Firstly why Plano, Texas?

I’ll start with some quick stats and an overview:

• City: Plano
• State: Texas
• Population: 291,720 people
• Plano’s quick summary would be Recognized for its thriving corporate headquarters, vibrant downtown area, and the extensive Arbor Hills Nature Preserve.

Some people I know rave about this place, others say it’s on the upswing or going through changes. Check out these migration details:

• How many people move-in: 25,000 annually
• While this many move-out: 30,000 annually
• Net Migration: -5000 less people annual change
• Non-Citizen Move-in: 6,000
• Number of Homeless people: 600

You might wonder why people choose to move here, I’d say generally because it features a strong economy and excellent schools attracting families

Perk #1: Plano Demographic Mix & Lifestyle

• The percentage of Residents Age 30–50 is about 36%
• Percentage of Home Ownership is hovering around 69%
• Largest Local Ethnic Group is Asian
• The 2nd Largest Ethnic Group is mostly White
• The median income is (and growing)  $88,000
• Income Required to Live Comfortably in Plano is $85,000
• Average Extra Spending Money after paying bills yearly is approx. $-3000 in negative cash flow

This and any cities local population can be a real melting pot—or sometimes it’s more homogeneous, depending on the area. Ask yourself: would you enjoy a bustling community with diverse backgrounds, or do you prefer a quieter, tight-knit vibe?

Perk #2: Housing & Plano’s Cost of Living

• Cost of Living Index: 100 (100 is the US average)
• Annual Property Tax Per House: $3,294
• Property Tax %: 2.19%
• Rent for an average 2BD Apartment: $1,400
• Rent for an average house: $2,300
• Popular and Expensive Neighborhood: Plano
• Top 5 Growing Areas: Plano, Frisco, Allen, McKinney, and probably could include Richardson
• Avg. Age of Homes in Plano: 27 years
• The Percentage of Realtors per 100 people here: 1.9%

If the cost-of-living index is low, you might find a place without selling your kidney. If it’s high, well, you’ll need to budget carefully. Some income earners thrive in pricey markets, others prefer less financially stressful areas.

Perk #3: Job Market & Plano’s Economy

• 3 Industries gaining traction in Plano are  Technology, Retail, and Healthcare
• Plano Job Scene: growing job market centered on tech and finance
• The General Tech Scene: growing tech landscape focused on information technology and corporate innovation , ,
• Plano Resident’s pay $1,300 in City Tax alone!
• Local Sales Tax in Plano: 8.25%
• No. of Independent Businesses: 130 (excluding chains and corporates)
• Number of Local Branch Banks: 10

Maybe you’re a go-getter in finance, tech, or healthcare. Or you’d rather open a mom-and-pop shop. Either way, it’s worth checking if the local industries align with your skill set—or if you’re game to try something new.

Perk #4: Transportation & Commuting in Plano

• Monthly Transportation Costs: $110 on average per person
• Freeway Access: I-75 runs through Plano facilitating north-south mobility
• Commute Time: 25 minutes (public & private)
• Main Evening Traffic Area: heavy traffic on Parker Road
• Transportation Score: 50 out of 100 described as Good Transit
• No. of Vehicles Registered in Plano: 220,000
• Cars registered per Person: 0.8
• No. of Car Washes: 7 in and around the city
• DMV Website for Plano: txdmv.gov
• The Bike-Friendly Score: 63 of 100
• Local Airport: Dallas Love Field

Is a 15-minute commute your dream, or is 45 minutes stuck on the freeway a dealbreaker? If you can handle traffic or love public transit, this might be perfect. If not, brace yourself with a killer podcast lineup.

Perk #5: Plano’s Weather & Natural Factors

• The Most Common Natural Disaster is Tornadoes
• General Weather in Plano is best described as experiences hot humid summers and mild winters with low precipitation
• Winter Weather in Plano i’d describe as mild with sunny skies
• Spring Weather in Plano can be described as warm and humid
• Summer’s in Plano are mostly hot and humid
• Fall ( the nicest time) in Plano is usually warm and sunny
• How many days in a row over 90°F: 18 days in summer
• Days in a row in Plano below Freezing: 0
• Average Annual Rainfall: 40 inches
• Summer Air Quality is usually good air quality generally supported by environmental efforts
• Plano Winter Air generally good air quality with local pollution sources

Do you live for sunny skies? Or maybe you can’t stand humidity. Some relish snowy winters; others run south at the first snowflake. And if hurricanes, tornadoes, or earthquakes are part of the package, put all that into your consideration matrix.

Perk #6: Plano Education & Schools

• The GreatSchools.org City Rating:
• Number of Colleges and Universities in Plano 5
• While the number of trade schools inside Planos’s city limits are 3
• Library that I have visited and enjoyed is the Plano Public Library

If you’ve got kids—or you’re looking to further your own education—solid school ratings and local colleges can be a huge perk. If not, hey, a good library have more gems that you didn’t know existed, check it out.

