Best neighborhoods in Plano
Looking for the best place to call home in Plano? This guide breaks down every neighborhood so you can find the one that fits your needs, budget, and lifestyle.
The clear guide to Plano’s best neighborhoods—matched to how you live.
Plano offers everything from walkable townhome districts near major employers to quiet, tree-lined streets with generous lots and top-rated schools. This article evaluates neighborhoods across six buyer-focused metrics— schools, cost of living, who tends to live there, walkability, crime & safety, and homeownership mix—so you can quickly zero in on the areas that fit your budget, lifestyle, and commute.
Filter by neighborhood metrics
Showing 18 of 18 neighborhoods
River Bend
Quiet, tree-lined pocket with larger lots and a tucked-away feel; great for buyers who want suburban calm with quick access to city amenities.
Nearby: Near Preston Rd & Plano Pkwy; minutes to Legacy West, Stonebriar Centre, and Dallas North Tollway.
- Schools
- 8/10
- Cost of living
- $$
- Who lives here
- Families
- Walkability
- Medium
- Crime & safety
- A
- Homeownership
- Most own
Willow Bend
West Plano classic known for custom homes, golf-course views, and upscale streetscapes—one of Plano’s most prestigious areas.
Nearby: Adjacent to Gleneagles Country Club; easy access to DNT, Shops at Willow Bend, and Legacy business corridor.
- Schools
- 8/10
- Cost of living
- $$$
- Who lives here
- Families
- Walkability
- Low
- Crime & safety
- A
- Homeownership
- Most own
Windhaven
Master-planned feel with parks and trails; close to corporate campuses and retail—ideal for commute-friendly living.
Nearby: By Parker Rd & DNT; minutes to Shops at Legacy, Legacy West, and Granite Park restaurants.
- Schools
- 8/10
- Cost of living
- $$
- Who lives here
- Young Professionals
- Walkability
- Medium
- Crime & safety
- A
- Homeownership
- Balanced
Spring Creek
Established neighborhoods with mature trees and community vibe; a reliable mix of home styles and price points.
Nearby: Along Spring Creek Pkwy; near Oak Point Park & Nature Preserve and central retail corridors.
- Schools
- 7/10
- Cost of living
- $$
- Who lives here
- Mixed
- Walkability
- Medium
- Crime & safety
- B
- Homeownership
- Most own
Heart of Plano
Centrally located with quick access across the city; balanced housing options and easy everyday convenience.
Nearby: Near Central Expy (US-75), Parker & Spring Creek; close to major shopping and city services.
- Schools
- 6/10
- Cost of living
- $$
- Who lives here
- Mixed
- Walkability
- High
- Crime & safety
- B
- Homeownership
- Balanced
Deerfield
Beloved for its holiday lights, wide streets, and community events; strong curb appeal and neighborhood pride.
Nearby: Near Legacy Dr & Coit Rd; short drive to Legacy West/Granite Park employers.
- Schools
- 9/10
- Cost of living
- $$
- Who lives here
- Families
- Walkability
- Medium
- Crime & safety
- A
- Homeownership
- Most own
Whiffletree
Classic Plano charm with larger lots and mature landscaping; quiet blocks close to great schools and parks.
Nearby: Coit Rd & Legacy Dr area; near Hoblitzelle Park and retail along Spring Creek.
- Schools
- 8/10
- Cost of living
- $$
- Who lives here
- Families
- Walkability
- Low
- Crime & safety
- A
- Homeownership
- Most own
Normandy Estates
Gated, upscale enclave with lakes and walking paths; premium finishes and low-maintenance luxury living.
Nearby: Near Spring Creek & Parker; easy access to DNT and Legacy retail/dining.
- Schools
- 8/10
- Cost of living
- $$$
- Who lives here
- Retirees
- Walkability
- Low
- Crime & safety
- A
- Homeownership
- Most own
Lakeside on Preston
Picturesque lakes, trails, and manicured streets; a signature West Plano neighborhood with custom homes.
