Mariela Lovo OlREALTOR® Español
(214) 952-7518Coldwell Banker Realty

Collin County · TX

Pros and cons of moving to McKinney, TX

By Mariela Lovo Ol, REALTOR® · Updated

The pros and cons of moving to McKinney, TX mostly come down to place, not price alone. McKinney pairs a historic downtown and large parks with fast growth, split service areas and Texas-sized property taxes. Here is a balanced look at both sides.

Pro: a historic downtown square

Downtown centers on the 1876 Old Collin County Courthouse and is part of a National Register historic district. It gives McKinney a walkable core with shops, festivals and a free trolley loop.

Pro: large parks and nature preserves

Towne Lake Park covers about 229 acres with kayak rentals, and Bonnie Wenk Park covers 216 acres with a dog park and amphitheater. The Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary protects a 289-acre preserve with trails.

Pro: a wide choice of home styles

You can choose between older homes near the square, established master plans such as Stonebridge Ranch and brand-new builds north of US 380. That range helps you match the home to your budget and timeline. Compare options in McKinney homes for sale and new construction in McKinney.

Pro: commercial flights close to home

McKinney National Airport, owned by the City, is scheduled to start commercial service on November 11, 2026, with Avelo Airlines nonstops to five cities. DFW Airport remains reachable by SH 121.

Pro: no state income tax

Texas has no state personal income tax, which can leave more room in your monthly budget than in many other states.

Con: property taxes carry the load

Without an income tax, local services lean on property taxes. For 2025, McKinney ISD's rate alone was $1.1043 per $100 of value, before city, county and college rates. Read property taxes in McKinney before you set a budget.

Con: services split by address

McKinney and its ETJ are zoned to seven school districts, and three electric utilities serve the city. Homes a mile apart can differ in schools, utilities and tax bills, so every address needs checking.

Con: growth means construction and traffic

Growth brings road work and busy corridors. TxDOT is planning a US 380 freeway through the area, and new communities open amenities in phases. Review the route maps before choosing a lot.

Con: spring storms and summer heat

Spring storms can bring hail, high wind and tornado warnings, and McKinney runs 29 outdoor warning sirens. Budget for insurance with a clear hail deductible and plan for summer cooling costs.

Con: a car for most trips

There is no DART rail in McKinney. Collin County Transit offers on-demand rides for eligible residents, but most daily trips need a car.

Common questions

Is McKinney a good fit if I commute to Dallas?

It can be. US 75 runs about 30 miles south to downtown Dallas, according to the McKinney EDC. Test the drive at rush hour from the exact neighborhood before you decide.

Will the new airport add noise?

It may for homes near flight paths. Commercial service at McKinney National Airport is scheduled to begin November 11, 2026. Check flight paths if you are looking in east McKinney.

How can I compare McKinney with nearby cities?

Line up school district, full tax rate, HOA dues and commute for each address. The McKinney community guide explains each part of town, and Mariela can tour several cities in one day.

Sources

  1. QuickFacts: McKinney city, Texas, U.S. Census Bureau (read 2026-09-24)
  2. McKinney, Texas, Wikipedia (read 2026-09-24)
  3. 2025 Tax Rates and Exemptions by Jurisdictions, Collin County Tax Assessor-Collector (read 2026-09-24)
  4. McKinney City Council Adopts FY27 Budget, City of McKinney (read 2026-09-24)
  5. McKinney's city and ETJ land zoned for 7 school districts, Community Impact (read 2026-09-24)
  6. Attendance Zones & Maps, McKinney ISD (read 2026-09-24)
  7. Choose McKinney ISD – Student Transfer, McKinney ISD (read 2026-09-24)
  8. Attendance Zones, Frisco ISD (read 2026-09-24)
  9. 2026-2027 Attendance Boundaries, Prosper ISD (read 2026-09-24)
  10. Infrastructure, McKinney Economic Development Corporation (read 2026-09-24)
  11. US 380 Environmental Impact Statement From Coit Road to FM 1827, TxDOT (Keep It Moving Dallas) (read 2026-09-24)
  12. Transit Services, City of McKinney (read 2026-09-24)
  13. McKinney National Airport home page, McKinney National Airport (City of McKinney) (read 2026-09-24)
  14. Water Billing, City of McKinney (read 2026-09-24)
  15. Residential Trash Services, City of McKinney (read 2026-09-24)
  16. Outdoor Warning Siren System, City of McKinney (read 2026-09-24)
  17. FAQs, City of McKinney (read 2026-09-24)
  18. Service Areas, Grayson-Collin Electric Cooperative (read 2026-09-24)
  19. Bonnie Wenk Park, City of McKinney Parks (read 2026-09-24)
  20. Towne Lake Park, City of McKinney Parks (read 2026-09-24)
  21. Apex Centre, City of McKinney (read 2026-09-24)
  22. Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary, Heard Museum (read 2026-09-24)
  23. Old Collin County Courthouse, Wikipedia (read 2026-09-24)
  24. Special Financing Districts, City of McKinney (read 2026-09-24)
  25. Trinity Falls home page and FAQ, Trinity Falls (Johnson Development) (read 2026-09-24)
  26. Stonebridge Ranch Community Association, Stonebridge Ranch Community Association (read 2026-09-24)
  27. Adriatica Village, Adriatica Village (read 2026-09-24)
  28. Property Tax Exemptions, Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts (read 2026-09-24)
  29. Property Tax Protests and Appeals, Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts (read 2026-09-24)
  30. Clear as MUD, Texas Real Estate Research Center at Texas A&M University (read 2026-09-24)
  31. Don't Piddle Around with PID Notices, Texas Real Estate Research Center at Texas A&M University (read 2026-09-24)
  32. Roads & Projects, North Texas Tollway Authority (read 2026-09-24)
  33. NTTA home page (TollTag and ZipCash), North Texas Tollway Authority (read 2026-09-24)
  34. Choosing an Electric Plan, Public Utility Commission of Texas (read 2026-09-24)
  35. Home insurance guide, Texas Department of Insurance (read 2026-09-24)
  36. 5 Tips for Buying New Construction, Freddie Mac (read 2026-09-24)
  37. Contracts (promulgated forms), Texas Real Estate Commission (read 2026-09-24)
  38. Texas Public Schools (TXschools.gov), Texas Education Agency (read 2026-09-24)
  39. 2026 Statewide Multi-Year Ratings Spreadsheet, Texas Education Agency (read 2026-09-24)
  40. Why Texas, Office of the Texas Governor, Economic Development and Tourism (read 2026-09-24)
  41. Sales and Use Tax (state rate and local limit), Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts (read 2026-09-24)
  42. City Sales and Use Tax Rates (downloadable city rate list), Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts (read 2026-09-24)
  43. Valuing Property (10 percent residence homestead limitation), Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts (read 2026-09-24)
  44. Texas Property Code Section 202.022 – Swimming Pool Enclosures, Texas Property Code (via texas.public.law) (read 2026-09-24)
  45. Residential Pool Construction packet, City of McKinney Building Inspections (read 2026-09-24)
  46. Property Tax Basics, Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts (read 2026-09-24)

Last reviewed: 2026-09-24. Descriptions cover places and amenities, not the people who live there. We are committed to the Fair Housing Act.