Plano TX Moving Companies

Plano, Texas

Although it is located within the Dallas/Fort Worth metropolitan area, Plano, Texas is an impressive city in its own right. With a population of 265,000, it is the ninth largest city in Texas and the 70th-largest city in the country. The city is quite affluent, with a poverty rate well below the national average. The overall quality of living in Plano is also high, and the city regularly tops lists of best places to live (it was first among western cities in 2005 and 11th in the United States in 2006). All those moving to Plano are sure to share in this excellence.

Economy:
The strength of Plano’s economy makes it one of the wealthiest urban areas within the United States, and the Census Bureau rated the city as the wealthiest city in 2008 with a population of over 250,000. This affluence stems from the presence of many lucrative industries and a strong workforce within the city itself (over 100,000). Plano’s principal industries include software, telecommunications, financial services, electronics and healthcare, and there are many corporations with headquarters within the city as well. Major employers in Plano are Bank of America Home Loans, JC Penney, Perot Systems Corporation, Alcatel-Lucent, CHC Acquisition Corporation and Frito-Lay.

History:
The first European inhabitants of the Plano area arrived in the 1840s, and the town itself was incorporated in 1873. Named for the Spanish term for “flat,” due to its terrain, Plano was established as a major agricultural center with the arrival of the Houston and Central Texas Railroad. As a farming area, the population of Plano grew only slowly until after World War II. The 1900 population was 1304, and the 1950 population had reached only 2126. The increase in automobile traffic, improvement of roads and growth of the Dallas metropolitan area led to a booming population from the 1970s onward. The 1970 population of 17,872 grew to 72,000 by 1980, 128,713 by 1990 and 222,030 by 2000. Since 2000, moving companies are thriving with moves to Plano and its neighboring communities.

Tourism:
Plano’s cultural and historic life features museums, galleries, historic homes and theaters. Among the city’s museums are the ArtCentre of Plano, with national and local art galleries, and the Interurban Railway Museum, with historic rail cars on display. The Historic Downtown district offers many attractions, including restaurants, several theaters, galleries and specialty shops. The area is accessible by both bus and light rail, provided by Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART). The Heritage Farmstead, once a country estate and now within the city itself, showcases life in Plano around 1900 and consists of a Victorian home and outbuildings. If you want to fly into the Plano area, both the Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport and the Dallas Love Airport are within a 45-minute drive of downtown.

Colleges/Universities:

• Collin College-Spring Creek Campus
• Southern Methodist University-in-Plano
• Collin College-Courtyard Center Campus

Interesting Facts:

• Lance Armstrong, who won a record seven consecutive Tour de France bicycle races, was born and raised in Plano.
• Plano is home to the Southfork Ranch, the “world’s most famous ranch,” so-called due to its use as the Ewing homestead on the TV show “Dallas.” You can visit the ranch, take a tour on the tram, purchase “Dallas” memorabilia and clothing and tour exhibits based on the show.
• Several actors currently appearing on television programs come from Plano. Among them are Alan Tudyk (“Dollhouse,” “Firefly”), Michael Urie (“Ugly Betty”), Hunter Parrish (“Weeds”), Kevin McHale (“Glee”) and Chace Crawford (“Gossip Girl”).

Helpful Links:

• Historical Downtown Plano
• City of Plano