Since the start of the pandemic, many states around the country have been experiencing what’s being called a major migration.
Texas is one of those states. A lot of residents of California and other high-cost states have left and decided to move to Texas.
There are reasons ofted cited, including the lower cost of living and more affordable housing, lower taxes, and the fact that more people have the flexibility to work from anywhere.
Texas is often described as an economic powerhouse.
As of 2021, the state surpassed Brazil to become the 9th largest economy by GDP in the world. Around 42% of the migration to Texas from other places in the U.S. comes from California.
A lot of companies are also deciding to move to Texas, citing the tax policies, regulatory climate, and availability of talent.
McKinney, Texas, is often on the radar of people moving to the state.
It’s part of the massive Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan area, located in parts of both Collin and Denton Counties. McKinney is around 35 miles northeast of Dallas.
The following are seven things to know about McKinney if it’s on your radar.
1. There’s a Thriving Business Climate
One of the best things about life in McKinney is the fact that the economy is so strong, and you might be able to find work in a range of industries. People in McKinney work in manufacturing, aviation, defense, and technology.
There are a number of industrial centers, and some of the major companies that call McKinney home include Raytheon, Manner Plastics, and Encore Wire.
The McKinney National Airport makes travel convenient, and the Economic Development Corporation has a lot of programs and incentives it uses to draw new companies to the area.
2. There’s a Great Historic District
McKinney has arguably one of the best downtown districts in all of Texas. It spans around 120 acres, and it includes galleries, parks, shops, and restaurants.
The Downtown Square is home to a great farmer’s market, and there are regular parades and festivals.
For some tourists, downtown McKinney is a destination on its own, thanks to the historic architecture, charming venues, and things to do.
The downtown is not only well-preserved but remains highly walkable.
3. The Schools
The McKinney Independent School District serves the area. Of the many schools that make up the system, around 48% are above-average in the level of education they provide.
Around 54% of students progress more academically than other Texas students, and 93% of the district’s teachers have at least three years of experience in teaching.
The district has several schools that received the College Success Award in 2020, including McKinney High School.
As of last year, McKinney had 16 private schools, and one of the highest-rated in McKinney Christian Academy.
4. Convenience
There are a number of businesses that are within an easy commute of McKinney, and several major highways serve the area, including US 75 and State Highway 5.
It’s easy to use these roadways to get around the entire Dallas-Fort Worth metro complex.
With that being said, while it’s convenient to commute, that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s ideal. You do have to realize that if you work in downtown Dallas or need to get to the DFW airport, you could be on the roads for 75 to 90 minutes.
5. Lots of Housing Options
The McKinney real estate market is booming, and as of July 2022, the median price for a home selling in the area was $598,000.
It is a seller’s market in McKinney because there are more people who want to buy than there are homes available, but this trend seems to be getting better.
Despite the fact that it’s a seller’s market, there are a lot of types of homes available and different neighborhood styles.
There is also a wide variety in terms of budget.
- Adriatica is a popular mixed-use development neighborhood about five miles from downtown McKinney, with Mediterranean-style condos and villas set on cobblestone streets.
- Auburn Hills is a master-planned community that’s just a 40-minute drive from downtown Dallas. It’s home to the Gray Branch Community Park with sports fields and an amphitheater, and all the homes are single-family. There is an HOA, and homes sell in a range of prices from the low 300k’s up to 800k and more.
- Craig Ranch is an award-winning master-planned community that’s home to the TPC Craig Ranch Golf Course. The prices start in the 200k’s and go up to more than two million. There are a lot of outdoor activities and recreation opportunities in Craig Ranch.
- Hardin Lake features hillside lots with terraced gardens. Isleworth is part of Stonebridge Ranch, so you get the benefits of being in a gated community.
- Stonebridge Ranch is like a village, and it has a lot of amenities, including the Stonebridge Ranch Aquatic Center. The neighborhood has mature trees and ponds, which are features residents seek out.
6. Arts and Culture
You might not associate a suburban city like McKinney with arts and culture, but it has these things as well.
There are art studies where you can take classes or see people show off their skills.
At the McKinney Performing Arts Center, there are often concerts, and there’s a collection of art from Texas artists.
You can see a production from the McKinney Repertory Theatre or visit one of the many historic sites like Chestnut Square Historic Village.
McKinney is often celebrating something. There’s the Arts in Bloom celebration for wine and art, and then the Red, White, and Boom Parade to celebrate Independence Day.
McKinney hosts an Oktoberfest event and a Christmas celebration.
7. Outdoor Activities
Finally, along with cultural activities, you can also get outside as much as you prefer. For example, you can fish and hike at the Towne Lake Recreation Area.
You can go to one of the dozens of parks in the city or visit the Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary.