Moving to McKinney, TX:

Everything You Need to Know in 2026

Thinking about moving to McKinney, Texas?

You’re not alone. McKinney has become one of the fastest-growing parts of North Texas, attracting people who want access to the Dallas-Fort Worth job market while living outside the urban core.

But before you start looking at homes, there are a few things you should know.

McKinney isn't one type of community. Depending on where you live, you can find historic homes near Downtown McKinney, established neighborhoods with mature trees, large master-planned communities, gated neighborhoods, luxury homes, townhomes, and brand-new construction.

And two homes with the same McKinney mailing address can have very different school zoning, tax rates, HOA fees, commute times, and overall lifestyles.

This 2026 McKinney relocation guide covers the things I would want to know before moving here: home prices, neighborhoods, new construction, schools, property taxes, commuting, lifestyle, growth, and the pros and cons of living in McKinney.

Quick Facts About McKinney, Texas

McKinney is located in Collin County, approximately 30 miles north of Downtown Dallas.

As of January 1, 2026, the City of McKinney estimates its population at approximately 237,130 residents. The U.S. Census Bureau estimated 236,001 residents as of July 2025, representing roughly 20.8% population growth since the 2020 Census base.

McKinney's median household income is approximately $120,273, according to the city's 2026 demographic report.

The city combines several very different environments: Historic Downtown McKinney, suburban neighborhoods, major master-planned communities, commercial corridors, open land and rapidly developing areas on the north and east sides of the city.

That variety is one of the first things people relocating to McKinney should understand.

Where Is McKinney, TX?

McKinney sits north of Dallas and is part of the larger Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex.

Two of the area's major transportation corridors are US Highway 75 and Sam Rayburn Tollway/SH 121, providing connections toward Plano, Richardson, Frisco, Allen and other major employment areas across North Texas.

For someone working in North Dallas, Plano, Frisco or nearby Collin County employment centers, McKinney can make geographic sense.

If you're commuting into Downtown Dallas every day, however, don't choose a house based solely on mileage.

Traffic matters.

The U.S. Census Bureau reports a mean commute time of approximately 27.8 minutes for McKinney workers, but your actual commute can be substantially different depending on where you live, where you work and when you're driving.

My recommendation before buying is simple: test-drive your commute during the actual time you would normally leave for work.

McKinney, TX Home Prices in 2026

One of the biggest questions people ask before moving to McKinney is:

How much does it cost to buy a house in McKinney?

There isn't one number that accurately describes the market because McKinney has everything from smaller attached homes to multimillion-dollar luxury properties.

Current market data also varies depending on the source and methodology.

As of August 2026, Realtor.com reported a median sold price of approximately $493,242 and a median listing price of approximately $527,125 in McKinney.

HAR's August 2026 market data reported a median price of $550,000.

The important takeaway isn't the difference between those numbers. It's what is happening underneath them.

Buyers currently have considerably more choices than they did during the extremely competitive pandemic-era housing market. That can create opportunities to negotiate price, closing costs, rate incentives or other terms depending on the property.

What Can You Buy in McKinney?

Your options can include:

• Townhomes and smaller properties
• Established single-family homes
• New construction homes
• Gated communities
• Master-planned communities
• Larger homes on oversized lots
• Luxury properties
• Custom and semi-custom homes

The biggest mistake is assuming your budget automatically determines the best neighborhood.

It doesn't.

Two similarly priced homes can have very different tax rates, HOA structures, school zoning, builder incentives and future development around them.

Those numbers need to be compared before you make an offer.

New Construction Homes in McKinney, TX

If you're considering new construction in McKinney, this is one of the most important parts of your search.

McKinney continues to experience significant residential development, and buyers can find everything from townhomes and entry-level new construction to gated luxury communities and custom homes.

Depending on current inventory, builders may offer incentives such as:

• Reduced prices on inventory homes
• Below-market promotional mortgage rates
• Closing-cost assistance
• Design-center incentives
• Lot-premium reductions
• Financing incentives through preferred lenders

These programs change constantly.

And this is where buyers sometimes make a costly mistake:

The builder's salesperson represents the builder, not you.

You can generally have your own real estate agent represent you when purchasing new construction, but builders often require your agent to be involved or registered from your first visit.

Before walking into a model home, understand how that builder handles buyer representation.

