McKinney, Texas

Located just 30 miles north of Dallas, McKinney offers the perfect getaway. Relax into our casual elegance and small town friendliness. Shop upscale boutiques & galleries and discover your new favorite restaurant. Tour our fascinating t and plan a stay at one of our romantic B&B's. Outdoor recreation abounds. Stroll through a 289-acre wildlife sanctuary or take on a challenging mountain bike trail. Sports enthusiasts can enjoy baseball, softball, soccer, or golf. McKinney offers lots of opportunities.

History

McKinney is a city in Collin County, Texas (USA), the county seat and second in population to Plano. As of the 2000 census, the city had a population of 54,396, but as of 2007 the population had grown to an estimated 112,000.The US Census Bureau listed McKinney as the nation's fastest growing city from 2000 to 2003 among cities with more than 50,000 people. This growth is due to McKinney being located at the northeastern edge of the rapid suburban development north of Dallas.

McKinney was named for Collin McKinney, a signer of the Texas Declaration of Independence. The city has thrived as a center of commerce since it was first established in 1848. McKinney's significant commercial and residential historic districts have been carefully preserved. Visitors relish the sense of place and authenticity McKinney offers. As of the census of 2000, there were 54,369 people, 18,186 households, and 13,966 families residing in the city. The population density was 937.0/mi. There were 19,462 housing units at an average density of 335.4/mi.

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Geography

McKinney is located in Collin County in North Central Texas approximately 30 miles north of Dallas. Major highways intersecting the city are U.S. Hwy. 380 east and west and U.S. Hwy. 75 north and south. It is in the Central Time Zone.

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Cityscape

Erwin Park
This 212-acre city park features a natural wooded area with trails, a fishing area, three picnic pavilions with restrooms, playgrounds, lots of open space and one of the toughest mountain bike trails in the area. Overnight camping is available. (Reservations required.)

Towne Lake Recreation Area
This picturesque city park features a 22-acre lake with swan paddle boats, lighted hike/bike trails, two picnic pavilions, restroom/concession services, playground, two sand volleyball courts, nine lighted horseshoe courts, fishing pier, six lighted recreation softball/baseball fields.

Fore McKinney Indoor Golf Center
Regardless of the weather outside, you can come into Fore McKinney any day of the week and golf (virtually) on one of the top 10 golf courses in the world - at a fraction of the price! Need a bit of work on your swing? Stop on by on your lunch hour and hit a few balls on our indoor driving range or perfect your golf swing within our training booth. Count on FORE MCKINNEY INDOOR GOLF CENTER when you want to work on your game.

Oak Hollow Golf Course

An 18-hole, par 70, course featuring a full service clubhouse, driving range, practice green, wide fairways along creek and pond areas.

WestRidge Golf Course
A challenging 18-hole course designed by Jeff Brauer featuring six par 5's.

Disc Golf Course
Eighteen holes of challenging disc golf on 18 acres located next to the Al Ruschaupt soccer complex at Wilson Creek.

McKinney Marshals Collegiate Baseball Team
Watch collegiate wood-bat baseball from June to August as the Marshals compete against other Texas Collegiate Baseball League teams. Admission charge.

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Culture

Attractions

Chestnut Square Historic Village
A collection of nine historic houses and buildings dating from the 1850's, which includes the oldest house in McKinney, a general store circa 1900, a chapel, schoolhouse and gardens. Living history demonstrations on the second Sunday of each month. Available for tours, luncheons, receptions and weddings.

Happy Trails Carriage Service
Come experience what Historic Downtown McKinney has to offer with "Unique" tours through the turn of the century homes and landmarks. Take a ride for Special Events, Weddings, Romantic Outings, or a Haunted Tour.

Heard-Craig House
Built by the Heard family in 1900, this majestic 7,000-sq. ft. home served as the center for McKinney's social, business, art and literary activities. It has been restored to its former glory with original furnishings, art and heirlooms

Heard Natural Science Museum and Wildlife Sanctuary
The Heard brings nature and people together to discover, enjoy, and experience our environment. The sanctuary features four miles of hiking trails, two-acre native plant garden, live animals, indoor and outdoor exhibits, classrooms and laboratories.

McKinney Farmers Market
Local farm-fresh produce, local organic produce, fruits and vegetables, herbs; natural grass-fed meats including beef, lamb, pork, and poultry; farm fresh eggs, free range eggs; artisan cheeses including goat cheese and mozzarella; local whole grain breads, Texas salsa; pickled beets & asparagus; preserves & jams; local honey; hand-milled soap, including goats milk soap; shea butter products, hand-made arts & crafts, vintage and custom aprons; hand made pottery, hand painted gourd birdhouses; native Texas plants and flowers; chair massage.

