Moving to Plano

Situated within the dynamic Dallas–Fort Worth (DFW) Metroplex, Plano offers the best of both worlds: the excitement and opportunities of a major city coupled with the comfort of suburban living. This prime location provides residents easy access to diverse amenities, making it an ideal place to call home.

Connectivity is seamless in Plano, thanks to major highways and the Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) system. Whether you’re commuting for work or exploring the wider metroplex, getting around is convenient and efficient. Plano’s humid subtropical climate allows for year-round outdoor activities. Summers are hot, perfect for pool days and barbecues, while mild winters invite leisurely strolls and park visits.

Cost of living in Plano

Housing in Plano is relatively affordable, with costs around the national average. Compared to the city centre of Dallas, housing here is cheaper, although some other DFW suburbs might offer even lower prices. Utilities for an average-sized apartment are comparable to those in Dallas. Although groceries are similar, healthcare does come with a slight premium compared to the state average. Healthcare expenses such as doctor and dentist visits are up to 15 percent higher than in Dallas. 

One of the benefits of living in Plano is the relatively lower transport costs. Petrol prices are about 10 percent lower than in Dallas, which can add to significant savings.

Income levels in Plano are notably higher than the state average, and the median household income is significantly above the Texas median. Texas has no state income tax, making your earnings stretch even further.

Getting around in Plano

Driving is the most common mode of transport in Plano, with major highways like US Route 75, the Sam Rayburn Tollway and the President George Bush Turnpike providing excellent connectivity. Most residents find commuting by car convenient and efficient. Increasing vehicle traffic poses challenges, but ongoing improvements aim to maintain smooth travel.

Public transport is well-developed, with DART offering bus and light rail services. The Red Line and Orange Line trains connect Plano to Dallas, making it easy for residents to travel for work or leisure.

Cycling is popular in Plano, supported by 168 miles of on-street marked routes and three major off-street, shared-use paths. The city’s infrastructure encourages an active lifestyle, whether you’re cycling for fitness or commuting to work.

Useful links

• DART
• Visit Plano: Getting Around

Healthcare in Plano

Plano offers an impressive array of healthcare facilities. Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Plano has served the area since 1991, specialising in neurosurgery, stroke, heart and orthopaedic care. Medical City Plano, the largest hospital in Collin County, is renowned for its nursing excellence and advanced trauma and burn care, specialised stroke care, NICU and cancer treatment.

Have a look at our comprehensive guide to Understanding Health Insurance in the USA.

Useful links

• Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Plano
• Medical City Plano

Schools in Plano

The Plano Independent School District (PISD) is renowned for its educational excellence, serving over 49,000 students across over 75 schools. With a strong focus on college readiness, PISD has top-rated schools like Skaggs Elementary and Hughston Elementary. The district is noted for its diversity, with 70 percent minority enrollment and various special programmes to ensure student success. Frisco Independent School District (FISD) also serves parts of Plano, offering comprehensive education from pre-K to Grade 12.

For those considering private education, Plano offers plenty of private schools, and there's a notably higher percentage of students in private schools here than the state average. Notable institutions include the Einstein School and Prestonwood Christian Academy. Charter schools like BASIS Plano offer another excellent option, particularly for parents seeking a challenging curriculum.

While there aren't any international schools in Plano, families can find schools with international curricula in the broader DFW area. See Education and Schools in Dallas for more.

Useful links

• Plano Independent School District
• Frisco Independent School District

Weather in Plano

Located in northern Texas within Collin County, Plano experiences a humid subtropical climate characterised by hot summers and mild winters. 

Summer temperatures often soar between 90 and 100°F (32°C and 38°C) with high humidity, making air conditioning necessary and outdoor activities limited at times. Winters are relatively mild, with temperatures typically ranging from 35°F to 55°F (2°C to 13°C), although occasional cold fronts can bring freezing conditions. Rainfall in Plano is spread throughout the year, peaking in spring and fall.

Useful links

• TripReport: Climate and Weather in Texas

Working in Plano

Plano is a hub for key industries. The electronics sector is robust, with major companies like Raytheon and Flex contributing significantly. The software and IT industry also thrives here, home to firms such as Dialexa and McAfee, which offer roles for programmers, analysts and engineers. The energy sector in Plano features both renewable and nonrenewable sources. Prominent companies include Texakoma and Denbury Resources. Additionally, the city plays a vital role in game development, with significant contributions from companies like Bethesda Game Studios.

