Photo credit: bizjournal.com I want you to close your eyes and think about Plano, TX. Do you picture rolling plains filled with Longhorn cattle and cowboys on horses? Your experience with Texas is probably limited to the stereotypical picture that Hollywood paints on TV screens and movie theaters. Those familiar with this DFW gem would tell you that this is what Plano looks like:

• Amazing local and chain restaurants on almost every corner

• World-class shopping centers and boutiques

• A vibrant night-life scene with hip bars and amazing date-night destinations

• Beautiful, mature tree-filled neighborhoods

• Over 4,000 acres of public park and trail space

• 5 Recreation centers for athletic kids and weekend warriors

• One of the highest rated public school districts in the USA

• Home to more than 25 major American corporate headquarters

• A system of hike/bike trails that allows residents to live, work and play without owning a car

photo credit: plano.gov North Texas is quickly becoming THE place for US companies to relocate their North American headquarters. Owing to a combination of low taxes, a business-friendly climate, no personal state income tax, and a very low cost of living, more and more employers are starting to call Plano, TX home. By the end of 2017 the list of companies with campuses in this city will include:

• Toyota North America

• Liberty Mutual

• JP Morgan Chase NA

• HP Enterprise Services

• Cinemark Theaters

• Dr Pepper Snapple Group

• FedEx

• Frito-Lay

• Rent-A-Center

Shops of Legacy is perfect for a night out on the town. Photo credit: mydallasmove.com Plano’s new residents will quickly find out why the city is consistently mentioned on various lists of Top Places to Live in the US. It has something for everyone! From the Millennial who is looking to live in a mixed-use apartment home so that they can live right in the middle of a great social scene to the growing family with a great school district in mind, Plano is big enough to satisfy all needs. Monster.com included Plano on its list of Best Cities for Millennials to Live and Work. For those that are staring their careers, the unemployment rate has been below the National average for 110 consecutive months, and the cost of living is far below more established cities on the East and West Coasts. Unlike cities like New York and San Francisco, it is possible to find an amazing apartment for under $1500 per month in rent. After establishing yourself in the business world, you will discover that Plano is also one of the best places to raise a family. WalletHub ranked it as the #2 spot in the country to raise a family and Market Watch called it the #1 city for families due to the outstanding public school system, the diverse population, and the affordable housing. Although Plano does suffer from a hot and dry summer, the weather during the rest of the year is positively gorgeous! Spring and fall give the area much needed rainfall alternating with beautiful blue skies.  Winter brings a couple inches of snow every year, but it quickly melts off and gives way to crisp, clear days. You won’t be able to ski or ice skate on a pond, but it’s just enough to satisfy the need to see some white in the winter. Because of the weather, there are outdoor recreation options to enjoy year-round. A local favorite is

Arbor Hills is a beautiful place to get away from it all - right in the middle of the city. Photo credit: dfwchild.com Arbor Hills Nature Preserve, a 200 acre park right in the middle of the city where you can hike, jog and orienteer your way through three ecosystems – the blackland prairie, riparian forest and upland forest. Lucky visitors will spot some regional wildlife such as coyotes, bobcats and raccoons. So, what’s the downside of Plano? With the amount of people relocating to the area, it has caused a housing shortage not only in this city, but also the fast growing suburb just to our north, Frisco, TX. If you plan on purchasing a home as soon as you set foot in Texas, the pickings will be slim and the competition is fierce. Your best bet is to find one of Camden's three beautiful apartment homes in the area, Camden Legacy Park, Camden Legacy Creek or Camden Panther Creek. With policies that allow you to easily cancel your lease early, you can settle in to an apartment home while you search for the best neighborhood to make your final move. Are you ready to make your move to Plano? We are ready to give you a big, “Howdy, Y’all”! Welcome home! You will LOVE IT!