Master-planned · New construction
Trinity Falls
Johnson Development’s 2,000-acre community with seven builders, from townhomes to 60-foot homesites. Amenities include B.B. Owen Park, two pool clubs, a dog park and an on-site elementary school.
Community guide · Collin County
Living in McKinney, TX
The Collin County seat, with a real historic square, a PGA Tour course and — starting Nov 11, 2026 — commercial flights from its own airport.
By Shayla Eadler, REALTOR® · TREC #0747934 · Based in Van Alstyne · Updated
- Population
- 237,130City estimate, Jan 1, 2026 · 2020 Census: 195,308
- County
- CollinCounty seat since 1848
- School district
- McKinney ISD2026 TEA rating: B (87)
- Downtown Dallas
- ~33 miabout 40 min, no traffic
- Property tax
- ≈ 1.75%tax year 2025, in city limits
- Airline service
- Nov 11, 2026Avelo at McKinney National (DTX)
McKinney, Texas
Is McKinney, TX a good place to live?
Yes — living in McKinney, TX works well if you want a historic downtown square, established master-planned neighborhoods and new construction in one city, with Legacy West and The Star about 20 minutes away. The trade-off is price and growth: the city puts its median home value near $518,000, and big road projects are years from done.
McKinney has been the Collin County seat since 1848, and it still feels like it. The square around the 1876 courthouse — now the McKinney Performing Arts Center — is lined with more than 120 locally owned shops, galleries and restaurants. A short drive from the square, you’re at the Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary or on the mountain-bike trails at Erwin Park. Each May the PGA Tour comes to TPC Craig Ranch for THE CJ CUP Byron Nelson.
I’m based in Van Alstyne, 17 miles up US-75, and I spend a lot of time in McKinney. Many of my clients live here and love it. Many others start here and decide to move north to Van Alstyne or Anna for more land or a lower price point while keeping McKinney’s shopping, hospitals and airport close. I’ll show you both sides honestly so you can choose.
Jobs, growth and what’s coming
McKinney grew from 195,308 people in the 2020 Census to an estimated 237,130 on Jan 1, 2026, by the city’s count. The regional council of governments (NCTCOG) counted 11,310 new residents in the year to Jan 1, 2025 — fourth in North Texas behind Fort Worth, Dallas and Celina. The city’s largest employers in its FY2024 annual financial report were Raytheon (4,200), McKinney ISD, Collin County, Globe Life, Encore Wire, the City of McKinney, Medical City McKinney and Baylor Scott & White McKinney.
The biggest change is the airport. McKinney National Airport received its FAA operating certificate in September 2026, and Avelo Airlines starts commercial flights on Nov 11, 2026. Collin College runs its McKinney Campus (opened 1985), the Collin Higher Education Center and a Public Safety Training Center here. McKinney ISD’s November 2026 bond includes a career and technical education center shared with Collin College.
The honest version
Pros and cons of living in McKinney
Every town has trade-offs. Here’s what I tell my own clients before they buy.
Pros
- A real historic downtownThe courthouse square, 120+ local businesses and a top-ranked Saturday farmers market give McKinney a center most nearby suburbs don’t have.
- Your own airportAvelo starts flights from McKinney National (DTX) on Nov 11, 2026, about 9 minutes from downtown instead of 45 to DFW.
- Close to job centersLegacy West and The Star are about 20 minutes away without traffic. Local employers include Raytheon, Globe Life, Encore Wire and two hospitals.
- Outdoor space in townThe Heard’s 289-acre sanctuary, Erwin Park’s mountain-bike trails and TPC Craig Ranch are all inside McKinney.
- High school ratingsAll three McKinney ISD comprehensive high schools earned an A from TEA in 2026.
Cons
- Higher price pointThe city cites a median home value of about $518,000. Buyers who want more land for the money often look north to Melissa, Anna or Van Alstyne.
- Years of road constructionSpur 399 work runs to about early 2029, and the US-380 bypass has no construction date yet. Expect detours for a while.
- Campus ratings varyThe district is rated B overall, and in 2026 four campuses got a D and one got an F. Check the specific school for each address.
