Plano TX

Plano – A gem in the heart of Texas, Plano blends southern charm with modern living. Known for its top-rated schools, lush parks, and a thriving economy, this city offers the perfect mix of family-friendly neighborhoods and bustling business districts. Whether you're exploring historic downtown, enjoying world-class shopping, or savoring diverse cuisine, Plano welcomes you with warmth, opportunity, and Texas-sized hospitality.

• Population: ~290,000
• Weather: Warm and sunny most of the year (35-95°F); hot summers and mild winters.
• Places To Visit: Historic Downtown Plano, Arbor Hills Nature Preserve, The Shops at Legacy, Interurban Railway Museum, Oak Point Park and Nature Preserve.
• Top Activities: Biking scenic trails, enjoying local craft brews, exploring art festivals, catching live music, and sampling international dishes.
• Famous Food: Texas BBQ at Lockhart Smokehouse, sushi at Kai, tacos at Velvet Taco, and brunch at Sixty Vines.

Plano, Texas is a rapidly growing city known for its strong economy and business-friendly environment. It is home to several Fortune 500 companies and boasts thriving sectors in technology, finance, health care, and professional services. Below are some of the top jobs currently in demand in Plano.

Top 5 Jobs in Plano, TX

Plano, TX, offers a variety of spots where students can unwind, grab a snack, and enjoy some downtime. Whether you're into nature, shopping, or fun activities, Plano has plenty to offer.

The Shops at Legacy – This is a vibrant area with plenty of shops, restaurants, and places to relax. It's perfect for a stroll or a meal with friends.

Arbor Hills Nature Preserve – A great place to get back to nature with trails for hiking, biking, and simply enjoying the outdoors. It's an excellent spot for a picnic or a study break.

Main Event Entertainment – Packed with things to do, from bowling and arcade games to laser tag and karaoke. It's a fun place to hang out and let loose with friends.

The Boardwalk at Granite Park – Enjoy a wide range of eateries with beautiful water views. It's an ideal spot for a relaxed meal or evening out.

Coffee Shops – Plano has many cozy coffee shops like 1418 Coffee House or Mudleaf Coffee that are perfect for studying or just sipping a latte and chatting.

Legacy Hall – This food hall offers a wide range of dining options and live music events. It's a great place to try different foods and enjoy some entertainment.

Pinstack – For those looking for active fun, Pinstack offers bowling, rock climbing, and many more activities perfect for group outings.

Plano, Texas is a vibrant and growing city that values education and innovation. With close access to top institutions and satellite campuses, Plano offers a range of educational opportunities in business, technology, healthcare, and liberal arts.

Top Public Colleges & Universities in Plano

Collin College – Plano Campus (Spring Creek) – One of the largest and most respected community colleges in Texas, Collin College offers associate degrees and certificate programs across a wide range of disciplines including business, computer science, and the arts. The Spring Creek Campus in Plano is particularly known for its welcoming environment and student-focused learning.

University of Texas at Dallas (UTD) – Plano Extension – Though based in nearby Richardson, UTD offers several graduate and continuing education programs at its Plano extension campus, especially in business, management, and engineering. UTD is known for its research-driven focus and strong STEM and business programs.

Texas A&M University-Commerce at Dallas – This campus serves the broader Dallas-Plano area and offers flexible undergraduate and graduate programs. Known for its emphasis on education, business administration, and counseling, it provides strong support for working adults and transfer students.

Richland College (Dallas College) – Adjacent to Plano – While located just outside Plano, Richland College serves many students from the Plano area. It is highly regarded for its affordable tuition and transfer-ready associate degrees, especially in IT and business administration.

University of North Texas at Frisco (serving Plano region) – A new and innovative extension of UNT in nearby Frisco, this campus focuses on project-based learning in fields like business analytics, data science, and sports management. It offers a blend of in-person and online learning for today’s dynamic student needs.

Top Private Colleges & Universities in Plano

Dallas Baptist University – Plano Center – DBU offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs in business, education, and leadership through its Plano Center. Known for its faith-based education and small class sizes, DBU focuses on student engagement and success.

Abilene Christian University – Dallas Campus – While the main campus is in Abilene, ACU operates a Dallas campus serving students in Plano and beyond. It offers graduate programs in education, healthcare administration, and Christian ministry, with a strong emphasis on values-based learning.

Strayer University – Plano Campus – Strayer offers flexible online and evening classes that cater to working adults looking to advance their careers. Their programs include business, IT, accounting, and public administration, making it a popular choice for professional learners in Plano.

Amberton University – Garland Campus (near Plano) – This non-traditional, private university is designed for adult learners and professionals. Located just minutes from Plano, Amberton offers degrees in business, human relations, and counseling with flexible scheduling and strong faculty support.

Chamberlain University – Irving Campus (serving Plano students) – Known for its nursing and healthcare programs, Chamberlain provides Plano-area students with hands-on clinical experience and a curriculum focused on patient-centered care. Their nursing program is highly respected throughout Texas.

