The City of Plano
Located 20 miles northeast of downtown Dallas, Plano, Texas is “a vibrant city for families to live in,” says City Manager, Bruce Glasscock. “Plano has developed a high level of quality services for the community that is accessible to everyone who lives here. From great schools, events and entertainment, Plano is a great community to live and grow up in.”
Rated one of the safest and best places to live by CNN Money Magazine and a Top 10 Best City for Families by Livability.com, Plano is a great place to raise a family.
What Makes Plano Unique?
A great way to describe Plano is that it is diverse, from its residents to its businesses. Plano is home to many corporate headquarters, including: Dell Services, Dr. Pepper Snapple Group, Ericsson, Pizza Hut, Motors USA and many more. The city’s citizens represent a wide range of ethnicities and cultures.
“Plano is very diverse and inclusive,” notes Glasscock. “This diversity adds to the enrichment of our community.” Although Plano has a population of 267,776 (according to the 2010 US census) it is one of the safest cities in the country. Plano was selected as the safest city in America in 2010 and 2011 by Forbes. “While a lot of people live here, they are very family-minded and watch out for each other,” says Glasscock.
*Info-graphic Courtesy of Collin County Newcomer & Relocation Guide
Plano Schools
Although Plano Independent School District serves most of the city, small portions of Plano are served by the Frisco, Allen, and Lewisville Independent School Districts. Plano has a unique school system, where grades 9-10 are separated from grades 11-12. The 9th and 10th graders attend a high school, whereas the 11th and 12th graders attend a senior high school.
In 2014, Plano was rated the 10th Best Suburb for Education in the United States. This is due in part to Plano’s schools low student to teacher ratio (14 to 1), allowing students to interact more with teachers as well as have more one-on-one attention. Plano schools are also unique because more students graduate compared to other school districts. In 2010, 93% of Plano Independent School District students graduated from high school. “The school district in Plano is excellent,” said Glasscock, “The quality of education and the smaller class size definitely has an impact on student performance.”
Two campuses of Collin College, part of the Collin County College System, are located in Plano. The city is also home to SMU-in-Plano, a branch of Southern Methodist University, serving 3,000 working professionals with a graduate education. Programs offered include business, engineering, continuing education and more.
Housing
FROM GREAT SCHOOLS, TO EVENTS AND ENTERTAINMENT, PLANO IS A GREAT PLACE TO LIVE AND GROW UP IN.
Amenities
From restaurants and shopping, to libraries and the great outdoors, Plano has a lot to offer.
DOWNTOWN PLANO
Historic downtown Plano has something for everyone, from restaurants and bars, to boutiques and spas. There is always something going on. Visit a local art gallery or go on a historic walking tour, and be sure to check out the local theatre and music shows for what is showing at the downtown performance venues.
THE PLANO LIBRARY SYSTEM
Historic downtown Plano has something for everyone, from restaurants and bars, to boutiques and spas. There is always something going on. Visit a local art gallery or go on a historic walking tour, and be sure to check out the local theatre and music shows for what is showing at the downtown performance venues.
THE GREAT OUTDOORS
SHOPPING & DINING
Arbor Hills Nature Preserve
Voted one of the 10 Top Trails For Hiking and Biking in Dallas by D Magazine in 2012, the Arbor Hills Nature Preserve proves that there is more to Texas suburbs than concrete and few trees. This 200-acre park boasts over two miles of paved trails for bike riders, walkers, strollers and runners. There are also miles of natural surface for hikers and more than two miles of dirt loops for mountain bikers to explore. Arbor Hills Nature Preserve is a great way to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
The Shops at Legacy
Known as the premier center for shopping, working, business and living, The Shops at Legacy is both vibrant and entertaining! From big box retailers to boutiques and restaurants, The Shops at Legacy provides an exciting and one-of-a-kind experience. Catch a movie at The Angelika or dine at one of the unique restaurants while shopping with family or friends.
Festivals and Celebrations
Plano has multiple celebrations and festivities that occur throughout the year. Here are a few notable events:
ASIAFEST
Come and celebrate Asian heritage and culture at Asia Fest. This event takes place the first weekend in May and features performances, demonstrations, exhibits, food and fun activities for the whole family.
DICKENS IN DOWNTOWN PLANO
During the holiday season, come celebrate in Downtown Plano. This fun and free event features caroling, storytelling, food and live performances. Take the kids to sit on Santa’s lap then join the community for the annual Tree Lighting Ceremony.
INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL
For over a decade, the International Festival has celebrated Plano’s diversity. Held at Haggard Park in historic downtown, the festival celebrates the diverse population that calls Plano home. Spend the day learning about other cultures through live performances, exhibitions and educational activities. After enjoying an assortment of delicacies at the ethnic food court, help celebrate Plano’s newest citizens during a special naturalization ceremony.
PLANO BALLOON FESTIVAL
Every September, Plano hosts the wildly popular Plano Balloon Festival. The three-day event attracts people from all over to enjoy the largest balloon festival in Texas. Come and experience the beautiful colors and shapes of the hot air balloons as they air up and take flight. The festival also features a half marathon, tethered balloon rides, food and live music.
Growth
Plano has seen a tremendous amount of growth in the past decade and future growth is expected to remain steady. “Population growth will not be as aggressive as the past, but there will be more people coming to Plano,” says Glasscock. “Plano is a lively place with friendly people that care about their community.”
