Thinking of moving to Plano, TX? Here’s why you should call it home!
We’re about to rattle off 12 reasons to move to Plano (and, believe us, this article all but wrote itself). But, first, let’s discuss Texas as a whole. Recently, Texas was ranked number two in the nation for relocation.
Once people visit us, they quickly see why. We’ve got it all: major cities, the hill country, lush East Texas, the deserts of West Texas, and the Gulf Coast shorelines.
The standard of living is strong; the unemployment rate is low (minus the confusion COVID ushered in); and the people are laid back and spectacular.
But, Plano is kind of like the cherry on the Texas sundae. It’s highly-ranked for something very important: its school system. The median home value is astonishingly low and the well of cultural activities never runs dry.
If you’re thinking about moving to Plano, you’re onto something really good. We’re pleased to hand-deliver the lowdown on life in Plano, Texas with 12 easy points.
1. Access to Multiple Downtowns
Given Plano’s proximity to the Dallas/Fort Worth area, you’re going to have access to two major metropolises. Plano itself has a vibrant downtown (which we’ll dip into in just a moment).
But, then you also have Dallas and nearby Fort Worth. This opens up the floodgates for employment opportunities and cultural enrichment.
But, let’s take a moment to discuss the greater Dallas/Fort Worth area. Within driving distance, you have a wonderful cluster of neighboring cities. There’s a tiny gem called Garland that shimmers and shines with all its 1900s charm.
There’s Frisco with its old town feel and clean-as-a-whistle color. Highland Park is where the million-dollar homes are perched. And Carrolton is where you go for authentic Jamaican food and other “hole in the wall” treasure troves.
So, you’re positioned next to two major cities, but also a smattering of smaller cities to fall in love with. There will never be a dull moment or a missed opportunity to join a new church, volunteer for a new organization, or stroll through art galleries, museums, and outdoor lakes and parks.
2. The Restaurant Scene Is Fantastic
What’s your favorite cuisine? Ten bucks says you’re going to find it in Plano. When we’re in the mood for Italian, we take the drive over to Plano for Maggiano’s Little Italy.
You don’t even have to take our word for it. When you Google the address, you’ll see over 2,200 4.5 star reviews!
Another popular spot is the Bavarian Grill when you’re in the mood for some bratwurst and beer. The Fish Shack over on 15th Street is where you’ll want to go to satiate your hankering for some oysters.
Lavendou Bistro Provincial is our date night spot when we want to impress our ladies. And, finally, Bulla Gastrobar is the spot for a little Spanish flair.
But, you probably get the point by now. It may sound silly, but food is definitely one of the best things to do in Plano. If you’re a foodie, you won’t be suffering in Plano and you won’t even have to go into Dallas to find something cutting edge and fabulous.
3. There Are Tons of Events
Plano is by no means a small city. But, what gives it a nice bit of smalltown charm is its endless array of events. One of our favorite events is the Heirloom Tomato Fest at Cru Food.
The kiddos also enjoy Plano’s Summer Art camp, which typically lasts for four days. You’ll also find drive-in summer concerts, farmers’ markets, golf workshops (over at Craig Ranch), and – perhaps best of all – a Nerf war for parents (also at Craig Ranch).
If you want to get the family out and about in Plano, it’s not going to be hard. We like to dip into the Plano Farmers Market every Sunday from 10 am – 2 pm. The fresh produce is drool-worthy and the prices will never be beat at any of your local HEB stores.
4. There Are Plenty of Parks
If the downtown scene isn’t your speed, but recreational parks and trails are, then Plano still has it made in the shade. There are two nature preserves we love visiting: Arbor Hills and Oak Point. We like to take the bikes out to Arbor Hills with all its paved paths.
Then, you have Bob Woodruff Park, which is where you’ll go when you want to picnic your Saturdays away. Connemara Conservancy is also beautiful, quiet, and peaceful. But, these are only three of the – wait for it – 70 parks in Plano.
You can easily get lost in your hunt for the perfect park spot. There’s also an extensive trail system in and around each of these wonderful oases. Fido can be included in the fun, too. There’s an off-leash dog park called the Jack Carter Dog Park for everyone to enjoy.
5. The Population Is Just Right
There are 288,539 people living in Plano right now. To us, that’s just the right size. It allows residents to enjoy the downtown area without feeling like they’re about to get mowed off the sidewalk.
You can also walk into local shops and, as you become a regular, people will start to know you by name. It’s large enough where you aren’t forced into small talk every time you go to the grocery store, but small enough to feel comfortable and easily become involved in the community.
