Texas boasts a varied population, a vibrant culture, and a thriving economy. However, when it comes to the city providing the highest quality of life for its residents, recent findings from Innerbody, a health and wellness website, point to Plano as the top contender.
In this piece, we’ll delve into the factors that contribute to Plano being recognized as the healthiest city in Texas, comparing it to other cities in the state, and examining the advantages of residing in a city prioritizing health and well-being.
The City That Has Been Named the Healthiest Place to Live in Texas
Plano, a city with a population of approximately 282,000 situated in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, has secured the top position as the healthiest large city in Texas for the year 2020. It achieved the highest Health Score of 78.8 out of a possible 100 points.
This Health Score is derived from a comprehensive assessment of various factors impacting community well-being, including obesity, smoking, alcohol abuse, access to healthcare, availability of fitness centers and parks, as well as air quality. Plano demonstrated excellence in several key areas:
Public Schools
Plano boasts some of the state’s top-rated public schools, receiving an A+ rating from Niche, a website that evaluates schools and neighborhoods. Plano’s schools excel in test scores, graduation rates, and college readiness, and feature a diverse and talented student body.
Health and Fitness
Plano residents exhibit a commitment to health and fitness, with low obesity (23.4%) and smoking (9.9%) rates, and a high level of physical activity (83.9%). The city provides ample options for fitness enthusiasts, including 85 fitness centers, 84 parks, and 70 miles of trails.
Economy
Plano maintains a robust and steady economy, characterized by a low unemployment rate (2.6%), a high median household income ($92,121), and a low poverty rate (7.8%). Home to major corporations like Toyota, JCPenney, and Frito-Lay, as well as a thriving small business sector, Plano is an economic stronghold.
Community Vitality
Plano features a lively and diverse community, marked by strong social cohesion, civic engagement, and safety. Residents enjoy a low crime rate, high voter turnout, and an impressive volunteer rate. The city also offers a rich cultural scene, with museums, theaters, festivals, and restaurants catering to a variety of tastes and preferences.
Read More: This City Has Been Named the Poorest City in North Carolina
What Are the Benefits of Living in a Healthy City?
Residing in a health-conscious city can bring about numerous positive effects on an individual’s physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Some of the advantages include:
Reduced Risk of Chronic Diseases
A health-focused city can aid in preventing or managing conditions like diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and cancer—leading causes of death and disability in the U.S. Such a city ensures access to quality healthcare, preventive services, wellness programs, and opportunities for physical activity, healthy eating, and stress reduction.
Increased Life Satisfaction
Inhabiting a health-conscious city can boost happiness, fulfillment, and a sense of purpose. Such a city nurtures a supportive and inclusive community, a lively and diverse culture, and a safe and secure environment. It also provides educational and economic opportunities, along with recreational activities, enriching both personal and professional aspects of life.
Enhanced Social Impact
Residing in a health-oriented city can inspire individuals to contribute to the common good and make a positive impact on the world. Such a city promotes civic participation, volunteerism, philanthropy, social justice, environmental sustainability, and innovation.
It also encourages collaboration, cooperation, and mutual respect among residents and with other cities and regions.
Read More: This City Has Been Named the Healthiest Place to Live in Maryland
Conclusion
Plano has been designated as the healthiest place to reside in Texas, attributed to its outstanding performance across various aspects of community well-being.
Nevertheless, Plano is not the sole contender in this regard. Several other cities in Texas also provide a high quality of life for their inhabitants. Residing in a health-conscious city can yield numerous advantages for one’s well-being, contentment, and societal contributions.
Hence, if you are in search of a Texas home, you may wish to explore Plano or one of its comparable counterparts.