Perk #7: Healthcare & Plano Stats

• Typical EMS Response Time: 8 minutes
• Registered Full-Time Plano only Doctors is about 100
• Local Hospitals here is  7
• Full-time Plano only Police Officers is about 320
• Crime Rate Index: 30/100

Medical facilities could be important to you and who knows it could be related to the crime stats. Again some stats that are worth considering.

Perk #8: Utilities, Gyms & Water Quality

• Plano’s Monthly utility bill average is $110
• Plano’s Monthly Gym Membership: $45
• Plano’s Water Quality Score: 75

Some of us freak out if water tastes off, others don’t mind. Gym buffs will appreciate a cheap membership; others prefer running outside for free. Check if these monthly costs fit inside your realistic lifestyle.

Perk #9: Events, Festivals & Vibe in Plano

• Approx number of Festivals the city puts on is 10 annually
• The General Local City Vibe: suburb known for its shopping and business-friendly environment
• You might enjoy live events at the Plano Event Center
• Nightlife Scene (yes this is completely subjective), Plano  has a lively nightlife scene with an array of bars restaurants and entertainment appealing to young professionals

If you love a lively social calendar—fairs, concerts, maybe the odd chili cook-off—this is your jam. If crowds make you itch, you might only show up for the funnel cakes.

Perk #10: The Food, Sports & Culture of Plano

• The Objective Restaurant Scene Includes a variety of local restaurants and chain dining options
• The Number of Independent Restaurants are 70 scattered around Plano
• The Popular Sports Team is Local PickleBall Champs
• Top Level Political Climate in Plano can be described as suburban area with a mix of conservative and progressive values
• Plano’s Longer standing religious establishment is Christ Fellowship Church

Whether you’re a foodie wanting fancy cuisine or a sports nut who can’t miss the local team’s home game, see if your interests line up with what the city offers.

Perk #11: Plano Parks & Green Spaces

• Did you know Plano has 40 Parks?
• Oak Point Park is Plano’s Green Space Center
• The local favorite Farmers Market is Plano Farmers Market normally open Saturday 9am-1pm
• Outdoor Activities that both weekend warriors are pro’s can enjoy are Hiking, cycling, and parks

Love fresh air? A city investing in parks and markets can be a sanity-saver. If you prefer the indoors, maybe it’s less of a draw—but I still say fresh produce is never a bad thing.

Perk #12: Plano Neighborhoods Pace & Proximity

• The Pace of Life in Plano can be described as steady suburban environment focused on family living and business
• 3 Family-Friendly Activities anyone can enjoy in Plano hiking local trails community events picnics in parks
• The Cities people commute to from Plano are Round-Rock 20 miles away San-Marcos 28 miles away Cedar-Park 20 miles away

Neighborhood pace can range from laid-back suburbs to frantic downtown vibes. If you need a quick getaway, big neighboring cities can scratch that itch for a weekend change of scene.

8 Drawbacks about Plano or are they?

No place is perfect. I rate these as important based on your location and type of work you do. They might not be negatives or positives for everyone.

1. Traffic/Commute Issues
   Maybe you read: heavy traffic on Parker Road. If you hate gridlock, look at alternative routes or brace yourself with podcasts.
2. Natural Disaster or Extreme Weather
   Plano’s Tornadoes risk could be minimal or major. Dig more on that is your eyebrow just went up.
3. Pricey Neighborhoods
   If Plano is out of your price point, you might consider these places nearby Plano are Round-Rock 20 miles away San-Marcos 28 miles away Cedar-Park 20 miles away.
4. Crime Rate Concerns
   With a 30 of 100, some neighborhoods might feel safer than others. Everyone has a different tolerance for this.
5. Harsh Climate Contrasts
   Plano has 0 days in a row below freezing and 18 days above 90 degrees. This might be your heaven or your nightmare. Some people can’t stand snow, while others pray for it.
6. Limited Extra Funds
   After general costs of living here in Plano people have an average (positive or negative) $-3000 in negative cash flow left over in income to spend or pay off. Economics will make or break you here.
7. Homelessness or Social Challenges
   600 homeless people living in Plano. It can be tough for the community—no easy solutions.
8. Cultural/Political Mismatch
   The general suburban area with a mix of conservative and progressive values could change but probably not quickly. We all go thru cycles in our lifestyle and outlook. Think about this and your future outlook before a move to Plano.

Retiree & Senior Life in Plano

• Retiree Tax Benefits say seniors can might qualify for tax incentives focused on property tax reductions
• The most established Senior Citizen Community is The Legacy at Willow Bend
• Plano Senior Center hosts social gatherings health workshops and recreational programs for older adults

If you’re in (or nearing) retirement, see if the city provides property tax breaks or comfy 55+ communities. Some places cater heavily to seniors, others less so.

Moving to Plano, Texas?

If Plano, Texas ir your next home or you are packing up, Let Allied Van Lines Help

As someone who’s hauled half his life across state lines more times than I can recall, let me say that Allied Van Lines simplifies the process. From big bulky couches to fragile antiques, they’ve got you covered.

A quick quote or phone call might be all you need to turn your daydream into reality. If you see me around Plano, Texas, say hi—I’m the guy who once moved with nothing but a backpack and a guitar. Good luck on your new adventure!