Relocating from Midtown Atlanta to Plano (Early 50s couple) - what should we expect?
Posted by folkboy72@reddit | plano | View on Reddit | 51 comments
Hi everyone! My husband (Hispanic) and I (white, both early 50s, no kids) are relocating from Midtown Atlanta to the DFW area for my job, which is based in Frisco.
My team advised against living in Dallas proper due to a 3-day in-office commute to Frisco, so Plano seems like the most sensible choice, as we can still get to the city when needed, and work is close by as well. We are trying to get a feel for what to expect and would love some realistic, but mostly positive perspectives.
A few things about us to help context:
- Social life: We do not care about clubs. We prefer entertaining at home, having friends over for dinner, or meeting up at great restaurants. We tend to mix mostly with straight couples, so we are just looking for an inclusive, friendly community rather than a specific nightlife scene.
- First impressions: We did one quick visit and the suburban layout felt a bit "same-y" and sprawling compared to where we live now, which spooked us initially. We know it just takes time to adjust to a new environment. Have any of you made this adjustment before (city to 'burbs?) and how did it go?
- Interests: We are excited about checking out local parks, outdoor activities, and the food scene.
For those living in the area: Will we feel comfortable here? What are your favorite things to check out in Plano, and what are the best parts about living in this specific area?
We have a realtor and all that, but just trying to get some things to look forward to and get hyped about. Thanks in advance.
thelostdutchman68@reddit
Not sure if you are planning on purchasing or renting. To give you a little idea - median home prices - Frisco $735,000, Dallas $572,500 Plano $519,500. check your property taxes before you buy as it can be a very big shock.
The entire metroplex is a great mix of ethnicities, religions and is politically diverse. Still on the conservative side, but I'd guess its close to Atlanta. Tons and tons of great places to eat - from dive bars to super high end.
The north end of Plano that buts against Frisco is expensive. YOu have The Shops and Legacy and Legacy West. Great food scene there. I'd not suggest living in that part of Plano. I lived walking distance to Legacy West. Was super handy and fun. Very hard to make friends as it was a constant flow of new people coming and going.
You have seen the feelback about Uptown and Oaklawn. I'd echo the feedback, find a nice neighborhood in Plano, probably on the west side and drive down to Oaklawn etc. when you want to explore.
Traffic on the Dallas North Tollway can be soul crushing if you are have to spend much time on it and the toll charges do add up. So, being close to where you have to go into the office makes a lot of sense.
Like any big city it can be hard to make adult friends if you don't have kids. I live in Carrollton and love the food scene her but once interest rates drop I'm moving back to Dallas.
There is a huge amount of things to see and do here. I'd really have your agent focus on neighborhoods not just Plano. Where you live in Plano or Dallas for that matter, will make a big difference in how much you enjoy living here.
folkboy72@reddit (OP)
Thank you for this thorough and helpful reply! We were surprised by the diversity when we went to visit in Feb., so I like hearing about the mix.
It feels hard to get a read on the different neighborhoods -- any advice?
thelostdutchman68@reddit
I moved to Texas from The Netherlands. I had a lot of concerns about diversity, but that quickly changed when I got here, in a positive way. I think the only real way to get a feel of the neighborhoods is to go spend some time there. I like spots that are a bit more urban vs suburban in feel. Those tend to be more in Dallas, so for y'all it would be a bit of a long drive every day.
The traffic sucks. Nothing worse really than being dealing with it every day. That being said - depending on you budget and what you really want to do with your spare time, a compromise may make some sense. You can be close to work and have minimal drive time, but if all the culture, food, etc is a 60 min drive...that's the balance.
I've been here for over 10 years. I've lived in North Dallas, Addison, Plano and Carrollton. I'm still trying to find that one place that has all the things I value.
Here are some suggestions . Having some concrete places to look may help you out. If you are willing to deal with the chaos of the Dallas North Tollway then there are a lot of great places in Dallas like M Streets/ Greenland Hills 75206, Lakewood/East Dallas 75214, Cickery Place/Lower Greenville 75206 or Hollywood Heights/Santa Monica 75214 75223.
