Princeton vs. McKinney, TX: A Comprehensive Guide for Families Relocating to Dallas-Fort Worth in 2025

Relocating to the Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) area presents families with numerous community options, each offering unique benefits. Princeton and McKinney, both situated in Collin County, are two such cities gaining attention. This guide provides a detailed comparison to assist families in making an informed decision.

Location and Accessibility

Princeton:

• Proximity: Approximately 10 miles east of McKinney.

• Access: Connected via U.S. Highway 380, offering straightforward routes to neighboring cities.

McKinney:

• Proximity: About 32 miles north of Dallas.

• Access: Served by major highways including U.S. Highway 75 and State Highway 121, facilitating easy commutes to Dallas and other metropolitan areas.

Population and Growth

Princeton:

• Growth: One of the fastest-growing cities in the U.S., with a 22% population increase between 2022 and 2023.

• Current Population: Approximately 20,000 residents.

McKinney:

• Growth: A well-established city with consistent growth over the past decade.

• Current Population: Over 195,000 residents as of 2020.

Cost of Living and Housing

Princeton:

• Affordability: Cost of living is 1% below the national average.

• Housing Market: Median home price around $347,000 as of August 2024, with new construction developments catering to diverse budgets.

McKinney:

• Affordability: Higher cost of living compared to Princeton, reflecting its developed infrastructure and amenities.

• Housing Market: Median home prices are higher, with a mix of historic homes and modern developments.

Education

Princeton:

• School District: Princeton Independent School District (ISD) serves over 9,000 students across 14 schools.

• Ratings: Consistently earns high marks, with an overall rating of A (93 out of 100) from the Texas Education Agency.

McKinney:

• School District: McKinney ISD is renowned for academic excellence, serving a larger student population with numerous educational programs.

• Ratings: Schools often receive high rankings, attracting families prioritizing education.

Community and Amenities

Princeton:

• Atmosphere: Maintains a small-town charm with community events like the 4th of July Celebration and Fall Festival.

• Recreation: Proximity to Lake Lavon offers outdoor activities such as fishing and boating.

McKinney:

• Atmosphere: Features a vibrant historic downtown with diverse dining, shopping, and cultural events.

• Recreation: Numerous parks, trails, and recreational facilities cater to varied interests.

Infrastructure and Development

Princeton:

• Growth Management: In September 2024, the city paused new residential development for 120 days to assess and upgrade infrastructure, ensuring sustainable growth.

McKinney:

• Established Infrastructure: Well-developed public services, transportation networks, and amenities support its larger population.

Safety

Princeton:

• Safety Rating: Receives an overall grade of A for safety, indicating a low crime rate.

McKinney:

• Safety Rating: Known for its safe neighborhoods, making it appealing for families.

Conclusion

Both Princeton and McKinney offer compelling advantages for families relocating to the DFW area. Princeton provides affordability, rapid growth, and a close-knit community atmosphere. In contrast, McKinney offers a blend of historic charm, extensive amenities, and established infrastructure. Families should consider their priorities, such as budget, desired community size, and access to amenities, to determine which city aligns best with their relocation goals.

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About us: Princeton New Construction Expert Real Estate Agent

As a Top Real Estate Professional in Princeton & Dallas area, I understand the challenges that arise when buying a new construction home. There are over 50 builders in the DFW area. I work with most of the new home builders in Dallas and understand how various builders operate. I am familiar with the options they offer, current incentives and I frequently visit the upcoming communities they are building. I guide my clients through all steps of the new home construction process and aggressively protect their interests in the transaction.

As a holder of top real estate industry certifications and designations like CRS, ABR & GRI, I can offer my clients experience as a Buyer's Agent in Princeton and REALTOR®, top Industry Customer Service, in-depth, up-to-the-minute and comprehensive market knowledge; honesty, integrity, dedication, and professionalism in my business.

Whether you are a first time buyer in Princeton looking to buy a home in Dallas or Princeton or whether you are relocating to Princeton from California or moving your entire family from areas like San Francisco, Fremont, Palo Alto, Los Angeles, San Diego in California due to job transfer with your company, I can help you find a new construction home in Princeton. Our relocation team eases the transition - whether you are moving across town or across the globe. We will work with you to find an area that best suits your professional, family and lifestyle needs. We have all the tools you need to help your home search. Whether it is video previews of homes, extended work hours, digital signatures for documents or more, we can make this process as comfortable as possible no matter where you are located.

What is most important to you in your new construction home in Princeton? Send us an email at info@NitinGuptaDFW.com or give us a call at (469) 269-6541 to schedule a no obligation consultation. We’ll give you honest advice about Princeton community that you can use to help make your home buying decision.