Let the numbers do the talking.
Arlington, TX vs Plano, TX
Arlington, TX vs Plano, TX: What the data shows
Arlington, TX is in Arlington, TX while Plano, TX is in Plano, TX — both in the same state. On home prices, Plano, TX is the more affordable option at $359,600 median — $70,400 less than Arlington, TX's $430,000. WYLT rates Arlington, TX as “Settle here” — an excellent place to put down roots — and Plano, TX as “Good for now” — a solid choice worth serious consideration.
Arlington, TX has the stronger safety profile of the two. Arlington, TX has Low violent crime and Low property crime. Plano, TX has Moderate violent crime and Moderate property crime. On environmental risk, Arlington, TX has Low flood risk and Plano, TX has Low flood risk.
Plano, TX is the more walkable neighborhood. Arlington, TX scores 6/100 (car-dependent) versus Plano, TX's 25/100 (mostly car-dependent). For families weighing school quality, Plano, TX has the higher school rating — Arlington, TX rates 6.8/10 and Plano, TX rates 7.5/10.
| Category | Arlington, TX | Plano, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | ||
| Verdict | Settle here | Good for now |
| Median Price | $430K | $360K ✓ Lower price |
| Median Rent | $2K | $2K ✓ Lower rent |
| Median Income | $85K | $101K ✓ Higher income |
| Price Volatility | Low ✓ More stable | Moderate |
| Getting Around | ||
| Walk Score | 6/100 | 25/100 ✓ More walkable |
| Transit Score | 34/100 ✓ Better transit | Minimal transit |
| Bike Score | 32/100 ✓ More bikeable | N/A |
| Commute | 38 min | 31 min ✓ Shorter commute |
| Safety & Environment | ||
| Safety Grade | A ✓ Safer | D+ |
| Violent Crime | Low ✓ Lower risk | Moderate |
| Property Crime | Low ✓ Lower risk | Moderate |
| Flood Risk | Low | Low |
| Air Quality | Good | Good |
| Community | ||
| Schools | 6.8/10 | 7.5/10 ✓ Better schools |
| Best for | Families with young childrenCommuters to downtown Dallas or nearby citiesHomebuyers looking for a stable and growing community | Families with kidsProfessionals who commute to DallasRemote workers needing reliable schools |
Bottom line
If you're a family with young children prioritizing excellent schools and a stable community, settle in Arlington's 76016. However, if you're willing to compromise on school ratings and have a slightly shorter commute, Plano's 75023 offers good value. Ultimately, it's a trade-off between education focus in Arlington and a slightly more suburban lifestyle in Plano.
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