West/North Plano (75024, 75093) One of the most racially diverse affluent suburbs in DFW (significant Asian-American, Indian, growing Black professional class). Newer construction, HOA-heavy, but nice and diverse.
Downtown Plano/Haggard Park (75074) Older bungalows and Craftsmans, walkable downtown with restaurants and the DART Silver Line. More character, more progressive default vibe than West Plano. \~15-25 min to Frisco.
Additson (75007) Small city wedged between Far North Dallas and the Tollway. Great food /dining scene. Friendly and diverse. More condo / townhome. Great greenbelt in the area.
If you are OK with a longer commute and want more spaceL
Far North Dallas 75248, 75287 North of LBJ but still Dallas, Tollway-adjacent. 20-30 min to Frisco. Older trees, larger lots, established.
Preston Hollow, Devonshire, Hillcreast 75225, 75230 Affluent, older money, established. 25-35 min to Frisco via Tollway. Welcoming but suburban-quiet,
Lake Highlands (75238) — Diverse, mixed-race-friendly, family-suburban. 25-35 min to Frisco. Cheaper than Preston Hollow, less polished.
Richardson (Cottonwood Heights / Heights Park) — Between Plano and Dallas, very diverse (Telecom Corridor + large Indian community), good housing stock under Plano prices. \~20-30 min to Frisco.
folkboy72@reddit (OP)
Love all the detail - thank you! My commute here in Atlanta is between 25-35 min so I wanted to stay in that range. When I was out there in Feb, I tested it from a few locations and it seemed very in line with your numbers. I can shift my drive time outside of peak, so that helps, too. Appreciate your time so much.
janejacobs1@reddit
If you’re moving to Plano, sounds like you belong in downtown. It’s everything the rest of Plano is not, definitely not “same-y.” Historic, walkable, laid-back and friendly. Downtown core has restaurants, bars, coffee shops, retail and farmers market, plus imo the most beautiful small park in town, and plaza for hanging out and on occasion enjoying live music. Homes rarely come up for sale in the adjacent Haggard Park neighborhood, although this rental has just come available. (I’ve been inside and photos don’t do it justice!) There are also several apartment blocks—Junction 15, Morada, Emory, etc. Also, DART rail access into Dallas and direct to DFW airport. Any questions, feel free to ask—I’ve lived here 30 years and love it.
folkboy72@reddit (OP)
Thank you so much! It looks really charming there and lots of character! Appreciate the recommendation and I might take you up on follow up Qs. Excited to check this out...
janejacobs1@reddit
If you’re in town let’s do coffee and a walking tour!
folkboy72@reddit (OP)
Not in town yet, but soon! Let's!
janejacobs1@reddit
Send me a message, we’ll connect~ Also good strategy is to rent first while you get your feet on the ground and learn about which neighborhoods suit your needs. It means an extra move but a home purchase—and the neighborhood that comes with it!—is a long term decision and you want to get it right.
Realistic-Pay-6931@reddit
If you are working in Frisco, I would definitely move closer to the NW Plano border. Driving across Plano to get to Frisco isn't a smooth and fast drive.
omfgbrb@reddit
/u/janejacobs1 is completely right about the area; it checks most of your boxes. My only thought would be the commute to Frisco would be nearly as bad as coming from Dallas. Traveling east/west across Plano is either slow or expensive (sometimes both).
Plano routinely closes large portions of the east/west thoroughfares for maintenance every summer as well. It is the bane of my existence. Look through this sub for all the traffic issues.
Not trying to steer you away, just want to make sure you go in with eyes wide open.
folkboy72@reddit (OP)
Ooh, OK - great to know. Appreciate the insider scoop so much!
Foundrynut@reddit
My first social event in Plano was a pool party hosted by a gay couple, attended by a mixed race couple, and a lesbian couple. I was pleasantly surprised to be in the midst of inclusion in an area that I did not expect to find it.
When doing my housing search I prioritized proximity to my preferred: school, grocery store, and gym. Added bonus I ended up a couple of blocks off of one of the hike and bike paths that stretches across Plano.