Also compare the total deal, not just the advertised price.

A $600,000 house with a major financing incentive could potentially be a better financial decision than a $575,000 house without one. The opposite can also be true.

You need to compare the payment, interest rate, taxes, HOA, insurance, closing costs and incentives together.

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Popular Areas and Communities in McKinney

There is no single "best neighborhood in McKinney."

The right location depends on your budget, housing preference, commute, desired amenities, tax tolerance and other priorities.

Some well-known areas and communities buyers frequently consider include:

Stonebridge Ranch

One of McKinney's largest and most established master-planned communities.

Stonebridge Ranch contains multiple villages and housing styles, with community amenities and mature sections that feel considerably different from McKinney's newest developments.

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Craig Ranch

Located in the southern portion of McKinney with convenient access to SH 121 and nearby employment, shopping and entertainment areas.

It includes a mix of residential options and is especially worth considering when access toward Plano, Frisco and other parts of North Dallas is important.

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Trinity Falls

A large master-planned community in North McKinney with newer homes, community amenities and substantial ongoing development.

If you're comparing newer communities, pay attention to the distance from your specific home to major roads, shopping and employment — not just the amenities shown in the model-home presentation.

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Painted Tree

Painted Tree is one of McKinney's newer master-planned communities and offers multiple builders, newer homes, trails, outdoor spaces and community amenities.

Because multiple builders can operate inside the same community, buyers should compare builders against one another rather than assuming the first offer is the best available deal.

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Aster Park

A newer McKinney community offering new-construction opportunities in a planned residential setting.

As with any newer development, evaluate the current neighborhood and what is still planned around it.

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Historic Downtown McKinney Area

If master-planned suburbia isn't what you're looking for, Downtown McKinney provides a completely different experience.

The city describes Historic Downtown McKinney as one of Texas' oldest thriving historic downtowns, with more than 120 unique shops and over two dozen restaurants.

Nearby housing can include historic properties and established neighborhoods with architectural character you won't find in a new subdivision.

Schools in McKinney, TX

School zoning is one area where buyers need to be careful.

A McKinney mailing address does not automatically mean McKinney ISD.

Depending on the property's location, homes can potentially be served by different school districts.

Even within the same master-planned community, school assignments can vary by section or change as the area develops.

For the 2026–27 school year, McKinney ISD provides an address-based school finder and enrollment process for determining the appropriate campus.

If schools matter to your move, verify the specific property address directly with the applicable school district before purchasing.

Don't rely solely on an MLS listing, builder brochure or real estate website for school assignments.

Property Taxes in McKinney, Texas

Texas does not have an individual state income tax, but property taxes are an important part of the cost of owning a home.

For tax year 2026, the City of McKinney property-tax rate is $0.412284 per $100 of taxable value.

But that's only the city portion.

Your actual property-tax bill can include several taxing entities, potentially including:

• City
• County
• School district
• Collin College
• Special districts, where applicable

For reference, the City of McKinney lists a combined 2025 rate of approximately $1.747147 per $100 of assessed value for properties subject to McKinney ISD, Collin County, Collin College and the city.

However, you should not assume every McKinney property has that exact rate.

Some newer communities can have additional assessments or special taxing structures.

Before purchasing, I recommend checking the exact property's tax information rather than estimating taxes based on the sales price alone.

PID and MUD Taxes: Pay Attention to the Fine Print

If you're buying new construction anywhere in North Texas, learn these two terms:

PID — Public Improvement District

MUD — Municipal Utility District

They aren't automatically bad.

But they can change the cost of owning a particular home.

A house with a lower purchase price but significantly higher annual assessments may ultimately cost more per month than another home with a higher price.

When comparing McKinney homes, ask for the complete tax and assessment picture before deciding which property offers better value.

HOA Fees in McKinney

HOA costs vary substantially.

Some neighborhoods have relatively simple associations, while large master-planned communities may provide pools, amenity centers, trails, common areas, landscaping or other community features.

Newer and luxury communities may have different fee structures entirely.

Don't ask only:

"How much is the HOA?"

Ask:

"What does the HOA cover, are there additional community fees, and are there any special assessments?"

That's the number that matters.

Cost of Living in McKinney, TX

The cost of living in McKinney depends heavily on housing.

