Comparing Real Estate in Highland Park vs Plano, TX for 2026 Buyers
Buyers weighing living in Highland Park vs Plano, TX are looking at two genuinely different markets within the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. Highland Park sits just north of Downtown Dallas - historic luxury estates, a small central footprint, streets that have looked more or less the same for decades. Plano is a major suburban hub in Collin County, spanning a much larger area with a mix of older neighborhoods and newer master-planned developments.
The decision usually comes down to three things: budget, property style, and how much of your life you want to spend in a car. With Highland Park median home prices well over $2.5 million and Plano median prices hovering near $520,000, these two markets aren't really competing for the same buyer - but plenty of people still want to see the comparison laid out clearly before they commit to a direction.
Comparing Home Prices and Real Estate Markets
Recent market data puts the median sale price for a home in Highland Park at around $2,720,000. Homes move quickly - averaging roughly 15 days on the market - and sellers are collecting about 98.7% of their list price. That's not a market that rewards hesitation.
Plano tells a different story. The median sale price there is approximately $523,000, with typical home values sitting around $518,080 after a slight 2.4% dip over the past year. The inventory is larger, the price tiers are broader, and buyers have real room to compare options without feeling like they missed the window.
One thing worth keeping in mind: because Highland Park has such a small geographic footprint and trades primarily in ultra-luxury volume, its data can show wide swings from month to month. A few outlier sales move the needle. Plano's larger inventory provides a more stable baseline, giving buyers a much wider range of options under the $1 million mark.
What to Expect for Property Values
Highland Park inventory is tight - roughly 44 homes for sale with about 4.9 months of supply available. A third of homes sell above asking. If you're shopping here, you need to be prepared to move when the right property appears, because it won't sit.
Plano gives buyers more breathing room. The lower median price means you can secure more square footage or a larger lot for a fraction of what a comparable-sized property would run closer to central Dallas. It's a market where you can actually take your time and negotiate.
Housing Styles and Neighborhood Layouts
Highland Park is known for historic luxury estates, custom builds, and mature tree-lined streets. The housing stock is almost entirely high-end single-family homes. Townhome and condo availability is limited.
Plano runs the full range - older suburban subdivisions, newer master-planned developments, traditional single-family homes, modern townhomes, and condos, particularly near retail centers like Legacy West. Whatever configuration you're looking for, Plano probably has a version of it.
Local Taxes and Everyday Living Expenses
The cost of living index in Highland Park is 260, which makes it 2.6 times higher than the national average. Plano has a cost of living index of 129 - still 8% above the national average, but roughly half of what you'd face in Highland Park. Groceries, local services, the baseline cost of daily life - all of it runs higher in Highland Park, and that gap adds up over time on top of the mortgage difference.
Breaking Down the Property Tax Rates
Highland Park actually carries the lowest municipal property tax rate of any Dallas County city, at about $0.199 per $100 of assessed valuation. That sounds attractive until you factor in what the homes are worth. The effective rate works out to around 1.09%, and homeowners recently paid property taxes equal to 3.1% of their home values during a single quarter. Low rate, high base - the math still produces a substantial bill.
Plano's situation is different. The City of Plano recently approved a municipal tax rate increase to roughly $0.4376 per $100 of a home's value. Stack that with Collin County, Collin College, and Plano ISD levies, and the typical Plano homeowner is looking at a combined rate of approximately 1.71% of taxable value. Higher rate, lower base.
HOA Dues and General Cost of Living
Master-planned developments and townhome communities in Plano frequently carry HOA fees covering shared amenities - community pools, neighborhood landscaping, exterior maintenance for attached housing. That's a line item worth verifying on any specific property before you make an offer.
Highland Park properties are less likely to have traditional HOA fees, since the area is mostly independent single-family estates. What you'll face instead are the higher general upkeep costs that come with large, historic properties. Different cost structure, not necessarily a smaller one.
Commutes, Highways, and Local Amenities
Highland Park borders the Dallas North Tollway and US-75, which puts residents just minutes from Downtown Dallas. That proximity is the core of the value proposition here for buyers who work in the city center.
Plano sits further north in Collin County. The same highways connect you to Dallas, but the drive is longer - and how much longer depends on when you're making it. Test the commute during actual rush hour before you decide. A route that looks fine on a map at noon can feel very different at 5:45 on a Tuesday.
Both areas have distinct local amenities that shape day-to-day life in ways that go well beyond the commute.
Driving Times to Dallas and Major Airports
Highland Park's central location means fast access to Dallas Love Field - a real advantage for anyone who travels domestically with any regularity. DFW International Airport is also accessible, though Love Field is considerably closer.
Plano residents have straightforward routes to DFW International Airport via regional highways. For buyers whose employment or daily routine is centered around Legacy West, that commute is essentially a non-issue - the development sits directly within Plano's city limits.
Parks, Green Spaces, and Zoning Differences
Highland Park keeps tight commercial zoning, which means the immediate area stays predominantly residential. Public parks and green spaces are woven throughout the neighborhoods, and retail is concentrated in specific, well-defined pockets. It's a deliberately controlled environment.
Plano takes a broader approach, blending large public parks with expansive commercial districts. The practical effect is that residents can reach large-scale shopping centers, grocery stores, and entertainment venues without leaving the suburb. Convenient in a different way.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much more expensive is buying a home in Highland Park, TX compared to Plano?
Considerably more. The median sale price in Highland Park is around $2,720,000, while the median sale price in Plano is approximately $523,000.
How do the public schools in Highland Park ISD compare to Plano ISD?
Local property taxes fund the school districts in both areas, including Plano ISD. Buyers comparing the districts should review current state data and boundary maps for specific campus details.
What is the commute time to Downtown Dallas from Highland Park versus living in Plano?
Commuting from Highland Park is faster - it sits just north of Downtown Dallas. Plano is located further north in Collin County, which means a longer drive down the Dallas North Tollway or US-75 to reach the city center.
Are property tax rates higher in the Town of Highland Park, TX or in Plano?
The combined rate is higher in Plano. Plano homeowners face a combined rate of approximately 1.71%, while Highland Park carries a municipal rate of about $0.199 per $100 and an effective rate of around 1.09%.
How does lot size and home square footage compare between Highland Park and Plano for the exact same budget?
Your money goes much further in Plano. With Plano's median home price near $523,000 and Highland Park's median around $2,720,000, the same budget buys substantially more square footage and land in the suburbs.
Which area offers better walkability and neighborhood amenities: Highland Park or Plano?
That depends on what you actually want day to day. Highland Park has mature, tree-lined streets with dedicated public parks and limited commercial zoning. Plano offers a broader mix - suburban parks alongside expansive retail and entertainment centers like Legacy West. Neither is objectively better; they're just built around different priorities.
