
Tis the season for bell-ringing kettle drives, helping needy families, and giving to homeless shelters.
But there’s one city in North Texas that keeps this lovely Christmas spirit all year long. It’s Plano. The North Texas city recently earned a top spot in the rankings as one of the most caring cities in America, according to a new report from the personal finance website WalletHub. Congratulate the city located in both Collin and Denton Counties for being rated lucky number 13.
WalletHub’s data indicates Americans donated more than $592 billion last year, and December is when generosity dominates, taking after Santa Claus’ charitable giving. Yet Plano’s recognition shows that caring for others isn’t reserved just for the Christmas season.
“Plano cracked the top 20,” said Chip Lupo, an analyst and writer for WalletHub. “It had a very strong showing out of 182 cities.”
How Plano Got There
WalletHub’s latest study compiled data detailing compassion in action, comparing the nation’s largest cities across 38 different measures of kindness. The scorecard looked at everything from how many homeless residents find shelter, to the hours neighbors spend volunteering, to the share of income donated to charity. Plano scored well across multiple area but its adoption rates, the analyst said, were “well above average.”
Also analyzed were such not-so-cheery factors. Crime rates and number of pedestrian fatalities, according to Lupo, were thrown into the mix.
The figures behind WalletHub’s study are drawn straight from trusted government sources like the U.S. Census Bureau. Each city’s score is a blend of dozens of compassion‑related measures, but Plano managed to shine in one standout category.
“Plano ranks third in the nation for the share of people with disabilities who are employed,” Lupo said.
Plano’s impressive performance across these categories means this city of almost 300,000 doesn’t just put a bow on its good will in December but reflects year-round commitments to caring.
Other Texas Cities Making the List
Texas wasn’t represented by Plano alone — other Lone Star cities also placed in the top 100. Other Texas cities deemed caring cities and their ranks are Irving, 40; Austin, 42; Garland, 45; Fort Worth 56; Arlington, 59; El Paso, 72; Lubbock, 73; Dallas, 76; Laredo, 87; Corpus Christi, 88; San Antonio, 89; and Houston, 92.
Should anyone feel badly that a favorite city didn’t make the list, a favorite city could still make high marks in an important area. A certain writer’s hometown, Tulsa, for example, is a lovely place with lovely people but only ranked 94. But Tulsa has the highest share of income donated to charity.
Living in Plano
So, say that these rankings make your charitable heart flutter. And say you want to keep the budget under half a million so that you can see your way to donate more to charitable causes. CandysDirt.com is happy to point the way to a couple of Friday $400K homes for your review.
This Plano home on Laguna Court was built in 1983.
If you’re looking for a custom home that’ll let you customize and update, this red brick house at Parker and Independence is a great find.
Built in 1983, the 2,209-square-foot home contains three bedrooms and two bathrooms. Located on more than one-third of an acre at 2903 Laguna Ct., the house boasts two living areas, a spacious primary suite, and a massive backyard with a pool and a gazebo.
A brick fireplace and woodwork make the living room a cozy spot to relax.
The generous lot allows for a pool, a gazebo, and room for backyard games.
Macey Davis of Integrated Plus Realty has listed 2903 Laguna Court for $475,000.
The mature landscaping equals a shady front yard for this house on Pinehurst Drive.
If you’re looking for a home that’s already done the updating for you, let us introduce you to 3528 Pinehurst Dr. Built in 1979, the three-bedroom, two-bathroom home with 2,197 square feet has been updated with granite countertops, a bathroom remodel, and stylish decorating choices.
The living room has coffered ceilings, a floor-to-ceiling stone fireplace, and overlooks a central sunlit atrium, while the home office has a wall of built-ins with room for all your stuff.
Stylish updates have given this house, built in 1979, a wow factor.
The bathroom was remodeled for a modern lifestyle.
Chris Lamrock of Keller Williams Realty has listed 3528 Pinehurst for $464,000.