According to U.S. Census Bureau data for 2020–2024, the median value of owner-occupied housing units was $471,800, while median monthly owner costs for households with a mortgage were approximately $2,763.

Median gross rent was approximately $1,901 during that same Census reporting period.

Those numbers are historical averages rather than quotes for today's available homes, but they provide useful context.

If you're relocating from another state, remember to compare the entire financial picture.

That includes:

• Mortgage payment
• Property taxes
• Homeowners insurance
• HOA or special assessments
• Utilities
• Transportation costs
• Toll-road usage

Looking only at the home's purchase price can give you the wrong answer.

What Is It Like Living in McKinney, Texas?

McKinney doesn't feel like one continuous suburb.

Historic Downtown has older architecture, local restaurants, shops and a traditional town square.

Other sections contain large suburban neighborhoods and master-planned communities.

Drive farther north or east and you'll see areas still transitioning from open land into residential and commercial development.

That means your experience living in McKinney depends heavily on which part of McKinney you choose.

Historic Downtown McKinney

Downtown is one of McKinney's defining features.

Instead of a manufactured town-center concept, McKinney has a genuine historic commercial district with preserved buildings that now contain restaurants, boutiques, galleries and local businesses.

The city offers historic walking tours through the downtown and surrounding residential areas, and McKinney received Certified Local Government status from the National Park Service and Texas Historical Commission in 2025 for its historic-preservation efforts.

For someone moving from another suburb, Downtown McKinney is worth visiting because it shows a side of the city you won't see from US 75.

Parks, Trails and Outdoor Recreation

McKinney has invested heavily in parks and outdoor recreation.

The city currently maintains approximately 80 miles of hike-and-bike trails and nearly 3,000 acres of parks and open space.

Local destinations include areas such as:

• Bonnie Wenk Park
• Towne Lake Park
• Erwin Park
• Wilson Creek Trail
• Apex Centre
• Numerous neighborhood parks and trail systems

McKinney is also continuing to expand and improve its parks and trail network.

If outdoor access matters to you, look at actual trail connections from a neighborhood rather than simply whether the community advertises "walking trails."

Shopping, Dining and Entertainment

Living in McKinney gives you access to both local destinations and the broader North Dallas entertainment corridor.

Historic Downtown provides locally owned restaurants, boutiques and events.

Major commercial areas throughout McKinney provide everyday retail, grocery stores and restaurants, while nearby Allen, Frisco and Plano add even more shopping and entertainment options.

This is one of the advantages of McKinney's location: you don't necessarily need every destination to be inside the city limits.

McKinney National Airport and Future Commercial Flights

One of the biggest infrastructure projects to watch is McKinney National Airport.

As of September 2026, construction of the airport's new commercial passenger terminal is underway and the City of McKinney reports an anticipated completion date of November 2026.

The city is also extending the airport's runway and completing related infrastructure improvements.

That does not mean buyers should assume specific airlines, destinations or flight schedules until they are officially announced.

But the commercial-terminal project could become an increasingly important factor in McKinney's long-term transportation and economic development.

How Fast Is McKinney Growing?

Very fast.

McKinney had 195,308 residents in the 2020 Census.

The Census Bureau estimated approximately 236,001 residents by July 2025, while the city's January 2026 estimate reached approximately 237,130.

That level of growth has consequences.

More growth can mean:

• More housing
• More restaurants and retail
• More employers
• More infrastructure investment
• More amenities

But it can also mean:

• More traffic
• Construction
• Changing school boundaries
• Development around previously open areas
• Increased demand on roads and infrastructure

If you're buying in one of McKinney's developing areas, don't evaluate only what surrounds the property today.

Find out what's planned.

Pros and Cons of Living in McKinney, TX

Advantages of Living in McKinney

Housing variety

You can choose among historic homes, established subdivisions, new construction, master-planned communities, townhomes, gated neighborhoods and luxury properties.

Access to North Dallas employment

McKinney's location provides access toward Plano, Frisco, Allen, Richardson and the larger DFW employment market.

Historic downtown

McKinney has an authentic downtown district that gives the city character beyond newer suburban development.

New construction

Buyers have access to numerous builders and communities, which can create competition and incentive opportunities.

Parks and outdoor space

Approximately 80 miles of trails and nearly 3,000 acres of parks and open space provide significant recreational options.

