For California families seeking a new place to call home, McKinney, Texas, is quickly becoming a popular destination. Known for its excellent schools, vibrant community, and affordable housing options, McKinney offers a high quality of life that is attracting families from across the country. Whether you’re looking for more space, a slower pace, or a lower cost of living, McKinney provides all of this and more.
This guide is designed to help California families make the transition to McKinney with ease, covering everything from the real estate market to schools, lifestyle, and things to consider before making the big move.
1. Why Move to McKinney?
McKinney, located just 30 miles north of Dallas, offers the perfect blend of small-town charm and modern amenities. The city has consistently ranked among the best places to live in the U.S., thanks to its strong sense of community, great schools, and family-friendly neighborhoods.
Affordability: Compared to California’s high cost of living, McKinney provides more affordable housing, lower taxes, and overall lower expenses. For example, the median home price in McKinney is much lower than in many parts of California, allowing families to purchase larger homes with more land.
Proximity to Dallas: McKinney offers a quieter, suburban lifestyle, while still being close enough to Dallas for work, entertainment, and shopping. This balance of suburban living with easy access to a major city makes McKinney a top choice for families.
Job Opportunities: The Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex is home to a thriving economy, with job opportunities in tech, healthcare, finance, and more. Whether you’re seeking a new job or planning to transfer within your current company, McKinney’s location makes it convenient for commuters.
2. The McKinney Real Estate Market
The McKinney real estate market offers a wide range of housing options, from new construction homes in master-planned communities to charming historic properties near downtown. Compared to California’s high home prices, McKinney offers better value for families seeking more space, larger lots, and modern amenities.
New Construction Homes: Master-planned communities like Trinity Falls and Painted Tree provide new construction homes with modern layouts, energy-efficient features, and access to community amenities such as pools, parks, and walking trails.
Family-Friendly Neighborhoods: Neighborhoods like Stonebridge Ranch and Tucker Hill offer family-friendly environments with top-rated schools, playgrounds, and community events. These neighborhoods often feature homes with larger yards and open-concept designs, making them ideal for growing families.
Affordable Options: Housing in McKinney is generally more affordable than in many parts of California. Families can find spacious homes with updated features at a fraction of the price they would pay in cities like Los Angeles or San Francisco.
3. Schools in McKinney
Education is a top priority for many families moving to McKinney, and the city’s school system is one of its biggest draws. The McKinney Independent School District (MISD) is highly regarded for its strong academic programs, diverse extracurricular activities, and dedicated teachers.
Top-Rated Schools: Schools like Walker Elementary, Cockrill Middle School, and McKinney High School are known for their excellent academic performance and supportive learning environments.
Private Schools: In addition to public schools, McKinney is home to several prestigious private schools, such as McKinney Christian Academy and Heritage Montessori Academy, providing families with additional educational options.
Higher Education: For families with older children, McKinney is also conveniently located near several colleges and universities, including Collin College and the University of Texas at Dallas, making it easy for students to pursue higher education without moving far from home.
4. Cost of Living in McKinney vs. California
One of the biggest advantages of moving to McKinney from California is the lower cost of living. From housing to groceries and utilities, almost everything is more affordable in Texas.
Housing: The biggest savings come in the form of housing costs. In McKinney, you can get a much larger home for significantly less than in California’s coastal cities. The median home price in McKinney is around $450,000, compared to over $800,000 in cities like Los Angeles or San Francisco.
Taxes: Texas has no state income tax, which can result in significant savings for families moving from California, where state income taxes can be as high as 13%. Property taxes in Texas are higher, but the overall tax burden is often lower when factoring in the lack of state income tax.
Utilities and Groceries: Utilities and groceries also tend to be less expensive in McKinney, providing further savings for families.
5. Lifestyle and Recreation
McKinney offers a variety of recreational activities and lifestyle amenities that make it an attractive place to live for families.
Parks and Outdoor Activities: McKinney has over 30 parks, including the popular Towne Lake Park, where families can enjoy fishing, kayaking, and picnicking. The Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary offers hiking trails and nature exhibits, making it a great spot for outdoor enthusiasts.
Shopping and Dining: McKinney’s historic downtown area is a charming destination filled with local shops, boutiques, and restaurants. The McKinney Farmers Market is a favorite weekend activity, where residents can shop for fresh produce, artisanal goods, and enjoy live music.
Community Events: McKinney is known for its lively community events, such as McKinney Oktoberfest, Arts in Bloom, and holiday festivals. These events provide opportunities for families to engage with their neighbors and enjoy the city’s unique culture.
6. Things to Consider Before the Move
Before making the move to McKinney, there are a few things California families should consider to ensure a smooth transition.
Climate: McKinney experiences hot summers, with temperatures often reaching the upper 90s. While the winters are mild, the heat can be an adjustment for families moving from the cooler coastal areas of California. Be sure to factor in air conditioning and outdoor living space when choosing your new home.
Transportation: While McKinney is a commuter-friendly city, public transportation options are limited compared to California’s major cities. Most residents rely on cars for daily transportation, so be prepared for longer commutes, depending on where you work.
Local Culture: Moving to McKinney offers a slower, more laid-back lifestyle compared to the hustle and bustle of California’s major metropolitan areas. Families seeking a strong sense of community and a family-friendly environment will appreciate the welcoming atmosphere of McKinney.
Final Thoughts
Relocating to McKinney, Texas, from California is an exciting opportunity for families looking for a fresh start in a growing city with excellent amenities, affordable housing, and a welcoming community. Whether you’re seeking more space, lower costs, or a new lifestyle, McKinney has something to offer every family. By understanding the local real estate market, school system, and lifestyle, you can make a smooth transition to your new home and enjoy all that McKinney has to offer
Call us at 469-269-6541 for more information about McKinney real estate!
About us: McKinney New Construction Expert Real Estate Agent
As a Top Real Estate Professional in McKinney, I understand the challenges that arise when buying a new construction home. There are over 100 builders in the DFW area. I work with most of the new home builders in McKinney 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 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 McKinney looking to buy a home in Fields or whether you are relocating to McKinney 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 Fields in McKinney. 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 Fields in McKinney? 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 Fields community that you can use to help make your home buying decision.
