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History
- The community of Plano starts to emerge as the first pioneer settlers arrive to establish farms, businesses, and institutions. This era ends with the arrival of the Houston and Texas Central Railroad.
- Downtown Plano Emerges (1872 to 1895): With the arrival of the railroads, Plano begins to emerge as a center for business and agricultural commerce. The era ends with the last great fire that destroys most of downtown.
- Plano Persists (1895 to 1920): Rebuilding from the fire, Plano begins to modernize with improvements such as electricity, gas, water, sidewalks, public schools, paved roads, and the Interurban railroad.
- Small Town Plano (1920 to 1958): Development was slow through the Great Depression, but growth would come following World War II and rapidly increase with the opening of Central Expressway (US 75).
- Plano Welcomes Growth (1958 to 1985): Rapid residential growth brings with it new shopping centers, offices, schools, and parks. Plano begins moving westward and takes a primarily suburban form as farms are replaced with rooftops.
- Corporate Plano (1985 to 2000): In addition to continued suburban growth, large corporate office campuses locate on the city's west side and the opening of the Dallas North Tollway brings new growth and development.
- Plano Today (2000 to Present): The days of rapid growth slow, but the DART rail brings renewed energy to downtown and major activity centers, such as Legacy Town Center and the Shops at Willow Bend, become popular.
Plano Events Calendar
Plano Texas is an active and lively community with many events of interest to our out of town guests and local community throughout the year. Ethnic festivals, arts and crafts fairs, exciting theatre, sporting events and much more are included in the calendar of events.
Plano Highlights
Swim across Texas at the historic Texas Pool, a 168,000 gallon saltwater pool shaped like the great State of Texas. It’s also a National Landmark listed in the National Register of Historic Places! The pool is open Memorial Day to Labor Day and features a diving board, two water slides, and an island with a shallow “South Texas” wading area for small children and parents. Cook out on their BBQ grills or enjoy the snack bar. There are also picnic tables and a beach volleyball court. Tourist passes are available.
Hit the splash pad at Liberty Playground at Windhaven Meadows Park, Jack Carter Pool, Plano Aquatic Center, and Tom Muehlenbeck Recreation Center.
One thing is for sure when it comes to Plano, there are endless shopping options to experience. Dallas may be known as one of the top shopping destinations in the U.S., but just 20 miles north, you can continue the one-of-a-kind shopping adventure in Plano.
From Legacy West, The Shops at Legacy, The Shops at Willow Bend to the Downtown Plano Arts District and everywhere in between – Plano is brimming with shopping areas. Check out Plano’s shopping adventure here.
Don’t miss the new luxury shopping at Legacy West. The line-up of the best-of luxury retail includes: Gucci, CHANEL Beauty, Tiffany & Co., Tory Burch, and Louis Vuitton.
Don’t forget to check-out Third Monday Trade Days at Southfork Ranch featuring over 200 different booths selling everything from clothing, antiques, hand crafted items, furniture, specialty foods, and so much more.
Another music hotspot is McCall Plaza in the Downtown Plano Arts District. Enjoy free live music in the Downtown Sessions summer music series from artists like Colton Hamilton, KellyMarie, The Iron Fist of Duncan, and The Capitol. There are also fun and free Karaoke Nights. Don’t miss out on all the fun in downtown Plano; check upcoming events on our calendar here.
Day or night, The Boardwalk at Granite Park makes for a special dining experience! Nestled in the middle of the Granite Park corporate business center sits a 30,000 square foot restaurant park called The Boardwalk. With restaurants of all types, a casual family-friendly atmosphere, entertainment, and an amazing waterfront view, The Boardwalk is the perfect place for a patio brunch date with friends, a fun family dinner, or a late night date spot. Grab a beverage from one of the restaurants on The Boardwalk and relax with friends on the waterfront!
The first treetop adventure course in Texas is just minutes from the Downtown Plano Arts District at Oak Point Park & Nature Preserve. This vast area of natural beauty sits on 800 acres and features more than just a canopy tour. Go Ape includes five individual sections with rope ladders and 39 exciting crossings.
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Livability
A+
Amenities
B
Cost of living
A
Crime
A
Education
A
Employment
B-
Housing
B
Weather
Plano ISD
Plano Independent School District
Beverly Elementary School
• Public • Grades K-5
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Greatschools RatingMathews Elementary
• Public • Grades K-5
0
Greatschools RatingC M Rice Middle School
• Public • Grades 6-8
0
Greatschools RatingPlano West Senior High School
• Public • Grades 11-12
0
Greatschools RatingDiscover places
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