Magnificent hot air balloons fill the air while the positive business environment beats below. Welcome to Plano, Texas where one-quarter of a million friendly folks thrive! Settled in 1846 and spread over two counties, Collin and Denton, just 20 miles north of downtown Dallas, Plano has its own sports, cultural, educational and corporate atmosphere.
Described by the Money magazine as “one of the six best places to live in the United States”, the family is key to the fact that Plano has an award-winning public school system, plentiful discount shopping, expansive parks and recreation, renowned restaurants, world-class hotels, live theatre and fine arts.
Major corporate headquarters include EDS, Frito Lay, Dr Pepper/Seven Up, J.C. Penney, Crossmark, Network Associates, Countrywide Home Loans, and Network Neuromodulation in addition to 6000 other businesses. Wander the numerous antique stores and quaint shops in old downtown Plano or spend days discovering the latest fads and styles in the mega-malls.
Dallas Area Rapid Transportation (DART) services Plano with light rail as well as providing shuttle services to DFW International Airport and Love Field. The extensive highway system with three major thoroughfares allows easy access through the city and its surrounding areas.
Safety of Plano citizens is a prime concern and the Plano Police Department has one of the lowest crime rates of cities with over 100,000 people, ranking 19th out of 199 cities in the 100,000-499,000 population range. The Plano Fire Department earned the Class 1 ISO rating awarded by the Insurance Service Office making it one of only five cities to receive that rank.
Quality of life in Plano was recognized as ninth in the “The Best Cities for Women” (Ladies Home Journal) and ninth as one of the healthiest cities for men (Men’s Health magazine). Plano also garnered attention for its ranking as fifth most “Kid Friendly” city (Population Connection) based on health, safety and economic well-being.
EDUCATION
Plano Independent School District has 58 schools and offers a nationally recognized education program. Private and parochial schools including day cares and kindergartens are scattered throughout the 71 square miles of city.
Collin County Community College Spring Creek campus offers residents personal enrichment for an associates degree, technical degree or the opportunity to augment special interests, arts and crafts.
The University of Texas at Dallas (UTD) sits on the southern boundary of Plano. A four- year university, it offers degrees in science, engineering, management and social sciences through their doctoral programs.
Southern Methodist University (SMU), although based near downtown Dallas, has a satellite campus in Plano on Legacy. Amber University in Garland, University of North Texas in Denton, and Texas Woman’s University in Denton are easily reached and a commuting distance from Plano.
Five public libraries are found around the Plano city area.
LOCAL ATTRACTIONS
ArtCentre of Plano: Local and national exhibits in a renovated historical building on downtown Plano.
Heard Natural Science Museum and Wildlife Sanctuarywith its Raptor Rehabilitation Center and science resource center, is a 289-acre sanctuary located in the adjacent suburb of McKinney.
Heritage Farmstead Museum: Whether sensing the pioneer spirit I the museum or attending a hoe-down barbeque in the park area, the Victorian homestead of gardens, fountains, farm tools and equipment can be a fun learning experience.
Interurban Museum: Take a former electric railway car, fill it with exhibits and memorabilia, and one has the Interurban Museum of transportation history.
Plano Children’s Theatre: Live performances thrill both children and adults in this theatre venue.
Plano Repertory Theatre: Critically acclaimed, the PRT is in its 29th season of entertaining audiences with musicals, dramas, comedies and classics. Located in the beautiful newly renovated Courtyard Theatre in downtown Plano
Plano Symphony Orchestra: Led by Maestro Hector Guzman and featuring world-class musicians and performers, the Plano Symphony is now in its third decade of concerts.
Ballet and Folk Dance troops over a variety of performances around the Plano area. Check with the Plano Chamber of Commerce at 972-424-7547 for the latest schedules.
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