About McKinney
In the September 2014 issue of Money Magazine, McKinney ranked No. 1 on the Best Places to Live in America list. McKinney is the only Texas city in the top 10 and is the historic county seat of Collin county found 30 minutes north of Dallas along highway 75, Central Expressway. This is a bedroom community featuring master-planned communities and 10 golf courses, both public and private. The downtown district features a beautiful square with restaurants, boutiques and at the center the historic courthouse, now a cultural center.
Homes
Schools
McKinney ISD has received numerous academic awards including 4 Blue Ribbon schools and two Intel Schools of Distinction for Innovative Teaching in Science and Engineering. For further details see www.mckinneyisd.net, www.greatschools.org or www.education.com.
Dining and Shopping
McKinney is known for its locally-owned restaurants and boutique shops many of which are in and around the downtown square. Popular spots on the square include Ricks Chophouse, Harvest, and The Celt Irish Pub restaurants and at last count 15 antique shops. Boutique apparel stores such as Cynthia Elliot, Orison’s, Arabella’s and The Little Red Hen offer hand-made and designer clothing. Another unique retail experience is Adriatica Village, a mixed-use development designed to reflect an old-world European style community. It is located in Stonebridge Ranch and is home to Cavallis Neapolitan Wood Fired Pizza and Cuisine, Zin Zen Bistro and Wine Bar, Silk Road Thai restaurant, GAL Clothing, The Guitar Sanctuary and more. McKinney is also home to Third Monday Trade Days, the oldest and largest monthly trade days/flea market in North Texas with roots back to the old county-wide market that began in the 1870’s in McKinney. It is located in the historic Buckner Community which was the first County Seat of Collin County. Over 450 vendors offer almost anything you can imagine – unique gifts, delightful home decor, trendy clothing and accessories, sporting goods, antiques and collectibles, dogs, and specialty items along with many fantastic “state fair” type food concessions. You’ll find a mix of antiques, trendy apparel and accessories, baby and children’s clothing and accessories, garage sale items, a great variety of home decor– including shabby chic, re-purposed items, vintage, rustic, primitive, western, and seasonal– metal art, pet supplies, garden/outdoor decor and furniture, health and beauty products, etc. Third Monday Trade Days has 18 acres of parking, 2 ATMs, mobility cart rentals, clean, modern restrooms, 3 shopper entrances and exits, and a heated and air conditioned Mall.
Entertainment
Many of the restaurants on The Square like Cadillac Pizza, The Celt Pub, and Landon Winery offer live music on the weekends. Seasonal events including Oktoberfest, Scare on the Square, Dickens On The Square, Holiday shopping bazaar during Thanksgiving weekend and a Christmas parade. These events are fun for adults and families alike with food vendors, live music, and carriage rides.
Parks and Recreation
McKinney golfers enjoy 10 courses to choose from including 3 private country clubs. A twist on the traditional golf is a disc course which is a popular alternative with the younger residents. Plano Sport Authority (PSA) has a large facility in McKinney with 8 indoor courts and soccer field. McKinney is also building a state of the art natatorium expecting completion in 2016.