Continued investment

Residential development, infrastructure projects and the new commercial airport terminal show that McKinney is continuing to evolve.

Potential Disadvantages of Living in McKinney

Property taxes

Texas buyers need to account for property taxes carefully, particularly when comparing communities with different taxing structures.

Traffic

Rapid population growth means congestion can be significant during peak periods.

Toll roads

Depending on where you work and travel, toll roads may become part of your regular transportation costs.

Construction

In rapidly developing sections of McKinney, today's open field could become tomorrow's subdivision, apartment development, retail center or roadway.

Distance to central Dallas

If your lifestyle revolves around Downtown Dallas, Uptown or areas farther south, McKinney may be farther north than you want to live.

Is McKinney, TX a Good Place to Live?

That depends on what you're looking for.

McKinney can make a lot of sense if you want suburban housing options, access to North Dallas employment centers, newer communities, parks and trails, a historic downtown and continued development.

It may make less sense if you need to commute into central Dallas every day or prefer dense urban living.

More importantly, asking whether McKinney is right for you isn't specific enough.

The better question is:

Which part of McKinney fits the way you actually want to live?

That's where the decision gets much easier.

Moving to McKinney From Another State

If you're relocating to McKinney from California, New York, Illinois, Florida or another part of the country, don't try to choose a neighborhood entirely from online listings.

Start with five things:

1. Your realistic housing budget
2. Where you'll work
3. Your acceptable commute
4. The type of home and community you want
5. Your priorities for schools, amenities, taxes and lifestyle

From there, you can narrow hundreds of McKinney listings into a small number of communities that actually make sense.

That's much more effective than scrolling through homes and trying to reverse-engineer the neighborhood afterward.

Buying a Home in McKinney, TX

If you're planning to buy a home in McKinney, compare both resale and new construction before making a decision.

A resale home may offer an established neighborhood, mature landscaping, an existing pool or upgrades that would cost significantly more to add to a new home.

New construction may offer newer systems, warranties, current design options and builder incentives.

Neither is automatically the better deal.

The numbers decide.

When I'm comparing properties for a buyer, I want to know:

• Actual purchase price
• Available seller or builder concessions
• Financing options
• Estimated property taxes
• HOA and special assessments
• Insurance
• Immediate repairs or upgrades
• Location and commute
• Future development nearby

Only then can you compare homes accurately.

Frequently Asked Questions About Moving to McKinney, TX

How much does a house cost in McKinney, Texas?

As of August 2026, current market sources place McKinney's median home price roughly around the $500,000 to $550,000 range, depending on the data source and methodology. Actual prices vary dramatically by neighborhood, age, size, lot, amenities and property type.

Is McKinney close to Dallas?

McKinney is approximately 30 miles north of Downtown Dallas. Drive times vary significantly based on traffic, destination and time of day.

Does McKinney have new construction homes?

Yes. McKinney has substantial new-home development ranging from townhomes and traditional single-family homes to gated and luxury communities.

Does every McKinney home attend McKinney ISD?

No. Never assume school district or campus assignments based only on a McKinney mailing address. Verify the exact address with the appropriate school district.

Does McKinney have a downtown?

Yes. Historic Downtown McKinney is one of the city's defining areas, with more than 120 shops and over two dozen restaurants according to the City of McKinney.

Are property taxes high in McKinney?

Property taxes are a meaningful ownership expense throughout North Texas. The exact rate depends on the property's taxing jurisdictions and any applicable special districts or assessments, so calculate taxes using the specific property rather than a citywide assumption.

Is McKinney still growing?

Yes. McKinney's population increased from 195,308 in the 2020 Census to an estimated 236,001 in July 2025, with the city estimating approximately 237,130 residents as of January 2026.

Is McKinney good for commuters?

It depends entirely on where you're commuting. McKinney provides access to US 75 and SH 121, making many North Dallas employment centers accessible, but a daily commute into central Dallas can be considerably longer.

Thinking About Moving to McKinney, Texas?

The internet can show you hundreds of homes.

What it usually doesn't tell you is which ones actually make sense for your situation.

If you're considering moving to McKinney, I can help you compare neighborhoods, new-construction communities, builders, available incentives, property taxes and resale homes based on your budget and priorities.

Tell me what you're looking for, your price range and where you'll be commuting.

I'll help you narrow McKinney down to the communities and homes actually worth considering.