Living in Plano, Texas 

Are you moving to Plano, TX? Here is why you should make Plano your new home.

Plano, Texas, is a relatively small city in Collin and Denton County in northern Texas. Within a thirty-minute drive to the Dallas and Fort Worth metropolitan area, Plano is the perfect destination for employment opportunities and entertainment. Currently, home to a population of around 284,579 residents, the city is consistently growing and changing. Offering its residents a perfect mixture of urban and suburban living, Plano is an excellent place to live and is on its way to becoming one of the best places to live in Texas. 

Best known for its fantastic quality of life, thriving job market, and pleasant weather, it is no wonder why so many young professionals, families, and retirees are deciding to call Plano home. Recognized as one of the "happiest cities" in the nation, Plano is full of top restaurants, coffee shops, nature trails, prime real estate, and outdoor spaces. If you have always wanted to move to Texas, you might want to consider relocating to Plano. While moving can often be stressful and overwhelming, this guide was created to make your transition to Plano go as smoothly as possible.

With that being said, read on to learn more about the 10 Things to Know BEFORE Moving to Plano, Texas!

Plano is super safe.

Safety is an essential factor to consider when moving; luckily, Plano provides just that. Thanks to a recent study, Plano was ranked as one of the safest cities in the country and has even come in third place in the nation for safety. The total crime rate is 28% lower than the national average. This high safety rating was determined due to several indicators, including frequency of violent crime, property crime, traffic incidents, hate crimes, risk of natural disaster, and even the percentage of uninsured residents. 

So you might be wondering, how can Plano maintain such a high level of safety? Not only is the local police department highly trained and prepared, but the city is a tightly knit community that values keeping the area as safe as possible. The residents of Plano understand the importance of fostering a safe community and are actively involved in a community watch to prevent crime in the local neighborhoods.

Excellent cost of living.

Plano is considered one of the most affordable cities near the Dallas and Fort Worth metropolitan areas. Compared to other large cities in the United States, living in Plano will get you more for your money. While the cost of living in Plano might be 21% higher than the national average, it is undoubtedly less expensive than living in San Francisco or Los Angeles. Plus, with no state income tax, residents can save even more. Utility costs in Plano are 2% lower than the national average, while transportation costs are 4% higher. The minimum wage is $7.25 an hour, while an excellent average salary to live comfortably in the city is $78,348 annually.

Affordable housing.

While the cost of living may be slightly higher than the national average, Plano is known for its relatively affordable housing and low property taxes. Plano was named one of the best cities in the United States to buy a home and invest. Even though the home prices in the area have been increasing over the past few years due to a competitive housing market, Plano is still an affordable and renter-friendly place to live. Plano is full of many amazing neighborhoods.

Sought after by many homebuyers, the demand for housing is starting to outweigh the supply of available real estate. This may mean that future homebuyers may see themselves in a bidding war to ensure the home of their dreams.

Steller job market.

Before the onslaught of the COVID-19 Pandemic, Plano, Texas, was ranked as the number two city in the nation for jobs. Much like the rest of the country and the world, Plano is getting back on its feet and is undergoing an economic resurgence. Known to be an affluent area, Plano is home to multiple Fortune 500 companies and over 10,000 flourishing businesses. While the unemployment rate still may be low after long periods of quarantine and shutdowns, as of May 2021, over 15,900 jobs were brought to the area. 

Home to multiple economic sectors, the top industry leaders in Plano include healthcare, electronics, software, game development, energy, manufacturing, and finance. Some of the top employers in the area are JP Morgan Chase, Capital One Finance, Bank of America, Toyota, McAfee, Frito Lay, Intuit, and Electronic Data Systems. If you are moving to Plano and searching for a job, you will not be looking for long.

The weather is beautiful.

Plano, Texas, is considered to have a warm and temperate climate. Residents here can expect hot and humid summers alongside cold and windy winters. The weather remains partly cloudy pretty much all year round. Locals often compare the weather in Plano to the climate in California due to its designated rainy season and many sunny days throughout the year.

In the summer, August is the hottest month, with an average high temperature of 94 degrees Fahrenheit. Meanwhile, during the winter, January is the coldest month of the year, with an average low nightly temperature of 32 degrees Fahrenheit. Plano receives around 40 inches of rain annually, above the national average of 38 inches, and there are 229 sunny days annually. Plano only gets an average of 2 inches of snow per year, if any, so pack a jacket and maybe an ice scraper.

While Plano may have pretty moderate weather, the city is located on the south end of Tornado Alley. Known to have a high risk of tornado activity, the city receives around three tornados yearly, which can cause severe property damage and pose safety trouble to residents. Having experienced 175 total tornadoes since 1950, Plano is no stranger to this weather phenomenon. Most frequently, during April, May, and June, more tornadoes have occurred in Texas than in any other state. To protect yourself and your loved ones from possible tornadoes, it is essential to have a safety plan in place and always be aware of the weather.

Plano is well-educated.

Are you moving to Plano with school-aged children? Then you are in luck! Plano takes education very seriously and is home to many top-rated schools. The Plano Independent School District has received a nine out of ten rating based on high test scores and continues to impress its locals and surrounding communities. With a total of 67 schools located in the district, 44 are elementary schools, 13 are middle schools, six are high schools, and three are senior high schools. Some of the top schools in the area include Wyatt Elementary School, Fowler Middle School, Plano East High School, and Plano Senior High School. Before moving, it might be a good idea to figure out which neighborhoods feed into the schools you want your children to attend.

