McKinney TX Real Estate: Why Buyers Are Looking North

McKinney TX Real Estate: Why Buyers Are Looking North

  • Eric Baemayr

Thinking about McKinney? Here's the short answer: McKinney is a fast-growing Collin County city about 30 miles north of downtown Dallas, where the median home sold for about $499,000 in September 2026 and homes took an average of 80 days to sell. On November 11, 2026, the city also becomes the newest place in North Texas to catch a commercial flight. For buyers, that means more room to negotiate than a few years ago. For sellers, it means pricing and presentation matter more than ever.

Below, we walk through what's changing in McKinney, what the latest numbers say, and how buyers and sellers can approach this market.

McKinney at a Glance

McKinney is the county seat of Collin County, and it has grown quickly. The city counted 195,308 residents in the 2020 Census, and the City of McKinney now estimates 237,130 residents as of January 1, 2026.

What draws people here goes beyond square footage:

  • A historic downtown square. The 1876 Collin County courthouse, remodeled in 1927, now houses the McKinney Performing Arts Center, and the downtown hosts festivals through the year.
  • Several school district options. About two-thirds of residents live in McKinney ISD, while other parts of the city are served by Frisco, Prosper, Allen, Melissa, Lovejoy and Celina ISDs. If schools matter to your search, check district boundaries address by address.
  • A range of housing. Buyers will find older homes near downtown, established master-planned communities such as Stonebridge Ranch and Craig Ranch, and newer construction on the city's northern and western edges.

The Big News: Commercial Flights at McKinney National Airport

McKinney National Airport (passenger code DTX) begins commercial service on November 11, 2026, when Avelo Airlines launches its first flight, to Fort Myers, Florida. According to Dallas Innovates, the airport earned its FAA Part 139 operating certificate in September 2026, the first for new commercial airline service at a Texas airport since 2005.

What's opening

  • A 46,000-square-foot terminal with four gates, with an estimated cost of about $79 million for the terminal and supporting work
  • Avelo's first routes from DTX: Fort Myers (starting Nov. 11), Las Vegas and Orlando (Nov. 12), and Fort Lauderdale and Tampa (Nov. 19), per Avelo's announcement
  • Six more destinations planned for December: Atlanta, Denver, Nashville, New Orleans, Sarasota-Bradenton and West Palm Beach, per Dallas Innovates
  • Planners expect about 200,000 passengers in the first year, a small fraction of DFW's traffic

What it could mean for homeowners

A closer airport is a real quality-of-life perk for frequent travelers in Collin County, who until now have driven to DFW or Love Field. The city also says the project won't raise the local property tax rate.

We'd be careful about predicting what the airport does to home values. That's hard to know this early. If you're shopping near the airport, it's worth checking flight paths and visiting at different times of day, just as you would near any major road or rail line.

The McKinney Housing Market Right Now

Here's what the most recent numbers show:

  • Median sale price: $499,198 in McKinney (September 2026, Community Impact)
  • Homes sold: 224 in McKinney (September 2026, Community Impact)
  • Average days on market: 80 in McKinney (September 2026, Community Impact)
  • Average listing price, Collin County: $643,298 (September 2026, Realtor.com via FRED), down from $661,739 in May 2026
  • New listings, Collin County: 1,540 (August 2026, Realtor.com via FRED), down from 2,304 in April 2026
  • 30-year fixed mortgage rate: 7.24% national average (Freddie Mac, October 29, 2026); 15-year fixed: 6.60%

A quick note on reading these: the median sale price is what homes actually closed for, while the average listing price is what sellers are asking across the whole county. They measure different things, so they won't match.

The story is a market that has cooled from its peak pace. Homes are taking longer to sell, county asking prices eased through the summer, and fewer new listings came on as the year moved toward fall, which is typical seasonally. With 30-year rates above 7%, monthly payment math is front and center for most buyers.

Tips for Buying a Home in McKinney

Use the time on your side

With homes averaging 80 days on market, many buyers aren't facing the bidding wars of a few years ago. That can open the door to asking for repairs, closing cost help or a rate buydown. Every home is different, so let comparable sales guide your offer.

Look closely at new construction

Builders in and around McKinney often offer incentives, especially late in the year. Compare the full package, including the lot, upgrades and any financing incentive, against resale homes nearby. An independent inspection is still smart on a brand-new home.

Know your district and your commute

Because McKinney spans several school districts, two homes a few streets apart can be zoned differently. Test your commute at rush hour, too, whether you're heading toward Plano, Frisco or Dallas.

Get pre-approved early

At current rates, small changes in price or rate move your monthly payment. A pre-approval from a lender helps you shop with a clear budget and makes your offer stronger.

Tips for Selling a Home in McKinney

Price for today's market

Buyers in McKinney have choices and time. Homes that are priced in line with recent nearby sales tend to draw attention in the first few weeks, which is when most of a listing's interest arrives.

Make a strong first impression

Fresh paint, clean landscaping and good photos go a long way when buyers are comparing several homes online.

Highlight what's local

If your home is near the downtown square, a park, a school or easy highway access, tell that story. And if the new airport is a convenient drive away, frequent travelers will want to know.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the median home price in McKinney, TX?

The median home sale price in McKinney was $499,198 in September 2026, according to Community Impact. Prices vary widely by neighborhood, age and size of home, so recent nearby sales are the best guide for any one property.

When do commercial flights start at McKinney National Airport?

Avelo Airlines begins commercial service at McKinney National Airport (DTX) on November 11, 2026, with a flight to Fort Myers, Florida. More routes start in mid-November and December.

Is McKinney a buyer's or seller's market right now?

Homes in McKinney averaged 80 days on market in September 2026, which generally gives buyers more room to negotiate than in recent years. Conditions differ by price range and neighborhood, so it's worth looking at the specific segment you're buying or selling in.

Which school districts serve McKinney?

Most McKinney residents live in McKinney ISD, and parts of the city are served by Frisco, Prosper, Allen, Melissa, Lovejoy and Celina ISDs. Always verify school assignments for a specific address directly with the district.

Thinking About McKinney? Let's Talk

Whether you're drawn to the downtown square, a master-planned community or new construction on the edge of town, our Dallas team knows Collin County and would be glad to help you weigh your options. We can pull recent sales for the neighborhoods you're considering, or talk through timing and pricing if you're thinking about selling. Reach out to BAEMAYR's Dallas office at 4514 Cole Ave, Suite 600, or contact us online anytime. For a closer look at the area, explore our Allen & McKinney neighborhood guide.

General information note: This article is for general information only and isn't legal, tax or financial advice. Market figures change often; please confirm current details with a licensed professional before making decisions.


Sources

Keep exploring: Dallas–Fort Worth area guide · What's my home worth?

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