Plano, Texas, a short 30-minute drive from downtown Dallas, is famous for its abundance of fast-food restaurants, earning it a reputation as one of the top fast-food capitals in America. Yet, it is also one of the healthiest and happiest cities in the country, thanks to its high quality of life, strong economy and well-planned green spaces.
Newsweek reached out to Plano Mayor John B. Muns’ office for comment on Thursday.
The Context
A Business Insider report found that Plano residents spend 2.3 times more on fast food than the national average and visit fast-food restaurants 2.1 times more often than most Americans. Madison, Wisconsin, and Wichita, Kansas, ranked second and third, respectively, showing significantly above-average spending on fast food.
In contrast, cities with the lowest fast-food consumption were primarily located along the coasts. San Francisco ranked 91st, Philadelphia placed 99th, and Boston finished last at 100th, spending 92 percent less on fast food than the national average.
When it comes to happiness, a SmartAsset ranking listed Arlington, Virginia, as the happiest city in America, just ahead of Plano. Irvine, California; Madison, Wisconsin; and Seattle, Washington rounded out the top five.
The rankings were based on income levels, health care access, life expectancy, and marriage rates, all of which significantly influence overall well-being.
Strong Economic Conditions
Plano’s suburban design and affluent population have fostered a fast-paced dining culture, allowing fast-food giants like McDonald’s, Taco Bell, and Wendy’s to thrive. Yet, despite its love for fast food, the city stands out for its exceptional quality of life and economic stability.
A recent SmartAsset study ranked Plano as the second-happiest city in the country, citing strong economic conditions, a high life expectancy, and widespread health care coverage.
The study found that over 52 percent of Plano households earn more than $100,000, and 90 percent of residents have health insurance, a rate far above the state and national averages. The city’s life expectancy of 82.2 years is also significantly higher than Dallas’s 78.3 years.
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Plano’s health care access is a significant factor in well-being, with nearly 90 percent of residents covered. Additionally, only 4.9 percent of Plano’s population lives below the poverty line, one of the lowest rates in the country.
While fast food remains a staple in Plano, health-conscious dining is on the rise. A growing number of residents are opting for nutritious fast-casual options, with restaurants like Original ChopShop, Snappy Salads, and Flower Child offering fresh, wholesome meals.
Beyond dining habits, Plano’s infrastructure, green spaces and economic opportunities create an environment that fosters happiness and longevity.
Plano has consistently been recognized for its happiness. In 2022, it ranked as the sixth happiest city in the U.S. It was also named one of the safest cities and best places to raise a family.