The Pros and Cons of living in Plano, Texas include its low crime rate, excellent school districts, and a vibrant economy, while some cons may include high cost of living and heavy traffic congestion.
In pursuit of a new home? Plano, Texas might just capture your heart.
With an active local economy, excellent schools, and a wealth of recreational activities, it’s a hot ticket for even the most discerning homebuyer.
Still, every silver lining has a cloud. Let’s navigate the pros and cons of living in Plano, Texas at present.
I have put together a comprehensive home buyer’s guide just for you.
Pros of living in Plano, Texas
Excellent Job Opportunities
A primary draw to Plano, Texas is the extensive job opportunities available. It serves as a hub for many national and multinational corporations, such as Toyota, Liberty Mutual Insurance, and JCPenney.
The diversity in employment here makes it a haven for job seekers of all industries.
High Quality Education
Parents can breathe easy in Plano, known for its excellent public education system.
The Plano Independent School District is regularly applauded for its high performance, providing children with a strong academic foundation and extracurricular activities.
Plentiful Recreation
One thing you won’t run out of in Plano is recreational opportunities.
From outdoor parks to an array of shopping and dining options, there is always something to engage residents. Oak Point Park and Nature Reserve and Arbor Hills Nature Preserve are major attractions, perfect for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
Your next Dreamhome could be in Plano, TX! Take a look at the homes for sale. If I can help, please let me know.
Cons of living in Plano
Higher Cost of Living
With high job availability comes a higher cost of living. While Plano’s cost of living is lower than the national average, it is higher than the Texas average.
Expect to pay more for housing, groceries, and utilities compared to other regions in Texas.
Traffic Congestion
Like many thriving cities, Plano does encounter challenges with traffic congestion.
The city is making efforts to mitigate traffic demands, but rush hour commutes still require an extra dose of patience.
Hot Summers
Texas is famous for its high summer temperatures, and Plano is no exception. During peak summer, temperatures can rise above 100 degrees.
Though air conditioning is ubiquitous here, if you’re not a fan of intense heat, this might be a con to consider.
Diverse Dining in Plano, Texas
While discussing North DFW living, it’s meaningful to highlights some local gems:
Suburban Yacht Club: If you’re a fan of Baja-style plates, you gotta check out this spot opened in the summer of 2021 by Brian Luscher, co-owner of The Grape. Their Flamin’ Hot Cheetos elote is a must-try, alongside green curry red snapper and short rib quesabirria- Yum!
Mexican Sugar: Are you in the mood for Mexican food with worldly inspiration? The original Mexican Sugar location in Plano won’t disappoint. Of course, they have tacos, enchiladas, and fajitas, but their bone-in pork chop, mesquite-grilled salmon, and seafood paella will surely hit the spot. Don’t forget to try one of their agave flights at some point!
Board Bites: This Lebanese street food joint is a local favorite. Their chicken shawarma, beef kafta, and gyros are unbeatable, along with baba ghanoush and fattoush salads. Make sure to stop by for a taste.
Whiskey Cake Kitchen & Bar: With fresh farm food and a mesquite wood grill, this spot (which started in Plano) has a lot to offer. You can’t go wrong with their signature rotisserie farm bird or their whiskey cake for dessert.
Burnt Bbq & Tacos: Tacos: Love barbecue and tacos? How about both? Burnt BBQ & Tacos offers generous portions of both specialties. You can’t go wrong with their Navajo fry bread taco or their pulled pork – try them both!
Terra Mediterranean: For the best Mediterranean food in Plano, check out Terra Mediterranean, created by brothers Adam and Jalal Chanaa. They have an excellent lunch buffet, as well as dinner plates featuring kabobs, lamb chops, oven-roasted trout, and moussaka.
Urban Crust: If you’re in the mood for pizza and a great view, head to Urban Crust in Downtown Plano. Their wood-fired oven pizzas are fantastic, and their pasta and cocktails are definitely worth a try.
Pangea Restaurant & Bar: Craving seafood? Pangea Restaurant & Bar is the place to be in Plano. Chef Kevin Ashade’s crab stuffed shrimp, Texas redfish, and blackened catfish are all must-tries, along with their five cheese mac and cheese and Not Your Mama’s Greens.
Fun things to do in Plano, Texas
There are many fun things to do in Plano, Texas, including parks, museums, and amusement centers.
Arbor Hills Nature Preserve: Located on the western border of Plano, Arbor Hills Nature Preserve is a 200-acre park featuring vast areas of natural beauty for walking, jogging, hiking, orienteering, and other outdoor activity. The preserve has a natural biofilter for cleaning surface run-off from the parking lot before it re-enters the groundwater tables. The observation tower gives a spectacular view of the city.
Oak Point Park and Nature Preserve: Oak Point Park and Nature Preserve, Plano’s largest park, is 800 acres and extends from Parker Road on the south to Chaparral Road on the north and from Spring Creek Parkway on the west to Los Rios Boulevard on the east. The park boasts nearly eight miles of concrete trails and five miles of soft surface trails located along Rowlett Creek. Nature trails are open from sunrise to sunset daily.
Interurban Railway Museum: he museum is free to visit and is located in a historic train station. It houses artifacts from a historic electric railway line.
White Rock Trail Park: White Rock Lake is a 1,015 acre city lake located approximately 5 miles northeast of downtown Dallas. White Rock is one of the most heavily used parks in the Dallas Park system and is the location of many special events and runs. White Rock Lake offers a variety of active and passive activity options and is one of the best places to experience natural areas and wildlife in an urban setting.
Heritage Farmstead Museum: This living history museum provides a peek into life on the Blackland Prairie during the late 19th century. Complete with a 14-room Victorian home and several outbuildings, it’s a lovely journey into the past.
Shops at Legacy: Get your shopping fix and enjoy a variety of restaurants, boutiques, and entertainment venues in a beautifully maintained setting.
I would be thrilled to help you with any of your real estate needs. Whether you’re looking to buy, sell, or just need some guidance, I’m here to assist you every step of the way.
Plano, Texas Pros and Cons Wrap Up
The decision to choose Plano as your home involves weighing the pros and cons based on your personal priorities.
If you’re still unsure, Lewisville and Carrollton are viable alternatives with their own sets of merits. And remember, any questions can be directed to me, Sherien Joyner, for the best real estate solutions in North Dallas, Texas.
