History of McKinney, TX: Why is this city growing so much?

McKinney is located in Collin County, named after Collin McKinney. Collin was a pioneer and land surveyor who helped to draft the Texas Declaration of Independence from Mexico. Pioneers who settled here originally, like Collin, were offered free land by colonizers. McKinney’s land was found to be fertile and rich, so much so that more pioneers came to settle and build farms and communities! Therefore, McKinney was extremely dependent on agriculture for its future growth.

As the agricultural book settled in McKinney, the Houston and Texas Central Railroad began transporting more people and goods in 1872, which helped spark even more growth in McKinney! While the city itself was growing, so did the historic architecture. Did you know that McKinney once housed the tallest building in Texas!? Many of the historic buildings still standing today were built back in the 1890s. The city of McKinney and its residents have become grateful for these historic buildings as they bring a lot of the character — we’re proud to maintain them to keep the history alive.

As a result of this massive growth due to the railways, McKinney then served as a commercial center for over 125 years! However, McKinney is now the third largest city behind Plano and Frisco, best known as the commuter center for residents who work in Plano or Dallas.

Today, the majority of residents who continue to enjoy McKinney and its historic charm and distance from the hectic bigger cities are families and married couples living together with kids.

What’s the weather and climate like in McKinney?

McKinney is hot, hot, HOT! During the summer months (July and August) our temperatures reach as high as 118 degrees fahrenheit — which to be honest, can be hard to get used to, no matter how long you’ve lived here. Since McKinney is located in the Sun Belt, our summers continue to stay hot with the humidity making it feel even hotter.

It will cool down in McKinney during the winter months, with the temperature sitting as low as -7 degrees fahrenheit. The coldest month we live through is January — always such a great start to the new year hey? However, our winter months on average are more mild and rainy with the potential of a snowfall. This precipitation carries on through our springs with lots of rain.

Most unfortunate about McKinney weather is that hail and tornados are common during the springtime, so it’s important to be alert and aware of our weather patterns.

10 Things You Should Know Before Moving To McKinney:

Consider the following reasons to help you decide why moving to McKinney is the smartest move you’ll ever make!

1. Best Neighborhoods In McKinney: Where to live?

McKinney offers a diverse range of neighborhoods to suit different lifestyles. Here are a few popular choices:

2. Lakes, trees, & green spaces, oh my! McKinney is full of Nature.

Who doesn’t love nature? We’re serious! If you’re someone who enjoys the outdoors or getting out for a nice walk or bike ride, you’ll be sure to enjoy McKinney’s 3000+ acres of parks and over 80 miles of trails.

Many residents of McKinney take part in an outdoor activity of some kind, whether that be hiking, walking, biking, volleyball, soccer, or disc golf, there’s no shortage of outdoor activities to keep you busy. Some of our McKinney mover’s favorite outdoor spaces and parks include:

• Towne Lake Recreation Area
• Gabe Nesbitt Community Park — best for tennis lovers!
• West Ridge and Oak Hollow are within city limits and great for golf enthusiasts!
• Old Settler’s Park – Rich in history, this park includes sports fields, playgrounds, and picnic areas for a full day of fun.
• Bonnie Wenk Park – This park features winding trails, a peaceful pond, and a dog park, making it perfect for a relaxing day outdoors.
• Finch Park – A historic park with picnic areas, playgrounds, and sports courts, ideal for family outings.
• Erwin Park – Known for its extensive biking trails and camping facilities, Erwin Park offers a great escape into nature.

Apart from the abundance of land activities, McKinney is home to some beautiful lakes like Lewisville Lake, Grapevine Lake, Lavon Lake, and Lake Ray Hubbard. These lakes are the perfect place for fishing, water skiing, sailing, boating, or any other water activity you can think of.

3. Cost Of Living: Is it expensive to live in McKinney?

Unfortunately, yes, it is expensive to live in McKinney — higher than the US and Texas average! For example, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, housing costs make up an average of over 35% of a person’s income. To live comfortably in McKinney, it’s recommended that a family makes an annual income of over $95,000, and an individual, over $65,000.

On the plus side, outside of housing costs, some necessities such as groceries and clothing are less expensive than in other cities in Texas. This holds true for some non-essential items that fall under entertainment.

Wondering if the cost of living in McKinney is going to be comfortable for you, or your family? Use this cost of living calculator from Forbes.

4. Higher Employment: It may be easier to get a job in McKinney!

Even though housing costs may be higher in McKinney, you’re more likely to find a job here. While we had discussed earlier in this guide how McKinney was built on agriculture, non-farming jobs continue to rise and it looks like that’s going to continue to be the case.

