Why McKinney works for buyers
- Downtown McKinney square with boutiques, tasting rooms, and dining
- Stonebridge Ranch amenities including beaches, golf, and tennis
- Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary
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McKinney Relocation & Lifestyle Guide
Living in McKinney, Texas: schools, neighborhoods, and local insights
McKinney balances a charming downtown square with master-planned communities such as Stonebridge Ranch and Trinity Falls. Acreage properties, golf course homes, and lakeside retreats draw a wide range of buyers. The city pairs small-town character with rapid growth, offering tree-lined streets, award-winning schools, and a thriving business environment.
- Commute
- 35 minutes to Plano Legacy corridor, 45 minutes to Downtown Dallas
- Lifestyle Mix
- Historic downtown living, sprawling master-planned communities, and lakefront acreage estates
- Price Snapshot
- $420K – $720K single-family | Historic cottages from mid-$300s
McKinney overview
McKinney balances a charming downtown square with master-planned communities such as Stonebridge Ranch and Trinity Falls. Acreage properties, golf course homes, and lakeside retreats draw a wide range of buyers. The city pairs small-town character with rapid growth, offering tree-lined streets, award-winning schools, and a thriving business environment.
McKinney neighborhoods to know
Match your wish list—from walkable districts to gated communities—with these buyer favorites. Mali can share recent closings, HOA nuances, and off-market conversations for each pocket.
Stonebridge Ranch
Opulent 5,000-acre community with 1,200 acres of preserved natural spaces, 70+ villages, nearly 20 miles of trails, pools, tennis courts, golf courses, and beach clubs. Diverse architectural styles from $400K–$1.5M+.
Trinity Falls
Vibrant 1,700-acre master-planned community along the Trinity River with resort-style pool, splash pads, clubhouse, extensive trails, and family-friendly events. Modern homes with strong school ratings.
Adriatica Village
45-acre Croatian-inspired village within Stonebridge Ranch featuring Mediterranean architecture, cobblestone streets, waterfront villas, and European-style condominiums. Unique lifestyle with bell tower and village square.
Historic Downtown McKinney
Charming historic district with renovated cottages, loft conversions, and walkable access to the 1876 courthouse square, boutique shops, farm-to-table restaurants, and performing arts venues.
Craig Ranch
2,000-acre master-planned community with TPC Craig Ranch golf course, fitness clubs, water park, trails, and corporate park. Mix of single-family homes, townhomes, and modern amenities.
Tucker Hill
Hill Country-inspired neighborhood with custom and semi-custom homes, resort pool, tennis courts, and proximity to shopping along Eldorado Parkway. Family-focused with excellent schools.
Population & demographic profile
Understanding McKinney's community composition helps buyers match lifestyle preferences with neighborhood character. The figures below reference recent American Community Survey estimates and city planning reports.
Total Population
215,000+ residents
2024 estimate; rapid growth from 54,000 in 2000 reflects McKinney's appeal to families and young professionals.
Median Age
36.8 years
Youthful population driven by families relocating for schools, jobs, and master-planned community amenities.
Median Household Income
$108,000
Above Texas average, supported by aerospace, manufacturing, healthcare, and professional services sectors.
Historic Character
Founded 1848
One of Texas' oldest cities, blending 175+ years of heritage with modern suburban growth and infrastructure.
Population by age group
- Under 1828%
- 18 – 3424%
- 35 – 5430%
- 55+18%
Education level
- Bachelor's degree or higher52%
- Graduate or professional degree18%
- Some college or associate degree24%
- High school diploma or equivalent18%
Demographics
- McKinney's diversity has grown significantly, with increasing Hispanic (18%), Asian (8%), and Black (12%) populations complementing the majority White demographic.
- High percentage of families with children (28% under 18) drives demand for youth sports, parks, and top-tier schools like McKinney ISD's IB and STEM programs.
- The city's historic character attracts heritage-conscious buyers, while new master-planned communities appeal to first-time and move-up buyers seeking modern amenities.
- Median household income of $108,000 reflects McKinney's mix of aerospace engineering, manufacturing management, healthcare professionals, and small business owners.
Lifestyle & recreation
- Historic Downtown Square features the 1876 Collin County Courthouse (now McKinney Performing Arts Center), 120+ boutiques, antique shops, chef-driven restaurants, and wine bars along brick-lined streets.
- Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary offers 289 acres of native Texas habitat with trails, live animal exhibits, and educational programs for families.
