Plano is located 19 miles north of downtown Dallas, and is often considered part of the larger Dallas metro area – but it is definitely a growing and thriving city in its own right. It is the 9th largest city in Texas, and it offers plenty for visitors and residents alike to see and do. Plano is also a very diverse city – in fact, nearly 47 percent of the population is non-Caucasian, and more than 90 languages are spoken in the city. It’s also a city with a growing and thriving LGBTQ community, and it would truly make a great place to call home.
A Look at Plano’s History
European settlers first came to the area that is now Plano in the early 1840s. Soon, a small settlement was established, which began to grow quickly. Residents of the town decided on the name “Plano” which comes from the Spanish word for “flat” because of the local geography. Since that time, as the greater Dallas area grew, Plano did as well, particularly after railroads moved into the area in the late 1800s. Today, Plano is a city rich in culture and offering plenty of opportunities and much to see and do.
Plano - A Few Fun Facts
Read more fun facts about Plano here.
Plano's LGBTQ Community
Plano values and celebrates its LGBTQ community and all that it adds to the city. Some of the LGBTQ community resources in Plano include:
The Resource Center is a medical and social services center serving the greater Dallas area with the mission of empowering the LGBTQ communities and all people affected by HIV through improving health and wellness, strengthening communities and providing education and advocacy. For over 35 years, the Center has provided programs of interest to the LGBTQ community as well as important and necessary assistance to people living with HIV and AIDS and for their families.
PFLAG is the first and largest organization for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) people, their parents and families, and allies. It is a grassroots organization committed to creating a world in which diversity is celebrated and all people are respected, valued, and affirmed. The Dallas chapter serves Plano and the greater Dallas area and offers monthly meetings, resources, and other events.
The Dallas Hope Center is an LGBTQ-focused homeless shelter that exists to help the 18+ LGBTQ community in Dallas, Plano, and beyond. Its mission is to reduce homelessness among LGBTQ young adults in the greater Dallas area.
What's the Weather Like in Plano?
Plano has a humid subtropical climate, and residents can expect to experience the unique characteristics of all four seasons each year. Winters in Plano are usually mild winters, while summers can be very hot. Fall and spring are usually the mildest and most pleasant seasons in Plano. The average daily low in Plano is around 57°F and the average daily high is approximately 77°F. Plano receives around 37 inches of rain per year, and little if any snow.
The Best Events in Plano
Often referred to as “The Pride of Texas,” the annual Pride event held in Dallas is one that Plano residents definitely won’t want to miss. It is considered the mecca of LGBTQ events in North Texas. Pride weekend is held in June in Fair Park and includes a music festival, a family pride zone and the Texas Freedom Parade.
The Plano Balloon Festival is held at Oak Point Park each year and is a great way to learn about hot air balloons, and simply have a great time enjoying all of the balloons that participate in the festival each year, and watching them soar through the sky on a beautiful Plano day.
The Plano International Festival is the city’s yearly celebration of all of the diversity that makes Plano such a wonderful place to live. The festival offers parades, performances, food and festivities in abundance, and it’s one event that you’ll want to be sure to put on your calendar each year.
Where to Live in Plano
Unlike a larger city like Dallas itself, in Plano, there is no one, particularly “gay” neighborhood. This just means that there are many neighborhoods in Plano that would be wonderful and welcoming places to call home, and choosing the right one will largely be a matter of personal preference and taste. There are a wide variety of home styles and price ranges available in Plano. If you want to purchase a condo in Plano, you’ll find that they run anywhere from $100,000 to $650,000. Single-family homes range from $145,000 to $2.750 million.
Arts and Entertainment
The Cox Playhouse is a black box-style theater located in Historic Downtown Plano. It has seating, lighting, and sound that can be customized to a wide variety of performances, and local theater groups often put on shows here. It’s a great place to enjoy a show – or perform in one yourself!
Though not a particularly large area, Historic Downtown Plano is a great spot to spend an afternoon or evening strolling through shops, restaurants, and other entertainment options in a part of the city with plenty of character and personality.
Parks and Recreation
With over 4,000 acres of open spaces, 167 miles of bike trails, and 94 miles of walking trails, Plano is a great place to enjoy the outdoors on a beautiful day. One of the most popular parks in Plano is the Oak Point Park & Nature Preserve, which offers 800 acres of green space and many miles of trails to enjoy, as well as an amphitheater for outdoor performances.
If you’re looking for more LGBTQ-oriented recreational activities, The Varsity Gay League in the greater Dallas area calls itself the original LGBTQ+ Recreational Sports Organization. Established in 2007, it offers year-round activities, games, and sporting events intended to unite the gay and straight communities with new and fun ways to play and interact. All are welcome!
Plano Nightlife
The Hidden Door has been known as one of the friendliest bars in Texas for over 40 years. Offering a laid-back atmosphere, great food and drinks, and a welcoming crowd, it’s a great stop on a night out in Plano.
Established in 1980, JR’s Bar and Grill (named for one of the main characters in the 1980s soap opera Dallas) is considered by many to be one of the most popular gay bars in the greater Dallas area. It is well-known for its cheap drinks, friendly atmosphere, and comfortable patio area.
Contact a Plano Gay Realtor Today
If you're ready to make a move to Plano, at www.gayrealestate.com, we're here to help you take the first step toward finding an agent who knows and loves the community, and who can help you find a home and a neighborhood you'll love. We're proud to have a network of excellent realtors in Plano, and we would love to help connect you with the right one. Contact a Plano gay realtor today for a free, no-obligation consultation!
