7 Best Places to Live in Plano, Texas 

Are you considering moving to Plano, Texas? Check out these seven best neighborhoods in Plano, TX.

Named the safest city in Texas as of 2021, it is no surprise that Plano is home to many great neighborhoods. Known to be one of the most affluent big cities in the United States, young professionals, families, and retirees are flocking to Plano for its high quality of life and fantastic real estate. As part of Collin County in northern Texas, Plano is found in a desirable location and offers its residents only the best of suburban living. Full of top education opportunities for children and plenty of things to do, if you are moving to Texas, then Plano is the place to be.

While moving can be stressful in general, finding a neighborhood that meets all your needs can often be overwhelming. Luckily, this guide was created to help provide you with information about the best areas to live in before moving to Plano.

With that being said, read on to learn more about the 7 Best Neighborhoods in Plano, Texas!

Lakeside on Preston

Before moving to Plano, check out the Lakeside neighborhood in Preston. While it may be known for its high price tag, this is also the neighborhood with the most beautiful scenery in Plano. This neighborhood offers only the best lakeside living, featuring five lakes, a 15-acre park, tree-lined streets, well-manicured lawns, and fountains. Not only do most properties back up to the water, but most homes in the area are luxurious estates constructed between 1992 and 2005. 

This is an excellent neighborhood for any family who loves to spend time outdoors, featuring walking trails, biking trails, public pools, and a top-of-the-line fitness center. A true suburban oasis, Lakeside on Preston even offers its residents a variety of fine dining options alongside an upscale open-air shopping center. Plus, for families that are moving with school-aged children, parents will be happy to know that many schools in the area, including Plano West Senior High School, are highly rated.

Local Favorites: 

• Arbor Hills Nature Preserve: Found on the western side of Plano, this 200-acre park features miles of hiking trails, biking trails, a playground, and a covered pavilion 

• Bob Woodruff Park: Located off San Gabriel Drive, this public community park features walking trails, a fishing pier, a pond, a volleyball court, and a playground. This park is also dog-friendly. 

• Heritage Farmstead Museum: This historic farm and museum sits on 365 acres and was built in 1891. Now a state landmark, this Victorian-style farmhouse depicts early Texas pioneer life. It is a great place to bring the family, visit for a farm tour, and see the live animals. 

• Lakeside Market: This upscale outdoor shopping center has 47 retail stores and restaurants.

Willow Bend

The neighborhood of Willow Bend is one of the most sought-after places to live in Plano due to its prime location and proximity to fine dining, shopping, and entertainment. While the homes here are priced on the higher end, the area is safe and is home to many top-rated schools, making this an excellent place for families to settle down. Since this is such a large neighborhood, many architectural styles and price points are available, making finding the home of your dreams an attainable goal.

Known as a tight-knit community, the neighborhood hosts multiple fun annual events, including parades, a fun run, and a holiday party. Beloved for its quiet and secluded atmosphere, most residents can be found outside enjoying one of the many walking trails, lakes, ponds, and green spaces. Willow Bend has made a name for itself as a popular fishing destination.

Local Favorites:

• The Shops at Willow Bend: Known as the Willow Bend Mall, this shopping center features over 125 stores and is a popular place for retail therapy. Some top retailers include Neiman Marcus, Crate and Barrel, and Dillard's. 

• Crayola Experience Plano: An excellent place to bring the kids, this attraction is a hands-on experience that blends creativity and technology in a new way. Your children will be creating both art and memories. 

• Windhaven Park: An awesome neighborhood hangout and park with a public pool, playground, picnic tables, and recreation center. The collection features a lazy river and water slides, making it a hot spot in summer. 

• Oak Point Park and Nature Preserve: Located on 800 acres, this city park is the largest in Plano, Texas. This is a great place to spend time outside in nature, featuring miles of walking and biking trails, kayaking on the lake and an outdoor amphitheater for concerts.

Whiffletree

Considered a more affordable option, the neighborhood of Whiffletree is ideal for families wanting to save a little bit of money. Made up of 459 homes in the area, most residences were built in the 1980s and reflect a mixture of traditional and ranch-style single-family homes. This neighborhood offers more bang for your buck, and lush landscaping, well-manicured lawns, and well-lit streets surround Whiffletree. Plus, with easy access to amenities, including top retailers, restaurants, and entertainment, residents do not have to travel far to have fun.

Local Favorites: 

• Salsa Tex-Mex Plano Texas: Though this spot may be in a strip mall, this Mexican restaurant constantly receives top ratings for its traditional fare and homemade margaritas. There is even brunch on Sundays. 

• Scrambler Cafe: Recognized for its outstanding breakfast and brunch dishes, this cafe is a must-try for delicious food and welcoming staff. Enjoy pancakes, omelets, and the fan-favorite hash browns. 

• Covino's Pasta and Pizza: Praised for its fantastic food and relaxing atmosphere, this is the go-to neighborhood spot for Italian food. Serving classic favorites, choose from various pasta dishes and pizza options. 

• Densetsu: Get your Japanese food at this local spot, which serves only the best and most authentic dishes. Enjoy sushi, craft cocktails, and sake.

Kings Gate

Consisting of only around 50 homes, the neighborhood of Kings Gate is a smaller gated community located in Plano. While the real estate market here may be competitive due to its smaller size, the homes here are worth the wait. Known for its large private lots and luxurious homes, the wide-open spaces and quiet atmosphere that the neighborhood provides make it so popular. Even though the homes here may be priced on the higher end, expect to receive up to three acres of land. Since most homes in Kings Gate were constructed around 1996, the neighborhood comes with various home types and architectural styles. Many nearby amenities include walking and biking trails, a private lake, and highly-rated public schools. 

