Historical McKinney

Spend a few moments in Historical McKinney, and it’s easy to see how proud this town is of its past. “It’s almost like a tourist town. We’re the second-largest historic district in the state of Texas,” says local Realtor Debbie Barch with Ebby Halliday. “It’s a tourist attraction, but it’s also a place where people can still walk the streets. It’s a safe community.” And as you walk the streets, you’ll find historic buildings housing iconic local businesses that have served the community for decades. Courthouses and schoolhouses have been repurposed, now serving as museums and performance centers, informing and entertaining the community.

Historical McKinney is split between residential neighborhoods and the historic downtown area. This neighborhood has plenty of historic homes, ranging from Craftsman to Folk Victorian styles. Large front porches are common, perfect for sitting outside and enjoying a warm evening or gathering with friends and family. Most of the neighborhood is laid out in a grid formation with small city blocks full of large, shady trees. The area has few sidewalks, but everything is close by, and the quiet streets are still walkable. There are some newer subdivisions along the edges of the neighborhood where you can find new traditional brick homes with built-in garages.

There is a wide range of home prices in Historical McKinney. You can find modest ranch-style homes with three bedrooms for $375,000. Or you can pay up to $1.5 million for a historic farmhouse in the center of town. Most homes tend to be between $400,000 and $600,000.

The historic downtown is the center of the neighborhood. Walk along the brick roads, and you’ll pass by local shops and restaurants that are stalwarts of the community. Everything centers around the McKinney Performing Arts Center in the former Collin County Courthouse. This cultural district hosts town events like art and wine festivals, Fourth of July parades and Oktoberfest celebrations. Stop in Rick’s Chophouse for an upscale meal in a classic Historical McKinney eatery. Complete with leather chairs, wood paneling and historical photos, you’ll feel the charm when you step foot in the restaurant. Locals enjoy the prime rib, lobster and escargot, but you can’t go wrong with any dish.

Residents can enjoy the outdoors at several local parks, the largest of which is Towne Lake Park. Along with its namesake lake, this park is also home to sand volleyball courts, horseshoe courts and baseball fields. Cast a line from the fishing pier and enjoy the serenity of the water or play a round of disc golf on the 18-hole course known for its long fairways and plenty of trees. Finch Park is a serene green space with an exciting playground, lighted basketball courts, a tennis court and pickleball courts.

Students might attend Caldwell Elementary School, Faubion Middle School and McKinney High School. McKinney High is a highly rated school that receives an A overall from Niche, with high grades for its college prep and clubs. The school offers an athletic training program for students, allowing them to learn the basics of sports medicine in a hands-on environment. Students intern with the school’s athletic training staff and work with one sport each semester. The school also has a club ice hockey team, which participates in the AT&T Metroplex High School Hockey League.

Chain stores and restaurants line the major highways that run through the neighborhood. You can stock up on groceries at the local WinCo Foods or Kroger. The nearby highways like Routes 75 and 380 give you an easy commute throughout North Texas.

Written By

Matthew Atkins

Photography Contributed By

Robert Beary

Video By

Gabriel Miller