McKinney Real Estate
Authentic charm meets buyer's market opportunity
McKinney offers a unique duality of lifestyle: the historic charm of its walkable downtown square and the sprawling master-planned communities of its western sector. After being named one of the 'Best Places to Live in America' and ranking as the #1 U.S. housing market in 2025, the city is experiencing a historic market recalibration in 2026. This sharp correction has created an exceptional buyer's market, with the median home price dropping 6.6% to $475,000 and inventory surging by over 20% to 1,064 active listings. An astounding 64% of listings are seeing price reductions, and homes are averaging 50-62 days on market. For buyers who missed the pre-2020 window of negotiating leverage, this is a once-in-a-generation opportunity. McKinney provides authentic community character with its historic downtown square, topography, and mature neighborhoods like Tucker Hill, while also offering modern resort-style living at Craig Ranch (home to the PGA Tour's AT&T Byron Nelson tournament) and Stonebridge Ranch. The city's unique development includes Adriatica Village, a recreation of a Croatian fishing village complete with European-style architecture, bell tower, and waterfront dining. McKinney ISD delivers excellent education with 'A' ratings, 95%+ graduation rates, and the impressive $70 million McKinney ISD Stadium. The city has also seen a 185% increase in middle housing (duplexes and townhomes), offering diverse entry points for buyers. This is not a distressed market - it's a healthy normalization after years of unsustainable appreciation.
$475,000
$300K - $1.5M
Why McKinney?
Schools
- McKinney ISD consistently earns 'A' ratings from state evaluations
- McKinney Boyd and McKinney North - top-rated high schools with strong academics
- 95%+ graduation rate with extensive AP and advanced coursework offerings
- $70 million McKinney ISD Stadium - state-of-the-art athletic facilities
- Renowned fine arts programs across all grade levels
- Multiple National Merit Scholars and academic recognition programs
- Strong STEM programs and career technical education pathways
Parks & Recreation
- Erwin Park - 212 acres with trails and sports facilities
- Towne Lake Recreation Area
- Historic Chestnut Square and downtown events
- Bonnie Wenk Park
- Craig Ranch trails and resort-style amenities
- Stonebridge Ranch beach club and lakes
Kristy's Local Tip
"The 2026 McKinney market represents a historic opportunity that hasn't existed since before 2020. With 1,064 active listings, 64% of homes seeing price cuts, and 50-62 days on market, you have genuine buyer leverage and time for proper due diligence. The median price of $475,000 represents a 6.6% drop - this is the sharp recalibration after the 'Best Place to Live' ranking inflated prices beyond sustainability. This isn't distress; it's normalization. For buyers who value authentic community character, the neighborhoods near historic downtown McKinney offer walkable access to that beloved square with its independent boutiques and high-end dining - something sterile new suburbs simply can't replicate. Craig Ranch and Stonebridge Ranch provide resort-style amenities (TPC golf course, beach clubs, lakes) at prices now significantly below Frisco for comparable quality. The 185% increase in middle housing (townhomes/duplexes) means diverse entry points across price ranges. The friction point remains US-75 congestion - expect 40-50 minutes to downtown Dallas in non-peak hours, 60-80 minutes in rush hour. McKinney opted out of DART, making this car-dependent. But if you can work remotely or accept the commute, you're buying into genuine 'soul' and topography that makes McKinney feel distinct. Negotiate aggressively in this inventory-rich environment - sellers are motivated and price reductions are the norm, not the exception."
McKinney FAQs
Is McKinney a good place to live?
Yes! McKinney was ranked as the #1 U.S. housing market in 2025 and consistently ranks among the best places to live in Texas and the nation. It offers excellent McKinney ISD schools (95%+ graduation rate), low crime, a charming historic downtown square rated the #1 city attraction, and authentic community character with topography and mature trees that newer suburbs lack. The 2026 market correction has created exceptional buyer opportunities without changing the fundamental quality of life.
How far is McKinney from Dallas?
McKinney is about 30 miles north of downtown Dallas. The commute is typically 40-50 minutes in non-peak hours via US-75, but can stretch to 60-80 minutes during rush hour. US-75 (Central Expressway) is notoriously congested during peak times. McKinney opted out of DART rail, making it car-dependent. Factor commute time carefully if you work in central Dallas.
What is special about McKinney?
McKinney offers genuine 'soul' and character that sets it apart from sterile new suburbs. The historic downtown square hosts events year-round and features independent boutiques and high-end dining. Adriatica Village is a unique recreation of a Croatian fishing village with European architecture. Craig Ranch hosts the PGA Tour's AT&T Byron Nelson tournament. The city maintains authentic Texas charm with topography, mature trees, and walkable historic neighborhoods while also offering modern master-planned communities in the western sector.
What's happening with McKinney home prices in 2026?
McKinney is experiencing a historic market recalibration with the median price dropping 6.6% to $475,000. Inventory has surged over 20% to 1,064 active listings, and 64% of listings are seeing price reductions. Homes are averaging 50-62 days on market (up 6 days year-over-year). This is a sharp correction after the 'Best Place to Live' ranking inflated prices beyond sustainability. It's not distress - it's healthy normalization. For buyers, this represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity for negotiating leverage and proper due diligence time that didn't exist during the frenzied 2020-2023 period.
How does McKinney compare to Frisco?
McKinney offers authentic character with its historic downtown square and topography, while Frisco is more modern and sterile. Both have excellent schools, but McKinney now offers significantly better value with the 2026 price correction (median $475K vs Frisco's $651K). Frisco has 'Sports City USA' amenities and newer construction, while McKinney provides a genuine sense of place and community 'soul.' The current buyer's market in McKinney (64% of listings with price cuts) creates negotiating leverage you won't find in Frisco. If you prioritize character over newness, McKinney is the clear choice.
What is Adriatica Village in McKinney?
Adriatica Village is a unique development that recreates a Croatian fishing village on Lake Lewisville. It features European-style architecture, a distinctive bell tower, waterfront dining, and Mediterranean aesthetics. It's unlike anything else in North Texas and provides a one-of-a-kind living experience with Old World charm. Properties in Adriatica offer unique character and are popular with buyers seeking architectural distinction.
Is now a good time to buy in McKinney?
Absolutely - this is the best buyer's market McKinney has seen since before 2020. With 1,064 active listings, 64% seeing price reductions, and 50-62 days on market, you have genuine negotiating power and time for proper inspections. The 6.6% price drop to $475,000 median represents a healthy correction, not distress. Sellers are motivated, price cuts are standard, and you can demand repair credits or concessions that were impossible during the bidding war years. If you've been priced out of McKinney previously, this is your window.
McKinney Real Estate Insights
We're adding articles about McKinney soon. Contact Kristy for local insights now.
Get Local InsightsReady to Find Your Home in McKinney?
Get personalized recommendations and insider knowledge about McKinney from someone who knows the area.
Let's Talk
Whether you're buying, selling, or renting—I respond within 10 minutes during business hours.