6. The Crime Rates Are Low
We’re about to hear the bells go ding, ding, ding as we discuss the crime rates, school system, and housing market. So, let’s start with the crime rate. We like to scout out cities using Area Vibes.
According to them, Plano scores nicely with an A-. Their total crime is reported to be 28% lower than the national average. And, as for their violent crimes, that’s 64% lower than the national average.
7. The School System Is Stellar
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.
This, of course, doesn’t include the private academies, Christian academies, charter schools, and Montessori schools. Including daycares and preschools, there are 49 more options for you and your family to consider. That makes over 100 schools, many with great ratings, to consider for your little ones’ educations.
8. The Job Market’s Doing Okay
We say “okay” because of the dreaded after-effects of COVID. Prior to COVID, however, the numbers speak for themselves. Plano was ranked the #2 city in the United States for jobs. Now, that’s impressive.
The trouble is, we’re not sure how the virus has skewed these numbers. Still, when the pandemic finally releases us from its grips, wouldn’t it be nice to be well-positioned in the number two city in the country?
Several heavy-hitters have placed their headquarters in Plano, from Bank of America, to Hewlett Packard, to FedEx, JCPenney, Pepsi, and more.
Of course, you also have access to all the other major cities with a multitude of corporate headquarters like Irving, Dallas, Fort Worth, and Arlington.
9. The Housing Is Affordable
When you consider the fact that Plano has everything at its fingertips, the median home value is quite astonishing. High-scale stores abound; the school system is stellar; and it’s a low crime, well-kept city.
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.
With its access to highways, downtown Dallas, every store under the sun, and nature, it’s quite reassuring to know living in Plano might not break the bank.
10. It Blends History & Modernity
Beautiful downtown Plano is historic and memorable. But, you also have your major malls and shopping centers. So, nothing is out of reach.
Historic downtown Plano is located on the east side of the city. This is where the baristas and small business owners will get to know you by name.
One of the most popular shops in historic Plano is Sweet Home Bath + Body. They focus on healthy alternatives to commercial bath and body products and people all but eat it up.
Holman Pottery is the place to go for handcrafted pieces for your home. The Feathered Nest is for all your home decor desires. And, when it’s time to refuel, 1418 Coffeehouse on K Avenue is the place that can’t be beat.
Then, you have other areas that are more built up like the Shops at Willow Bend, Legacy West, and the Shops at Legacy. Here, you’ll find all your name brand stores for clothing, accessories, office supplies, and home goods.
It’ll be easy to pick up a new suit for your days at the office, or a new picnic basket for your weekends in the park. No desire is left unfulfilled and virtually anything you need is no more than a quick zip in the car.
11. The Transportation System Is Tops
That five o’clock traffic in and out of Dallas can be daunting at times. But, there’s a train line that takes you straight into downtown Dallas, if that’s where you end up working. The system is called DART and they have plenty of fare options.
The same train line can also take you to the Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW) airport. Which, by the way, hello international travel! DFW is the third largest airport in the United States.
It’s highly trafficked with service to 260 destinations, including 67 international cities and 193 domestic cities.
12. It Has California Weather
Can you believe Plano has 300 days of sunshine? This is a little surprising because Texas definitely has its own rainy season. But, Plano seems to shirk the showers with its overwhelming abundance of sunny days.
Plano is well-positioned in the lush lands of northeast Texas. And the only time things get a little dreary and possibly call for a winter jacket is during the months of November, December, and January.
Apart from that, it’s summer wear in East Texas. The weather also lends itself well to gardening, if that’s your cup of tea, and an ability to maximize your love of the outdoors.
The investment in a boat will make a lot more sense, as will those thoughts of family vacations out on a local campground. In fact, living in Plano all but demands this type of lifestyle.
All the Right Reasons to Move to Plano
So, which one of these reasons to move to Plano struck a cord? Living in Plano, Texas kind of seems like a shoo-in, doesn’t it? Surely, that crime rate is noteworthy.
Then, you have their school system to consider, the affordable housing market, and the wealth of community activities going on. When you’re ready to take the plunge, we hope you’ll give us a call.
Here at Around the Block Moving, we’ve been helping families settle into their new homes for 27 years. We’re fully licensed, maintain an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, and serve all of North Texas and Dallas-Fort Worth.
We operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week, offer local and long-distance services, packing and unpacking services, free boxes with a guaranteed quote, and more.
For a free moving estimate, feel free to reach out to us today. Allow us to take the ball and add your family’s name to our long list of families who have chosen the Dallas/Fort Worth area for their happily-ever-after.