McKinney Performing Arts Center (MPAC)
MPAC the cornerstone of performing and visual arts in Historic Downtown McKinney. The beautifully restored Collin County Courthouse, built in 1875 and drastically remodeled in 1927, is a multi-purpose facility including a working artist studio and art gallery.

The 480-seat Courtroom Theatre equipped with a vintage Mighty Wurlitzer theatre pipe organ and Variable Room Acoustic System, green room, dressing rooms and several multi-use rooms is the perfect venue for any event. True to its original state, the historic courtroom maintains the orginal judge's bench, jury box, witness stand and historic seating. All equipment is removable or recessed in order to preserve the 1927 appearance. The third floor offers balcony seating for the theatre.

Myers' Park & Event Center
Located on 83 acres northwest of McKinney, this facility includes a show barn with an indoor arena, a stall barn, and an outdoor arena. The center also offers a reception hall and gazebo. In addition, 35 acres of Myers' Woods and the Back 40 are available to groups for camping.

North Texas History Center
The former McKinney Post Office, built in 1911, now houses exhibits that portray Collin County history beginning with Native Americans and carrying through early settlers, the Republic of Texas, the Civil War and the arrival of the railroad.

Old Collin County Prison (Historic Site)
109 S. Kentucky Street - Built in 1880, this prison was the site of the last legal execution in Collin County. During its 99-year service, the prison housed infamous criminals like Frank James, members of Bonnie and Clyde's gang; and Charles "Tex" Watson of the Manson family. Although the building was extensively renovated, prison cells remain in place on the third floor.

Pecan Grove Cemetery
Situated on property originally granted by the Republic of Texas in 1845, Pecan Grove is the final resting place for many Texas pioneers, from Governors to gunslingers. Heroes of the Texas Revolution are interred here, as are veterans of the Mexican War, Civil War, and every war thereafter.

Crape Myrtle Trails
Over 2,000 crape myrtles line McKinney's public roadways with special plantings along Virginia Parkway, Eldorado Parkway, U.S. Hwy. 380 and throughout the Stonebridge Ranch development. Working with the city, the Crape Myrtle Foundation will open the World Collection of Crape Myrtles, a planting that will include every variety of crape myrtles.

Delight in our Annual Special Events

Living History at Chestnut Square Historic Village
Artisans dressed in period costume demonstrate pioneer skills at this fascinating historic village that includes eight buildings dating from the 1850's.

Third Monday Trade Days
One of the largest flea markets in North Texas, Third Monday Trade Days features more than 900 vendors. It is held the weekend before the third Monday of each month, Friday through Sunday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Parking $3, free admission.

Forever Free
This event begins with official C.A.S.I. Chili and Bean Cook-offs along with a classic and custom car show at Towne Lake Park. Forever Free culminates with live entertainment, youth activities and fireworks at the Collin County Youth Park on the evening of July 4th.

Killis Melton Ice Cream Crank-off
It's always freezing in downtown McKinney in August during this annual ice cream making competition. Join in the crank-off or just enjoy sampling tasty homemade ice cream.

Dickens of a Christmas
Dickens of a Christmas recreates an old fashioned, Victorian Christmas complete with horse drawn carriages, carolers, Santa Claus, the Christmas tree lighting ceremony and activities for all ages. Holiday shoppers may choose from more than 100 boutiques, art galleries, bookstores, specialty shops and antique stores located around the downtown square.

Victorian Christmas at the Heard-Craig House
The historic Heard-Craig House, resplendent in holiday decor, celebrates the sights, sounds and traditions of Victorian Christmas. The Carriage House hosts the Victorian Christmas Gift Shop.

Holiday Tour of Homes
Tour private, historic McKinney homes and Chestnut Square Historical Village all festively decorated for the Yuletide. Admission fee.

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Economy

The McKinney Economic Development Corporation will assist progressive, quality companies with its half cent sales tax funds. MEDC can use its funds typically to assist a firm's relocation or expansion with infrastructure and site development issues. However, MEDC has great flexibility with the use of its funds and can also provide relocation subsidies, job training assistance, loans, grants, etc. MEDC's incentive package is determined by four criteria:

(A) the number of jobs created
(B) the average wage and the gross annual payroll generated
(C) capital investment
(D) the amount of new taxes generated by the project

Once these factors have been finalized, MEDC can then structure an incentive package accordingly. Other areas of assistance can be considered as deemed essential by the company and subject to approval by the Board of Directors of the McKinney Economic Development Corporation.

