On June 2, 2024, Plano marked its 151st anniversary, celebrating its rich history and modern achievements. Originally settled in the 1840s and incorporated on June 2, 1873, Plano has grown from a modest farming community into a bustling city known for its corporate headquarters and quality of life.
Named "Plano," the Spanish word for "flat," the city quickly became a local trading post following the arrival of the Houston and Central Railroad. By 1874, Plano's population had reached 500. Today, spanning approximately 72 square miles, it boasts a population of 288,000, making it the ninth most populous city in Texas.
Home to major corporations like JPMorgan Chase, Capital One Finance, Toyota Motor North America, Ericsson, Samsung Electronics America, PepsiCo and Frito-Lay, Plano established itself as a significant employment center in the Dallas-Fort Worth region with over 210,000 jobs.
Plano's residents enjoy an exceptional quality of life. The city is recognized as the third safest in the United States and the fifth most affordable for early retirees. Additionally, it ranks as one of the top 50 healthiest cities in the country and the healthiest in North Texas.
Earlier this year, the Trust for Public Land’s yearly park score revealed that the average distance most people are willing to walk to reach a destination is 10 minutes or roughly half a mile. In Plano, 82% of residents live within a 10-minute walk of a park.
A recent Facebook post by the city of Plano asked residents to share their favorite parts about Plano, "Everything about Plano, the Plano Texas Police Department, Plano Fire-Rescue, the neighborhoods, especially mine, the school my kids went to, the people, parks, library, etc,” One person wrote.“It's a great city to live in; I have been here 34 and a half years and would never think of moving."
Plano's history is marked by its transformation from a rural community to a suburban hub in the 1960s, driven by the expansion of the Central Expressway (US 75). The city's growth accelerated in the 1970s and 1980s as large corporations established headquarters. The early 2000s saw the revitalization of Downtown Plano and the development of mixed-use centers like the Legacy area.
Today, Plano is a diverse and mature city, continually evolving to meet its residents' needs. As it celebrates its 151st birthday, Visit Plano reflects on its storied past and looks forward to a vibrant future with a list of 151 reasons to love and celebrate the city.
The highlights include the vibrant local culture, diverse food scene, extensive park systems and numerous entertainment options. Notable mentions are the largest Fowling Warehouse in the world, the annual Plano Food and Wine Festival and various events at Legacy West and Downtown Plano.
The post also mentions Plano’s mix of historic charm and modern amenities, with attractions like the Crayola Experience, Oak Point Park and Legacy Hall, as well as a thriving arts scene and numerous outdoor activities. The city also emphasizes inclusivity with pet-friendly establishments, accessible parks and support for individuals with disabilities. Overall, Plano's rich offerings and community spirit make it a standout destination.
The city's accolades include being named a top suburb, a safe city, the best place to live in Texas, the happiest city, the best place to raise a family, the best city for renters and parks along with being recognized as a major hub for corporate headquarters.
So, congrats to the city of Plano! Here's to the next 151 years of excellence.
In case you missed it, here are Plano's best playgrounds and best patios
For those interested in exploring more about Plano's history, click here.
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