Overview:
Historic downtown Plano has it all -- upscale (yet affordable) apartments, art galleries and museums, restaurants, shopping, theatres, and a large park to relax in. A charming neighborhood filled with early twentieth-century homes lies within easy walking distance.
Twenty years ago, downtown Plano had few shops and little to do. City planners and concerned citizens got together and brought in the businesses necessary to make downtown Plano the thriving area it is today.
Boundaries:
Living There:
Luxury apartments, condos, and townhomes have fireplaces, private patios, hardwood floors, and garages. Renting can cost as little $525 a month for a studio apartment or $1000 for two bedrooms and two baths. 1700 square foot apartments are available for purchase starting at $249,000.
Several historic neighborhoods surround the downtown Plano area. The Old Towne neighborhood has restored Victorian homes from Plano's earliest days. To the north of downtown, communities of well-kept early to mid-twentieth century homes offer quiet living within a few minutes walk from downtown Plano.
The Plano Independent School District serves downtown Plano and the neighborhoods surrounding it with Mendenhall Elementary, Bowman Middle School, Williams High School, and Plano East Senior High.
Restaurants and Nightlife:
Restaurants include 15th Street Cafe (15th and K Ave), Aparicio's Restaurante (18th and J Ave, outdoor seating), Dickey's Barbecue (14th and Municipal), Fillmore Pub (15th and J Ave), Four G's Sports Bar (15th and J Ave), Fusion Cafe (K Ave, near 15th, coffee house), Gregory's (15th and J Ave, outdoor seating), Into My Garden Tearoom (15th, between J and K Aves), Jorg's Cafe Vienna (15th and K Ave), Kelly's Eastside (15th and K Ave, outdoor seating, live music), Sheik's Restaurant (14th and K Ave), and Ye Ole Butcher Shop (15th and I Ave).
Shopping:
For groceries and other necessities, try Georgia's Farmer's Market (916 15th St) between May and November, Plano Mini Mart (1045 15th Pl), Terry's Supermarkets (1804 Ave K), or Tom Thumb (2200 14th St).
Lining the streets of downtown Plano are many boutique offering clothes, jewelry at Nature's Finest Art and Jewels and Jeans, unique collectibles, antiques, gifts, candy, flowers, interior decor and furnishings at My Favorite Room, and Two Brothers Cigars. Services include Spa Habitat Organic Retreat (1715 Ave H, full-service spa) and BodyGrafix (15th and K Ave, massage).