Plano, TX
Only a 30-minute drive north of Dallas, Plano has one of the hottest housing markets in one of the nation’s hottest states. This populous Texan city has a whole lot to love, including a highly-ranked school system, low crime rates, and a sizzling job market. True, the homes in Plano are slightly above the national average, but you are paying for above-average amenities.
The two top reasons many families settle in Plano are safety and education. Typically, Plano has annual crime figures that are well below the national average. This city is also well respected for its strong K-12 school curriculum. Plus, there are many prestigious colleges like the University of North Texas and Southern Methodist University around Plano.
Another positive for Plano is that it’s incredibly business-friendly. Anyone involved in the IT sector shouldn’t have a difficult time finding a position in or around Plano. The Dallas-Fort Worth metro area also has a big reputation in the healthcare industry. Just a few of the major corporations that have headquarters in or near Plano include Dr. Pepper Snapple Group, FedEx, Toyota Motor, Huawei, and Frito-Lay.
But it’s not all business in the Lone Star city. Plano has numerous public parks where you could enjoy a picnic, take the dog for a walk, or go for a jog. Plano’s proximity to Dallas-Fort Worth also means you’ll enjoy easy access to an eclectic array of restaurants and world-class entertainment. As a bonus, Plano hosts the world-famous Hot Air Balloon Festival every autumn.
To help Plano’s residents get to and from work, Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) now offers light rail service from Downtown Plano Station. You could quickly get to major attractions like the Dallas Zoo and Convention Center using DART’s service. Plano also has two bus services in the city: one on the city’s eastern edge and the other to the west. In terms of air travel, Plano is a short drive from one of the world's busiest airports: Dallas-Fort Worth International.
As you might’ve already guessed, Plano is well known for its hot & humid weather. Average summertime highs are usually well above 90° F, so be sure you can “handle the heat” before heading into town. Residents of Plano also need to be on high alert for severe hurricanes, hail, and tornadoes. The rainiest months of the year are usually in the spring and autumn.
Bottom line: Plano is a family-friendly city that routinely enjoys high livability scores in terms of crime, education, entertainment, and job opportunities. While the house prices are higher than other cities in Texas, the world-class amenities are significant enough draws for new homebuyers.