoy the outdoors, there are plenty of hiking trails throughout the city that will offer up a great workout!

A few fun outdoor activities to try such as the Chisholm Trail, Bob Woodruff park, Oak Point Nature Preserve, Arbor Hills, the Bluebonnet trail, Haggard Park and those are just the largest parks.

There are a lot of great outdoor options to enjoy. Bob Woodruff Park has trees perfect for picnicking, and the Oak Point Preserve is one of this area’s most popular parks for visitors to relax near. But there are lots more – 70 total in fact!

The Jack Carter Dog Park is one of many expansive dog parks in Plano that offers an off-leash , natural environment for your pup to enjoy. There are also a number of dog-friendly cafes in Plano, if you’re looking get out and about with Fido!

Close to each park or trail you will find well maintained Recreation centers that could rival any Lifetime Fitness gym. Be sure to check out: Tom Muehlenbeck Rec center (amazing indoor and outdoor pools with he best water slides), Oak Point Rec Center, Liberty Rec Center, Plano Aquatic Center, Williams Natatorium, Jack Carter Pool (lazy river and surf feature) – pretty much every section of Plano will have an extremely affordable place for you to attend exercise classes, swim and workout.

#3 You can let your child attend school at Plano ISD

Plano’s public school system is one of the best in Texas. Planos’s schools have a 98% graduation rate and make headlines for their high rankings on national standardized tests year after year! There are also more than 60 different programs to explore, so you’re sure find something that suits your child or children well at kindergarten.

Great Schools lists 74 schools in Plano. As for the public schools, many of them score nines and tens, making them some of the top-rated schools in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. There are 44 elementary schools, 13 middle schools, six high schools, and three senior high schools.

Plano is also home of one elementary school ranked as “Exemplary” by Great Schools and more than 60 different programs for students from kindergarten through high-school age!

If you are looking into private school options for your children, this town has a great amount of options to consider. And nearby Carrollton is home to many amazing private schools or you can commute anywhere in DFW depending on your chosen school.

If you homeschool, rest assured there are also local groups that meet to support your efforts in giving your child an amazing homeschool education.

#4 If you still want to move to Plano, the population is not too big and not too small

The population is just right for living. It’s not too big where you feel lost in an enormous city yet big enough to have plenty of corporations wanting to move in, city programs and infrastructure and no problem selling your house if you choose to move.

It’s located in the Dallas metropolitan area which means it’s close enough for most people but far away from all that traffic! It also offers a great balance between suburban living with lots green space around homes yet still having everything you need nearby !!!

#5 Plano has history and it shows

Plano is a versatile city with plenty of entertainment options and much more. But, besides the traditional downtown area, there are also lots of shopping centers that offer endless opportunities to hit the stores or take your pick for dinner.

Downtown Plano offers so much history while the west side of town has the brand new Legacy West shopping plaza with an array of extremely popular eateries and shopping spots.

One of the most popular shops in historic Plano is La Foofaraw. So cute! And such a classic spot.

The rich history downtown Plano offers is one reason that people love this area so much, as it has always been a key player in commerce for North Texas residents from its earliest days when settlers founded Collin County.

To show its progress, the newest addition to Plano ➡️ Legacy West. And one of the most popular restaurants in Legacy West is Toulouse Cafe & Bar. Although, depending on who you speak with you will hear something different. Basically, every eatery is awesome!

To show its history – in Downtown Plano, Holman Pottery is the place to go for handcrafted pieces for your home. The Feathered Nest is a great place to find your next decorating idea and refuel with 1418 Coffeehouse which can’t be beat. If you’ve ever wanted to have coffee at Central Perk in the show Friends, then this is will feed your soul.

Other shopping centers in Plano include the Shops at Willow Bend and Legacy West.

#6 The Job Market’s is Sizzling Hot if you move to Plano

Plano was ranked the #2 city in the United States for jobs.

Plenty of corporations throughout the Eastern part of town, Central and Western border along the Dallas North Parkway. The corporate headquarters for major companies such as J.C Penney, Pizza Hut and most notably Toyota is in Plano.

It has a thriving economy, plenty of opportunities for growth and some great schools.

The city is made up by many different neighborhoods that offer diverse housing options to fit your budget or needs–from apartment living in downtown Plano near the train station down south where you can find everything from luxury loft spaces with wine bars onsite; to town

And, if you are unable to locate that perfect job in Plano. You will have just as many opportunities in neighboring Frisco or Dallas, Las Colinas, Grand Prairie, Richardson . . .basically you are surrounded by large cities with a thriving commerce. So, if you are moving here for a job and are really banking on things working out, if life throws you a curve ball, you will have at least 10 other cities to look into for jobs. And you’ll find many others bring their family here for job and financial security.

