Torn between Frisco and McKinney for your next move? You’re not alone. Both sit at the top of Collin County wish lists, yet they deliver different vibes, price points, and commute patterns. In this guide, you’ll compare housing costs, job access, schools, and amenities side by side so you can choose with confidence. Let’s dive in.
Quick compare: the essentials
- Population size: Frisco is about 235,208 (2024 estimate), while McKinney reports about 237,130 residents as of January 1, 2026. You can explore population and income context in the U.S. Census QuickFacts for Frisco and McKinney’s city demographics memo.
- Housing costs: Frisco’s typical home value sits near $648,600 as of January 31, 2026 (Zillow). McKinney’s median sale price ranged about $500,000 to $520,000 in late 2025 (Realtor.com). Neighborhoods and builders vary widely in both cities.
- Household income: Frisco’s median is around $150,000, while McKinney cites about $120,000 based on ACS estimates through each city’s reporting. See Frisco’s profile in Census QuickFacts and McKinney’s demographics page.
- Commute time: Average travel times are similar, around 28 minutes for Frisco and 28 minutes for McKinney, reflecting car-first commuting. Source: U.S. Census QuickFacts.
- Schools: District-level ratings differ. Frisco ISD reports an A in recent TEA summaries, while McKinney ISD shows a B in Texas Tribune’s summary of the latest cycle. See Frisco ISD accountability details and McKinney ISD’s profile. Campus performance varies, so always verify at the school level.
Housing and neighborhoods
Frisco housing snapshot (Jan 2026)
Frisco trends higher on price due to demand, newer master-planned communities, and proximity to major employers. As of January 31, 2026, Zillow reports a typical home value in the high six-hundreds, with a modest one-year cooling from peak conditions. The city blends established subdivisions with mixed-use “nodes” that add apartments, townhomes, and retail in walkable pockets. The city’s housing stock remains largely owner-occupied single family, with notable new supply tied to large projects like Fields and the PGA area; see the city’s market mix at the Frisco EDC demographics page.
McKinney housing snapshot (late 2025)
McKinney’s citywide median sale price hovered near the low-to-mid 500s in late 2025. You’ll see a broad range by neighborhood, from master-planned areas like Craig Ranch and Stonebridge to homes near the historic downtown. Development continues in north and west McKinney, and proposed hospitality near TPC Craig Ranch, including a JW Marriott concept, points to ongoing investment; read the update from Craig International.
New-build and master-planned options
Both cities offer robust new-construction choices. In Frisco, look around the DNT and PGA/Fields corridors for high-amenity communities and newer product. In McKinney, Craig Ranch, Stonebridge, and growth areas to the north and west deliver a mix of price points and floor plans. Compare HOA inclusions, property-tax rates by district, and amenity packages early to align your monthly budget with your lifestyle.
Commute and job centers
Where you might work in Frisco
Frisco has a visible corporate and sports footprint anchored by The Star, plus healthcare, telecom, and retail headquarters and offices. Explore the city’s employer mix and sports assets through local pages on major employers and Frisco’s Sports City USA overview. If you split time between Dallas, Plano, and Frisco, living near the Dallas North Tollway and SH‑121 can trim drive time.
Where you might work in McKinney
McKinney’s base includes advanced manufacturing, engineering, and healthcare. Encore Wire, headquartered in McKinney, anchors a notable industrial and engineering presence; see the company’s local footprint on Encore Wire’s site. Many residents also commute along US‑75 and SH‑121 to jobs in Plano, Richardson, and Frisco.
Getting around and typical commute
Both cities are car-centric, with average commutes near 28 minutes according to Census QuickFacts. Frisco primarily leverages the Dallas North Tollway, SH‑121, and US‑380. McKinney centers on US‑75, SH‑121, and US‑380. For the best read on your daily drive, test routes from short-listed neighborhoods during peak hours.
Amenities and lifestyle
Frisco: Sports and mixed-use energy
Frisco’s identity leans into major sports and entertainment. The Star, FC Dallas at Toyota Stadium, and the PGA Frisco campus support year-round events and a strong hospitality scene. These hubs also add walkable dining and retail in mixed-use districts; learn more from Frisco’s Sports City USA page.
McKinney: Historic downtown and golf
McKinney’s historic downtown square offers a classic, walkable setting with dining, galleries, and theater. It’s a distinct lifestyle compared with Frisco’s event-driven districts; preview the experience with the McKinney Repertory Theatre visitor guide. Golf draws are strong too, with TPC Craig Ranch hosting major tournaments and adjacent hospitality proposals like the JW Marriott concept noted by Craig International.
Parks, trails, and weekend time
Both cities deliver abundant parks and trails. McKinney is known for its nature-forward spaces like the Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary and a growing mix of breweries and family-friendly events near downtown. Frisco’s park network pairs with splash pads, sports complexes, and planned community amenities that keep weekends close to home.
Schools and enrollment
District snapshots
At the district level, recent reporting shows Frisco ISD with an A and McKinney ISD with a B. You can review the Frisco ISD accountability rating and the Texas Tribune summary for McKinney ISD. District size also differs: Frisco ISD serves a very large student body, while McKinney ISD serves a smaller, but still substantial, number of students. The Frisco EDC demographics page cites broad enrollment scale for local context.
How to use school data in your search
District ratings are a starting point. Campus-by-campus performance varies, and attendance zones can shift as growth continues. Confirm campus boundaries for any address and review TEA campus pages for programs that fit your student. When you tour homes, note drive times to the assigned campuses, extracurricular options, and nearby parks.
Which city fits your goals?
- Choose Frisco if you want newer master-planned communities, proximity to corporate and sports hubs, a higher median price point, and mixed-use areas with dining and retail clustered together.
- Choose McKinney if you prefer a slightly lower median price at the city level, historic downtown character, and master-planned living near golf and growing hospitality attractions.
- For both: Model your commute by neighborhood, compare tax rates and HOA fees, and verify school zoning at the property level. Strong value can be found in both cities when you align location, timing, and property condition with your goals.
Next steps
When you’re ready to compare specific neighborhoods, builders, and commute windows, bring in a local, data-forward guide. With concierge-style support and relocation know-how, you can make a confident decision without the stress. Let’s map your must-haves to the best-fit options in Frisco or McKinney.
Ready to start? Connect with Leigh Calvert to plan your search.
FAQs
What are average home prices in Frisco and McKinney right now?
- Frisco’s typical home value is around $648,600 as of January 31, 2026 (Zillow). McKinney’s median sale price ran about $500,000 to $520,000 in late 2025 (Realtor.com). Neighborhoods and features can shift values up or down.
How do commutes compare between Frisco and McKinney?
- Both average about 28 minutes, reflecting car-first commuting across North Dallas suburbs, according to U.S. Census QuickFacts. Your route will vary by neighborhood and job location.
How do Frisco ISD and McKinney ISD compare at the district level?
- Recent summaries list Frisco ISD as an A-rated district and McKinney ISD as a B. See TEA district details for Frisco and Texas Tribune’s McKinney ISD page for the latest cycle. Always verify campus-level data and boundaries for any address.
What amenities set Frisco and McKinney apart?
- Frisco leans into major sports, mixed-use retail, and event energy, while McKinney highlights its historic downtown square and golf at TPC Craig Ranch. Each offers robust parks and family-friendly events.
Is new construction available in both cities?
- Yes. Frisco’s PGA/Fields corridor and mixed-use nodes offer new-build options, while McKinney’s Craig Ranch, Stonebridge, and northern growth areas provide a range of new homes. Compare tax rates, HOAs, and included amenities before you decide.
