McKinneypopulation 148,559 est
McKinney, Texas is the county seat for Collin County, one of the fastest-growing and most-affluent counties in Texas. The city's motto is "unique by nature". Rolling hills and wooded terrain complement the community, which offers plentiful opportunities for golfing, hiking, and biking. McKinney also offers a variety of sporting venues. Many homes surround the community's numerous lakes and golf courses. Lush greenbelts following winding creeks serve as the setting for much of McKinney's new residential construction. McKinney's historic downtown square features fine and casual dining, a variety of shopping and the arts. The residential area surrounding the square dates back to the 1840s.
Welcome to one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation. In the August 2014 issue of Money Magazine, McKinney ranked No. 1 on the Best Places to Live in Americalist. McKinney is the only Texas city in the top 10. Money editors and writers look at employment, schools, crime and safety and overall quality of life aspects to come up with the list. McKinney debuted on the Money Magazine list in 2008 at No. 14. In 2010, the city ranked as the No. 5 Best Place to Live in America, and was No. 2 in 2012. McKinney has been among the fastest-growing cities in the country since 2000.
MCKINNEY
McKinney, Texas is a city full of “Charming neighborhoods, friendly residents, downtown festivals, and a rich history. This sense of history coincides with the prudent but forward-thinking attitudes of our leadership and the community’s willingness to work together to make McKinney a great place to be,” says Interim City Manager, Tom Muehlenbeck. “People choose to make McKinney their home for a number of reasons,” he added. “McKinney offers exceptional opportunities in education, recreational amenities that are growing and expanding, safe neighborhoods, free community events, and access to jobs.”
McKinney has evolved into a bustling city that values its history and enjoys the sophistication and excitement of a fast-growing community, along with the benefits of being next to a major metropolitan area.
WHAT MAKES MCKINNEY UNIQUE?
“McKinney is known for an outstanding quality of life,” notes Muehlenbeck. McKinney was named #1 by Money Magazine on the 2014 list of “Best Places to Live in America.” “We were named as the #1 place to live because of the city brand tagline…McKinney, Texas is Unique by Nature. For 10 years, the brand has identified the city and speaks to the elements that make it stand out from nearby cities,” Muehlenbeck goes on to say.
McKinney features a historic downtown area, as well as natural assets that are truly unique to the city and are not found in every North Texas town. Rolling hills, tree-lined neighborhoods, and city parks with streams and lakes are a few of the natural features that McKinney has to offer. McKinney has placed a value on maintaining natural beauty, while providing residents with modern city life.
MCKINNEY SCHOOLS
“The mission of the McKinney Independent School District (MISD) is to provide engaging learning experiences so students can become effective communicators, quality contributors and socially responsible citizens,” notes Muehlenbeck. MISD currently enrolls more than 24,500 students in 20 elementary schools, five middle schools, one 6A high school, two 5A high schools, one alternative school, and one early childhood education school. U.S. News and World Report have ranked all three high schools in the top three percent of the 19,400 school evaluated across the country. Both McKinney High School and McKinney Boyd earned a Gold Distinction, and McKinney North earned a Silver Distinction.
MISD boasts a number of innovative career and technology education programs, like the aviation program that features an FAA-approved flight simulator for logging flight hours toward a pilot certification. During the past three years, enrollment in the aviation program has increased from 35 students to more than 200 students. In addition to cutting-edge educational opportunities, there are many extracurricular activities for students to participate in. From an award-winning fine arts program to championship athletic teams, MISD programs challenge and educate the whole student.
In addition to cutting-edge educational opportunities, there are many extracurricular activities for students to participate in. From an award-winning fine arts program to championship athletic teams, MISD programs challenge and educate the whole student.