Plano On Top
Dallas suburb boasts one of the best downtowns in the country
Is there anything Plano can't win? Not only is it the best city to find a job, full of the most caring people, and in the top three for wallet wellness, now it's also home to one of the best downtowns in the nation.
That's right, Plano's reemerging downtown is one of the best in country, according to Livability.com. The lifestyle site grabbed data on 2,000 small to mid-size cities and looked at things like low vacancy rates, cultural and nightlife attractions, new development, and walkability scores. Population parameters ensured that the picks have an actual downtown, and not just a quaint Main Street.
“Having a great downtown is about more than just great stores and great restaurants. A great downtown needs people,” says Livability.com's editor Matt Carmichael. “Great cities need great spaces to gather. These cities and towns are wonderful places to get out and engage with your friends, family, and other residents.”
No. 8 Plano, the site gushes, “pulsates with a renewed energy that has brought in new offices, retail, restaurants, and residents.” Young families and professionals are flocking there to “stay close to the action,” which includes free outdoor concerts, art shows, and wine tastings. Nearby Oak Point Park and Nature Preserve brings a touch of the outdoors.
The preserved historic buildings that make up much of downtown Plano are bursting, as the city's vacancy rate — 4.8 percent — is actually the lowest on the list.
Alexandria, Virginia, nabs the No. 1 overall spot, followed by Santa Monica, California, and Greenville, South Carolina.