Plano, TX is known for its top-tier education system and consistently ranks among the top places to live and raise a family. The city offers a wide variety of public and private high schools that prepare students for success in college and beyond.

Top Public High Schools In Plano, TX

• Plano West Senior High School – Recognized for its academic excellence, this school offers a strong AP program and high college acceptance rates.
• Plano Senior High School – With a wide range of extracurricular activities and academic tracks, this school supports both student engagement and academic performance.
• Plano East Senior High School – Known for its International Baccalaureate (IB) program and strong STEM curriculum, this school prepares students for global opportunities.
• Jasper High School – A highly-rated feeder school to Plano West, Jasper is noted for its challenging coursework and advanced placement options.
• Shepton High School – Serving 9th and 10th graders, Shepton offers robust academic and fine arts programs in a supportive learning environment.

Top Private High Schools In Plano, TX

• Prestonwood Christian Academy – A college-preparatory school with a Christ-centered education, offering a rich mix of academics, arts, and athletics.
• Prince of Peace Christian School – This K-12 school delivers a strong academic foundation with leadership and service opportunities at the high school level.
• John Paul II High School – A Catholic college-preparatory school offering a comprehensive curriculum, including AP and dual-credit courses.
• Coram Deo Academy – Plano Campus – A classical Christian school with small class sizes and a thoughtful, rigorous curriculum.
• Great Lakes Academy – Specializes in serving students with learning differences in a nurturing environment that focuses on individual strengths.

Plano, Texas, located just north of Dallas, is not home to any major league professional sports teams of its own. However, its proximity to Dallas means residents have easy access to cheering on some of the most competitive teams in the country, representing every major sport. These teams bring excitement and pride to the entire Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, including Plano.

🏀 Basketball – Dallas Mavericks (NBA)

• Dallas Mavericks – Founded in 1980, the Mavericks are a top NBA team with a passionate fanbase. They won their only NBA Championship in 2011 behind the leadership of star forward Dirk Nowitzki. The team is now led by Luka Dončić, one of the league’s brightest young stars.

⚾ Baseball – Texas Rangers (MLB)

• Texas Rangers – Based in nearby Arlington, the Rangers play just a short drive from Plano. They have become a powerhouse in the American League, winning their first World Series championship in 2023. The team has made several postseason appearances and continues to build toward long-term success.

🏈 Football – Dallas Cowboys (NFL)

• Dallas Cowboys – Known as "America’s Team," the Cowboys have a legendary history. With five Super Bowl titles (1971, 1977, 1992, 1993, 1995), the Cowboys are one of the most successful and valuable franchises in all of sports. Their home, AT&T Stadium, is a world-class venue that draws millions of fans each season.

⚽ Soccer – FC Dallas (MLS)

• FC Dallas – This professional soccer club plays in nearby Frisco, just minutes from Plano. The team is known for its strong development academy and loyal fanbase. Though FC Dallas has yet to win an MLS Cup, it regularly competes in the playoffs and has produced top-level talent like Weston McKennie and Ricardo Pepi.

🏒 Hockey – Dallas Stars (NHL)

• Dallas Stars – Since relocating from Minnesota in 1993, the Stars have built a strong following across North Texas. They won their first and only Stanley Cup in 1999 and have had many successful seasons since. Known for their tough play and skilled roster, the Stars continue to make playoff runs and excite fans in Plano and beyond.

Plano, Texas is more than just a suburb of Dallas — it's a dynamic city with rich history, modern conveniences, and fun surprises around every corner. If you're curious about what makes this growing North Texas city so special, check out these fun facts:

1. Corporate Central – Plano is home to the headquarters of major companies like Frito-Lay, Toyota North America, and JCPenney.
2. Birthplace of Dr Pepper – The famous soft drink’s recipe was invented by a pharmacist in nearby Waco, but Plano played a key role in bottling and distributing it.
3. Safe and Sound – Plano consistently ranks as one of the safest cities in the U.S. for its size.
4. Nature Lover’s Paradise – There are over 80 parks and more than 70 miles of trails in Plano for hiking, biking, and exploring outdoors.
5. Railroad Roots – Plano started as a small farming community and grew rapidly with the arrival of the Houston and Texas Central Railway in the 1870s.
6. Historic Downtown – The city’s quaint downtown area still features brick roads and vintage buildings dating back to the late 1800s.
7. High-Tech Hub – With a booming tech scene, Plano is part of the “Telecom Corridor” and attracts businesses from around the world.
8. Film-Friendly – Several movies and TV shows have been filmed in Plano, including parts of Silkwood and Chase.
9. Festival Fun – Plano hosts dozens of annual events, including the Plano Balloon Festival, which lights up the sky every fall with colorful hot air balloons.
10. Good Eats Galore – With 1,000+ restaurants, Plano is known as a foodie hotspot, offering everything from authentic Tex-Mex to gourmet global cuisine.