Dec 14, 2022

Plano, Texas – The Pros and Cons


Plano, Texas is located in the outskirts of the Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan area. With many people wanting a fresh start by moving to a new area, Plano is one place many people are moving to. 

With a population of over 288,000 people and an average household income of over $96,000, Plano is certainly a city to consider moving to. It’s a city with luxury, yet affordable housing and a laid-back, easy feel to it. Plano is known for its friendly people, offering the services you’d need or want, and providing great quality of life.

Here are some of the pros and cons of living in Plano.

Pros of Living in Plano, Texas

Here’s a list of the pros of living in Plano and why you might want to call it home:

  • Strong Economy and Great Job Opportunities 
  • Excellent Public Transportation
  • Great Housing Market
  • Strong Educational System
  • Good Neighborhoods and Community
  • Good Healthcare System
  • Shopping and Entertainment
Strong Economy and Great Job Opportunities

Texas is an economic powerhouse. And Plano has one of the strongest economies in Texas. That might be because of its location as it’s near Dallas and Fort Worth, strong business cities.

It’s pretty easy to find a job in Plano and one reason for that is the plethora of corporations. There are companies like Liberty Mutual, FedEx, Toyota, and many more. 

Job opportunities abound and the job market is expected to get even better. In fact, in the coming years, Plano’s job market is anticipated to increase by 44%.

And higher salaries and more jobs make the high cost of living in Plano irrelevant. So if you’re looking for a new job or wanting other employment opportunities, Plano is a great option.

Excellent Transportation

Some cities make it impossible to get around without having your own car. Not so in Plano. It has one of the best transit systems in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. It’s only about 20 minutes from downtown Dallas and 30 minutes from the Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport.

The public transportation in Plano is excellent. Dallas Area Rapid Transit provides transportation by light rail and public buses. So it isn’t necessary to have your own vehicle to get around. 

Not to mention, you’re only four hours or less away from almost anywhere in the continental US if you fly. That makes it easy to catch a short flight while not having to experience jet lag afterward.

Great Housing Market in Plano, Texas

The housing market in Plano is definitely a plus. Property values continue to remain high and the home values have risen by 1.7% recently.

The city is definitely a buyers market. Only about 39% of residents in Plano rent, which is understandable as the average rent is higher than in other parts of Dallas and its outskirts. So about 61% of residents own their homes. 

There are different sections of Plano where you can get different priced homes. For example, in East and West Plano, you will find more luxury homes, yet central Plano has more affordable housing. 

Strong Educational System

Every parent wants the very best for their children, especially concerning their education. And as far as education is concerned, Plano does not disappoint. 

Texas has invested a lot into its education system. They have a 97% literacy rate and their education is ranked #35 in the nation for K-12 and #31 for higher education. Education is something Texas takes seriously.

And Plano has some of the best schools in the state for K-12 and higher education.

Good Neighborhoods and Community

What good is having a nice, comfortable home if you can’t stand your neighborhood? That’s definitely not a problem for residents in Plano. The neighborhoods in Plano, Texas are some of the best. 

Plano has various options depending on what you are looking for. There is a general division of East, West, and Central Plano, in which each section of the city has different housing prices.

If you’re looking for a more affluent neighborhood, the West and East ends of the city include more luxury and high-end housing, have relatively low crime, and have some of the best school districts. The Central part of the city has more affordable housing. 

Good Health System

Health systems are not created equal across all states. But in Texas, and specifically in Plano, healthcare is given high priority. Plano is home to Baylor Scott & White Medical Center, which has an excellent cancer health and wellness center and is a certified level 1 comprehensive stroke center. 

There are other medical facilities that meet the health needs of the residents at a professional and expert level. One of which is Children’s Medical Center Plano, one of the largest pediatric healthcare centers in the nation. 

Senior citizens also have a variety of options for care centers. With a strong sense of family, hospitality and community, those in their twilight years are well cared for.

So whether you’re needing healthcare for a baby or a 100-year-old or anyone in between, Plano is a great place to receive that expert and friendly care.

Shopping and Entertainment

Shopping might be considered another sport in Plano, it’s that important. There are various shops where you can find pretty much anything you need right there in Plano.

Some of the shopping options are:

  • Collin Creek Plano
  • Shops at Willowbend
  • George’s Farmers Market
  • Downtown Plano
  • Art’s District

Entertainment in Plano is also far from lacking. Whether you enjoy going out on the lake, hiking on one of the many nature trails, or getting involved with athletics, Plano has it all. 

It even has a Nature and Retreat Center where people can have retreats and special events. The event center is a hidden gem of Plano and has the perfect indoor and outdoor atmosphere for any event. 

Cons of Living in Plano, Texas

Like anywhere, there are a few cons to living in Plano. Here’s a list of some of them:

  • Extreme Weather
  • Cost of Living
  • Rising House Prices
Extreme Weather

Summertime in Plano can be pretty unpleasant. It’s humid and hot. There are thunderstorms and hailstorms that take place in Spring, and the occasional severe weather like tornados. However, there is a great communication system in place to warn the residents of any severe weather.

So four months out of the year are hot and uncomfortable, but the rest of the year is ideal weather to spend time outdoors hiking, boating at the lake, or any other outdoor activity. 

Cost of Living in Plano, Texas

Almost everything costs money… food, clothes, cars and gas, electricity, water, etc. The list goes on and on. And one downside to living in Plano is the high cost of living. Some people think it’s too high to even consider living there.

Housing expenses are above the national average by about 28%. Yet, Plano is the most affordable city in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. People are flocking to it, which means it’s manageable. The pros outweigh the cost of living for most people moving to Plano. 

Rising House Prices

The population has rapidly increased with more than 200,000 people moving to the Dallas-Fort Worth area in the past year alone. 

With this rapid increase in population, they can’t build homes fast enough, which creates a limited inventory. This drives home prices up. So Plano isn’t the least expensive place to move to with houses starting in the $500,000 range. 

In Conclusion

Plano might be just the place for you. Yes, there are some cons. But there are so many more pros to living in Plano. Moving to Plano is definitely an idea worth pursuing.

If you’re thinking about it and want to jump on a call with us, click here to book a strategy session where we can answer your questions about Plano or anywhere else in Dallas.

CONNECT WITH LIVING IN DALLAS TEXAS TEAM

Ready to take the next step?

Let's schedule a meeting! During this initial consultation, we'll learn more about your situation and what you're seeking in a home. We'll provide advice and address any concerns you may have in order to determine the best approach to achieving your goals. By the end of our conversation, we'll have a solid plan of action and next steps for moving forward.

Schedule a Meeting
Photo of Levi & Travis, Founders of the Living in Dallas Texas Team

Connect with Living in Dallas Texas Team

Ready to take the next step?

Let's schedule a meeting! During this initial consultation, we'll learn more about your situation and what you're seeking in a home. We'll provide advice and address any concerns you may have in order to determine the best approach to achieving your goals. By the end of our conversation, we'll have a solid plan of action and next steps for moving forward.

Share by: