Why Live in McKinney?

A magnet for young professionals, families, and retirees, McKinney boasts beautiful nature areas, excellent schools, a thriving historic district, and an unmatched lifestyle.

Located 30 miles north of Dallas, McKinney provides easy access to major employment corridors in Allen, Dallas, Frisco, Plano, and Richardson. A number of businesses make their homes in and around the city including Raytheon, Wistron GreenTech, Torchmark, Emerson Process Management, Tong Yang, Simpson Strong-Tie, Tenant Tracker, Manner Plastics, and Traxxas.

The population of McKinney has increased 63 percent, according to the latest U.S. Census. Most of that population growth has come in the form of a highly educated workforce with young children.

Families make up the bulk of residents in the area’s master-planned communities. Auburn Hills is a picturesque community surrounding a community lake with hike-and-bike trails, a resort-style amenity complex, and greenbelt areas. A gated enclave — Willowcreek at Auburn Hills — will include its own amenity complex and trails.

Trinity Falls is a gorgeous 2,000-acre master-planned community located just six miles from Downtown McKinney. Coventry Homes builds on both 40' homesites and 50' homesites within the community. Found within Trinity Falls is 350-acre B. B. Owen Park a nature area where residents can walk or jog the trails, spy birds and furry animals, get in a game of disc golf, enjoy a concert at the amphitheater, let dogs run free at Old Joe dog park and kayak on the lake. The Club offers a beach-entry pool, tricycle racetrack, patio, and more. A new amenity complex with a pool and clubhouse is underway. 

Most young scholars attend schools in the award-winning McKinney ISD. All three high schools in the district rank among the top 10 percent in the nation according to U. S. News and World Report. It is one of only 22 school districts in Texas named to the College Board AP District Honor Roll. In 2020, the district was named one of the Best Communities for Music Education by the National Association of Music Merchants.

Some McKinney-area students are zoned to Prosper ISD. The district serves 21,845 students across 21 campuses. Schools boast a 98 percent graduation rate. Last year, 58 percent of the students enrolled in a four-year university and 28 percent of students enrolled in community college.

Downtown McKinney is a bustling, vibrant place filled with delicious dining, unique shops, and numerous art galleries. It is also the site of fantastic community events such as Red, White, and BOOM! and Oktoberfest. The Trick or Treat Trail at Towne Lake and Krewe of Barkus Mardi Gras dog parade are enjoyed by all residents.

For fun in the sun, residents head to Towne Lake Recreation Area. The 108-acre green space is made up of a 22-acre lake, fishing pier, picnic shelters, sand volleyball courts, numerous parks, hike-and-bike trails, disc golf course, and more.

Adriatica is a 45-acre Croatian-inspired village featuring an entertainment/event venue, multiple restaurants, shops, offices, and residential options.

Locally owned restaurants are everywhere in McKinney. Favorites include Local Yocal BBQ and Grill, Harvest, Hugs Café, and Cadillac Pizza Pub.