- More than one school districtParts of McKinney are in Frisco, Prosper, Allen and other ISDs, and tax rates change with the district.
- Taxes are movingCollin County raised its rate for tax year 2026, and the McKinney ISD rate depends on the Nov 3, 2026 bond and VATRE election.
For sale now
McKinney, TX homes for sale & home prices
McKinney TX homes for sale range from in-town homes near the square to big master-planned neighborhoods and new builds. The city cites a median home value of $518,165; at Trinity Falls, the developer advertises new homes starting in the $400s.
Featured listings in and around McKinney
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The kinds of homes you’ll find in McKinney
New construction
Master-planned communities like Trinity Falls, where seven builders offer townhomes and 40-, 50- and 60-foot homesites. Expect HOA amenities like pools and parks, builder incentives that change monthly and a short list of lot choices.
Established master-planned neighborhoods
Stonebridge Ranch covers more than 5,000 acres in over 70 villages, with 500+ acres of open space and an HOA-run aquatic center. You get mature landscaping and a resale price history to compare.
55+ active-adult homes
Trinity Falls includes a 127-acre age-restricted section where Del Webb builds active-adult homes. Age rules, HOA dues and amenity access are set by the community — I’ll walk you through the documents.
Homes near the historic square
In-town streets within reach of the square’s shops, restaurants and Saturday farmers market. Home ages and styles vary block to block, so I lean on inspections, survey review and history checks here.
Be the first to know
Get new McKinney listings before everyone else
I’ll send new listings, price drops and my Coming Soon homes in McKinney — with my honest notes on each one.
New in 2026
McKinney National Airport (DTX): commercial flights start Nov 11, 2026
For years, flying out of McKinney meant driving to DFW or Love Field. That changes on Nov 11, 2026, when Avelo Airlines starts commercial service at McKinney National Airport (code DTX). The FAA issued the airport’s operating certificate in September 2026 — the first new commercial airport certification in Texas in more than 20 years, according to NBC DFW. Avelo plans to base three aircraft here and create about 150 jobs.
The passenger terminal broke ground in July 2025 with four gates and room for six. From downtown McKinney it’s about a 9-minute drive, compared with roughly 45 minutes to DFW or Love Field. It’s also a real perk for my clients up US-75: about 18 minutes from Melissa, 25 from Anna and 30 from Van Alstyne. If you’re buying near the airport, I’ll check flight paths and how close the runway is before you write an offer.
Avelo’s announced nonstops
- Atlanta, Denver and Nashville
- New Orleans and Las Vegas
- Orlando, Tampa and Fort Myers
- Fort Lauderdale/Miami
| Starting point | To McKinney National (DTX) | To DFW Airport |
|---|---|---|
| Downtown McKinney | ≈ 3 mi · 9 min | ≈ 37 mi · 45 min |
| Melissa | ≈ 9 mi · 18 min | ≈ 44 mi · 55 min |
| Anna | ≈ 14 mi · 25 min | ≈ 49 mi · 60 min |
| Van Alstyne | ≈ 20 mi · 30 min | ≈ 53 mi · 65 min |
No-traffic drive estimates (OSRM, Oct 2026). Routes and schedules are Avelo’s to change — check the airline before you book.
New construction
McKinney new construction: Trinity Falls vs. Stonebridge Ranch
If you want a brand-new home in McKinney, Trinity Falls is the community I tour most. It’s a 2,000-acre master plan by Johnson Development, minutes from US-75 and US-380 and about 10 minutes from the historic square. Amenities include the 350-acre B.B. Owen Park (trails, fishing lakes, an amphitheater and disc golf), two pool clubs, a dog park and Ruth and Harold Frazier Elementary on site.
