Brent Wells June 5, 2018
McKinney, Texas, was officially established in 1913. It comprises roughly 63 square miles, 156,821 residents, and 55,489 homes. This beautiful north Texas town sits in Collin county and is 32 miles north of Dallas. It has many residential neighborhoods, making it difficult for potential homeowners to find the perfect place to live. So, we have written this blog post to help you get started.
The neighborhoods on our list of the best McKinney neighborhoods are in no particular order. Have fun reading this article, and we'd love to hear your opinion at the end of the article in the comments section.
Aster Park is a gated, master-planned community in McKinney, Texas, located 30 miles northeast of Dallas in Collin County along FM 1461, one mile east of FM 2478. Spanning 414 acres, it offers a luxurious suburban lifestyle with over 1,100 homesites across four private-street subdivisions, developed by builders like Highland Homes, M/I Homes, Toll Brothers, Shaddock Homes, and William Ryan Homes. Residents enjoy a state-of-the-art clubhouse, resort-style pool, tennis courts, parks, a kids’ play area, and extensive trails, with downtown McKinney’s 120+ shops and restaurants just 10 miles away. Zoned to Prosper ISD’s top-rated schools—Sam Johnson Elementary, Rogers Middle, and Walnut Grove High—it’s ideal for families, while U.S. Highway 75 and the Dallas North Tollway provide 15-30 minute commutes to Prosper, Frisco, and Dallas. Nearby Bonnie Wenk Park, Towne Lake Park, Gentle Creek Country Club, and The Gates of Prosper add recreational and shopping options, with employers like J.P. Morgan and Raytheon easily accessible.
Aster Park’s blend of modern luxury and strategic location suits professionals and families, though regional growth may increase traffic over time. Visiting the clubhouse or an open house offers a glimpse of its upscale, connected vibe.
Kings Lake is a prestigious, gated community within the master-planned Stonebridge Ranch in McKinney, Texas, located 30 miles northeast of Dallas in Collin County, near Park Lake Drive and Stonebridge Drive. Spanning a compact area, it features 38 expansive homesites, offering luxury living with private lake views, manicured landscaping, and proximity to Adriatica Village, a European-inspired enclave with dining and events. Residents enjoy Stonebridge Ranch amenities, including two golf courses, a beach club, parks, trails, and tennis courts. Zoned to McKinney ISD’s Glen Oaks Elementary, Dowell Middle, and McKinney Boyd High, it’s family-friendly, with easy access to U.S. Highway 75 and Highway 121 for 15-30 minute commutes to Frisco, Plano, and Dallas. Nearby Stonebridge Ranch Country Club, McKinney YMCA, and parks provide recreation, while employers like Raytheon and Baylor Scott & White are nearby.
Isleworth is an exclusive, gated community within the master-planned Stonebridge Ranch in McKinney, Texas, located 30 miles northeast of Dallas in Collin County, near Virginia Parkway and Stonebridge Drive. This upscale neighborhood, surrounded by the Stonebridge Ranch golf course and serene lakes, offers approximately 60 homesites known for their luxury estates and scenic views. Residents have access to Stonebridge Ranch amenities, including two golf courses, a beach club, aquatic center, tennis courts, parks, and 500 acres of open space with trails. Zoned to McKinney ISD’s Bennett Elementary, Dowell Middle, and McKinney Boyd High, it’s family-friendly, with quick access to U.S. Highway 75 and Highway 121 for 15-30 minute commutes to Frisco, Plano, and Dallas. Nearby Adriatica Village provides dining and events, while major employers like Raytheon and Baylor Scott & White are conveniently close.
Developed primarily by custom builders like D2 Built and Grand Homes, Isleworth’s homes were constructed between 2001 and 2012, creating a well-established community with timeless appeal. Its limited homesites and high-end features foster a prestigious, tight-knit atmosphere, though premium pricing and low inventory can make purchasing competitive. Visiting during a Stonebridge Ranch event or golf course tour can showcase its elegant charm.
Nature Place is a quiet, small neighborhood in McKinney, Texas, about 30 miles from Dallas, near Eldorado Parkway and College Street. It’s a peaceful spot with many trees and open spaces, perfect for families who want a calm place to live. You’re just 4 miles from downtown McKinney, with cool shops, restaurants, and events, so you get the best of both worlds—nature and city stuff. It’s also close to Highway 75 and 121, so getting to Frisco, Plano, or Dallas takes 15-30 minutes. Nearby parks like Erwin Park and the Heard Museum are great for outdoor fun. Kids go to good schools like Valley Creek Elementary, Faubion Middle, and McKinney High, which families like.
