Firstly why McKinney, Texas?

I’ll start with some quick stats and an overview:

• City: McKinney
• State: Texas
• Population: 220,426 people
• McKinney’s quick summary would be Famous for its historic downtown square and the vibrant McKinney Performing Arts Center.

Some people I know rave about this place, others say it’s on the upswing or going through changes. Check out these migration details:

• How many people move-in: 15,000 annually
• While this many move-out: 8,000 annually
• Net Migration: 7000 more people in (net) annual change
• Non-Citizen Move-in: 600
• Number of Homeless people: 350

You might wonder why people choose to move here, I’d say generally because it features a charming downtown and family-friendly amenities attracting families

Perk #1: McKinney Demographic Mix & Lifestyle

• The percentage of Residents Age 30–50 is about 35%
• Percentage of Home Ownership is hovering around 69%
• Largest Local Ethnic Group is Hispanic
• The 2nd Largest Ethnic Group is mostly White
• The median income is (and growing)  $70,000
• Income Required to Live Comfortably in McKinney is $70,000
• Average Extra Spending Money after paying bills yearly is approx. $0 neutral cash flow

This and any cities local population can be a real melting pot—or sometimes it’s more homogeneous, depending on the area. Ask yourself: would you enjoy a bustling community with diverse backgrounds, or do you prefer a quieter, tight-knit vibe?

Perk #2: Housing & McKinney’s Cost of Living

• Cost of Living Index: 85 (100 is the US average)
• Annual Property Tax Per House: $3,505
• Property Tax %: 2.1%
• Rent for an average 2BD Apartment: $1,400
• Rent for an average house: $2,100
• Popular and Expensive Neighborhood: McKinney
• Top 5 Growing Areas: McKinney, Frisco, Allen, Plano, and probably could include Prosper
• Avg. Age of Homes in McKinney: 16 years
• The Percentage of Realtors per 100 people here: 2.1%

If the cost-of-living index is low, you might find a place without selling your kidney. If it’s high, well, you’ll need to budget carefully. Some income earners thrive in pricey markets, others prefer less financially stressful areas.

Perk #3: Job Market & McKinney’s Economy

• 3 Industries gaining traction in McKinney are  Technology, Retail, and Healthcare
• McKinney Job Scene: growing job market focused on education and healthcare
• The General Tech Scene: growing tech community with emphasis on digital services and local businesses , ,
• McKinney Resident’s pay $1,500 in City Tax alone!
• Local Sales Tax in McKinney: 8.25%
• No. of Independent Businesses: 140 (excluding chains and corporates)
• Number of Local Branch Banks: 8

Maybe you’re a go-getter in finance, tech, or healthcare. Or you’d rather open a mom-and-pop shop. Either way, it’s worth checking if the local industries align with your skill set—or if you’re game to try something new.

Perk #4: Transportation & Commuting in McKinney

• Monthly Transportation Costs: $90 on average per person
• Freeway Access: U.S. Route 75 connects McKinney to the DFW metroplex
• Commute Time: 23 minutes (public & private)
• Main Evening Traffic Area: traffic jams on Eldorado Parkway
• Transportation Score: 47 out of 100 described as Some Transit
• No. of Vehicles Registered in McKinney: 100,000
• Cars registered per Person: 0.5
• No. of Car Washes: 5 in and around the city
• DMV Website for McKinney: txdmv.gov
• The Bike-Friendly Score: 63 of 100
• Local Airport: Dallas Love Field

Is a 15-minute commute your dream, or is 45 minutes stuck on the freeway a dealbreaker? If you can handle traffic or love public transit, this might be perfect. If not, brace yourself with a killer podcast lineup.

Perk #5: McKinney’s Weather & Natural Factors

• The Most Common Natural Disaster is Tornadoes
• General Weather in McKinney is best described as features hot summers and mild winters with considerable rainfall
• Winter Weather in McKinney i’d describe as mild with dry conditions
• Spring Weather in McKinney can be described as warm with rain expected
• Summer’s in McKinney are mostly hot and humid
• Fall ( the nicest time) in McKinney is usually warm and dry
• How many days in a row over 90°F: 25 days in summer
• Days in a row in McKinney below Freezing: 0
• Average Annual Rainfall: 41 inches
• Summer Air Quality is usually good air quality influenced positively by local initiatives
• McKinney Winter Air generally good air quality with some urban influences

Do you live for sunny skies? Or maybe you can’t stand humidity. Some relish snowy winters; others run south at the first snowflake. And if hurricanes, tornadoes, or earthquakes are part of the package, put all that into your consideration matrix.

Perk #6: McKinney Education & Schools

• The GreatSchools.org City Rating:
• Number of Colleges and Universities in McKinney 3
• While the number of trade schools inside McKinneys’s city limits are 1
• Library that I have visited and enjoyed is the Mckinney Public Library

If you’ve got kids—or you’re looking to further your own education—solid school ratings and local colleges can be a huge perk. If not, hey, a good library have more gems that you didn’t know existed, check it out.

