When people think of Plano, Texas, they often picture expansive suburban landscapes, corporate campuses, and sprawling luxury estates. However, a new silhouette has emerged over the last few years. As the "Platinum Corridor" continues to grow, Plano has traded some of its horizontal spread for vertical elegance.
For the renter seeking an elevated lifestyle—literally—the high-rise market in Plano offers a very specific, exclusive experience. While Dallas has dozens of towers, Plano currently only has two true high-rise residential options. Understanding the nuances of these vertical communities is essential before you begin your search.
1. High-Rise vs. Mid-Rise: The 10-Story Rule
In the world of real estate architecture, the terms "high-rise" and "mid-rise" are often used interchangeably by mistake. However, there is a technical and experiential difference you should know.
Generally, a mid-rise is a building between 5 and 9 stories. Most of the new construction you see in areas like Downtown Plano or near the Sam Rayburn Tollway fits this category. These buildings are typically wood-frame construction wrapped around a parking garage.
A true high-rise, by industry standards, is a building with 10 or more stories—though in North Texas, we usually look for 20+ stories to define a "tower." These buildings are constructed with steel and reinforced concrete. For a renter, this technicality matters for one major reason: sound. Concrete construction provides a level of acoustic privacy between floors that wood-frame mid-rises simply cannot match. If you want to ensure you never hear your upstairs neighbor’s footsteps, the high-rise is your best bet.
2. The Two Towers: LVL 29 and The Kincaid at Legacy
If you have your heart set on a high-rise in Plano, your search will center on two iconic properties located in the West Plano market. While they are only a few blocks apart, they offer distinct personalities.
LVL 29 (Legacy West) Rising 29 stories above the heart of Legacy West, LVL 29 is arguably the most recognizable residential building in the city.
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The Vibe: Ultra-modern and high-energy. It is the "see and be seen" building of Plano.
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Standout Feature: The views. Because there are no other towers of this height immediately adjacent, the southern views of the Dallas skyline and the northern views toward Frisco are unobstructed.
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Amenities: A 24-hour concierge, a fitness club with Lululemon mirrors, and a resort-style deck with a massive 15-person hot tub.
The Kincaid at Legacy (Legacy Area) Located just across the Tollway from Legacy West, The Kincaid at Legacy stands 25 stories tall. It offers a slightly more "serene" high-end experience compared to the bustle of the retail district.
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The Vibe: Sophisticated and tranquil. It feels more like a private residence than a high-traffic apartment.
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Standout Feature: The dual-pool setup. It features a rooftop-style pool on the 7th floor for views, and a massive ground-level pool with real grass and lounge space.
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Amenities: It is one of the few buildings in the area to offer gas-range cooking in every unit—a major "wow" factor for home chefs.
3. Pricing and the "Penthouse Factor"
High-rise living in Plano carries a premium. You aren't just paying for square footage; you are paying for the "vertical real estate" and the staffing required to run a 24/7 tower.
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Typical Pricing: One-bedroom units in these towers typically start in the $2,100 – $2,700 range. Two-bedroom units often begin around $3,600 and can climb quickly depending on the floor level.
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The Penthouse Tier: Both LVL 29 and The Kincaid feature "Diamond" or "Penthouse" levels on their top floors. These units can exceed $10,000 to $15,000 per month. These homes often feature upgraded finish packages, including sub-zero appliances, wine chillers, and sprawling terraces that function as outdoor living rooms.
4. Pros and Trade-offs of Vertical Living
Before you commit to a 20th-floor view, consider the lifestyle shift that comes with high-rise living.
The Pros:
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Security: High-rises offer the highest level of security in the rental market, usually featuring 24/7 desk staff, controlled-access elevators, and gated, resident-only parking.
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Services: From dry-cleaning pickup to package delivery directly to your door (rather than a locker), the level of service is closer to a luxury hotel than a traditional apartment.
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The Noise Profile: As mentioned, the concrete structure and the height itself keep you away from the "street noise" of the busy North Dallas corridors.
The Trade-offs:
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The "Elevator Commute": It sounds minor, but adding 3-5 minutes to your morning routine to wait for an elevator and navigate a parking garage is a real factor.
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Guest Parking: High-rises are notoriously difficult for guests. While The Kincaid is known for having better-than-average guest parking, high-rise visitors usually have to navigate a specific garage protocol.
5. What to Look For During Your Tour
When touring a high-rise, look beyond the lobby. Check the elevator speeds, ask about the loading dock policies for your move-in day, and specifically ask about internet connectivity on the higher floors. Most importantly, tour the unit at the specific time of day you'll be home to see how the sun hits those floor-to-ceiling windows—the Texas heat is a real factor for west-facing glass.
Ready to see the view for yourself? Because there are only two true high-rise options in Plano, availability changes almost daily, and the best "floor-specific" units rarely stay on the market for more than 48 hours.
Browse our High-Rise directory or contact us to see the latest "Hot Sheet" of high-rise move-in specials.