Currently, there are a wide variety of major corporate headquarters locations in the DFW metroplex (just a short commute from McKinney) with some operating directly out of McKinney including:

• Manner Polymers
• Emmerson’s global headquarters
• Torchmark
• Encore Wire
• Lattimore Materials

The McKinney Economic Development Corporation has multiple programs in place and incentives to continue to bring new companies into McKinney.

There are also a lot of opportunities to work outside of McKinney! Many young professionals are moving to McKinney to start a family and simply commute to Dallas or Plano for work. Our national airport also makes McKinney a convenient place for corporate travel!

5. Enjoy better, quality education opportunities in McKinney.

One thing is for sure, McKinney is really a great place to live for young families looking for quality education opportunities. It also helps that McKinney is overall a very family-friendly city!

Did you know that McKinney Boyd and McKinney North were both placed in the top 8% of high schools in the entire country!? You can be sure your current (or future!) children will have a solid educational foundation.

For young professionals or lifelong learners, our McKinney campus of Collin College also offers recognized nursing and health science programs for those who don’t want to venture far for further education.

6. Fan Of Arts & Culture? No shortage of culture in McKinney.

There’s no shortage of fun events, art museums, and festivals in McKinney! Check out some of our local McKinney movers favorite spots below:

Visual Arts

• McKinney Art House: offers classes, workshops, and parties to be hosted to help everyone learn new art skills.
• McKinney Art Studio: provides glass, clay, bead, and wire art classes.
• LAST Art Gallery: check out local artists or find new pieces to purchase and take to your home.
• Heard-Craig Centre For The Arts: hosts a historic museum but also can host weddings and other events.
• The Cove: local artist gallery and spaces for local artists to collaborate and discuss new works.
• McKinney Tiny Doors Tours: Local art installation available to the public featuring tiny doors scattered around downtown McKinney.

Performing Arts

• McKinney Performing Arts Centre: hosts concerts, bridal shows, or other art classes.
• McKinney Repertory Theatre: puts on 5 shows every year
• Comedy Arena: live comedy shows to either view or participate in
• Collin County Homeschool Fine Arts: Based at the McKinney Performing Arts Center, this organization offers music classes, including band and orchestra for different skill levels, as well as elementary music classes​.
• Interval Performing Arts: Located nearby in Melissa, TX, this center offers classes in dance (including recreational, preschool, and adult classes), music (private lessons), and theater. They also organize summer musicals and other events.

Festivals & Events

There is always something to do in McKinney throughout the year, or at least something to look forward to!

• Bridal Show — usually every second week in January
• Krewe Of Barkus — a fun and unique event for dog lovers.
• Arts In Bloom — typically in April, this art and wine event celebrates local artists and vineyards.
• Juneteenth Celebration
• Red White and Boom Parade & Fireworks Festival
• OktoberFest

There are also a lot of holiday activities and camps like Home For The Holidays — a McKinney Christmas.

Historic District & Museums

Check out the historic district and downtown historic McKinney — the oldest and most well-preserved historic district in Texas:

• Fire History Museum
• Collin County History Museum
• Chestnut Square Historic Village
• Food Walks of Texas

7. Fancy a vacation? Weekend getaways near McKinney!

Looking for a quick and easy escape for the weekend? There are plenty of great getaway options just a few hours from McKinney that offer a refreshing change of scenery — and there’s always a great Buc-ees to hit before you go!

One of our favorite spots is Lake Texoma in Denison, TX, just an hour north. Love boating, fishing, or just chilling by the water? This place is perfect for you!

For a slightly longer road trip, consider heading to San Antonio or Austin. These cities are great for a quick getaway, offering rich history, vibrant nightlife, and delicious food scenes. If you’re in the mood for a more scenic drive, head to Hot Springs, Arkansas. Consider driving in the fall when the foliage is absolutely stunning, making it the perfect spot for some R&R.

Feeling adventurous and up for a longer drive? You can reach Colorado Springs, New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Roswell, or White Sands National Park in up to 12 hours. Each destination has its own unique charm and plenty of fun for everyone on the road trip.

For those Disney fans, you’ve got to visit Shamrock, TX! The inspiration for Radiator Springs in the movie “Cars.” Plus, Amarillo and Cadillac Ranch are quirky and memorable stops you won’t want to miss.

If you’re up for exploring more distant cities, consider St. Louis, Kansas City, Memphis, Omaha, or the beautiful Ozarks. Each of these cities offers something special and a variety of activities to enjoy. With so many awesome options, planning your next weekend getaway from McKinney is both exciting and easy!