Stonebridge Ranch is the established alternative: 5,000+ acres, 70+ villages and 500+ acres of open space, with a new Beach Club under construction. Buying new gets you a warranty and a fresh floor plan. Buying established gets you mature trees, a finished neighborhood and resale prices to compare. I bring my own contract and inspection to new builds — the builder’s sales rep works for the builder.
| Community | Builder | Product | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trinity Falls | Cadence Homes | Townhomes | Lower-maintenance option |
| Trinity Falls | Coventry Homes | 40′ and 50′ homesites | Smaller-lot single family |
| Trinity Falls | Highland Homes | 50′ homesites | Single family |
| Trinity Falls | Chesmar Homes | 60′ homesites | Larger lots in the community |
| Trinity Falls | Del Webb | 55+ active adult | In the 127-acre age-restricted section |
| Trinity Falls | Drees Custom Homes · Perry Homes | Ask me | Product details vary by phase |
Builder lineup from trinityfalls.com, Oct 2026. Builders, lot sizes and pricing change — I’ll confirm current inventory and any MUD or PID before you sign.
Where to live
Best neighborhoods in McKinney
These are the McKinney areas I show most often. Each one has a different feel, HOA setup and tax picture.
Active adult · New construction
Trinity Falls 55+ (Del Webb)
A 127-acre age-restricted section inside Trinity Falls where Del Webb builds active-adult homes, with access to the wider community’s parks and trails. I’ll review the age rules and HOA documents with you.
Master-planned · Established
Stonebridge Ranch
More than 5,000 acres and 70+ villages, with 500+ acres of open space, lakes, trails and an aquatic center. A new Beach Club is under construction. Managed by the Stonebridge Ranch Community Association.
Golf · Established
Around TPC Craig Ranch
Homes around the course that has hosted the PGA Tour’s Byron Nelson since 2021. A good fit if you want a golf-course setting. Ask me about HOA rules and course views for any home here.
In town · Walkable
Near the historic square
Streets within reach of the courthouse square, the Saturday farmers market at Chestnut Square and downtown’s 120+ local businesses. Lot sizes and home ages vary widely, so every house gets a careful look.
Subdivision names are a starting point. Lot sizes, HOA rules and school zoning vary street by street — I’ll confirm all of it for any home you’re considering.
Cost of living
McKinney property taxes & cost of living
For tax year 2025, the in-city stack for a McKinney ISD address added up to about $1.75 per $100 of taxable value. For tax year 2026, the city held its rate flat at $0.412284 and Collin College held at $0.08122. Collin County raised its rate to $0.151414, its first increase in about 33 years. McKinney ISD’s 2026 rate depends on the Nov 3 election — the district says its total would be $1.0664 if all five propositions pass, down from $1.1043.
- Texas school homestead exemption: $140,000, plus another $60,000 if you’re 65+ or disabled (approved by voters in Nov 2025).
- Homeowners 65+ also get a freeze on the school portion of their taxes once the exemption is in place.
- Some newer communities and addresses outside city limits can carry a MUD or PID on top of this stack. I pull the exact rate for every home before you offer.
- Addresses in Frisco, Prosper, Allen or another ISD use that district’s school rate instead of McKinney ISD’s.
Schools
McKinney schools
Most of McKinney is served by McKinney ISD, which had about 23,800 students on 33 campuses in recent state data. TEA rated the district a B (87 out of 100) for 2025-26 — its fifth B in a row. All three comprehensive high schools — McKinney, McKinney Boyd and McKinney North — earned an A. Campus results vary: 9 A, 10 B, 6 C, 4 D and 1 F, so look up the specific campus for any address.
On Nov 3, 2026, McKinney ISD voters decide five propositions: about $500 million in bonds and a tax ratification election (VATRE). The biggest piece, $430.95 million, would fund two new elementary schools, renovations, buses, safety upgrades and a career and technical center shared with Collin College. Parts of McKinney are zoned to other districts, so school zoning is the first thing I check on any listing.
Getting around
Commute from McKinney: drive times & highways
US-75 runs north–south through McKinney, US-380 runs east–west, SH-5 runs through downtown and SH-121 (Sam Rayburn Tollway) runs along the McKinney–Allen line.
Downtown Dallas
40 min≈ 33 mi
via US-75 S
Legacy West (Plano)
20 min≈ 16 mi
via SH-121 / US-75
The Star (Frisco)
20 min≈ 17 mi
via SH-121 W
DFW Airport
45 min≈ 37 mi
via SH-121
Love Field
45 min≈ 35 mi
via US-75 S
McKinney National Airport
9 min≈ 3 mi
from downtown
Downtown Sherman
35 min≈ 32 mi
via US-75 N
Van Alstyne
25 min≈ 17 mi
via US-75 N
Typical drive times without heavy traffic. Rush hour on US-75 and the Tollway can add 15–30 minutes.
