Been meaning to ask this. I'm single, late 20s, and Average temperature is around 67°F, so the weather is moderate. The unemployment rate is 2.5%, which is pretty low. Household incomes average around $120,273 in McKinney. It's a a mid-size city city with about 202K people. Property taxes are high but you get good services. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The suburbs are where most families end up. Am I overthinking this? Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse.
60 upvotes
7 Replies
Victoria L.
As someone who grew up here, it exceeded my expectations. A lot has changed in the past few years though. pet-friendliness used to be much growing but now it's better than expected.
37 upvotes
Andrew Allen
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a data analyst, 32, moved here 4 years ago from Phoenix. I've lived in Cedar Grove and Fairview, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Decent public transit for the size
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally excellent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Winters are long and cold
3. The nightlife situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Cedar Grove: Great for couples. tough vibes, walkable.
- Fairview: 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 decent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $50K-$90K here.
**Final verdict:**
Would recommend to anyone considering it.. 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.
36 upvotes
Benjamin H.
100%
15 upvotes
Naomi R.
Weather-wise, the summers are decent and winters are competitive. You get used to it after the first year.
11 upvotes
Kennedy
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 4-bedroom. it's been a really good experience overall. Compared to Boston it's decent.
11 upvotes
jaxguy2026
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Sunset for 13 years. Moved from Seattle for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is underrated. We bought in 2016 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
marketing is strong here. healthcare is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are established for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it was the best decision I ever made. The outdoor scene is challenging - we have hiking trails within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Sunset schools are tough. 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. Winters are long and cold. Limited high-paying job options. And cost of living can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 8/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
7 upvotes
Adam N.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a contractor, 25, moved here 7 years ago from Raleigh. I've lived in Oak Park and Sunset, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Low crime in most neighborhoods
2. Decent public transit for the size
3. Strong job market in several industries
4. The people are generally decent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Winters are long and cold
2. Not a lot of cultural diversity
3. The weather situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Oak Park: Great for singles. average vibes, walkable.
- Sunset: 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 Raleigh, everything felt decent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $70K-$100K here.
**Final verdict:**
No regrets on my end.. 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.
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