Perk #7: Healthcare & McKinney Stats

• Typical EMS Response Time: 7 minutes
• Registered Full-Time McKinney only Doctors is about 20
• Local Hospitals here is  2
• Full-time McKinney only Police Officers is about 160
• Crime Rate Index: 30/100

Medical facilities could be important to you and who knows it could be related to the crime stats. Again some stats that are worth considering.

Perk #8: Utilities, Gyms & Water Quality

• McKinney’s Monthly utility bill average is $90
• McKinney’s Monthly Gym Membership: $40
• McKinney’s Water Quality Score: 70

Some of us freak out if water tastes off, others don’t mind. Gym buffs will appreciate a cheap membership; others prefer running outside for free. Check if these monthly costs fit inside your realistic lifestyle.

Perk #9: Events, Festivals & Vibe in McKinney

• Approx number of Festivals the city puts on is 7 annually
• The General Local City Vibe: growing suburb with parks and history-filled downtown
• You might enjoy local events at McKinney Performing Arts Center
• Nightlife Scene (yes this is completely subjective), McKinney  has a quaint nightlife with local bars and restaurants creating a welcoming environment for evening connections

If you love a lively social calendar—fairs, concerts, maybe the odd chili cook-off—this is your jam. If crowds make you itch, you might only show up for the funnel cakes.

Perk #10: The Food, Sports & Culture of McKinney

• The Objective Restaurant Scene Features family-friendly dining and local eateries
• The Number of Independent Restaurants are 30 scattered around McKinney
• The Popular Sports Team is McKinney High School
• Top Level Political Climate in McKinney can be described as politically mixed suburb emphasizing community development
• McKinney’s Longer standing religious establishment is McKinney First United Methodist Church

Whether you’re a foodie wanting fancy cuisine or a sports nut who can’t miss the local team’s home game, see if your interests line up with what the city offers.

Perk #11: McKinney Parks & Green Spaces

• Did you know McKinney has 25 Parks?
• Shelter Park is McKinney’s Green Space Center
• The local favorite Farmers Market is McKinney Farmers Market normally open Saturday 8am-1pm
• Outdoor Activities that both weekend warriors are pro’s can enjoy are Hiking, picnicking, and outdoor sports

Love fresh air? A city investing in parks and markets can be a sanity-saver. If you prefer the indoors, maybe it’s less of a draw—but I still say fresh produce is never a bad thing.

Perk #12: McKinney Neighborhoods Pace & Proximity

• The Pace of Life in McKinney can be described as steady suburban community with a strong focus on family and parks
• 3 Family-Friendly Activities anyone can enjoy in McKinney hiking trails picnicing visiting local shops community events
• The Cities people commute to from McKinney are Odessa 15 miles away Greenwood 14 miles away Stanton 30 miles away

Neighborhood pace can range from laid-back suburbs to frantic downtown vibes. If you need a quick getaway, big neighboring cities can scratch that itch for a weekend change of scene.

8 Drawbacks about McKinney or are they?

No place is perfect. I rate these as important based on your location and type of work you do. They might not be negatives or positives for everyone.

1. Traffic/Commute Issues
   Maybe you read: traffic jams on Eldorado Parkway. If you hate gridlock, look at alternative routes or brace yourself with podcasts.
2. Natural Disaster or Extreme Weather
   McKinney’s Tornadoes risk could be minimal or major. Dig more on that is your eyebrow just went up.
3. Pricey Neighborhoods
   If McKinney is out of your price point, you might consider these places nearby McKinney are Odessa 15 miles away Greenwood 14 miles away Stanton 30 miles away.
4. Crime Rate Concerns
   With a 30 of 100, some neighborhoods might feel safer than others. Everyone has a different tolerance for this.
5. Harsh Climate Contrasts
   McKinney has 0 days in a row below freezing and 25 days above 90 degrees. This might be your heaven or your nightmare. Some people can’t stand snow, while others pray for it.
6. Limited Extra Funds
   After general costs of living here in McKinney people have an average (positive or negative) $0 neutral cash flow left over in income to spend or pay off. Economics will make or break you here.
7. Homelessness or Social Challenges
   350 homeless people living in McKinney. It can be tough for the community—no easy solutions.
8. Cultural/Political Mismatch
   The general politically mixed suburb emphasizing community development could change but probably not quickly. We all go thru cycles in our lifestyle and outlook. Think about this and your future outlook before a move to McKinney.

Retiree & Senior Life in McKinney

• Retiree Tax Benefits say seniors can may access property tax reductions according to their income levels
• The most established Senior Citizen Community is The Woodlands
• McKinney Senior Center features fitness classes programs and social events for seniors

If you’re in (or nearing) retirement, see if the city provides property tax breaks or comfy 55+ communities. Some places cater heavily to seniors, others less so.

Moving to McKinney, Texas?

If McKinney, Texas ir your next home or you are packing up, Let Allied Van Lines Help

As someone who’s hauled half his life across state lines more times than I can recall, let me say that Allied Van Lines simplifies the process. From big bulky couches to fragile antiques, they’ve got you covered.

A quick quote or phone call might be all you need to turn your daydream into reality. If you see me around McKinney, Texas, say hi—I’m the guy who once moved with nothing but a backpack and a guitar. Good luck on your new adventure!