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Collin and Denton counties · TX

Moving to Plano, Texas

By Mariela Lovo Ol, REALTOR® · Updated

Living in Plano, TX means a large, established suburb north of Dallas. It has major employers, DART rail and mostly resale homes. This guide explains which parts of Plano to consider and how taxes, schools and utilities work. It also shows where the city's limited new construction is happening.

At a glance

Counties
Collin (most) and Denton[2]
Population (2020 Census)
285,494[1]
Population estimate (July 2025)
293,028[1]
Land area
71.69 sq mi[1]
City property tax rate (2025-26)
$0.4376 per $100[3]
City homestead exemption
20% (plus $40,000 for 65+ or disabled)[4]
DART rail stations in Plano
Downtown Plano, Parker Road, 12th Street, Shiloh Road[16]
Owner-occupied housing rate (2020–2024)
56.9%[1]
Mean travel time to work
25.4 minutes[1]

What is it like to live in Plano, Texas?

Plano is a large, mostly built-out suburb just north of Dallas. It is in Collin County, with a small part in Denton County. The Census Bureau counted 285,494 residents in 2020 and estimated 293,028 by July 2025. Growth is slow because little open land remains, so most homes for sale are resales.

Daily life mixes suburban neighborhoods with big job centers, such as the Legacy area along the Dallas North Tollway. Plano also has DART light rail, including the new Silver Line to DFW Airport. About 57% of homes are owner-occupied. So you will see a large rental market alongside homes for sale.

Which parts of Plano should you look at?

Downtown Plano, around 15th Street and K Avenue, is the historic core with an arts district and two rail stations. West Plano and the Legacy area near the tollway hold large employers and Legacy West. They also have nature preserves such as Arbor Hills. East Plano offers access to US 75 and the 800-acre Oak Point Park and Nature Preserve.

For new construction, watch two redevelopments. Collin Creek is on the former mall site off US 75. Haggard Farm is near Spring Creek Parkway, and its developer says it opens in fall 2027.

How do you get around from Plano?

Four highways frame the city: US 75, the Dallas North Tollway, the Sam Rayburn Tollway and the President George Bush Turnpike. DART's Red and Orange lines stop at Downtown Plano and Parker Road stations, and the Silver Line runs from Shiloh Road Station to DFW Airport Terminal B.

In 2026 the City signed a new agreement with DART and canceled a vote on leaving the system. Local options include DART GoLink in some areas and the City's Legacy Circulator shuttle.

How do schools work in Plano?

Plano ISD serves most of the city and assigns campuses by attendance boundary. Its website has a School Finder. Small parts of Plano are served by Lewisville, Frisco or Allen ISD. Plano ISD also has academy programs you apply to, such as International Baccalaureate and a collegiate academy. Proof of residency is required to enroll.

Verify school assignment for any address directly with the district. Official state ratings are at txschools.gov.

What is there to do in Plano?

Oak Point Park and Nature Preserve covers 800 acres with about 13 miles of paved and soft-surface trails, and it hosted the Plano Balloon Festival in September 2026. Arbor Hills Nature Preserve adds 200 acres with an observation tower and bike trails.

Downtown's arts district has the Courtyard Theater and outdoor stages, and the Dickens holiday festival fills the streets in December. Five public library branches and several recreation centers serve the city.

What costs should you plan for in Plano?

For 2025-26, the City lists adopted rates per $100 of value. They are $0.4376 for the City, $0.1493 for Collin County, $0.0812 for Collin College and $1.0396 for Plano ISD. The City gives a 20% homestead exemption, plus more for owners 65 and older or disabled.

Most of Plano has no MUD, but new homes in Collin Creek and Haggard Farm sit in PIDs. Some addresses are served by CoServ Electric, where you cannot pick a retail provider. Check the City's utility map. City water, sewer and trash rates also rise on October 1, 2026, and trash is billed by cart size.

What are the next steps if you are considering Plano?

Search homes for sale in Plano, then compare nearby Frisco and McKinney. If you own a home now, start with a home value estimate. Then test a payment with all four tax rates in the mortgage calculator.

Ready to tour resales or the new Collin Creek homes? Contact Mariela to plan your visits.