Nearby: Preston Rd corridor; minutes to Shops at Legacy, Legacy West, and top dining.
- Schools
- 8/10
- Cost of living
- $$$
- Who lives here
- Families
- Walkability
- Medium
- Crime & safety
- A
- Homeownership
- Most own
Indian Creek
Established community feel with access to parks and good schools; solid value for central-west Plano.
Nearby: Coit & Spring Creek; near Carpenter Park Rec Center and shopping.
- Schools
- 7/10
- Cost of living
- $$
- Who lives here
- Mixed
- Walkability
- Medium
- Crime & safety
- B
- Homeownership
- Most own
Forest Creek Estates
Quiet streets with mature trees and generous yards; a favorite for buyers seeking space and stability.
Nearby: Independence & Legacy; convenient to Shawnee Park and retail along Legacy Dr.
- Schools
- 7/10
- Cost of living
- $$
- Who lives here
- Families
- Walkability
- Low
- Crime & safety
- A
- Homeownership
- Most own
El Ranchero Country Estates
Rare, estate-style lots with a semi-rural feel inside the city—privacy and elbow room with Plano convenience.
Nearby: East of Custer; easy reach to US-75 and Historic Downtown Plano.
- Schools
- 7/10
- Cost of living
- $$
- Who lives here
- Retirees
- Walkability
- Low
- Crime & safety
- A
- Homeownership
- Most own
Avignon
Smaller luxury enclave with European-inspired architecture; lock-and-leave comfort near West Plano amenities.
Nearby: Spring Creek & Preston; close to Legacy shopping/dining and DNT.
- Schools
- 8/10
- Cost of living
- $$$
- Who lives here
- Young Professionals
- Walkability
- Low
- Crime & safety
- A
- Homeownership
- Most own
White Rock Creek Estates
Greenbelt access and quiet cul-de-sacs; a nature-adjacent choice with strong single-family appeal.
Nearby: Near White Rock Creek Trail; access to Spring Creek & Coit retail nodes.
- Schools
- 9/10
- Cost of living
- $$
- Who lives here
- Families
- Walkability
- Medium
- Crime & safety
- A
- Homeownership
- Most own
Shoal Creek
Upscale, serene setting with creek views and custom homes; great for buyers wanting privacy and polish.
Nearby: Legacy Dr corridor; minutes to Legacy West and corporate campuses.
- Schools
- 8/10
- Cost of living
- $$$
- Who lives here
- Families
- Walkability
- Low
- Crime & safety
- A
- Homeownership
- Most own
Ranch Estates
Spacious lots and a classic Texas feel—room to spread out while staying close to Plano conveniences.
Nearby: West of Custer; quick access to Parker, Spring Creek, and US-75.
- Schools
- 6/10
- Cost of living
- $$
- Who lives here
- Retirees
- Walkability
- Low
- Crime & safety
- B
- Homeownership
- Most own
Downtown Plano Arts District
Historic charm with coffee shops, galleries, and DART Rail—urban-suburban blend with lively events.
Nearby: E 15th St & K Ave; direct DART Red/Orange Line to Dallas.
- Schools
- 6/10
- Cost of living
- $$
- Who lives here
- Young Professionals
- Walkability
- High
- Crime & safety
- B
- Homeownership
- Most rent
Legacy West & Shops at Legacy
Modern townhome/condo living with top restaurants and major employers—walkable West Plano hotspot.
Nearby: DNT & SH-121; near Toyota HQ, JPMorgan Chase, Liberty Mutual.
- Schools
- 8/10
- Cost of living
- $$$
- Who lives here
- Young Professionals
- Walkability
- High
- Crime & safety
- A
- Homeownership
- Most rent
Want a custom short list based on your budget, school preferences, and commute? I’ll map the best fits and share on-market options with private notes on condition, concessions, and offer strategy.