If you're making a list of the best places to live in North Texas, McKinney deserves a close look. This fast-growing Collin County city combines a historic downtown square, established and brand-new neighborhoods, and easy access to jobs across North Texas. For anyone exploring a move to the DFW area, here's what draws people to McKinney.
McKinney has grown quickly for years. The U.S. Census Bureau estimates its population at 236,001 as of July 2025, after adding 8,504 residents in a single year, the 10th-largest numeric gain of any U.S. city. That steady demand supports the local housing market over the long run, though prices still move with the broader market. In September 2026, the Collin County median sale price was about 2% lower than a year earlier.
A key driver of this growth is the broader North Texas economy, which continues to attract corporate relocations and new jobs. Closer to home, McKinney National Airport (TKI) serves corporate and private aviation, and the city continues to invest in its expansion. Nearby Frisco is adding new regional attractions as well, including the Universal Kids Resort theme park.
But life in McKinney is about more than just smart economics. The city's motto, "Unique by Nature," is woven into the fabric of daily life, most notably in its beloved historic downtown square. It remains one of the oldest and most cherished in Texas, where you can browse high-end boutiques, hunt for treasures in antique shops, or enjoy an evening at Rick's Chophouse inside the historic Grand Hotel on the square.
While the historic square remains the city's heart, McKinney's dynamic transformation is powerfully showcased in the new developments taking shape along the State Highway 5 corridor, particularly south of the Sam Rayburn Tollway (SH 121). This area, known locally as the "Lower 5," is being purposefully developed into a vibrant, high-end mixed-use destination. Other projects like “District 121” are creating a modern, urban-style hub designed for a live-work-play lifestyle. This isn't just another retail strip; it's a multi-million dollar investment featuring a walkable layout that combines Class-A office space, sophisticated restaurants, and community-focused green spaces with stages for live music and events. This strategic development creates a new commercial and social center that provides the urban amenities modern residents crave, perfectly complementing the city's historic charm.
McKinney is dotted with parks, extensive trail systems, and community recreation centers, so an active, outdoor lifestyle is always within reach.
For many, the ultimate lifestyle includes premier access to world-class golf, and in this respect, McKinney is a true champion. The city is anchored by the renowned TPC Craig Ranch, a private course that hosts the PGA Tour's THE CJ CUP Byron Nelson each spring. Living in the exclusive Ranch at TPC Craig Ranch community means having a professional tour stop right in your backyard.
The options don't stop there. The magnificent Stonebridge Ranch Country Club offers members two championship courses designed by legends Pete Dye and Arthur Hills, creating a golfer's haven within one of North Texas's most sought-after master-planned communities. With private clubs like the classic Eldorado Country Club and the excellent public Oak Hollow Golf Course, McKinney provides a golf and country club lifestyle for every level of player, solidifying its status as a premier destination for luxury real estate and recreation.
For those looking to buy a home, McKinney offers a historic downtown, a wide range of neighborhoods and price points, convenient access to regional employers, and a lifestyle that honors its history while building its future.
If you are ready to explore what McKinney has to offer, D&J Realty Group, powered by Keller Williams McKinney, has the deep local knowledge to guide your search. Contact us to find your place in McKinney.
