If you're weighing where to spend your retirement years, Plano deserves a serious look. Our office sits right here in Plano, and it's no accident — this city consistently ranks among the happiest and most livable communities in the country, and several of the reasons why translate directly into a strong, sustainable retirement.
Here's what makes Plano stand out.
A Track Record of Happiness and Livability
Plano isn't just a nice place to live by reputation — it shows up again and again in national rankings. WalletHub's 2026 happiest cities study placed Plano at No. 16 out of 182 cities nationwide, and No. 1 in all of Texas, based on emotional and physical wellbeing, income and employment, and community and environment. SmartAsset's 2025 happiness rankings went even further, naming Plano the single happiest large city in America, pointing to the city's high marriage rate, strong household incomes, and low poverty rate as key factors. Livability's 2026 report also singled out Plano among the top livable mid-sized cities in Texas, based on more than 100 data points spanning housing, safety, amenities, and healthcare.
For retirees, these rankings aren't just bragging rights. They reflect a community with safe neighborhoods, engaged residents, and a strong social fabric — all things that matter as much as your account balance when it comes to enjoying retirement.
Texas's Tax Advantages Work in Your Favor
One of the most concrete financial benefits of retiring in Texas is the absence of a state income tax. That means your Social Security benefits, pension income, and withdrawals from a 401(k) or IRA are not taxed at the state level — a meaningful difference compared to many other states.
That said, Texas leans on property taxes to fund schools and local services, and effective rates are among the higher ones nationally. The state does offer real relief for older homeowners, including a general homestead exemption plus an additional exemption for residents age 65 and older, along with a school-tax freeze once you qualify. Sales tax in the Plano area runs a little above 8% combined, which is worth factoring into a retirement budget alongside property tax, even with no income tax to worry about.
The bottom line: Texas's tax structure can be a real advantage for retirees, but it works best as part of a plan that accounts for property taxes, sales taxes, and how your income sources are structured — exactly the kind of planning we do together.
Cost of Living That's Reasonable for a Major Metro
Despite being part of the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex — one of the largest and fastest-growing metro areas in the country — Plano's overall cost of living runs close to, or slightly below, the national average. You get big-city amenities, a major airport, and a deep bench of healthcare and cultural institutions, without the cost of living you'd find in coastal metros.
Healthcare Access Close to Home
Access to quality healthcare only becomes more important as the years go on, and Plano is well served on this front. Residents have several major hospital systems nearby, including Medical City Plano, Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Plano, and Baylor Scott & White facilities, plus additional specialty care a short drive away in Dallas. The city and surrounding area also have a wide range of senior-focused communities and services, from independent living to memory care, for those who may need more support down the road.
A Lifestyle Built for an Active Retirement
Plano offers an appealing mix of quiet, established neighborhoods and vibrant, walkable areas like Legacy West, with shopping, dining, and entertainment options that rival much larger cities. The city maintains an extensive parks system — including large green spaces like Oak Point Park and Bob Woodruff Park — with walking trails that are popular with active retirees. Add in a warm climate with roughly 300 sunny days a year, and it's easy to see why so many people choose to spend their retirement here rather than just visiting.
Bringing It All Together
Plano checks a lot of boxes: no state income tax, a reasonable cost of living for a major metro, strong healthcare access, and a genuinely high quality of life that shows up in independent rankings year after year. But where you retire is only one piece of the puzzle. The real question is whether your income, savings, and tax strategy are structured to support the retirement you want, wherever you choose to live.
If you're thinking about retiring in Plano — or you already call it home and want to make sure your plan reflects it — I'd welcome the conversation. Let's map out what your next chapter can look like.
Schedule a consultation at markstegman.com/contact.
This material is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as tax or legal advice. Please consult a qualified tax or legal professional regarding your individual situation. Rankings and data cited reflect third-party sources believed to be reliable as of publication and are subject to change.