If you are interested in higher education opportunities, Plano also has plenty of those. Home to 29 colleges in the area; 21 are private universities, two are public institutions, and six are community colleges. No matter what degree you are studying for, Plano has a school for it. The University of Texas at Dallas is the most popular in the area. If you do not mind the commute and want to explore other educational options in Texas, one of the best things about your new Plano residency is in-state tuition status. 

Great public transportation.

While multiple neighborhoods and city blocks may be walkable, a car is necessary when living in Texas. Since Plano is so spread out, much like the rest of the state, traveling around the city is most easily accessible by vehicle; while cars may be the most popular option among residents, the transportation system in Plano is an excellent backup or vote for those who choose not to own a car. 

Public transportation beats rush hour traffic, and multiple transportation options can take you to and from the city center. The DART system, for the Dallas Area Rapid Transit, is a train line, bus system, and rideshare service that serves the Plano area and 12 other neighboring cities. The train line, in particular, runs straight into the middle of Downtown Dallas and even to the Dallas Fort Worth International Airport. Traveling around the city could not be any easier. 

There are tons of events to attend.

While Plano may seem like a small town, it is the ninth-largest city in Texas. Part of the reason why this welcoming and lively community looks so tiny is that it prioritizes meetups and events throughout the year to bring everyone together. Hosting various festivals, fairs, and sporting events, there is no better place to get to know your neighbors. Whether you like to learn about a new culture, try fresh foods, or listen to live music, there is a festival and event in Plano for everyone to enjoy.

Check out some of these local favorite events in Plano, Texas!

• Plano Farmer's Market: Purchase local produce and homemade goodies at this farmers market hosted on select weekends from nine in the morning to six in the afternoon. Local homemade jams, salsa, and tamales are popular items purchased. 

• Plano Music and Arts Festival: Hosted on select weekends during October, this music festival features live outdoor concerts, art displays, a car show, a motorcycle show, local cuisine, and plenty of beer. 

• Plano Food and Wine Festival: Walk around this festival to enjoy great food from local vendors and award-winning wine from over 30 vineyards. 

• Plano's Summer Art Camp: This four-day summer art camp is excellent for your children to learn all about art and creative expression.

Spend the day outdoors.

If you want a break from the hustle and bustle of city life, then you might want to explore one of the many parks and nature preserves that Plano offers. Plano is home to 85 parks and over 98 miles of recreational trails.

Check out these local favorite parks and outdoor areas in Plano, Texas! 

• Arbor Hills Nature Preserve: This 200-acre park has six miles of hiking and 2.8 miles of off-road bike trails. There are even picnic areas and a playground.  

• Big Lake Park: Featuring hiking and biking trails, wildlife viewing, and paddling in the lake. 

• Shawnee Park: Bordering a small lake, this park features a fishing pier and an extensive disc golf course. 

• Bluebonnet Trail Greenbelt: This 8.3-mile walking trail runs all over town and is a great place to work out.

There are many things to do.

If spending time outdoors hiking is not your idea of a good time, then Plano has a variety of other excellent activities to enjoy. Whether you like to attend an art gallery, museum, or historical site, there is plenty to do while living in Plano, Texas. Whether you are looking for family-friendly activities or a place for your next date night, you will never run out of things to do. 

Check out these local favorite things to do in Plano, Texas!

• The Texas Pool: Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this public pool is shaped in Texas. 

• PINSTACK Plano: Featuring a bowling alley, laser tag, arcade games, and a bar and grill. 

• Jurassic World the Exhibition: Great for all ages, this interactive experience features immersive scenes from the famous film. 

• NorthBark Dog Park: This off-leash dog park is excellent for bringing furry friends. There is even a lake area that they can swim in.

Pros and Cons of Living in Plano, TX

Pros:

• Plenty of sunshine
• Good public transportation
• Strong economy
• No state income tax
• High diversity

Cons:

• Lack of nightlife
• High housing prices
• Extreme weather
• Heavy traffic
• High property tax

FAQ: Moving to Plano, TX

Here are some commonly asked questions about moving to Plano, TX.

Why are people moving to Plano?

Most people move to Plano for the fantastic public schools, low crime rates, and fun amenities. Plano was ranked #3 for Best Cities to Raise a Family in America. 

What is Plano, TX, known for?

Plano has grown exponentially into a bustling city known for its booming economy, friendly community, and excellent quality of life. 

Is Plano expensive to live in?

Plano is moderately costly, with the cost of living 21% higher than the national average, mainly due to the high housing costs. 

Moving to Plano, TX - The Bottom Line

Named the third-best city in the country to raise a family, Plano is a safe community with many great neighborhoods and a fantastic public school system. The city has also been the home to multiple celebrities, including Lance Armstrong and Steve Harvey. Whether you are moving to Plano, Texas, for a new business opportunity or simply for a change of scenery, Plano awaits your arrival. Before moving to the area, reach out to one of our knowledgeable and friendly Realty Specialists to answer any questions you may have while guiding you through the home-buying process. Once you have decided on a budget and property type, our team will accompany you on your home-buying journey. Contact us today to find your dream home in Plano, Texas.