Plano’s work culture is inclusive and supportive, embracing diverse identities and experiences. Remote work is prevalent in the region, particularly in nearby Frisco, suggesting a strong remote work culture that likely extends to Plano. Many residents work locally, given the presence of numerous major companies, while others commute to different parts of the DFW metroplex.

Accommodation in Plano

The rental market in Plano is highly competitive, even compared to other areas in the DFW region. Plano’s high quality of life, excellent public schools and robust local economy make it a sought-after destination for renters.

Plano offers various property rentals, catering to different preferences and needs. Single-family homes are plentiful, with options ranging from cosy three-bedroom houses to larger four-bedroom properties. For those looking for modern living, high-end apartments and condos dominate the rental market, often coming with state-of-the-art amenities and located in well-maintained communities.

Timber Brook is an ideal place for families, and it is known for its affordability and strong community spirit. With over 80 percent of residents owning their homes, the neighbourhood offers stability and a family-friendly environment. Proximity to excellent schools and amenities like Oak Point Park makes it a top choice.

Lakeside on Preston is perfect for those seeking luxury and natural beauty. With five lakes and a 15-acre park, it offers scenic living. Homes often back up to the water, providing a serene backdrop. The area features top-rated schools and a variety of amenities, including walking trails and upscale shopping.

Kings Ridge offers a tight-knit community atmosphere with moderate home prices. The area is known for its family-friendly vibe and hosts various events and festivals.

The Estates of Forest Creek is renowned for its low crime rate and strong sense of community. With a high homeownership rate and excellent schools, it is a perfect spot for families. The neighbourhood is close to shopping and parks, making it convenient and safe.

Useful links

• Trulia - Plano Rentals
• Apartments.com - Plano Rentals

Lifestyle in Plano

Plano’s shopping scene is diverse and exciting. Historic Downtown Plano combines urban living with unique shops and galleries, while The Shops at Legacy brings a modern Texas heritage theme to its boutiques and dining spots. For upscale shopping, Lakeside Market and The Shops at Willow Bend offer everything from jewellery to high-end fashion in beautifully landscaped settings.

Pinstack is a must-visit entertainment complex, with a variety of activities from bowling and video games to rock climbing and laser tag. Arbor Hills Nature Preserve offers 200 acres of hiking, jogging and walking trails for nature lovers, where you can spot wildlife like armadillos and deer. Don’t miss the Plano Balloon Festival each September, a vibrant event with live music, food and tethered balloon rides.

Plano offers a vibrant cultural scene, starting with the Downtown Plano Arts District. Stroll along charming brick streets lined with art galleries, boutiques and historic buildings. This area is a hub for live music and theatre performances.

For a glimpse into the past, visit the Heritage Farmstead Museum. This living history museum showcases life on the Blackland Prairie in the 1800s, featuring the 1892 Farrell-Wilson House and other period exhibits. Families will enjoy the Crayola Experience, a massive attraction offering creative activities like making your own crayons and seeing how they’re made.

Outdoor enthusiasts will love Plano’s extensive parks and nature preserves. Oak Point Park and Nature Preserve, the city’s largest park, boasts 800 acres of trails, an amphitheatre and the Go Ape Treetop Adventure Course. Arbor Hills Nature Preserve offers 200 acres for hiking, biking and wildlife viewing. Bob Woodruff Park and Big Lake Park provide additional options for sports, fishing and leisurely walks.

In terms of nightlife, Downtown Plano is perfect for those who enjoy historic charm with a modern twist. The area is packed with bars, restaurants, and art galleries. The Shops at Legacy is an upscale destination, ideal for a trendy night out. Legacy West, a newer development, boasts hip bars and eateries perfect for an upscale evening. Granite Park offers a more relaxed vibe with laid-back bars and taverns. 

Plano is home to the Plano Sports Authority (PSA), one of Texas’s largest youth sports organisations. Annually, Plano hosts more than 250 team tournaments across various sports, drawing teams and spectators from all over. Soccer is particularly popular, with the Plano Youth Soccer Association hosting the Labor Day Invitational, one of the largest youth soccer tournaments in the country.