How much is the Texas homestead exemption in 2026?

The Texas general residence homestead exemption was raised to $140,000 for school-district taxes (Proposition 13, effective the 2025-2026 tax year). Cities and counties may add their own exemptions. Confirm amounts with your county appraisal district.

Moving to McKinney, TX? Answers to the Questions Relocation Buyers Ask Most (2026)

Q: Do I need a buyer's agent to relocate to McKinney?

For a relocation buyer, yes. You are buying in an unfamiliar market where value turns on the school line and the lot, and the listing agent and a builder's representative both work for the seller. A dedicated buyer's agent works only for you.

Aug 11

3 min read

Moving to McKinney, TX? Answers to the Questions Relocation Buyers Ask Most (2026)

By Nitin Gupta, CRS, GRI, MRP — Broker Associate, Competitive Edge Realty | 480+ transactions · $250M+ career volume · D Magazine Best REALTOR® 2020, 2023, 2024

If you're relocating to McKinney, Collin-area, you likely have the same core questions almost every family asks me — about schools, commute, cost, and whether you need your own agent. Here are honest, direct answers, with links to go deeper.

Is McKinney, TX a good place to live?

McKinney, the Collin County seat, consistently ranks among the best places to live in America, blending a nationally recognized historic downtown square with modern master-planned living and 2,000+ acres of parks. It offers small-town character with big-city convenience.

What school district is McKinney in?

This is the detail most McKinney buyers miss: the city is served by FIVE school districts. Most of McKinney is McKinney ISD, but portions are zoned to Frisco ISD, Prosper ISD, Lovejoy ISD, or Melissa ISD — several of which carry higher accountability ratings. Pockets zoned to Frisco ISD or Prosper ISD let you capture top-ranked schools at McKinney pricing. Always verify the assigned district by address. Compare districts metro-wide with the best DFW school districts guide.

How far is McKinney from Dallas and the job centers?

McKinney sits about 35 miles north of Dallas along US-75, with SH-121 connecting west to the Frisco and Plano corporate corridors, including Legacy West. Public transit is limited across most of the suburbs, so plan on driving.

What major employers are near McKinney?

McKinney offers strong local employment plus quick access to the Plano and Frisco job centers, healthcare systems, and the Craig Ranch corporate campus (home to TPC Craig Ranch).

Is McKinney affordable, and how does it compare to nearby suburbs?

McKinney tends to be more attainable than Frisco or Prosper for comparable homes — and the Frisco ISD and Prosper ISD pockets are a genuine value opportunity. For the number that actually matters — your monthly payment on a specific home — ask me for a current estimate.

What are the best neighborhoods in McKinney?

Stonebridge Ranch and Trinity Falls for master-planned amenities, Craig Ranch for executives, and Historic Downtown McKinney for character and walkability. McKinney has abundant new construction (Trinity Falls and others). In newer communities, ask about MUD or PID districts, which affect your tax rate and monthly cost. Learn how MUD and PID districts affect your tax bill.

What are property taxes like in McKinney?

Texas property taxes fund local schools and services, so they vary by district and taxing entity. The good news for primary-residence buyers: the Texas general residence homestead exemption was raised to $140,000 for school-district taxes (Proposition 13, effective the 2025-2026 tax year), and your city and county may add their own exemptions. Confirm exact rates and exemptions with your county appraisal district, since they vary by location and can change.

Is McKinney a buyer's or seller's market right now?

It shifts with the season and price band, and the number is stale by the time you read it. Well-priced homes in desirable school zones still move quickly even when overall inventory loosens. Ask me for the current months-of-supply and days-on-market for your target neighborhoods — that's what actually shapes your offer strategy.

Can I buy a home in McKinney before I move?

Yes. With live video tours, neighborhood drive-throughs, address-by-address school verification, and digital closing coordination, out-of-state and international buyers regularly evaluate and secure homes here before arriving. Line up your financing before you tour, because in the strongest school zones the home you want may not wait.

Do I need a buyer's agent to relocate to McKinney?

For a relocation buyer, yes. You're buying in an unfamiliar market where value turns on the school line and the lot, and the listing agent and a builder's on-site representative both work for the seller. A dedicated buyer's agent works only for you — verifying zoning, pulling true comparables, and negotiating on your behalf. See how Nitin represents buyers, and under recent Texas rules, buyer representation is now set out in a written agreement before you tour.

Ready to plan your McKinney move?

Let's talk before you start touring — so your neighborhood, school zoning, commute, and budget are all working in your favor from day one. Nitin Gupta is a relocation-certified REALTOR® (MRP) serving clients in English, Hindi, Punjabi, Urdu, and Gujarati.

Nitin Gupta, CRS, GRI, MRP — Broker Associate, Competitive Edge Realty Contact Nitin · 469-269-6541 · McKinney real estate agent · McKinney homes for sale · McKinney guide · best DFW school districts guide · DFW relocation