ATT is moving their headquarters here. I suspect the gravity of the large scale move will change the dynamics of Plano a bit. Expect a new mini reunion tower to add to the Plano skyline. New restaurants and retailers will drift towards the ATT center.
folkboy72@reddit (OP)
I love hearing about this party - this would be a dream scenario! We are hoping to be near one of the paths/trails, as well!
Lead-Gear@reddit
I really enjoy the Legacy area in Plano. Shops. restaurants, walkable and socialble. My besties who are gay like to stay in the area and socialize. They love all the shopping in Frisco as well.
folkboy72@reddit (OP)
Thanks for commenting. We went there on our last visit and it was great! And you don't have to pay to park, which was refreshing! Had dinner at Haywire, which was solid.
advres@reddit
Without knowing anything about you guys, I just moved to Plano from East Point area and worked in midtown (late 40's). I commute locally early mornings and afternoons so local traffic is super easy comparatively. Bigger roads. You won't have to go too far for different kinds of fare, like not having to go all the way to Buford for ethnic food. Lots of people of Indian decent here, like a real lot! Since you were in midtown I doubt cost will bother you but real estate and rentals aren't cheap here. But they are way nicer than standard fare around ITP ATL. Feel free to reach out with anything more specific.
folkboy72@reddit (OP)
Nice to know there will be some other Atlantan out there getting used to Plano! Glad it sounds like you're having a good experience. Glad you feel safe, that's important! Appreciate you taking the time to comment.
Frosty-Noise371@reddit
The Preston/Park area might be what you’re looking for. Easy drive to Frisco, a lotttttt of dining and shopping options with better walkability than most suburban areas. Near Arbor Hills park — perfect for your nature love! Still close enough to Addison and Dallas. Inclusive area.
Welcome!!!!
folkboy72@reddit (OP)
Thank you for the nice welcome! We looked at a house that was a Dallas address just off Preston Road and it was just as you described - we felt like we could walk to some things nearby, at least. And a straight shot up to work in Frisco that wasn't bad when I modeled the commute.
Unusual_Aspect1427@reddit
You could live in Addison or Downtown Plano if you want to keep the urban feel. Plano has good parks and a variety of food, but you will be missing the Southern Food of Atlanta.
folkboy72@reddit (OP)
Heard Addison has a ton of great restaurants -- but we didn't see many housing options there. Downtown Plano is on the list! Thank you!
dallasdude@reddit
Pick someplace with lots of tree cover those neighborhoods are 20+ degrees cooler in the summer
folkboy72@reddit (OP)
Great tip! Thank you!
thetokyofiles@reddit
First, welcome to Plano! The one hint I’d give is to figure out which “neighborhood type” appeals to you the most.
For example, in the “middle” of Plano between approximately Coit and Alma (from west to east) and between Spring Creek and Plano Parkway (north to south) these are mostly single-story houses built around the late 1970s, with tons of trees.
There are larger and newer homes to the west and north. Some of these neighborhoods I think look great and some look hideous to me.
In summary, take a look on Zillow to get a sense of the various types of neighborhoods, and then focus on the areas that appeal to you.
Also - you may want to see if there is a particular amenity that you’d lie to be close to. For instance, you may be interested in being close to the old downtown, which has lots of events and the Dart train. Or you may prefer to be close to Arbor Hills park, which has some nice trails.
folkboy72@reddit (OP)
Thanks for the welcome!! We went to Arbor Hills for a walk and it was great! We did notice a large swings in the type of neighborhoods - and some of it comes down to how it feels. I keep reminding myself it's just going to be different and it will take a while to get used to?
dallaswatchdude@reddit
Plano is a great, quiet place to live. Lots of parks, libraries and Rec centers. Great small restaurants from all over the world (great Pakistani, Indian, Carribean, and Chinese). Super diverse population, and economically the city is booming (AT&T will be moving their North American Headquarters here from Dallas). Great biking city - join the Plano Bicycle Association. Play Tennis / pickleball at High Point Tennis center. Sign up for a class at a Rec center or at the community college. Go to Downtown plano to a farmers market. Or go to Legacy West to see people in Ferrari's get into fender benders. Really something for everyone - but my adivce is to be active and join some spots leagues.
folkboy72@reddit (OP)
This is great advice and the specificity is helpful! Excited to hear that the economy is doing well there!
