McKinney, Texas, is one of the top suburbs in the Dallas-Fort Worth Area. It is part of Collin County and has the fastest-growing economy in the United States. The city has been acknowledged as one of the best places to live in America multiple times.
It developed from a principal commercial center in Collin County into a thriving agribusiness hub today. McKinney has excellent offerings that attract people to consider residing here. It has great neighborhoods, high-ranking schools, and a low crime rate.
The city has grown in popularity over the years – from its ancient history to a thriving and booming city. People would like to experience its warm community spirit, arts, and fantastic food scene.
So, if you are one of that urban-dweller who would want to know McKinney, Texas, consider this complete list of pros and cons I prepared for you. Here we will uncover all the best and worst things about living in this Lone Star city.
List of Contents
Is McKinney an excellent place to live in? A Vibrant City Near Dallas, Texas
The Good side
A Vibrant Lifestyle
McKinney, Texas, is a good option if you are searching for a less busy urban city than Dallas but with great offerings. It is a city with a wealth of history and charming establishments, and family entertainment areas. The metro has all sorts of things, from beer, wine, food, and activity spaces.
As I mentioned earlier, McKinney is a historic place in Texas, and if you want to know more about its past, you should visit Historic Downtown McKinney. The area has been a cultural hub since its foundation in 1848, where you can explore its historic architecture, cultural landmarks, indie shops, fabulous restaurants, and lively public spaces.
It is a special place in the city where you can experience almost everything. You can start your tour in the morning and be surprised that there is much to discover even if you spend the whole day here.
Another excellent attraction you should always notice is the Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary. It is a 300-acre sanctuary with animals, butterfly gardens, and surprising activities. It is the perfect place for your children to learn plenty of things.
The city also welcomes your fur buddies with its pet areas, such as the Dog Park at Bonnie Wenk.
Your pet can enjoy two areas – the fenced property and the off-leash land. Here you can have a meaningful bond with your pets while ensuring they can have an active lifestyle.
McKinney is also a sports haven because it is so close to the Dallas Mavericks and Dallas Cowboys. Other sports teams you can watch closely are the Dallas Stars and FC Dallas. Since the city is very close to the greater Dallas area, you can easily reach the city during significant sports events.
A Hub for Education
If you are moving with children who need to attend school, the city has many learning centers and offerings. For instance, the McKinney Independent School District accommodates more than 25,000 students annually. It has a good standing and rating with an 82% reading proficiency rate and 86% math proficiency scores.
The schools in the district are highly rated, and you are guaranteed that your kids will receive an excellent education in this city. For higher education, the city will also satisfy. It has Collin College, a community college with several programs and offerings.
The location of McKinney can give you instant access to Dallas city amenities and excellent offerings. If you want other options, McKinney is only 32 miles south of Dallas. You can check out other great schools there, such as Southern Methodist University, Dallas Christian College, or the KD Conservatory.
Impressive Gastronomic Experience
McKinney is home to great restaurants offering different international cuisines. You can embark on a food adventure in this area and try out eateries offering Southern cooking and even French gourmet. When you visit Historic Downtown McKinney Square, you will find tons of dining spots that can satisfy your every craving.
For the best food experience, check out the Sugarbacon Proper Kitchen, which serves the best-tasting smoked pork belly in town. There is also the Hutchins BBQ & Catfish, a sought-after BBQ place in Texas. Take advantage of the Patina Green Home and Market, where you can enjoy food made from locally grown produce.
Amazing Neighborhoods
Depending on your personality and budget, the city has neighborhoods that can fit your lifestyle. For instance, the Stonebridge Estates has the most stunning landscape and setting because of its winding streets, trees, fish ponds, and in-house golf course.
More than 115 subdivisions here have different characters, vibes, and communities. You can also check out the Mallard Lakes, where you can find traditional and Mediterranean-style homes built between 1995 and 2006. These houses are also surrounded by trees, providing good air quality and proper shading.
Isleworth is another neighborhood you can consider.
It provides a safe and secure environment and is close to the city’s essential amenities and recreational spaces.
You will find big houses near several learning institutions for your kids. You do not have to go outside of town because schools are nearby.
On the other hand, Adriatica is a fancy community full of contemporary-style condos and villas. Most houses here feature open floor plans, wood floors, and wine bars. But you have to pay extra for the house prices compared to other neighborhoods mentioned above.