Tax Abatement
The City of McKinney is committed to the promotion of high quality development in all parts of the City. On a case-by-case basis, the city will give consideration to providing tax abatement on the increment in value added to a particular property by a specific development proposal which meets the economic goals and objectives of the City. The tax abatement shall not apply to any portion of the inventory or land value of the project. Tax abatement may be offered on improvements to real property owned by the applicant and/or on new personal property brought to the site by the applicant. Tax abatement will not be ordinarily considered for projects which would be developed without such incentives unless it can be demonstrated that higher development standards or other development and community goals will be achieved through the use of the abatement. Projects which are developed involving leased real property shall be governed under special terms and conditions which may be set forth in the agreement governing each specific tax abatement.

Triple Freeport Tax Exemption
The City of McKinney, McKinney School District and Collin County offer a freeport inventory tax exemption which exempts personal property consisting of goods, wares, merchandise or ores other than oil, natural gas and petroleum, from property taxes. To be eligible, property must be transported out of the state within 175 days of acquisition, but it may first be assembled, stored, manufactured, processed or fabricated locally. McKinney is one of a very few Dallas Metroplex communities where all three property taxing jurisdictions offer this benefit.

Enterprise Zone
McKinney has a designated Enterprise Zone which includes five business parks and the Municipal Airport. Qualified companies located within the Zone may make application for local and state incentives.

The McKinney Community Development Corporation (MCDC)
The McKinney Community Development Corporation (MCDC) is a 4B sales tax corporation whose purpose is to enhance McKinney's aesthetic, cultural and leisure amenities. The MCDC was created in 1996, by the McKinney City Council and residents who recognized the need to set aside money for this important public service. The MCDC is responsible for promoting and funding community facilities and related projects throughout the city.

One of the fastest-growing cities in America, McKinney, Texas still holds on to its quaint appeal with a historic downtown, rolling hills, tree-lined neighborhoods, beautiful parks, award-winning schools, a diversified economy and unique developments. Located just 30 miles north of Dallas, McKinney is quite different from the Metroplex's ubran sprawl. McKinney is unique by nature.

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Law & Government

The McKinney City Council has seven members. Four Council members are elected to single-member districts; and two Council members and the Mayor are elected at-large.

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Demographics

There were 18,186 households out of which 45.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 63.6% were married couples living together, 9.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 23.2% were non-families. 19.0% of all households were made up of individuals and 5.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.89 and the average family size was 3.29.

In the city the population was spread out with 30.9% under the age of 18, 9.3% from 18 to 24, 36.4% from 25 to 44, 16.5% from 45 to 64, and 6.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 31 years. For every 100 females there were 102.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 99.4 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $63,366, and the median income for a family was $72,133. Males had a median income of $50,663 versus $32,074 for females. The per capita income for the city was $28,185. About 4.9% of families and 8.5% of the population were below the poverty line, including 9.2% of those under age 18 and 7.9% of those age 65 or over.

Between 1970 and 1990, McKinney experienced moderate population growth, from 15,193 in the 1970 census, to 21,283 in the 1990 census. Since then, McKinney's rate of increase has been much more dramatic. In the 2000 census, McKinney had grown to 54,369, and in the Census Bureau's 2005 estimate, the population was 96,581.The NCTCOG's 2007 population estimate for McKinney is 112,000.

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Education

McKinney is served by the McKinney Independent School District and Frisco Independent School District.

High schools include: McKinney High School, McKinney North High School, McKinney Boyd High School and Serenity High School

In the Newsweek ranking of schools throughout the nation for 2006, McKinney High School was ranked 191, out of 1000 schools on the list,while McKinney North High School was ranked 237.The original article incorrectly stated results for McKinney's two high schools,but Newsweek updated its lists by 2 June 2007.

Middle schools include: Dowell Middle School, Evans Middle School, Faubion Middle School, Scott Johnson Middle School

Elementary schools include: Bennett Elementary, Burks Elementary, Caldwell Elementary, Eddins Elementary,Finch Elementary,Glen Oaks Elementary, Johnson Elementary, Malvern Elementary, McNeil Elementary, Minshew Elementary, Slaughter Elementary, Valley Creek Elementary, Vega Elementary, Walker Elementary, Webb Elementary, Wilmeth Elementary, Wolford Elementary

Valley Creek Elementary School, McNeil Elementary School, Eddins Elementary School, Wolford Elementary School, Reuben Johnson Elementary School, Walker Elementary School and Glen Oaks Elementary Schools were included in a list of "Best Public Schools in Texas" by Texas Monthly magazine in 2006.

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Infrastructure

CoServ (formerly Denton County Electric) is a member-owned, full service, electric distribution utility providing reliable residential, commercial and industrial service throughout the area. CoServ purchases its power from Brazos Electric Power Cooperative.