If you’re looking for some entertainment and excitement just a short drive from McKinney, head over the border to Oklahoma, where you’ll find several casinos offering a variety of gaming options, live entertainment, and dining experiences. The Choctaw Casino & Resort in Durant, just an hour’s drive away, boasts a luxurious atmosphere with thousands of slot machines, table games, and a dedicated poker room. Another popular spot is the WinStar World Casino and Resort in Thackerville, which is one of the largest casinos in the world, featuring extensive gaming floors, top-notch restaurants, and frequent concerts and events. These nearby casinos provide an easy and exciting getaway for a night or a weekend filled with fun — and hopefully fortune!

8. McKinney can hold its own in the food scene!

Craving some good eats and a fun night out? McKinney’s food scene is where it’s at! This city offers a variety of dining and nightlife options that cater to every taste bud. Whether you’re in the mood for pub food, delicious pizza, or something in between, you’ll find it here.

McKinney has plenty of bars, wineries, and nightclubs, most of which are nestled in the charming downtown historic district. Imagine sipping on a craft cocktail in a cozy bar surrounded by historic buildings – The Garage is a local fave. With more than three dozen restaurants to choose from, you’ll never run out of new places to try.

If you’re a fan of farm-to-table local cuisine, McKinney has some fantastic options. The city is home to several restaurants that prioritize fresh and local ingredients. Or if you’re looking for a romantic spot with a high-quality atmosphere you’ll find plenty of those too — check out Harvest At The Masonic.

One of the coolest things about dining in McKinney is the chance to eat in historic buildings. For instance, Rick’s Chophouse, located in the Grand Hotel built in 1885, offers an unforgettable experience with its elegant setting and mouth-watering dishes. And, of course, we can’t forget the great BBQ – McKinney knows how to do it right! Hutchins BBQ is a must-visit among the many fantastic options.

For a truly authentic Southern dining experience, head to Babe’s Chicken Dinner House in downtown Frisco. Just a short drive from McKinney, Babe’s is renowned for its homestyle fried chicken, mouth-watering sides, and nostalgic, family-friendly atmosphere. Whether you’re a local or just visiting, this spot offers a delicious and comforting meal that feels like home.

So whether you’re planning a night out with friends, a romantic dinner, or just looking to explore new culinary delights, McKinney’s food scene won’t disappoint!

9. Transportation: It’s fairly easy to get around McKinney.

Getting around McKinney is pretty straightforward, especially if you have a car. If you’re commuting on the SH 121, US 380, or US 75 to get to Plano or downtown Dallas, you’ll appreciate the freeway system that usually stays congestion-free. However, if you prefer not to drive, there are still options for you.

Collin County Transit offers low-cost taxi services for older adults, people with disabilities, and low-income residents, making it easier for everyone to get where they need to go. Plus, McKinney has some good bike and walking trails within the city, perfect for those who enjoy a more active mode of transportation.

That said, traffic in McKinney can be pretty bad at times – like anywhere! Most folks living and working here would recommend having your own vehicle to get around more easily. While there are public transportation options, they aren’t the best just yet. But don’t worry, local officials are actively working on improving public transportation as the city continues to grow.

10. Experience top notch healthcare in McKinney!

When it comes to healthcare, McKinney has you covered with high-quality and affordable options that are better than many other parts of Texas. You’ll have access to a large number of specialists in the area, ensuring that whatever your medical needs, you’ll find the right care here.

Take Medical City McKinney, for example. This facility is a 311-bed acute care clinic and a level 2 trauma center, specializing in stroke recovery and rehabilitation. It’s also the leading inpatient behavioral healthcare provider in Collin County, making it a crucial resource for mental health services.

With such excellent healthcare facilities and specialists available, you can rest easy knowing that McKinney is committed to keeping you and your family healthy and well-cared for.

Tips To Remember After Your Move To McKinney

If the above list was enough for you to book your move, our McKinney moving team wanted to provide you with some additional tips to make sure you’re safe and comfortable in your new home:

• Update your address! Don’t forget to update official records and other important documentation (e.g. passport, medical records, banking, etc) with your new address.
• Change your locks! Ensure your and your family’s safety with new locks.
• Confirm your driver’s license is valid in the McKinney, DFW area and update your vehicle registration.
• Set up utilities: electricity, water, gas, internet, and other cable services.
• Remember to register to vote at your new address — the sooner you remember the less of a headache the next election will be!
• Learn how waste management in McKinney works! There’s nothing worse than a growing pile of garbage and/or recycling in your garage.

Check out our blog for more helpful tips on settling into your new home!