Road projects to know about
- Spur 399: TxDOT is widening it from four to six lanes between US-75 and Stewart Rd, with a new Stewart Rd interchange. It costs about $182M, construction started in summer 2025 and completion is expected in early 2029. It’s the first step toward extending Spur 399 around the airport to US-380.
- US-380 bypass: TxDOT set the McKinney alignment in September 2023 and is buying right-of-way. Letting dates are still listed as TBD, and TxDOT has said construction could start as early as 2027.
- Collin County Outer Loop: Segment 3C (Custer Rd to US-75, 8.9 miles, $62.7M) opened Nov 7, 2025. It links the Dallas North Tollway in Celina to US-75 just north of McKinney.
Local favorites
Things to do in McKinney
Things to do in McKinney start at the square, but there’s much more in town — here’s where I send people first.
Historic Downtown McKinney
More than 120 locally owned shops, galleries and restaurants in 19th-century buildings around the square. Harvest at the Masonic is Michelin-recommended, and the visitor center is at 200 W. Virginia St.
Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary
A 289-acre preserve with more than 6.5 miles of trails across prairie, wetland and forest habitats, plus Dinosaurs Live! and native plant and butterfly gardens. A local nonprofit since 1967.
Erwin Park
A 212-acre city park in northern McKinney with campsites, picnic pavilions and about 10 miles of mountain-bike trails maintained by the Dallas Off-Road Bicycle Association.
Chestnut Square farmers market
Saturday mornings at Chestnut Square Heritage Village. American Farmland Trust named it the #1 farmers market in the Southwest in 2023.
TPC Craig Ranch
Home of THE CJ CUP Byron Nelson every May since 2021. Wyndham Clark won the May 21–24, 2026 edition at 30 under par.
McKinney Performing Arts Center
The 1876 Collin County courthouse on the square, remodeled in 1927, is now a 427-seat performing arts venue — a landmark worth seeing even if you skip the show.
Collin County History Museum
County history inside the 1911 McKinney post office downtown, including the “Created in Collin” exhibit. Admission is free several days a week.
TUPPS Brewery
A McKinney brewery with Peridot Plant Co. inside its silos. Visit McKinney lists it among the town’s signature stops — easy to pair with an afternoon downtown.
Oktoberfest and Arts in Bloom
Two of McKinney’s best-known festivals, both featured by Visit McKinney. Check the event calendar and plan a house-hunting weekend around one to see the town at its busiest.
Before you move
Moving to McKinney, TX: what to know
Here’s what I walk my McKinney buyers through after we go under contract.
- Water & sewer
- Inside city limits, water and wastewater service is through the City of McKinney. Outside city limits, service can come from a different provider — I’ll confirm for the address before closing.
- Electric
- Electric providers depend on the address. Some areas let you shop retail plans and others don’t. I’ll confirm which applies so you can set up service before move-in.
- City limits vs. ETJ
- The City of McKinney rate ($0.412284 per $100) only applies inside city limits. Outside, city services and rules differ, and a MUD may apply. Check the tax record, not just the mailing address.
- Homestead exemption
- Once the home is your primary residence, file your homestead exemption with the Collin County appraisal district. That’s what unlocks the $140,000 school exemption — it’s free and takes a few minutes online.
- Plan around road work
- TxDOT is widening Spur 399 near the airport through about early 2029, and the US-380 bypass is in right-of-way acquisition. I’ll show you which routes are affected for any home you’re considering.
- Local tip
- Visit on a Saturday morning: the farmers market at Chestnut Square — which American Farmland Trust named the #1 market in the Southwest in 2023 — and a walk around the square tell you a lot about downtown.
FAQ
McKinney FAQ
Quick answers to the questions I hear most from people moving to McKinney.
Is McKinney, TX a good place to live?
For many buyers, yes. McKinney combines a historic downtown square, established neighborhoods like Stonebridge Ranch, new construction at Trinity Falls and its own commercial airport starting Nov 11, 2026. The trade-offs are a higher price point — the city cites a median home value of about $518,000 — and several years of road construction. I help clients compare it with towns up US-75, too.