Primary-Fix-1104@reddit
I lived in Plano for many years until I moved about a year ago. I love the area. So much to do but still have a suburb/family feel. Older homes. Downtown Plano is super cute & there is always a lot to do.
Minor advice: check your gps (around your work start & end time) Plano to frisco. It’s not far but traffic is still rough. So peak times (8am, 5pm) it can easily take 45 min to an hour to get to work or home due to traffic.
Did you not want to live in Frisco? It’s also a beautiful area.
folkboy72@reddit (OP)
Thank you for the comment! We are open to Frisco, but (perhaps wrongly) feel better being closer to Dallas?
GuitaristExplorer@reddit
Depending on where you end up, Frisco could be fairly close to North Dallas.
Honestly West Plano might be a good fit. The Dallas North Tollway provides access to the North Dallas Corridor. You’re pretty close to Frisco there too. Tons of new stuff in that area. It would be more suburban same-y though. You might enjoy downtown Plano more if you’re looking to get away from that.
CSIorangesalad@reddit
My husband and I (GAY), 30s, have lived in North DFW for most of our lives.
For food, legacy west area and the Colony are pretty good. Living near DNT (terrible rush hour traffic though) will give easy access to the amazing Asian cuisine in Carrollton and great Indian food from Frisco. I’d also consider nearby grocery stores as well, HEB just came to Dallas and is a favorite for many of us. Whole Foods and Trader Joe’s are off Preston Rd as well. In my opinion, stay away from Tom Thumbs. Central Market is great too.
There are way too many golf courses and private country clubs here, so double check green areas on the map to see if they are actually parks. We are sorely lacking in public parks. Notable parks: Oak Point Nature Reserve. I think getting outside helps with the adjustment. Living 5-10 min from a highway is my recommendation, especially for Plano because it can take forever to get anywhere with all the 30 mph zones and school zones.
As far as inclusivity, most people just keep to themselves. I feel like the further north towards the Colony and above 121 you go, the less comfortable I would be showing as much PDA. However, others may be able to provide more insight. We really enjoy the laidback nature of downtown Plano (east of 75), that is where we got married.
Welcome to DFW! Feel free to message if you have more questions.
folkboy72@reddit (OP)
Appreciate this perspective so much - and love the great tips on grocery stores and parks! Re: Inclusivity, we had heard it's a "live and let live" feeling. We put out good vibes and are hoping it's reciprocated as we explore life in Plano.
Any specific restaurants you like for Asian cuisine in Carrollton and Indian food in Frisco? Or other food spots in Plano? When we visited in Feb, we went to Central Market (amazing!) and have heard great things about HEB, too!
happyklam@reddit
I want to echo the sentiment about Oaklawn/The Gayborhood™️ except I would not advise moving all the way down there. That commute will wear you down. If you're not big on clubs, bars, and going out, settle into Plano and make the drive down when you're so inclined.
I don't know if you are religious (I'm not myself) but the Unitarian Universalist churches in Plano, Carrollton, and Uptown Dallas all have very welcoming communities and are hosting Pride events this next month as well, so if you look for homes around those congregation areas you're likely to find a friendly neighbor or two.
CferDFW@reddit
Can vouch for the UU churches, never been to the Uptown Dallas one but have been to both Carrollton and Plano.
OP should just be aware there's going to be people who don't agree with their lifestyle. Just carry on and ignore them - but would keep an eye out when looking for homes/apartments, (ie. You wouldn't want to live next to an openly maga house unless you love conflict).
happyklam@reddit
Yeah house shopping in DFW can be very illuminating. We always put our Pride flag up when a house around us is up for sale hoping to let others know we're a safe space.
CferDFW@reddit
It's almost June, we're putting ours up 6/1 and keep it up all month.
folkboy72@reddit (OP)
Thank you for that solidarity. That's kind - and smart!
folkboy72@reddit (OP)
We are worried about this very thing about the homes! But how to know until you're there?
CferDFW@reddit
You wouldn't I suppose unless they're broadcasting it, and many do so it makes it somewhat easy for you to spot and avoid.
