Frisco vs McKinney
Dallas's Northern Suburbs: Modern Sports Hub vs Historic Charm
Frisco and McKinney are neighboring cities in the booming North Dallas corridor, both experiencing explosive growth. Frisco is the modern sports capital of Texas with corporate headquarters and sleek master-planned communities, while McKinney offers a charming historic downtown, larger lots, and a more established sense of place at lower price points.
Frisco vs McKinney
Side-by-side neighborhood comparison for Dallas, Texas homebuyers
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Key metrics comparing Frisco and McKinney for homebuyers
| Category | Frisco | McKinney |
|---|---|---|
| Median Home Price | $550K | $450K |
| Price Range | $350K - $2M+ | $280K - $1.5M |
| Property Tax Rate | 2.16% | 2.14% |
| School District | Frisco ISD | McKinney ISD |
| Walk Score | 26 | 28 |
| Commute to Downtown | 35 min to Downtown Dallas | 40 min to Downtown Dallas |
| Lot Sizes | 0.12 - 0.5 acre | 0.15 - 1 acre |
| Vibe / Character | Modern sports capital, master-planned, upscale suburban | Historic downtown, charming, growing rapidly |
| Best For | Sports fans, families, corporate relocations | History lovers, families wanting character, value seekers |
Why Choose Frisco?
Advantages of living in Frisco, Dallas
Sports Capital of Texas
Frisco is home to the Dallas Cowboys headquarters (The Star), FC Dallas stadium, PGA of America HQ, and world-class sports facilities that create a unique energy and identity.
Corporate Hub
Major corporate relocations including the Dallas Cowboys, PGA of America, and numerous tech companies provide local employment and drive demand for Frisco real estate.
Frisco ISD Excellence
Frisco ISD is one of the fastest-growing and highest-rated large districts in Texas with state-of-the-art campuses, career academies, and comprehensive extracurriculars.
Master-Planned Living
Communities like Phillips Creek Ranch, Starwood, Richwoods, and Lexington Country feature resort-style amenities, lakes, trails, and meticulously planned neighborhoods.
Why Choose McKinney?
Advantages of living in McKinney, Dallas
Best Historic Downtown in DFW
McKinney's historic downtown square is a destination with independent shops, restaurants, breweries, and events. It provides an authentic sense of place that master-planned Frisco lacks.
Better Value
At $100K less in median price, McKinney offers comparable quality of life with generally larger lots and more variety in home styles, from historic bungalows to modern new construction.
Larger Lots & Character
McKinney offers larger lot sizes on average, mature tree canopy in established areas, and neighborhoods with genuine character that differ from Frisco's more uniform master-planned aesthetic.
Rising Star
Named one of the best places to live in America by Money Magazine, McKinney is attracting its own corporate growth and amenities while maintaining its charming identity.
Which is Right for You?
Scenario-based recommendations to help you decide
Choose Frisco if...
- ✓ You love professional sports and entertainment
- ✓ Corporate proximity and modern amenities are priorities
- ✓ You want Frisco ISD's state-of-the-art schools
- ✓ Master-planned community living appeals to you
Choose McKinney if...
- ✓ You value historic character and a downtown with personality
- ✓ You want more home and lot for your money
- ✓ A unique, non-cookie-cutter neighborhood matters to you
- ✓ You are looking for more affordable entry into the North Dallas corridor
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Frisco vs McKinney
Both are excellent. Frisco offers a more modern, amenity-rich, sports-oriented lifestyle with higher home values. McKinney offers more character, historic charm, and better value. Frisco suits those who want polish and convenience; McKinney suits those who value community character and space.
Frisco ISD has a slight edge in overall rankings and facilities due to massive bond investments. McKinney ISD is also highly rated and has the advantage of smaller school populations in some areas. Both districts send graduates to top universities and offer strong extracurriculars.
Both are among the fastest-growing cities in America. Frisco has been growing longer and is closer to build-out, while McKinney has more undeveloped land and is projected to continue rapid growth for the next decade, potentially making it a stronger long-term investment.
Frisco is approximately 35 minutes from downtown Dallas via the Dallas North Tollway or US 75. McKinney is about 40 minutes via US 75. Both commutes can extend to 50-60 minutes during rush hour. Many residents work locally in the growing North Dallas job market.
Frisco has fewer options under $400K compared to five years ago, but they exist in older neighborhoods near historic downtown Frisco. McKinney offers more inventory under $400K, particularly in areas like Prosper-adjacent communities and eastern McKinney. Both cities offer new construction from the mid $300Ks in select developments.
Related Pages
Explore more about Dallas neighborhoods and school districts
Need Help Choosing Between Frisco and McKinney?
Key Insight: Dallas-Fort Worth represents Texas's largest real estate market with over 7 million residents. Median home prices hover around $400,000, offering strong value compared to coastal cities. Top neighborhoods include Highland Park, University Park, Southlake, and rapidly growing suburbs like Frisco, McKinney, and Prosper.
Connect with a Dwellverse Dallas real estate expert who knows both neighborhoods inside and out. Get personalized guidance for your home search.