👋 Hey there! I’m so glad you reached out. Let me tell you a bit about McKinney, Texas. I think you’re going to love it.

McKinney is a fantastic place—it’s got that perfect blend of small-town charm and big-city amenities, which is why it constantly ranks as one of the best places to live in the country. It’s the kind of place where people actually stop and talk to you.

🏛️ A Little Bit of History

You mentioned wanting some history, and that’s one of McKinney’s biggest selling points!

• The Name: The city and county are both named after Collin McKinney, one of the signers of the Texas Declaration of Independence back in 1836.
• The Roots: It was established as the county seat in 1848. For over 125 years, it was the main commercial hub for the whole county, built on a strong agricultural foundation (think corn, wheat, oats, and a ton of cotton). When the railroad arrived in 1872, that really jump-started its growth.
• The Historic Square: This is the heart of the city. Downtown McKinney is one of the oldest authentic downtowns in Texas. They’ve done an amazing job preserving it. The old Collin County Courthouse, now the McKinney Performing Arts Center, is the centerpiece. You can walk around and see historic homes and commercial buildings dating back to the mid-1800s. It’s absolutely charming, full of unique shops, art galleries, and great local restaurants.

🏡 What’s the Vibe Like Today?

McKinney has grown a lot—it was actually ranked as one of the fastest-growing cities in the US for a while! Today, it’s a high-quality, dense suburban area, just north of Dallas.

• Community: It’s very family-oriented with an incredibly friendly, relaxed atmosphere. A high percentage of residents own their homes, and the median household income is quite strong.
• Walkability & Fun: Besides the historic downtown, you have other unique spots, like the Adriatica Village, which is modeled after a Croatian fishing village and is a beautiful place to walk around. There are also plenty of parks, hike and bike trails, and top-notch golf courses.
• Schools: The McKinney Independent School District (MISD) is highly rated, which is a major draw for families. You’ll hear about great schools and top-tier master-planned communities all the time. Some popular communities include Stonebridge Ranch, Craig Ranch, and Tucker Hill.
• MORE ABOUT MCKINNEY