Parts of town to know: Plano

  • Downtown Plano and the Arts DistrictPlano's historic core around 15th Street and K Avenue. It has theaters, Haggard Park, and DART's Downtown Plano and 12th Street stations.
  • Collin Creek (new construction off US 75)A redevelopment of the former Collin Creek Mall. It has new attached single-family homes, apartments, parks and trails.
  • Legacy and the Headquarters area (northwest Plano)The job center along the Dallas North Tollway and SH 121. It has Legacy West, the Shops at Legacy and a local shuttle.
  • Haggard Farm (west Plano, coming 2027)A planned community of about 142 acres. It is bounded by Spring Creek Parkway, Parkwood Boulevard and Windhaven Parkway.
  • West Plano and Willow BendOlder neighborhoods near the Dallas North Tollway, Arbor Hills Nature Preserve and the Shops at Willow Bend.
  • East Plano and Oak PointThe side of town along US 75. It is near the 800-acre Oak Point Park and Nature Preserve and the DART Parker Road Station.

School assignment can change and differs by address. Verify with the school district, and see official ratings at TXschools.gov (TEA). Plano ISD, Lewisville ISD (small part of Plano), Frisco ISD (small part of Plano), Allen ISD (small part of Plano).

Homes for sale now — Plano

Search all homes in Plano

Common questions

How high are property taxes in Plano?

For 2025-26 the City lists adopted rates per $100 of value. They are $0.4376 for the City, $0.1493 for Collin County, $0.0812 for Collin College and $1.0396 for Plano ISD. Exemptions lower the taxable value. The City gives 20% for a homestead, and school districts must exempt $140,000. Use the City's My Tax Dollar calculator to estimate a specific home.

Are there neighborhoods in Plano without an HOA?

HOA status depends on each subdivision's deed restrictions, not on the city, so it varies across Plano. Newer projects such as Collin Creek include shared resident amenities, which usually come with association dues. Check the deed restrictions and the seller's disclosure for each address. Ask your agent to pull HOA documents before your option period ends.

Can I take the train from Plano to DFW Airport?

Yes. DART's Silver Line runs from Shiloh Road Station in Plano to DFW Airport Terminal B. The 12th Street Station near downtown connects the Silver Line with the Red and Orange lines.

Which school district serves my Plano address?

Most of Plano is in Plano ISD, but small parts are served by Lewisville, Frisco or Allen ISD. Plano ISD's School Finder shows the assigned school for an address. Verify school assignment for any address directly with the district. Find official ratings at txschools.gov.

Can I choose my electricity provider in Plano?

In Oncor areas, yes: Oncor delivers the power and you choose a retail electric provider. In CoServ Electric areas, the co-op handles both delivery and billing, so you cannot pick a different provider. The City's utility provider map shows which applies to an address.

Is there new construction in Plano?

Yes, but it is limited because the city is mostly built out. The main projects are Collin Creek and Haggard Farm. Collin Creek replaces a former mall with attached single-family homes. Haggard Farm's developer says it opens in fall 2027. Both are in public improvement districts, so ask about the assessment.

What other monthly costs should I plan for in Plano?

Beyond the mortgage and property taxes, budget for homeowners insurance, electricity, and City water, sewer and trash. The City's trash service is billed by cart size, and City utility rates rise on October 1, 2026. Add HOA dues and any PID assessment for the specific home.