TheDutchTexan@reddit
The commute to Frisco is going to take you longer than you think. Just get a house in Frisco if you can swing it. Downtown Dallas is right down the tollway on your days off (75 is always a damn mess nowadays) so you can time it so you won't run into that gridlock traffic.
It's fine to live, but it's flat and boring. Guess that reminds me of the Netherlands a bit. However there are no real forests to walk through and the temperatures in the summertime get up there because... well... Texas...
Friendly community? You'll be rolling the dice like everywhere. No one really speaks to their neighbors here and if you are unlucky you'll move into a home flanked by an evangelical of which there are plenty. People love to say they are tolerant towards XYZ until XYZ moves in next door.
Also, full sewer checkup. No ifs or buts. If the home is older you got cast iron and they are failing all over the place. Currently hoping ours will be OK for another decade or so...
PM_ME_YER_MUDFLAPS@reddit
Yeah, skip living in or near downtown Dallas if you want to avoid the hell of 75 or DNT for your commute. I am near 121 and Coit and while TX doesn’t have real trees compared to my old home of TN it isn’t too bad.
Lots of variety for restaurants and shopping and it is pretty quiet here in my hood. Mostly families with kids of various ages, a large Asian/South Asian population in my little spot.
flilmawinstone@reddit
If you are planning to go to Dallas proper then you might consider living close to a DART station. Unfortunately those are all on the east side so depending on where you are working in Frisco could be a long commute. (Also There is no DART service in Frisco)
hmmpainter@reddit
Having lived in both, Atlanta feels a bit more lived in and settled, probably has better restaurants, and definitely better culture. The lifestyle is about the same though. DFW is enormous so there is no shortage of interesting stuff to do, but its just less obvious and probably in a very bland looking strip mall.
Boss8399@reddit
Plano will fit your age group as it’s all families and retirees. If you have no problem that there’s no nightlife and it’s a corporate city then sure.
DFW has its own gayborhood called oaklawn where you will easily meet tons of gay people. It’s a bigger than atlantas gay scene. But to answer your questions, going from midtown to Plano will be a culture shock. Plano is a quiet suburbs with great schools, very middle class. Infact new families are not moving to Plano due to the cost of housing and elementary schools have been closing down. This is also a result of people who moved to Plano having adult kids move away and retiring there, but since it’s a corporate town the housing has gotten out of control for first time home owners. Just wanted to double down on my take of the amount of old people in the city.
Look into oaklawn Dallas, it will be worth the drive 3 days a week to have a social life.
folkboy72@reddit (OP)
This is so interesting about the demographics! Thank you!
texanchris@reddit
Dallas and Atlanta have a very similar feel. The suburbs of Atlanta have a very similar feel to those in Dallas. I’ll say this: Frisco, prosper, Celina are all suburban clones. Plano has older and newer areas but it’s well established. Plano is split between three distinct areas: west, central and east. East is the older side of Plano and where downtown is located. It’s hip, funky and pretty cool. Central is no man’s land. There’s no easy way to get anywhere because it’s locked by streets and no highways. West is considered the most affluent area. This is where the Dallas Stars are planning to potentially move.
My advice: visit before making a decision. See the areas and decide which one you like the best.
folkboy72@reddit (OP)
Thanks! Helpful context! We have already decided we are moving to Plano or Far North Dallas, but will definitely be visiting again before buying a house.
tractorcrusher@reddit
To me a Plano is very much like Alpharetta, except with less big/old trees.
folkboy72@reddit (OP)
Helpful comparison! Thank you! We have been bracing for less greenery.
silverwing90@reddit
Plano is great. I just moved to DFW about 1.5 yrs ago was in Irving for a year and now in Plano. It's a nice suburb, and yeah having spent a few months in Sandy Springs, GA it is same-y in that way, sprawling suburb. But it is safe, food scene is great, lots of shopping options, Legacy West etc. and offices are nearby as well.
I think you'll feel comfortable here, but if you are used to a city type life then it will be different, but no different than any suburb living. It's got parks, recreation centers etc. if you're into sports/physical activities.I think Plano location-wise is quite central, compared to how far spread the rest of the metroplex area has developed. You can get to pretty much any side in about 30min or so.