The Pros and Cons of living in McKinney, Texas include a strong sense of community, affordable housing options, and excellent schools, while cons may include traffic congestion, lack of public transportation, and hot summers.
As a seasoned Realtor servicing the North DFW, Texas area, I’ve come to understand the unique aspects each city in our region offers.
One such city is McKinney, a jewel in the crown of Texas living. With this comprehensive guide, let’s dive into exploring the pros and cons of residing in McKinney.
I have put together a comprehensive home buyer’s guide just for you.
Pros of Living in McKinney
Excellent Economy and Employment Opportunities
First among the benefits is the stable economy of McKinney.
Noted as one of the fastest-growing cities in the US, McKinney boasts substantial job creations thanks to its enticing incentives for businesses. Key sectors include healthcare, education, and manufacturing.
Companies such as Raytheon Space and Airborne Systems and Encore Wire Corporation are large employers in the area.
High-Quality Education
McKinney is served by top-rated learning institutions ensuring excellent education for your children. The McKinney Independent School District, comprising over 20 elementary, middle, and high schools, is highly rated. In addition, Collin College offers higher learning opportunities.
Safety and Low Crime Rates
Safety is a priority in McKinney. With an active, responsive police force, McKinney records below-average crime rates, making it an attractive place for families.
Outdoor Activities and Amenities
Nature lovers will enjoy McKinney’s numerous parks and outdoor recreational facilities.
Situated on acres of land, the Towne Lake Recreation Area offers exciting activities, while the Heard Natural Science Museum and Wildlife Sanctuary is an excellent educational resource.
Your next Dreamhome could be in McKinney, TX! Take a look at the homes for sale. If I can help, please let me know.
Cons of Living in McKinney
Traffic and Commuting Times
While McKinney has excellent infrastructure, peak hour traffic can be cumbersome. Commuting into Dallas or Fort Worth can take an hour or more, depending on the time of travel and the route chosen.
However, There is good news here. McKinney is constantly making improvements to their roads infrastructure.
Rising Costs of Living
Due to its rapid growth and desirability, McKinney’s cost of living and home median values have incrementally increased over time. While still lower than the national average, it’s vital to review your budget before making a move.
Seasonal Weather
Texas weather is not for everyone. Summers in McKinney can be hot and humid, while winter can be surprisingly cold, although snow is rare.
Popular Restaurants in McKinney
McKinney, Texas has many popular restaurants, including steakhouses, American restaurants, and other top restaurants. Here are some popular place to visit:
Harvest Seasonal Kitchen: This American farm-to-table restaurant, established in 2014, can be found in the heart of historic downtown McKinney. They source their ingredients from local farmers and ranchers, and patrons particularly enjoy their deviled eggs, chicken fried steak, and pork enchiladas. Their menu also includes a variety of greens and grains, seafood, and steak.
Cadillac Pizza Pub: This pizza joint has been in downtown McKinney since 2011. They offer a menu of wood-fired pizza with 12 different types of pies such as Goat and Fig, Meatball Hero, and Farmer’s Pie. You can also create your own pizza or choose from their selection of salads and baked pastas. On Friday and Saturday nights, they have live music performances.
Hutchins BBQ: This barbecue joint, founded in 1978, moved to McKinney in 1990. Pitmaster Tim Hutchins runs it and there’s a second location in Frisco. On the menu are smoked meats, like prime brisket, pork ribs, and sausage, with sides such as jalapeño pinto beans. Don’t miss the Texas Twinkies, a delightful dessert made of a bacon-wrapped jalapeño stuffed with brisket and cream cheese.
Rick’s Chophouse: Rick’s Steakhouse located in downtown McKinney is a popular destination with a reputation that’s been built over 15 years. Its prime rib, buttermilk fried chicken, and sea bass dishes are highly recommended. For those with a gluten-free diet, there is an entire menu to choose from with options such as oysters, pork belly, ahi tuna, and other tasty bites.
Patina Green Home and Market: This restaurant and lifestyle market located in downtown McKinney is well-known for serving some of the best sandwiches in the city. They’ve been around for over a decade and are famous for their seasonal lunch menu, fresh produce, and house-made packaged food. Every day, they offer a variety of items, so there’s always something new to try. We highly recommend trying their delicious tomato bisque and ham sandwich.
Hugs Cafe: This non-profit restaurant in downtown McKinney, founded in 2015, employs adults with special needs and offers lunch options from 11 am to 2 pm Tuesday to Thursday, and until 3 pm Friday and Saturday, including seven types of sandwiches, daily specials, soups, and salads. Their famous cookies, including the signature Wedding Cake with almond icing, are also available.
Cookie’s Mexican Food (Facebook): This Mexican restaurant has been serving tacos, soups, and breakfast options since 2000. The owner, Maria Torres (also known as “Cookie”), prepares everything homemade, from the tortilla chips to the downtown-inspired dishes. In addition to tacos, the menu includes tortas, enchiladas, flautas, and gorditas, as well as burritos, omelettes, and chilaquiles for breakfast.
Local Yocal BBQ and Grill: Matt Hamilton’s butcher shop, Local Yocal, now has a new restaurant in downtown area. It’s a 10,000 square foot area that includes a butcher shop, restaurant, market, and wine room. The menu has popular items like smoked chicken fried steak and Hamilton burger, along with jalapeño cornbread and smoked onion dip. They also have a cocktail menu, draft beer, and wine.
Koji Sushi: This McKinney restaurant serves authentic Japanese food and is formerly known as Square Sushi. For lunch or dinner, you can enjoy a sushi bento box, or explore other menu items like the ahi tower or the spicy tuna roll. The menu also offers salads, soups, egg rolls, chicken katsu, and much more.
Fun Local Things to Do McKinney
There are many fun things to do in McKinney, Texas, including parks, museums, and other attractions. Here are some popular fun things to do:
Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary: The Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary is located at 1 Nature Place, McKinney, TX 75069. It’s a 289-acre wildlife sanctuary and natural science museum. The museum was founded in 1967 as a private 5013 nonprofit organization.
Chestnut Square Heritage Village: Chestnut Square Historic Village is a 2.5-acre collection of historic homes, buildings, and structures in McKinney, Texas. The village’s mission is to preserve Collin County’s heritage.
Historic Downtown McKinney: McKinney’s downtown district has been a popular destination since 1848 and continues to be a preferred location for both visitors and locals. With over 120 shops, including boutiques, art galleries, and antique stores, this is one of the largest and oldest historic districts in Texas.
Collin County History Museum: The Collin County History Museum is situated in the historic 1911 post office building. The museum is an excellent place to learn about the growth of McKinney town over the years. Visitors can explore the varied range of exhibits, including historical artifacts, diaries, maps, archival newspapers, land records, and much more to understand the early days of McKinney.
I would be thrilled to help you with any of your real estate needs. Whether you’re looking to buy, sell, or just need some guidance, I’m here to assist you every step of the way.
McKinney Pros and Cons Wrap Up
McKinney, despite its few cons, remains an attractive place to live. As you think about a future home in the North DFW, Texas area, consider these insights.
Hope to see you soon, and don’t hesitate to contact Sherien Joyner, your friendly North Dallas Realtor, for more information.