Local Favorites:

• Interurban Railway Museum: An electric railway and historic train station that has been turned into a museum. This train station operated between 1908 and 1948. Visit today to learn more about this electric railway line. 

• Legacy West: This new shopping center and cultural hub in Plano is a must-visit for shopping and dining, featuring top retailers, designer stores, and an award-winning dining hall. 

• Historic Texas Pool: This historic national landmark is a public saltwater pool shaped into the state of Texas. Filled with 168,000 gallons of water, this pool is a popular spot during the summer months and a fun tourist attraction. 

• Go Ape Zipline and Adventure Park: Located in Oak Point Park and Nature Preserve, this zipline and adventure park consists of multiple zipline courses and a treetop rope course for thrill-seekers.

Normandy Estates

Found west of Plano, the neighborhood of Normandy Estates consists of expensive homes and beautiful architecture. Considered one of the most high-end neighborhoods in the city, living in Normandy Estates is perfect for luxury buyers. Even though the homes here sell for millions of dollars, this neighborhood remains desirable because of its prime location and gorgeous European-style architecture. They feature walking and biking trails, a lake, a fishing pier, and fountains throughout the neighborhood. Plus, located next to premium amenities and high-end shopping, it is no surprise that Normandy Estates is a sought-after area.

Local Favorites: 

• Bavette Grill: This intimate restaurant serves small plates and fantastic happy hour specials. With a relaxed atmosphere and nicely priced items, sit on the outdoor patio and dine in style. 

• The Capital Grille: This upscale steakhouse serves quality steaks, side dishes, and strong drinks in an elegant setting. This makes for the perfect date night or celebration location. 

• Haywire - Plano: Featuring a whiskey bar on the first floor, a dining room on the second floor, and a rooftop patio, this restaurant is one of a kind. We are serving excellent Texan southern food and delicious craft cocktails. 

• Toulouse Cafe and Bar: This authentic French restaurant serves tasty dishes in an upscale setting. Dine either indoors or on the cute outdoor patio. The Sunday brunch is a local favorite.

Avignon Windhaven

If you are looking for luxurious homes over 4,000 square feet, look no further than the neighborhood of Avignon Windhaven. Though the lot sizes in this neighborhood may not be as large as others, the real estate is in a prime location in Plano. Consisting of over 210 courtyard estates that mix Mediterranean and European architectural styles, this neighborhood is a popular spot just minutes from the neighboring city of Dallas. Avignon Winhaven is next to prime shopping, dining, entertainment options, and the Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport. 

Local Favorites: 

• Angelika Film Center and Cafe: Located in the Legacy Town Center, this film center consists of five scream cinemas on the first floor and a gourmet restaurant on the second floor. Serving craft cocktails, soups, salads, sandwiches, and other favorites, movie lovers can take food from the restaurant to the cinema for a fantastic viewing experience. 

• Pinstack - Plano: This bowling alley features 28 bowling lanes, a gourmet restaurant, and over 50,000 square feet of fun. A great place to bring your family and friends, Pinstack has arcade games, a rock-climbing wall, laser tag, and even a high ropes course. 

• Plano Balloon Festival: This annual festival takes place every September in Plano and is a three-day hot-air balloon celebration. Featuring parachute jumpers, inflatable rides for kids, local food, and live music, bring the family out to watch up to 45 hot air balloons grace the sky. 

• Whisky Cake - Plano: One of the top spots in the city for cocktails and creative bar food, this restaurant is open for extended hours during the week. From exotic dishes to unique whisky flavors, this is the spot to check out if you are looking for a good time.

Kings Ridge

An excellent place for families, the neighborhood of Kings Ridge is a fantastic option to consider due to its moderate prices and family-friendly atmosphere. Growing and expanding throughout the years, Kings Ridge is a competitive neighborhood that is continually developing. Full of single-family homes featuring multiple architectural styles, this neighborhood is a tight-knit community close to many top amenities. Residents can be seen participating in the many events and festivals put on by the neighborhood throughout the year.

Local Favorites:

• Kona Grill - Plano: Stop by this restaurant for American fare, steak, and seafood. Make sure to stay for happy hour. 

• Bulla Gastrobar: Serving Spanish tapas and cocktails with fantastic service. Try the Bulla Burger and the chef's cheese and meat board. 

• Bob's Steak and Chop House: This Texas steakhouse serves top-of-the-line meat and seafood in a high-end atmosphere. 

• Taverna Rossa: Found in Lakeside Market in Plano, this local pub is renowned for its pizza and cocktails. Plus, there are over 24 beers on tap. 

FAQ: Best Neighborhoods in Plano, TX

What is the best place to live in Plano, Texas?

Plano has many unique neighborhoods, but Wilow Bend is the top place to live.

Is it expensive to live in Plano, TX?

The cost of living in Plano is 21% higher than the national average. Remember that this varies greatly depending on your career, lifestyle, and preferences.

Is Plano, Texas, an excellent place to live with a family?

Plano is known as an excellent place for families as it is one of the safest cities in Texas.

The Best Neighborhoods in Plano, TX - The Bottom Line 

Making its way up to becoming one of the best places to live in Texas, Plano is an affluent area with plenty of things to do. With a cost of living that is slightly higher than living in Fort Worth, Plano has an abundance of safe neighborhoods and luxurious homes.

Before relocating to Plano, contact one of our knowledgeable and experienced Realty Specialists to aid and guide you through the home-buying process. With the help of our team, moving to Plano will be a smooth transition. Contact us today to find your dream home and neighborhood in Plano, Texas.