What is the property tax rate in McKinney, TX?
For tax year 2025, a home inside city limits in McKinney ISD paid about $1.75 per $100 of value: City of McKinney $0.412284, McKinney ISD $1.1043, Collin County $0.149343 and Collin College $0.08122. For 2026, the county rose to $0.151414, the city held flat and the school rate depends on the Nov 3 election. MUDs and PIDs add more where they apply.
What school district is McKinney, TX in?
Most of McKinney is in McKinney ISD, which TEA rated B (87) for 2025-26, with all three comprehensive high schools rated A. Some addresses are zoned to Frisco, Prosper, Allen, Lovejoy, Melissa or Celina ISD instead. Boundaries change as the area grows, so I confirm the district and campus for every home with the district itself.
How far is McKinney from Dallas?
Downtown McKinney is about 33 miles from downtown Dallas — around 40 minutes via US-75 without traffic, and longer at rush hour. Legacy West in Plano and The Star in Frisco are each about 20 minutes away, and DFW Airport is about 45 minutes.
Does McKinney have MUD or PID taxes?
Some areas can. The base stack is the city, school, county and college rates, but some newer master-planned communities and addresses outside city limits add a MUD or PID on top. I don’t guess — I pull the exact tax record for every home before you make an offer.
Is McKinney, TX growing?
Yes. McKinney grew from 195,308 in the 2020 Census to an estimated 237,130 by Jan 1, 2026, according to the city. NCTCOG counted 11,310 new residents in the year to Jan 1, 2025, fourth in North Texas. New commercial flights, the Spur 399 expansion and the planned US-380 bypass all point to more growth.
What is McKinney, TX known for?
McKinney is known for its historic downtown square, its role as Collin County seat since 1848, and its name — it honors Collin McKinney, a signer of the Texas Declaration of Independence. It’s also home to TPC Craig Ranch, host of the PGA Tour’s CJ Cup Byron Nelson, and the Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary.
Does McKinney have a commercial airport?
Starting Nov 11, 2026, yes. Avelo Airlines will fly from McKinney National Airport (DTX) to destinations including Las Vegas, Orlando, Tampa, Fort Myers, Fort Lauderdale, Atlanta, Denver, Nashville and New Orleans. The FAA certified the airport in September 2026. It’s about 9 minutes from downtown McKinney and about 30 from Van Alstyne.
Compare nearby towns
Towns near McKinney
Grayson CountyVan AlstyneMy home base, 17 miles up US-75 — where many of my McKinney clients land.Read the Van Alstyne guide 
Collin CountyAnna12 miles north; #5 fastest-growing U.S. city (20k+) in the Census 2025 estimates.Read the Anna guide 
Collin CountyMelissaJust 7 miles north on US-75; #4 fastest-growing U.S. city (20k+) in 2025.Read the Melissa guide 
Collin CountyProsperTollway-side neighbor 13 miles west, a little closer to Legacy West and The Star.Read the Prosper guide Sources & data notes
Facts on this page were checked against public sources in October 2026. Tax rates, school ratings and road plans change — confirm anything important for your decision.
- City of McKinney FY 2026-27 budget and tax rate (Community Impact, Sept 2026)
- McKinney ISD 2025-26 tax rate (Community Impact)
- Collin County FY 2026-27 tax rate (Community Impact)
- Collin College FY 2026-27 tax rate (Community Impact)
- McKinney ISD Nov 2026 bond and VATRE (Community Impact)
- McKinney ISD 2026 TEA rating (Community Impact)
- McKinney ISD enrollment (Texas Tribune / TEA data)
- McKinney National Airport FAA certification and Avelo service (NBC DFW)
- Spur 399 expansion (Community Impact)
- Collin County Outer Loop Segment 3C (Community Impact)
- TxDOT Dallas District Collin County design projects
- Trinity Falls builders
- Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary
- THE CJ CUP Byron Nelson 2026 (PGA Tour)
Ready when you are
Thinking about McKinney?
I’ll show you around — the neighborhoods, the schools and the places locals love — and put together homes in McKinney that fit your budget.