The Bad Side
Traffic and Long Commutes
Of course, not everything is pleasant here in McKinney. There are some drawbacks that you should know before relocating. One of the most significant drawbacks of living here is the traffic or the long commute. Since it is near the Dallas, Fort Worth area, you expect the influx or build-up of vehicles on its major highways.
Highway 75, where McKinney is located, passes through the Dallas area. When workers go to work or home during rush hour, many private and public vehicles concentrate on the highway. It would be great if you were patient here when commuting.
Less Public Transportation Options
Another significant thing you must take note of is its limited transit options. The city is a vehicle-dependent area and does not offer a comprehensive transportation system to commuters.
You must drive your car or hire a private service to get around the city. There may be bus routes available, but more is needed to meet the demands of the commuters in the city.
What is the cost of living in McKinney? Best Place to be a Homeowner
The Good side
Averagely priced housing options.
One of the primary things you should consider when relocating is your housing. According to WalletHub, McKinney is among the top 10 places for first-time home buyers. It means many people can afford to buy a house here.
The standard price of a single-family home in this city is around $328,250. It may be higher than the country’s average, but the figure is still reasonably priced. Meanwhile, you can still find apartments or rental spaces for slightly more than a thousand dollars.
Buckner, Fairview, Farm to Market Road, and W Louisiana are some of the most affordable neighborhoods you can consider in this city. Aside from being affordable, they also offer a safe and peaceful environment.
Cheaper Healthcare
Considering the out-of-pocket and insurance premiums, you need to pay in McKinney; you will be glad that the amount is less than the national average. For a basic level of health insurance coverage, the figure is approximately $3,596. The number is a hundred lower than the US average of $3,948.
The Bad side
A Higher Cost of Living
McKinney has a cost of living index of 107.9. Compared to the national average, it is higher. You will have to adjust your finances upon moving here, especially if you come from a cheaper town.
Expensive Transportation
As discussed, the city has minimal transit options for the residents. You will most likely need a vehicle to get around when you move here. Based on the data gathered, 89% of residents drive to work. It means more people are spending daily on expensive gas to their destination.
When you move here, gas and fuel will be a constant factor in your budget. It would be best to have comprehensive car insurance and repair, maintenance, and cleaning funding.
Food Cost
Another thing you need to consider for your living expenses here is the food cost. Eating and buying groceries here is higher than the US median cost. For example, a single person must spend around $3,196 on food in McKinney. The number is higher compared to the average of $2,897.
Of course, you can be smart with your budget to spend less on food in this city. The amount for a family of four is $9,354, while the average is only about $8,366. There are ways to reduce food costs, like buying in bulk, using food coupons, and grocery shopping during big sales.
Why work in McKinney? Fastest Growing Economy in America
The Good side
Impressive Economic Growth Rate
McKinney has the fastest-growing economy in the United States. It has a booming economy with an unemployment rate of 3.5%. The number is lower than the rate of the nation at 4%.
There is also an optimistic projection when it comes to job growth. It enjoys a promising growth of 54.8%. The number is way better than the county’s growth rate of 33.5%.
It means when you move to this city, there are plenty of job opportunities in store for you. You can look for employment across different sectors, such as education, services, manufacturing, hospitality, finance, and technical assistance.
A Thriving Job Market
McKinney is a very welcoming city for start-up businesses and investors. When you move here, you will find several industrial and commercial parks that accommodate various business entities. Some primary companies with offices here are Raytheon, Manner Plastics, Zynga, Encore Wire, Tenant Tracker, and so much more.
The city also has special programs to bring more companies to the metro. For instance, the McKinney Economic Development Corporation has programs and incentives to encourage new businesses to move to the city.
It also ensures that there are lands available for new commercial development. It will inspire companies and businesses to relocate here and provide more employment to the residents.
The Bad side
Poor transit options
As a worker who needs to go to work every day, it would be more convenient to have a reliable transportation option. Even though the city has some bus routes, it still needs to meet the growing demands of commuters for cheaper transportation.
If you work here, you should have a car. You must pay for increasing gas prices, car insurance, and maintenance costs. If you want to save on gas or fuel, you can also resort to carpooling when going to work.
McKinney has demonstrated significant development over the years. As one of Texas’s oldest small towns, it has developed into a robust metro with a steady economy and lower unemployment. The city is a great place to consider for relocation.
Aside from enjoying all its historical attractions, you can also benefit from its thriving and robust economy. I would be happy to hear something from you. But, if you still need convincing to move to McKinney, share your thoughts below.