City of McKinney Tops National List for Homebuyers

MCKINNEY, Texas, Dec. 17, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Families looking for a new home are overwhelmingly choosing the North Texas city of McKinney, just 30 miles north of downtown Dallas.  Realtor.com, a leading online resource for both consumers and realtors, analyzed search data by ZIP codes and determined which neighborhoods were the most-searched-for, hottest places to live in America in 2013. The city of McKinney placed second on the list, behind only Chicago's historic Old Town neighborhood.

Dallas real estate expert and blogger Candy Evans isn't surprised with the ranking. She stated in Realtor.com's "Hottest 'Hoods" article that "McKinney is fabulous, one of the nation's fastest-growing communities because it offers a quieter, small-town style of living, yet is only 30 miles north of downtown Dallas. But that proximity really doesn't matter because there are jobs all over Dallas and Collin Counties, spread out in 'depots,' like the Telecom Corridor in Plano, Frisco, Richardson and Arlington." She also mentioned McKinney's charm, safety and great schools in the article titled "The Year's Most Searched ZIP Codes."

"When people are looking for a home, they are looking in McKinney," said Mayor Brian Loughmiller. "We've worked hard to build a community that offers exemplary schools, affordable and diverse housing, and employment opportunities. The city of McKinney offers residents beautiful tree-lined streets, a charming historic downtown and a strong sense of community as well as a robust business environment."

The city has attracted companies like Raytheon, Torchmark, Encore Wire, Tenant Tracker, Manner Plastics, Vector Systems, StatLab and Erchonia. McKinney is also home to the Collide Center which offers the opportunity for investors to meet with startup companies and provide advice and potential capital to move businesses to the next level. Studies show that businesses started in programs such as the Collide Center double their chance of success after four years.

"Despite its small town charm, McKinney's proximity to both DFW International Airport and the corporate McKinney National Airport makes it an ideal location for large corporations and relocating executives," said Jim Wehmeier, president of the McKinney Economic Development Corporation. "The completion of the Sam Rayburn Tollway has resulted in an easy commute - about 20 minutes - to DFW." 

In addition to the Realtor.com ranking, which was also highlighted in a Huffington Post article about America's most searched ZIP codes, CNNMoney named the city the second best place to live in the nation, citing plenty of housing options; low taxes; abundant job opportunities in technology, energy and medicine; as well as a new conference center and hotel complex in the works. Realtor site Movoto.com also named McKinney the second best place to live in the country among mid-sized cities. 

"We are certainly proud of all the recognition the city is receiving," said Loughmiller. "Yet while the city offers many unique features, it is the people in McKinney who continue to make it a friendly, safe and growing city. I know we will continue to grow and be recognized for the outstanding community we are developing."

For more information about the city of McKinney visit the city's website at http://www.mckinneytexas.org/.

About McKinney
McKinney, Texas, is unique by nature. As one of the fastest-growing cities in the U.S., McKinney has a current population of more than 142,000. Incorporated in 1848, the city is located 30 miles north of Dallas and is the county seat of Collin County. McKinney offers rolling hills, lush trees, a historic downtown square and unique neighborhoods and developments. The city ranks No. 2 on the Money Magazine Best Places to Live in America list. Visit the city's website at www.mckinneytexas.org.

SOURCE City of McKinney