Plano, Texas, is a suburb of Dallas, and is about a half hour’s drive northeast of the city. The current census estimates place the population at over 250,000, which makes it one of the largest cities in Texas. It has become popular with corporations, and many make Plano the home of their main headquarters. In 2006, Money magazine selected Plano as the 11th best place to live in the United States.

The Plano Community

Like many other suburbs, Plano is made up of several other smaller neighborhoods. Most of the suburbs of Plano are comprised largely of affluent families. This area has become more popular very rapidly, the population being a mere 3,600+ in 1960. As many of the major companies in the United States began moving headquarters and/or large operations to Plano, the population grew considerably to its current numbers.

The Plano children attend the schools of the Plano Independent School District, which is highly acclaimed among the Texas school systems. It achieved enormous gains in student performance levels in the 2005-2006 school year, and these gains earned the district the rating of Exemplary.

Plano Real Estate

You can find Plano homes for sale in the range of $100,000 to $200,000; however, many are upwards of $4 million. Plano real estate has a good mix of home styles and designs: the proverbial handyman’s dream house, a beautiful estate-type home, as well as new construction. Because there are so many different styles of homes in Plano, you could say there truly is something for everyone.

Plano Recreation and Entertainment

Plano is very proud of its entertainment and arts community. The Art Centre of Plano is one of the most popular art exhibits in the DFW area, and you can also rent the hall for your own events. There are also lots of fundraiser events that are fun for the whole family.

If it’s music you’re after, Plano has its very own symphony orchestra. The Plano Symphony, under the direction of Maestro Hector Guzman, has been entertaining Plano audiences since 1983.

If you feel like a stroll through a museum, the Heard Natural Science Museum is a must see,
as is the Heritage Farmstead Museum and Southfork Ranch. However, if you’re in the mood for something a little different—okay, something very different—you have to see the Cockroach Hall of Fame Museum. This museum, as the website says, “Fills the ‘dead bugs dressed as celebrities and historical figures’ void in your life”.

Texas in general is becoming a center for festivals and celebrations. Two of the most popular are the Plano Balloon Festival—a hot air balloon festival filled with launchings, food, sky divers, balloon rides, shows, and fireworks—and the No Limit Women’s Expos, which is an event that features opportunities, services, products, and demonstrations more expressly for women.

If you just want some sports in your life, Plano has some great golf courses, among them the prestigious Prestonwood and Gleneagles, both country club golf courses of the highest caliber. You are also only a few minutes’ drive away from the major professional sports events of the DFW area.

Plano Shopping

Just want to get out and hit the stores? There are some fine shopping centers in Plano, among the most popular being the Shops at Legacy, Shops at Willow Bend, and Collin Creek Mall. Try shopping the day away on hot summer days to stay cool.

If you are moving to Plano, Texas, let Texas Home Central guide you in a pleasurable home buying experience. If you are relocating to Texas, use our site as a guide to discover what community in the Dallas/Fort Worth area will serve your needs and desires best.