Nature Place has about 30 homes, making it a cozy, close-knit neighborhood built mainly in the late '90s to early 2000s. Unlike those big planned developments, you’ll find a mix of classic and modern homes on roomy lots, giving it a friendly, small-community vibe. Tree-lined streets and nearby parks make it feel peaceful and great for staying active with trails and green spaces nearby. Shopping at McKinney Towne Crossing is just around the corner, too. Homes don’t come up for sale often, so they can be tough to snag, but its quiet charm and convenience make it a real find in McKinney.
Painted Tree is a vibrant, master-planned community in McKinney, Texas, located 30 miles northeast of Dallas in Collin County, just north of Highway 380 and west of U.S. Highway 75. Spanning 1,100 acres, it’s designed around nature and connectivity. It features over 3,400 homesites across three distinct districts—Village, Lakeside, and Woodland—each linked by 25 miles of trails, a 20-acre lake, and 200 acres of parks. Developed by Oxland Advisors, with builders like Highland Homes, Drees Custom Homes, and Coventry Homes, construction began in 2020 and continues, offering homes from townhomes to luxury estates.
Residents enjoy resort-style pools, a clubhouse, playgrounds, and community events, with McKinney ISD schools like Press Elementary, Johnson Middle, and McKinney High serving the area. Its prime location near historic downtown McKinney’s shops and dining, plus easy access to Frisco and Plano (15-20 minutes), makes it ideal for families and professionals. However, rapid growth may increase local traffic.
Painted Tree’s focus on wellness, art, and togetherness creates a dynamic community, but its scale and ongoing development require buyers to plan for evolving infrastructure. Exploring the trails or attending a community event at The Porch can reveal its unique charm.
Serenity is an upscale, gated community in McKinney, Texas, located 30 miles northeast of Dallas in Collin County, near Greenville Drive (Hwy 5) and Country Club Road (FM 1378), just south of Fairview. This exclusive neighborhood, part of a single, cohesive development with no additional subdivisions, features approximately 75 homesites, offering expansive estates on large lots averaging 0.35 to 0.65 acres. Surrounded by a private lake, greenbelt, and children’s playground, Serenity provides a tranquil, family-friendly setting with access to Lovejoy ISD’s top-rated schools, including Hart Elementary, Willow Springs Middle, and Lovejoy High. With U.S. Highway 75 and Highway 121 nearby, residents enjoy 15-to 30-minute commutes to Frisco, Plano, and Dallas, while historic downtown McKinney, 5 miles away, offers 120+ shops and restaurants. Nearby parks, the McKinney YMCA, and employers like Medical City McKinney enhance its appeal.
Built by custom builders like Drees Custom Homes and Huntington Homes between 2010 and 2013, Serenity’s well-established homes cater to luxury buyers, though limited inventory can make purchasing competitive. Visiting the neighborhood or exploring downtown McKinney can highlight its serene, prestigious vibe.
Tucker Hill is a charming, master-planned community in McKinney, Texas, located 30 miles northeast of Dallas in Collin County, just north of U.S. Highway 380 between Custer and Ridge Roads. Renowned for its front-porch lifestyle, the neighborhood’s design draws inspiration from historic American towns, with every home featuring a welcoming front porch to foster neighborly connections and relaxed outdoor living. Spanning approximately 600 acres, Tucker Hill includes six distinct phases—Phases 1a, 1b, 2a, 2b, 3, and 4—blending diverse architectural styles like Victorian, Craftsman, Tudor, and Four Square. With about 650 homesites, the community offers a small-town feel, enhanced by tree-lined streets, lush horticulture, and amenities such as a resort-style pool, Residents’ Club, dog park, playgrounds, and hiking trails. Positioned near Highway 75 and the Sam Rayburn Tollway, residents enjoy 15-30 minute commutes to Frisco, Plano, and Dallas, plus proximity to McKinney’s historic downtown and retail like Harvard Park.
Tucker Hill’s emphasis on front porches sets it apart, encouraging residents to sit outside, sip coffee, or chat with passersby, reviving a sense of community often lost in modern suburbs. Its vibrant, walkable layout, planned community events, and access to Prosper ISD schools—Johnson Elementary, Reynolds Middle, and Prosper High—make it ideal for families and professionals. Though its popularity can tighten inventory, visiting Founders Square’s iconic fountain or a model home offers a glimpse of its nostalgic charm.
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