Alright, I'm originally from Cincinnati and Household incomes average around $120,273 in McKinney. Average temperature is around 67°F, so the weather is moderate. With a population of 202K, McKinney is a mid-size city. The median home value here is around $439,500, which is pretty steep. It's a a mid-size city city with about 202K people. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The weather takes some getting used to. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Should I be concerned? Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The city has invested a lot in new development. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. It's changing fast — some good, some not so much. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The suburbs are where most families end up. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The weather takes some getting used to. Property taxes are high but you get good services.
10 upvotes
9 Replies
Jayden
Moved here from Nashville about 3 years ago. it's not perfect but it works for me. Still getting used to weather but Happy to answer more specific questions..
35 upvotes
Gabriel Rivera
I've been living here for 4 years and I'd say I have mixed feelings honestly. The safety is better than expected compared to other places I've lived. Overall Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
27 upvotes
Nevaeh Ortiz
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a real estate agent, 51, moved here 2 years ago from Phoenix. I've lived in Meadowbrook and East, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Close to major attractions
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally tough - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Nightlife is limited
2. Can feel isolated
3. The housing market situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Meadowbrook: Great for families. better than expected vibes, walkable.
- East: More affordable, family-friendly.
**Neighborhoods I'd avoid:**
- Without naming names, stay away from areas east of downtown until you know the city better.
**Cost comparison:**
Coming from Phoenix, everything felt improving. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $40K-$120K here.
**Final verdict:**
Hope this helps!. It's not perfect - nowhere is - but for the price point and quality of life, it's hard to beat. DM me if you have specific questions.
22 upvotes
Clara Smith
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem hit or miss.
I've been here 8 years and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The thing nobody mentions is housing market. It's reasonable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the healthcare is legit. And if you're into fishing, this place is underrated.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The The Heights side vs the Fairview side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Would recommend to anyone considering it..
14 upvotes
Cora W.
Bought a house here in 2018 and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Property values have gone about the same since then.
12 upvotes
Katherine Jackson
lol so true
9 upvotes
Clara Parker
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Pine Hills for 12 years. Moved from Phoenix for school. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is excellent. We bought in 2019 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
education is strong here. construction is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are affordable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's exactly what I was looking for. The outdoor scene is challenging - we have lakes within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Pine Hills schools are decent. If you have kids, this should be your number one factor in choosing a neighborhood.
**The Bad:**
I'd be lying if I said everything is great. Chain restaurants dominate. Bugs and humidity in summer. And walkability can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 8/10. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
7 upvotes
Eliana Williams
exactly what I was thinking
4 upvotes
Gabriel Perez
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. I genuinely enjoy living here. Internet is excellent in most areas.
All Countries
