Thinking about a move to McKinney, TX? You’ve got company! McKinney is one of the fastest-growing communities in the country. In 1990, McKinney was home to fewer than 22,000 individuals. As of January 1, 2022, McKinney’s population stood at 206,654. Its proximity to Dallas is certainly a factor—you’ll find downtown Dallas just 33 miles to the south.
In fact, Texas is the nation’s top destination for interstate moving. Among those moving to the Lone Star State, the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex—which contains suburbs like McKinney—is the most popular spot of all.
Before your move to the McKinney area, you might be wondering: What will it cost to live there? And what are some of the big attractions in the area? Here are five important things to consider about living in McKinney.
1. Cost of Living
When analyzing rents in the DFW area, it’s important to understand them in light of nationwide trends. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), housing consumed about 33% of income from 2017-2019. In 2020, that figure rose to 35%. These figures include both rents and mortgages.
According to realtor.com, nationwide rent-to-income ratios increased during the past year. They rose from 24.8% in January 2021 to 29.7% one year later. In places like Miami and Los Angeles, tenants spend more than 45% of their income on rent. As of 2022, a one-bedroom apartment in Miami rents for an average of $2,792, according to Apartment List.
By comparison, a one-bedroom apartment in McKinney rents for an average of $1,366, up 7% from a year earlier, according to Zumper. As of August 1, 2022, a two-bedroom apartment rents for an average of $1,908. Approximately 22% of McKinney’s residences are renter-occupied.
2. Employment Opportunities
Several major corporate headquarters contribute to the vibrant DFW economy. You’ll find 20 Fortune 500 companies headquartered in the Metroplex. American Airlines employs more than 25,000 individuals. Lockheed Martin, Texas Instruments, and Toyota North America are other major employers in the region. Over the past year, total nonfarm employment increased by 7.7%—far better than the 4.5% rate nationwide.
Other major companies operate right in McKinney, including Manner Polymers, one of America’s top five sources of flexible PVC. Emerson’s global headquarters for regulator technologies is also located in McKinney. And in 2021, Raytheon Intelligence and Space announced a $100 million expansion of its facilities in McKinney.
Many of McKinney’s thriving companies benefit from corporate jet travel in and out of McKinney National Airport.
3. The Arts, Culture, and History
The McKinney Performing Arts Center (MPAC) is in the historic Collin County Courthouse. Its 427-seat theater hosts concerts, off-Broadway shows, and much more. Patrons enjoy the historic district restaurants and shops before and after performances. The Collin County History Museum is a Texas Historic Landmark dating to 1911. The area’s come a long way since settlers arrived in 1841, lured by an offer of 640 acres of land, a cabin, and a gun.
A recent addition to the McKinney Public Art Program is the Monarchs of McKinney. This video highlights the monarch art found at seven locations around the community.
4. Weekend Getaways
McKinney residents also enjoy proximity to several beautiful weekend getaway destinations—many of which are within a two-hour drive of the Metroplex!
Lake Texoma is a sprawling reservoir along the Texas-Oklahoma border. Try your hand at any of the popular watersports across its almost 75,000 acres. Consider renting a ski boat, a pontoon boat, or arranging a houseboat for the weekend. Line up wave runners, kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards. Anglers flock to Lake Texoma to fish for bass (largemouth, spotted, white, striped, and smallmouth) and catfish (blue and channel). Lake records include a 121-pound blue catfish and a 35-pound striped bass!
Dension, TX, is the birthplace of President Dwight D. Eisenhower. It’s the perfect destination for a day trip as it is only 40 miles north of McKinney. The Southern Bling Boutique is one of many unique shops in the historic downtown area. Go swimming, boating, or camping at Eisenhower State Park.
For those willing to venture up to four hours away, the possibilities for weekend getaways multiply. Head to Austin, San Antonio, or Oklahoma City for memorable adventures.
5. Dining in McKinney, TX
There are countless dining options in McKinney and the surrounding DFW area.
Rick’s Chophouse offers a traditional steakhouse menu amid sophisticated comfort. Select from classics like New York Strip and Prime Rib. Or, opt for seafood delights like Shrimp & Grits or Sea Bass. For a real change of pace, order the Elk or Buffalo Tenderloin.
Patina Green Home and Market is right on McKinney’s historic town square. Here, there’s a passion for authentic farm-to-table food, especially locally-grown produce.
McKinney’s temperate climate lends itself to outdoor patio dining. For example, dine outdoors at Sugarbacon Proper Kitchen. Outdoor diners get protection from the elements as needed—misters and fans are ready to run in the summer heat.
While Sugarbacon is in a former service station, Local Yocal is in a one-time grocery warehouse. The elongated patio appeals to conversationalists and people-watchers alike. Enjoy entrees like the Wagyu steak.
If you’re craving Texas-style BBQ, Hutchins an ideal destination. The restaurant offers a full selection of smoked meats. On your way out, grab some pulled pork, burnt ends, or prime brisket to take home.
Luxury Apartment Living in McKinney, TX
McKinney’s Adriatica Village invokes the beauty and charm of Croatia’s Isle of Brac, known as the Pearl of the Adriatic.
Bell Tower Flats offers one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartment homes in this upscale McKinney community. Relax in one of the cabanas adjacent to the oversized swimming pool. Prepare meals in gourmet kitchens endowed with granite countertops and stainless steel appliances.
Bell Tower Reserve is a 55+ community in the same area. One- and two-bedroom luxury apartment homes include gourmet kitchens and walk-in closets. Residents enjoy restaurants and shops within walking distance. Upscale amenities include an outdoor pool, a private movie theater, and a wellness center.
About Draper & Kramer
Draper and Kramer is a family-owned and operated real estate services firm founded in 1893. Visit Draper and Kramer to browse our entire selection of luxury apartment rentals in Dallas/Forth Worth today.
McKinney is one of the fastest-growing communities in the country. In 1990, McKinney was home to fewer than 22,000 individuals. As of January 1, 2022, McKinney’s population stood at 206,654. Its proximity to Dallas is certainly a factor—you'll find downtown Dallas just 33 miles to the south.