#7 More than enough restaurants

When we’re in the mood for Italian, our go-to restaurant is Covino’s in central Plano. Its teeny tiny and hidden back in the corner but when you find it you will be thrilled you did.

The Bavarian Grill off of Parker Road and the Fish Shack, on 15th Street are some of the places you should try when you’re in the mood for German food or oysters. Seasons 52 is our date night spot for romantic dinners, and Bulla Gastrobar has Spanish flair that’s great during the day.

Over the past few decades, food has become more and more important to people of all ages. Plano is no exception to this trend. There are plenty of exciting eateries in the city where you won’t feel deprived. Like ever. I think it’s impossible. This town has every kind of food that you could ever want.

#8 Events and fun things to Do in Plano

If you want to get the family out and about in Plano, visit Plano Heritage Farmstead with the kids or one of the many trampoline lands if you are looking for an indoor activity to zap the energy out of your kiddos.

The Plano Arts Council has a calendar full of concerts and exhibits, so there’s always something to do. If you want culture or the outdoors in your city life then this is for sure an organization worth checking out! And if all else fails when looking at their events page- go see Star Wars: The Last Jedi on opening day.

Haggard Park in Downtown Plano hosts seasonal events like an Art Festival and the adorable Steinfest in the Fall.

The Plano Farmers Market is open every Saturday from April until November. It’s a great spot to visit with the family, grab some food and pick up produce for dinner that night! And if you’re looking at moving in order of proximity- this may be your best bet since it’ll make grocery shopping easier than ever before without having

Plano also offers plenty for adults to do with its many restaurants and bars as well some fun events like festivals in Downtown Planowerks or theater productions at Collin College’s Preston Ridge Campus Center Theater.

Catch live music at the Shops at Legacy while you stroll the shops and dine at the restaurants.

Or prepare for the nationally known Plano Balloon Festival in September. The balloon festival has been going on for nearly 30 years and is one of Plano’s most anticipated events.

Outside the city limits you will find a world-class golf course at The Shops At Willow Bend with fun shopping, dining options as well! There are also plenty more parks to explore such Legacy Park which has an 18 hole discgolf court or head

And one of the best parts about living in Plano? It’s close to Dallas, which means you never really feel far away from some big city life. The only difference is that your wallet will be a little bit thinner and traffic won’t slow down for hours at rush hour! Talkin’ ’bout sweet livins’.

#9 The Transportation System Offers a Variety of Solutions

Plano opted into the DART system and in fact, the only city in Collin County that did. Too bad that Allen and McKinney didn’t otherwise they would probably have a lot more tourism dollars. Now, having the train line head all the way north to Parker Road station means that you are able to commute to work in an area in the metroplex while sitting back and surfing the web on your phone.

If you don’t need to commute then you might be one of the thousands that love utilizing the train to head out to a favorite festival, State Fair, sporting event or even a staycation.

Other than the DART train, Plano offers toll roads and non-toll roads such as Central Expressway (aka 75) for you to cruise around. Or hop in an Uber or Lyft.

#10 Affordable Housing

The median household value for Plano is quite astonishing. Plano is one of the safest cities in Texas. The school system provides wonderful education, and high-scale stores are aplenty.

Yet, according to Zillow, the average price for a home is about $350,000. And, if you’re looking to rent and have a two-income household, then (all things considered) the rent’s not exorbitant either. The average there is about $2,100/month.

According to Niche, a ranking and review site, Plano is #1 for 2018 Best Cities to Buy a House in America, based on home values, property taxes, home ownership rates, housing costs, and real estate trends. #2 for cities with the Best Public Schools in America based on state test scores, graduation rates, SAT/ACT scores, teacher quality, and student and parent reviews.

Plano does have a higher median income which means that you can find affordable housing but keep in mind that there are luxury home accommodations as well. Plano residents love having the biggest and the best so its quite common to remodel your home or parts of your home here for making it look good or for future resale value.

Plano still has properties with land as well as historic homes and even newer town homes. Depending on what kind of yard you are looking for or land for horses or maybe having no yard to mow at all . . . you will find it all.

[oh, all Texans need this guide]

#11 Very little crime

If you have a family then you are probably concerned with checking out the crime rates before you uproot your entire crew and settle in. So, let’s start with the crime rate. We like to scout out all the potential cities using the data on Area Vibes. This will help you gain insight and data to any of the cities that you are scoping out.

If you’re not from the area or from Texas, then you will want every tool in your arsenal to discover as much as you can prior to selecting your new home.

According to Area Vibes statistics, Plano scores nicely with an A-. The total crime rate of Plano is lowest among other similar cities in the United States.And, as for their violent crimes, that’s 64% lower than the national average.