McKinney 74 Excellent
McKinney Livability #145 ranked city in Texas#4,037 ranked city in the USARanks better than 86% of areas

McKinney, TX - Unique by Nature

McKinney, TX, known as "Unique by Nature," offers a charming blend of historic charm and modern living. Located in Collin County, McKinney is approximately 30 miles north of Dallas. This medium-sized city is known for its beautiful tree-lined streets, vibrant downtown, and strong sense of community, making it a desirable place to live.

McKinney's climate features hot summers and mild winters, ideal for enjoying outdoor activities year-round. The city boasts numerous parks and recreational areas, such as the scenic Towne Lake Recreation Area and the expansive Erwin Park, which offer hiking, biking, and opportunities for family picnics.

The cultural scene in McKinney is vibrant, with attractions like the historic Chestnut Square, the Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary, and the McKinney Performing Arts Center. The city hosts a variety of events and festivals throughout the year, including the McKinney Oktoberfest and the Red, White, and BOOM! Independence Day celebration, which draw visitors and residents alike.

Education is a priority in McKinney, with the McKinney Independent School District offering quality education to its students. The city is also home to Collin College, providing higher education opportunities. Additionally, McKinney's proximity to major universities in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex enhances its appeal as an educational hub.

Living in McKinney combines the benefits of urban living with the warmth of a small-town community. Residents enjoy access to top-notch healthcare facilities, diverse dining options, and a range of housing choices. The city's efficient public transportation system and well-maintained infrastructure make commuting and exploring the area convenient. With its historic charm, excellent amenities, and welcoming atmosphere, McKinney offers a fulfilling and dynamic living experience.

Pros and Cons of Living in McKinney

PROS
  • Crime

    This area is characterized by a crime rate, per 100,000 individuals, that falls well below the national average, indicating its potential as a very safe place to live.

  • Employment

    This area scores extremely well in the employment category. This is primarily due to the combination of low unemployment rates, higher median home income and income per capita.

  • Housing

    The housing category in this area boasts higher than average scores, likely influenced by a positive home affordability ratio, robust appreciation rates or elevated home values.

  • Ratings

    Local residents have positive feedback regarding the convenience of amenities, parks, public transit, the friendliness of neighbors, the strong sense of community, and the overall safety of the area.

CONS
  • Amenities

    It appears that many amenities may not be conveniently situated within walking distance, potentially necessitating the use of a vehicle or public transit.

  • Commute

    Commuters in this area may experience longer-than-average work commute times due to limited public transportation access.

  • Cost Of Living

    Residents of this area contend with a high cost of living, resulting in increased expenditures for everyday goods and services, housing, utilities and health care.

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What's it like Living in McKinney?

McKinney is a moderately-sized city located in the state of Texas. The city has a population of 191,197 residents. According to the most recent Census, 72% of McKinney residents are White, 11% Black and 9% Asian. Long travel times to work can be one of the most frustrating things in the world - right behind housework! If you decide that living in McKinney is the right fit for you, your one way commute time will average 29 minutes, which is about average when compared to the national commute time of 26 minutes.

Without the right tools, relocating to any new area can be very stressful and challenging. Living in McKinney, Texas could be a fulfilling experience for anyone who puts in the time to do the research required. When searching for a new neighborhood, several key items should be considered. Safety is paramount, ensuring a secure environment for you and your family. Proximity to workplaces or schools reduces commuting time and enhances convenience. Access to amenities like parks, grocery stores and healthcare facilities contributes to a comfortable lifestyle. Reliable public transportation options promote easy mobility. A strong sense of community fosters social connections and a welcoming atmosphere. Using the livability score which includes data from categories like amenities, commute, education, employment, you can easily compare the best places to live in McKinney and also determine if there are any nearby cities that might be a better match for your lifestyle. You can also compare McKinney to Texas and the national average.

McKinney has a livability score of 76/100 and is ranked #94 in Texas and #2,846 in the USA. Clearly, McKinney is doing something right, as this score ranks well above the average of most cities. McKinney also ranks in the top 10 percent of all cities, which is no small feat! If we take a closer look at each of the categories on their own, we see that McKinney ranks well for crime (A+), education (B) and employment (A+). There is at least one category that does not have great scores in McKinney. The following was graded with a disappointing score: amenities (F).

Ensuring a sense of security is paramount for the majority of residents in any area. Low crime rates exert a positive influence on various aspects, including home prices, rates of home appreciation and the cultivation of positive community dynamics and social cohesion. In the case of McKinney, it boasts a notably low violent crime rate of 114 crimes per 100,000 residents, which significantly outperforms the national average.

The unemployment rate in McKinney has consistently declined over the years and currently stands well below the national average at 2.46%. This downward trend holds the potential to reduce poverty and inequality within the region, promote higher wage levels and stimulate greater economic growth. Such positive indicators signal the overall robust health of the local economy, offering a promising outlook for its residents and fostering an environment of financial well-being and prosperity.

Finding affordable real estate and housing in McKinney can be tricky. Having said that, this area might be the place to get the best of both worlds. Based on factors like home/rental affordability and appreciation rates, this area has received an above average score in the housing category. A healthy real estate market can lead to wealth appreciation for property owners, as rising property values can contribute to homeowners' equity, financial stability and the ability to build long-term wealth.

Being close to public transit, grocery stores, parks and other conveniences are all important when weighing your options for a new home in McKinney. Before you determine if any of these amenities are available in the area, you will also want to know if the real estate prices in McKinney are affordable. The median home price for McKinney homes is $327,800, which is 129.7% higher than the Texas average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in McKinney, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 3.3, which is 26.9% higher than the Texas average.

Best Places to Live in and Around McKinney

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How Do You Rate The Livability In McKinney?

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Compare McKinney, TX Livability

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      McKinney transportation information

      Statistic McKinney Texas National
      Average one way commute29min26min26min
      Workers who drive to work78.2%80.3%76.4%
      Workers who carpool6.6%10.6%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit0.4%1.5%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle0.4%0.3%0.6%
      Workers who walk0.5%1.6%2.8%
      Working from home12.0%4.3%4.6%
      Source: The McKinney, TX data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).