Sources

  1. QuickFacts: Plano city, Texas, U.S. Census Bureau (read 2026-09-24)
  2. Plano, Texas, Wikipedia (read 2026-09-24)
  3. Taxes and Fees (2025-26 adopted tax rates), City of Plano (read 2026-09-24)
  4. Property Tax Information for Seniors, City of Plano (read 2026-09-24)
  5. Plano council raises property tax rate, adopts $798M budget, Community Impact (read 2026-09-24)
  6. New Student Online Enrollment and Annual Registration, Plano ISD (read 2026-09-24)
  7. SchoolFinder, Plano ISD (read 2026-09-24)
  8. Attendance Boundary Descriptions, Plano ISD (read 2026-09-24)
  9. Academy Programs of Plano, Plano ISD (read 2026-09-24)
  10. School Locator, Lewisville ISD (read 2026-09-24)
  11. Attendance Zones, Frisco ISD (read 2026-09-24)
  12. Allen ISD home page (Find Your School), Allen ISD (read 2026-09-24)
  13. Highway Construction Updates, City of Plano (read 2026-09-24)
  14. Downtown Plano Station, DART (read 2026-09-24)
  15. Parker Road Station, DART (read 2026-09-24)
  16. Silver Line, DART (read 2026-09-24)
  17. Shiloh Road Station - Silver Line, DART (read 2026-09-24)
  18. Silver Line (DART), Wikipedia (read 2026-09-24)
  19. DART Transit Agreement, City of Plano (read 2026-09-24)
  20. Plano Rides, City of Plano (read 2026-09-24)
  21. Legacy West Circulator, City of Plano (read 2026-09-24)
  22. Plano Water Resources, City of Plano (read 2026-09-24)
  23. Residential Trash and Recycling Services, City of Plano (read 2026-09-24)
  24. Utilities Frequently Asked Questions, City of Plano (read 2026-09-24)
  25. Emergency Warnings, City of Plano (read 2026-09-24)
  26. Sign Up for Plano City Call, City of Plano (read 2026-09-24)
  27. Oak Point Park and Nature Preserve, City of Plano (read 2026-09-24)
  28. Arbor Hills Nature Preserve, City of Plano (read 2026-09-24)
  29. Chisholm Trail, City of Plano (read 2026-09-24)
  30. Nature Preserves & Trails, City of Plano (read 2026-09-24)
  31. Haggard Park, City of Plano (read 2026-09-24)
  32. Recreation Centers & Pools, City of Plano (read 2026-09-24)
  33. Visit the Library, City of Plano (read 2026-09-24)
  34. Dickens in Downtown Plano, City of Plano (read 2026-09-24)
  35. Arts & Events Venues, City of Plano (read 2026-09-24)
  36. Historic Downtown Plano, City of Plano (read 2026-09-24)
  37. Hours & Directions, Plano Balloon Festival, Inc. (read 2026-09-24)
  38. Heritage Farmstead Museum, Heritage Farmstead Museum (read 2026-09-24)
  39. Willow Bend District, City of Plano (read 2026-09-24)
  40. Texas Health Plano, Texas Health Resources (read 2026-09-24)
  41. Medical City Plano, Medical City Healthcare (read 2026-09-24)
  42. Public Improvement Districts, City of Plano (read 2026-09-24)
  43. Live - Collin Creek, Collin Creek (Centurion American) (read 2026-09-24)
  44. Haggard Farm PID Service and Assessment Plan, City of Plano (read 2026-09-24)
  45. Haggard Farm, Haggard Farm (developer site) (read 2026-09-24)
  46. Envision Oak Point, City of Plano (read 2026-09-24)
  47. Floodplain Information, City of Plano (read 2026-09-24)
  48. Community Crime Map, City of Plano (read 2026-09-24)
  49. Parks and Recreation Special Events, City of Plano (read 2026-09-24)
  50. Legacy Trail, City of Plano (read 2026-09-24)
  51. Residential Trash, City of Plano (read 2026-09-24)
  52. Property Tax Exemptions, Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts (read 2026-09-24)
  53. Property Tax Protests and Appeals, Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts (read 2026-09-24)
  54. Clear as MUD, Texas Real Estate Research Center at Texas A&M University (read 2026-09-24)
  55. Don't Piddle Around with PID Notices, Texas Real Estate Research Center at Texas A&M University (read 2026-09-24)
  56. Roads & Projects, North Texas Tollway Authority (read 2026-09-24)
  57. NTTA home page (TollTag and ZipCash), North Texas Tollway Authority (read 2026-09-24)
  58. Moving to Texas, Texas Department of Public Safety (read 2026-09-24)
  59. New to Texas, Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (read 2026-09-24)
  60. Vehicle Safety Inspection Changes Take Effect January 2025, Texas Department of Public Safety (read 2026-09-24)
  61. Choosing an Electric Plan, Public Utility Commission of Texas (read 2026-09-24)
  62. Register to Vote in Texas, Texas Secretary of State (VoteTexas.gov) (read 2026-09-24)
  63. Home insurance guide, Texas Department of Insurance (read 2026-09-24)
  64. 5 Tips for Buying New Construction, Freddie Mac (read 2026-09-24)
  65. Contracts (promulgated forms), Texas Real Estate Commission (read 2026-09-24)
  66. Texas Public Schools (TXschools.gov), Texas Education Agency (read 2026-09-24)
  67. Why Texas, Office of the Texas Governor, Economic Development and Tourism (read 2026-09-24)
  68. Property Tax Assistance, Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts (read 2026-09-24)

Last reviewed: 2026-09-24. Descriptions cover places and amenities, not the people who live there. We are committed to the Fair Housing Act.

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