About McKinney

History

In the heart of North Texas lies the town of McKinney, a place with a captivating history that stretches back to the mid-19th century. McKinney's story began with the establishment of a post office in 1848, marking the early stages of a growing community. As time passed, McKinney's fortunes shifted with the arrival of the railroad in 1872, opening doors to increased trade and economic opportunities. In subsequent years, McKinney experienced a revitalization, with a renewed focus on preserving its historical roots. That’s what gives this north dallas city its old fashioned charm. 

Today, McKinney stands as a testament to the perseverance of its people and the significance of community, boasting a thriving downtown area, a rich cultural scene, and a deep appreciation for its heritage. 

The City

McKinney is a city in Collin County, Texas. It is about 32 miles (51 km) north of Dallas and is the third-largest city in Collin County, after Plano and Frisco. As of the 2020 census, the city population was 224,628.

McKinney is a popular suburb of Dallas and Fort Worth and is known for its historic downtown area, which is home to a variety of shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions. 

Population: 224,628 (2020 census)

Downtown McKinney

McKinney has one of the oldest, most lovingly preserved, and largest historic districts in Texas. The downtown historic district draws people from all over to its nostalgic setting and its more than 120 unique shops, including art galleries, furniture stores, antiques, gifts, home décor shops, and apparel and accessory boutiques as well as other specialty shops!

Almost two dozen eateries in and around the historic downtown offer some of the best culinary experiences in North Texas with many of them sourcing their ingredients from local farmers.

Historic Downtown McKinney Farmers Market

If you are in the historic downtown of McKinney, make sure you check out the famous Farmers Market located at Chestnut Square. This farmers market is open every Saturday and has consistently been rated as one of the top farmers markets in all of Texas! From dairy and meat to fruits and vegetables, this market has tons of locally sourced foods that make it a staple of the Historic Downtown district. 

Jobs and Economy

The town of McKinney offers a fantastic living environment with an impressive economy. With a median home value of $530,000, McKinney showcases a thriving real estate market that reflects the desirability of the area. The community also enjoys a median household income of $106,000, highlighting a strong economic foundation and opportunities for prosperity. The low unemployment rate of 2.5% speaks to the town's vibrant job market, supported by renowned employers such as GlobeLife, Wells Fargo, AT&T, and IBM. 

Schools 

McKinney Independent School District 

Public school system: 89 rating from the Texas Education Agency

• One of the fastest growing school districts in Texas consisting of 24,500 students 
• 22 Elementary Schools 
• 5 Middle Schools 
• 3 High Schools 
• 68 facilities total covering over 4 million square feet 

McKinney High School

• Original of the 3 public high schools in McKinney
• A Rating from niche.com
• Serves 2950 students
• 96% graduation rate 
• SAT-1180
• ACT-25
• 17:1 student to teacher ratio 

Mckinney North High School 

• Opened in 2000 
• A rating from niche.com 
• One of the best high schools for athletes in Texas 
• Top 6% of Public High Schools in Texas 
• Top 1
• Currently serves around 2000 students 
• Provides over 50 Pre-Ap, AP and dual credit courses 
• Career and technology certificate programs 
• 22 athletic teams 
• SAT-1170
• ACT-26
• 16:1 student to teacher ratio 

McKinney Boyd High School 

• A Rating from niche.com
• One of the best college prep public high schools in Texas 
• Opened in 2006
• Serves around 3000 students
• Awarded the Level 2 certification in Marzano High Reliability Schools 
• Average SAT-1210
• Average ACT-27
• 17:1 student to teacher ratio
• 
  

Parks and Recreation 

If you are the outdoors type, McKinney has more than enough options. Whether it be golf or parks, you’ll have no problem finding the perfect place to spend the day outside. 

Stonebridge Ranch Country Club

Stonebridge Ranch Country Club has several golf courses and

The Dye Golf Club at the Clubs of StoneBridge Ranch

Located in StoneBridge Ranch. Award winning 18 hole course. World-class instruction. Avid Golfer named it among the best private clubs in 2022. Luxurious dining options. An on-site spa. Tennis courts. On- site cottages for overnight guests. 

El Dorado Country Club

El Dorado Country Club, located in McKinney, Texas, is a premier golf course established in 1981. With its 18-hole layout, it offers a challenging and enjoyable golfing experience for players of all levels. The club also caters to families, providing amenities such as tennis and pickleball courts for friendly matches. For aquatic activities, the club features a Junior Olympic-size swimming pool with a diving well and a separate wading pool for children. Private swimming lessons are available for those looking to enhance their swimming skills. Additionally, El Dorado Country Club hosts a variety of events, including holiday pool parties, movie nights, and live music performances.

TPC Craig Ranch Golf Club

TPC Craig Ranch Golf Club is an esteemed golf club located in McKinney, Texas. It opened its doors in 2004 and features an 18-hole course that offers a memorable golfing experience. The club boasts a spacious 40,000 square foot clubhouse, embodying the charm of a Texas-style Ranch. Members and guests can enjoy formal dining options within the clubhouse, providing a refined culinary experience. Notably, TPC Craig Ranch Golf Club has been recognized by Golf Digest as one of the top private golf courses in the United States. It offers a remarkable setting for golf enthusiasts to test their skills and appreciate the meticulously designed course

Bonnie Went Park

Bonnie Wenk Park covers an expansive 216 acres and offers a diverse range of amenities for visitors to enjoy. It's a popular destination for families and individuals seeking outdoor recreation and relaxation.

