Abount McKinney

McKinney, Texas

McKinney, Texas is the county seat of Collin County and one of the fastest growing cities in America. Located 30 miles north of downtown Dallas, McKinney truly is unique in that it boasts more rolling hills, trees and open spaces than most other Dallas suburbs. With the extension of the North Dallas Tollway and Highway 121, access to airports, shopping, sporting events and downtown attractions is more convenient than ever. Two of the area’s premier master planned communities, Stonebridge Ranch and Craig Ranch, are located in McKinney and the city’s historic downtown square area gives the area an old fashioned hometown feeling. Other McKinney facts include:

Population of more than 133,500
Voted #5 Best City to Live in by Money Magazine in 2010 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o4adTEdV_GU&feature=youtu.be
Selected #9 Forbes Best Places to Live in 2009
Estimated median household income in 2009: $74,784 (it was $63,366 in 2000)
Estimated median house or condo value in 2009: $188,800 (it was $145,400 in 2000)
Adults with bachelor's degree or higher: 42%

Useful Links:

City of McKinney: http://www.mckinneytx.org/cwt/external/wcpages/index.aspx

McKinney ISD: http://www.mckinneyisd.net/

McKinney Chamber of Commerce: http://www.mckinneytx.org/cwt/external/wcpages/index.aspx

Historic Downtown McKinney

Historic downtown McKinney is a slice out of the past and truly a city treasure. The nostalgic charm of downtown McKinney is evident around every corner – from the numerous antique shops to the sidewalk-lined bistros to the packed barber shop (complete with the classic red-and-white-spinny-pole). The old county courthouse, now home to the McKinney Performing Arts Center, serves as the nucleus for what has become an increasingly thriving hub for dining and entertainment. Unlike so many other communities that are trying to create the feel of an old-fashioned downtown area, McKinney is fortunate to have the real thing. Notable downtown business establishments include:

Ricks Chophouse: http://www.rickschophouse.com/
Spoons Café: http://www.spoonscafe.com/
LaMisha Restaurant: http://www.lamisha.com/
Cadillac Pizza: http://www.cadillacpizzapub.com/
Café Malaga: http://www.cafemalaga.com/
Grott http://www.grottolive.com/
The Pantry Restaurant: http://www.thepantryrestaurant.net/
Churchill’s British Restaurant and Pub: http://www.churchillsmckinney.com/
The Pub: http://www.thepubmckinney.com/
Sauce on the Square: http://www.thepubmckinney.com/
Square Burger: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Square-Burger/110456025670122

Stonebridge Ranch

Stonebridge Ranch in McKinney, Texas, combines a unique blend of natural beauty with a master-planned design that makes it one of the most sought after developments in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. If your idea of an ideal community is one with grassy parkways, jogging paths, golf courses, community pools, parks, fishing lakes and ponds, tennis courts and schools within walking distance, you'll be hard-pressed to find a more perfect place to live. There are still a limited number of new construction homes available, but for the most part the community is built out. Specific information regarding Stonebridge Ranch includes:

Over 50 distinct neighborhoods with homes ranging from $120,000 to $2 million
Two community pools including the Stonebridge Ranch Beach Club pool with a sand beach entry on 3 sides
Community tennis courts, jogging/biking trails, parks and numerous fishing lakes/ponds
Two country clubs with private pools, tennis courts, and 56 holes of golf including a very challenging Pete Dye championship course
Manicured common areas including tree-lined parkways through the heart of the community
Convenient banking, dining and shopping, including the very popular Market Street Center
Top rated schools including 3 elementary schools that have received the pretigeous "Blue Ribbon" award from the U.S. Department of Education

Craig Ranch

Craig Ranch is a master-planned residential, recreational and business community located in the farthest southwest corner of the city. This development offers a wide variety of new construction home options as well as convenient access to major freeways in the area.

The centerpiece of the community is the PGA TOUR Tournament Players Club at Craig Ranch, which recently received the second highest rating in the US by the United States Golf Association and the highest rating of all courses in the Tournament Players Club network. Add to that, the world-class Cooper Aerobics Center, a 75 acre baseball and softball tournament facility, a multi-field soccer complex, restaurants, shopping, and more - and Craig Ranch becomes more than a self-sustaining community. It's a destination. Craig Ranch also has its own transportation system - The Craig Ranch Trolleys - which offer easy access to all areas of the community, both for Craig Ranch residents and those working in the bustling urban center and employment district.

Adriatica

Adriatica is a 45-acre development situated at Virginia Parkway and Stonebridge Dr., in Stonebridge Ranch. The architecture of the buildings, cobblestone appearance of the streets, authentic bell tower, secluded island chapel, and unique shops and flats are all designed to replicate the village of Supetar on the Island of Brac on the Croatian coast. The developer, Jeff Blackard, gained fame as a renovator of historic European hotels. His goal with Adriatica is to recreate the charm and ambiance of an ancient Croatian village on the bank of Lake Stonebridge. While still under development, the village has attracted residential, medical, financial, retail and dining establishments. Eventually the village will include a boutique hotel, an entertainment and dining square by the lake, a full-size sailing ship in the harbor, an events center and unique retail shopping.