The 2026 Relocation Guide
Moving to McKinney, TX
McKinney blends a thriving historic downtown with modern master-planned neighborhoods. Ranked one of the best places to live in America multiple years running, McKinney offers strong schools, a bustling local economy, and a genuine community character.
~230,000
Population
~$124,000
Median HH Income
~$490,000
Median Home
Collin Co.
County
8/10
McKinney ISD
The Short Version
Why People Move to McKinney
- Repeat U.S. News top place to live — with a true historic downtown
- Home Depot's SRS Distribution + Raytheon anchor a diversifying job base
- Commercial flights land at McKinney National Airport in late 2026
- US-380 bypass + Outer Loop bring freeway access to new growth areas
- From Craig Ranch luxury to historic-district charm — wide housing range
Getting Around
Commutes & Highways
- 25–30 minutes to Legacy West / Plano via SH-121 or US-75
- 40–45 minutes to downtown Dallas via US-75
- 35–40 minutes to DFW Airport via Sam Rayburn Tollway
- Commercial flights from McKinney National (TKI) starting late 2026
Moving from Out of State?
What Your Money Buys in McKinney
The estimated median home value in McKinney is ~$490,000. Here's how that compares to the metros our relocating buyers most often arrive from — and Texas has no state income tax.
San Jose / Silicon Valley
CA income tax up to 13.3%
$1.5M median
≈3.1× McKinney's median
San Francisco
CA income tax up to 13.3%
$1.2M median
≈2.4× McKinney's median
Los Angeles
CA income tax up to 13.3%
$1.0M median
≈2.0× McKinney's median
Seattle
WA — no income tax
$850K median
≈1.7× McKinney's median
New York City
NY income tax up to 10.9%
$800K median
≈1.6× McKinney's median
Austin
TX — no income tax
$550K median
Approximate metro median sale prices, mid-2026. Live McKinney market data from NTREIS MLS above.
The Real Monthly Number
Owning the Median McKinney Home
Texas trades income tax for higher property tax — around 2.0% effective in Collin County. Budget with the full picture:
Estimate on the ~$490,000 median — not a quote. Homestead exemptions lower the tax bill for primary residences; HOA dues vary by community.
Where to Live
McKinney Communities Relocating Buyers Shortlist
Trinity Falls
McKinney's resort community along the Trinity River — Del Webb & family sections
$380K–$750KStonebridge Ranch
McKinney's iconic master-planned community with golf and a lagoon beach club
$350K–$1.2MPainted Tree
McKinney's newest master-planned community on the US-380 growth corridor
$380K–$700KCraig Ranch
Resort living at McKinney's TPC golf community
$420K–$950KEastridge
McKinney's established east-side community with outstanding value
$320K–$550KSouthridge
Established southern McKinney community near SH-121
$310K–$530KOutdoors
Parks & Trails
- •Erwin Park — 212 acres with famed mountain-bike trails
- •Bonnie Wenk Park — fishing lake, dog park, amphitheater
- •Towne Lake Recreation Area — paddling & trails near downtown
- •Apex Centre — 80,000 sq ft aquatics center with lazy river
- •Heard Sanctuary trails — wetlands boardwalks & native prairie
- •Gabe Nesbitt Community Park & PSA McKinney complex
With Kids
Family Life in McKinney
- •Oktoberfest on the historic square — McKinney's signature festival
- •Apex Centre outdoor waterpark — slides & zero-entry pool
- •Heard Museum's Dinosaurs Live! animatronic trail each fall
- •TUPPS Brewery campus — live music and family-friendly lawn
- •Home for the Holidays — downtown Christmas festival
- •Third Monday Trade Days — historic monthly market
Step by Step
The Out-of-State Relocation Checklist
- 1
Take a scouting trip
Two days is enough: drive the neighborhoods at commute hour, walk the downtown, and visit a school pickup line. Maps lie about feel.
- 2
Get pre-approved with a Texas-savvy lender
Texas escrows are dominated by property tax, not income tax — make sure your payment estimate includes the county's ~2%+ effective rate so the number doesn't move later.
- 3
Pick your school attendance zones first
District boundaries — and campus assignments within a district — drive DFW resale values. Verify the exact address, not the city.
- 4
Shortlist 2–3 communities
Master-planned communities differ more in HOA, amenities, and builder mix than in the homes themselves. Tour the amenity center, not just the model.
- 5
Write the offer with local norms
Texas uses an option period (a paid few days for inspections) and title policy customs that surprise out-of-state buyers. A local agent handles both.
- 6
Inspect for Texas-specific items
Foundation movement (clay soil), roof hail history, and HVAC age matter more here than what you inspected for on the coasts.
- 7
Close and file your homestead exemption
It caps assessed-value growth at 10%/year and cuts the tax bill on your primary residence — file with the county appraisal district after closing; it's free.
- 8
Settle in
Texas gives you 90 days for a driver's license and 30 for vehicle registration. Utilities are competitive-choice in most of DFW — shop the rate, don't default.
Common Questions
Moving to McKinney FAQ
Is McKinney, TX a good place to move to?
McKinney blends a thriving historic downtown with modern master-planned neighborhoods. Ranked one of the best places to live in America multiple years running, McKinney offers strong schools, a bustling local economy, and a genuine community character. Top reasons buyers choose it: Repeat U.S. News top place to live — with a true historic downtown; Home Depot's SRS Distribution + Raytheon anchor a diversifying job base; Commercial flights land at McKinney National Airport in late 2026.
How much does it cost to live in McKinney?
The estimated median home value is ~$490,000 with a median household income of ~$124,000. Texas has no state income tax; budget for a ~2% effective property tax instead (a homestead exemption reduces it on your primary residence).
What are the best neighborhoods in McKinney?
Popular communities include Trinity Falls, Stonebridge Ranch, Painted Tree, Craig Ranch — each has its own page with live listings, price ranges, and amenities.
What is the commute like from McKinney?
25–30 minutes to Legacy West / Plano via SH-121 or US-75; 40–45 minutes to downtown Dallas via US-75; 35–40 minutes to DFW Airport via Sam Rayburn Tollway.
What school district serves McKinney?
McKinney ISD (GreatSchools 8/10), with portions served by Frisco ISD. Verify the exact address before you buy — boundaries matter more than city limits.
Relocating to McKinney?
I work with out-of-state buyers every week — video tours, school-zone guidance, and a lender bench that understands relocation timelines. The first call is free.