This Park has: 

• A Playground with five different play structures, including an all-abilities playground, swings, and a kid-sized zipline.
• An Outdoor fitness court.
• Two well-lit multi-purpose fields.
• A Pavilion available on a first come, first served basis.
• A Dedicated dog park with separate sections for small and large dogs.
• A Doggie splash pad for dogs to cool down on hot days.
• A Fishing pond stocked with catfish, bass, and bluegill.
• A Fishing pier for comfortable angling by the water.
• An Amphitheater with a capacity of up to 1,000 people for live entertainment and events.
• Hike-and-bike trails consisting of both paved and unpaved paths.
• Trails that connect to McKinney's broader trail system for further exploration.

Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary

The Heard Natural Museum and Wildlife Sanctuary is a highly popular attraction in McKinney, known for its diverse range of offerings. Visitors can enjoy exploring the facility's hiking trails, which span 5 miles and provide an opportunity to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the sanctuary. The site features both indoor and outdoor exhibits, allowing visitors to delve into various aspects of wildlife and nature. The Pioneer Village, Butterfly Garden, Native Plant Garden, and Animals of the World Exhibit are among the captivating exhibits to explore. Additionally, the sanctuary serves as a haven for wildlife, providing a protected space for them to thrive. Whether you prefer a leisurely nature walk or an adventurous hike, the Heard Natural Museum and Wildlife Sanctuary offers a remarkable experience for nature enthusiasts of all ages.

Shopping 

McKinney Towne Crossing 

McKinney Towne Crossing is located at the entrance to the master-planned community, Craig Ranch. At the corner of Highway 121 and Custer Rd, in the heart of a booming commercial and residential area, this busy intersection is, quite literally, where McKinney, Frisco, Plano, and Allen intersect forming one of the most affluent, high-growth corridors in Dallas.

380 Towne Crossing 

Community center located at the northwest corner of US Hwy 75 / Central Expy and Eldorado Parkway in the heart of affluent, established neighborhoods in McKinney, Texas. Excellent visibility and easy access from US Hwy 75 and from Eldorado Parkway. New interchange and entrance ramp has been completed at this intersection.

Neighborhoods 

Adriatica 

Adriatica VIllage is our first stop for some of the best neighborhoods in McKinney Texas and it is absolutely beautiful.

• Western McKinney 
• A 45-acre Croatian village in the middle of McKinney's Stonebridge Ranch development.
• Complete with it’s very own chapel and several restaurants 
• Also included is The Sanctuary, a music and event center.
• Builders: Fuller Custom Homes
• Home Prices Range from 500K to over $1 million

Trinity Falls

Trinity Falls is a vibrant 2,000-acre Johnson Development community in McKinney, Texas.Trinity Falls offers beautiful new homes by award-winning homebuilders, acres of open green spaces, miles of forested trails and opportunities to connect with neighbors and friends.

Builders: 

• Chesmar Homes
• Coventry Homes
• Del Webb (for 55+ Active Adults)
• Drees Custom Homes
• Highland Homes
• Perry Homes

Trinity Falls residents have access to B.B. Owen Park, a 350-acre natural park with winding trails, lakes and all the critters that call the park home. An event amphitheater and 18-hole disc golf course activate the verdant setting.

There are so many ways to connect with family and friends at The Club. It’s the core of fun in our community. Trinity Falls residents relax at our resort-style pool while kids cool off in the splash pad. With its outdoor fireplace, the covered summer house is a year-round gathering place. The activity room is a great area for indoor play, crafts or small celebrations. There is also an outdoor grill where neighbors can commune at cookouts.

Craig Ranch

Enjoy a diverse community with parks, trails, schools, and a wide variety of businesses nearby just for you!

• Just north of the Sam Rayburn Tollway in Southwest McKinney
• Home to several sub developments such as the Settlement at Craig Ranch, Hemingway at Craig Ranch, and the Villas at Craig Ranch 
• Located on the Golf Course TPC Craig Ranch

Amenities:

• Clubhouse Lounge
• Club Kitchen
• Business Center
• Swimming Pool
• Pet Park
• Controlled Access
• Exercise Facility
• BBQ Grills
• Cabanas
• Conference Room
• Coffee Bar
• Fire Pit

Recap of McKinney 

As you can see, McKinney, Texas is a vibrant city filled with options for entertainment, dining, shopping, and anything else you can imagine. If you are interested in learning more about McKinney or are ready to take the next step in your move to the city, make sure you give the Living in Dallas Texas Team a call. We know just about everything there is to know about Dallas and the surrounding areas and are more than happy to assist you in your move. So whether you’re moving in 9 days or 90 days, make sure to give us a call, shoot us a text, or set up a zoom meeting. We look forward to hearing from you.