- Adriatica Village brings European charm with lakefront dining, bell tower, cobblestone streets, and year-round festivals celebrating Mediterranean culture.
- Stonebridge Ranch Country Club features two 18-hole championship golf courses, tennis center, fitness facilities, and beach club on private lakes.
- Apex Centre recreation facility includes aquatic center, fitness equipment, group classes, and youth sports leagues for basketball, volleyball, and swimming.
- Annual events include Oktoberfest (40,000+ attendees), Arts in Bloom, Dickens of a Christmas, and Home for the Holidays drawing regional visitors.
Career opportunities in McKinney
- Raytheon Intelligence & Space anchors McKinney's aerospace sector with cutting-edge defense technology and engineering careers.
- Manufacturing strength through Encore Wire, Blount Fine Foods, and Simpson StrongTie provides skilled trades and production jobs.
- Craig Ranch corporate park attracts finance, tech, and professional services firms seeking McKinney's business-friendly environment.
- Historic downtown revitalization fuels hospitality, retail, and creative industry employment with boutique shops, restaurants, and event venues.
Major employers
- Raytheon Intelligence & Space headquarters—McKinney's largest employer with aerospace and defense technology
- Encore Wire manufacturing campus on 425 acres with 1,000+ employees producing copper and aluminum building wire
- Globe Life insurance operations center
- Amazon fulfillment and distribution facility
- Medical City McKinney—260-bed hospital with emergency, surgical, and specialty care services
- Independent Bank regional headquarters and retail banking operations
- Watson & Chalin Manufacturing—precision metal fabrication and engineering
McKinney schools
School zones significantly impact home values and buyer decisions. The list below highlights top-performing campuses—Mali can map specific attendance boundaries for your shortlist properties.
Faubion Elementary (K-5)
9/10Elementary
Strong academics with gifted programs, technology integration, and active PTA. Serves growing neighborhoods in east McKinney.
Evans Elementary (K-5)
9/10Elementary
Award-winning campus with STEM emphasis, dual-language programs, and community partnerships for enhanced learning.
Caldwell Elementary (K-5)
8/10Elementary
Family-centered school with literacy programs, arts integration, and outdoor learning spaces in historic McKinney.
Evans Middle School (6-8)
9/10Middle
Comprehensive middle school offering Pre-AP courses, robotics, athletics, and UIL academics. Strong college-prep foundation.
Faubion Middle School (6-8)
8/10Middle
Growing campus with technology academies, performing arts, and athletic programs. Serves Trinity Falls and eastern communities.
McKinney High School (9-12)
9/10High
Historic flagship campus with IB program, Advanced Placement courses, career tech education, championship athletics, and strong traditions since 1888.
McKinney Boyd High School (9-12)
9/10High
Modern campus with engineering academies, digital media, National Merit scholars, and state-competitive athletics and fine arts.
McKinney North High School (9-12)
8/10High
STEM-focused high school with Project Lead the Way, dual-credit partnerships with Collin College, and robust career pathways.
Getting around McKinney
- US-75 (Central Expressway) provides 35-minute access to Plano's Legacy corridor and 45-minute commutes to Downtown Dallas.
- Sam Rayburn Tollway (SH 121) connects west to Frisco and DFW Airport, east toward Greenville and Lake Lavon recreation.
- Eldorado Parkway and Virginia Parkway serve as major east-west corridors linking neighborhoods to retail, schools, and employment hubs.
- Future transit expansion studies explore McKinney connections to DART system for car-light commuting options.
Relocation checklist with Mali
Moving to McKinney means lining up the right vendor team, understanding seasonal weather shifts, and comparing neighborhoods before touring. Mali guides you through scouting trips, remote video tours, and negotiation strategy so your McKinney plan comes together smoothly.
- McKinney ISD boundaries are complex with multiple feeder patterns—verify school attendance zones for specific addresses before making offers.
- Historic downtown properties may require renovation expertise—ask Mali about contractors familiar with preservation standards and permits.
- Master-planned communities like Stonebridge Ranch and Trinity Falls have HOA fees ranging $800–$2,500 annually; review amenities and governance documents carefully.
- Summer heat and North Texas storms mean prioritizing homes with storm shelters, updated HVAC, and energy-efficient insulation pays long-term dividends.
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Compare McKinney to nearby cities
Every North Texas suburb brings unique advantages. Whether you're weighing school ratings, commute times, or neighborhood character, Mali will map your priorities against current market inventory.