McKinney, Texas

What It Is Like to Retire in Mckinney

McKinney, Texas, is a fast-growing town of about 168,000 residents (2017 census), and is the county seat of Collin County. Located just 30 miles north of Dallas, the city is becoming a popular place to visit and as a retirement destination due to its historic district with tree-lined streets, and for its much quieter pace away from the urban sprawl of the metroplex. It is home to the Central Park Campus of Collin College, numerous parks, a Performing Arts Center and The Apex Centre, a large 80,000 square foot fitness and aquatics center.  

Money Magazine selected McKinney as the #1 Best Place to Live in America in 2014. Picture of McKinney Boyd High School courtesy of Wikipedia in the public domain.

Watch this short Youtube video about McKinney prepared by McKinney TV: https://www.youtube.com/embed/UNMgEB85VWk

Where to Retire in Mckinney and Home Prices

Zillow reports the median home value in McKinney in early 2023 was $501,330. There are active adult communities in McKinney-see link at left.

What Is Special about Mckinney

There is a lot that is special about McKinney- It has one of the state's largest historic districts, and is home to the McKinney Performing Arts Center (MPAC), a Public Art Program, a large finess and aqutics center, the Heard Natural Science Museum and Wildlife Sanctuary, and the largest and longest-running flea market in Noth Texas.  It also has a hospital, a community college, a golf course, and many parks.

What Is Not Special about Mckinney

Hot and humid summers, home prices are higher than the national average, and high property taxes

Who Will Like Retirement in Mckinney

McKinney has a lot to offer retirees with an interesting and historic downtown, a vibrant arts program, and a subsidized taxi program for seniors.  The McKinney Parks and Recreation offers many recreational and leisure opportunities at the Senior Recreation Center which is a 16,000 square foot facility with exercise room, indoor pool and a nature trail.  Collin College offers a SAIL lifelong learning program for those 55+ and also provides volunteer opportunities.

Local Economy Is Driven by

Manufacturing

Climate and Physical Environment

McKinney is part of the blackland prairies with hot and humid summers with the average July temperature 83 degrees.  Janurary's average temperature is 45 degrees. 

Restaurants & Cultural Scene

The McKinney Performing Arts Center is in the center of the historic district as are shops and restaurants. The theater in the Collin County Courthouse offers off-broadway, comedy and concerts; Myers Park is made up of 158 acres and has partnered with the Collin County Farm Museum, and the Collin County Master Gardeners and hosts several events; The Heard Natural Science Museum and Wildlife Sanctuary features education, conservation and the preservation of nature with many classes, birding, and canoe trails. 

Crime

McKinney has a low crime rate.

Medical facilities

Medical City McKinney is located here.

Transportation

McKinney National Airport provides private and business service, and the nearest International airport is in Dallas, about 35 miles away. Mckinney has no public transportation service, and most neighborhoods are not walkable.

Valuable Links

McKinney Texas Visit McKinney Heard Natural Science Museum and Wildlife Sanctuary