Living in McKinney, Texas: A 2 Month Honest Review (From an Alabama Transplant)

We recently moved to McKinney, Texas from Troy, Alabama, and after two months of settling in, exploring, sweating through the summer, and figuring out our new normal, we wanted to put together an honest, detailed review of what life here is actually like. This is a real, lived-in look at McKinney from someone who just relocated, broken down into simple sections so it is easy to read and easy to reference if you are considering a move here yourself.

1. McKinney Is Big, and Coming From Alabama, That Is a Real Adjustment

People always say "everything is bigger in Texas," and after two months here, we can confirm that statement is true. Coming from Troy, Alabama, which is a small college town, McKinney feels massive in comparison. The roads are wider, the shopping centers are bigger, the neighborhoods stretch on for miles, and there is a general sense of scale here that takes some getting used to. If you are moving from a small town like we did, be prepared for a size adjustment. It is not overwhelming, but it is noticeably different.

2. The Location Is Extremely Central

One of the best things about McKinney is how centrally located it is compared to other major cities in the Dallas Fort Worth area. Almost anywhere we need to go takes only 10 to 15 minutes. Frisco, Allen, Prosper, Princeton, and Plano are all close by, and every major city in the metroplex feels within reach. This central location has made errands, dining out, and exploring the area much easier than we expected. You do not feel isolated in McKinney. Instead, it feels like a hub that connects you to everything else nearby.

3. The Cafe Culture Is Genuinely Impressive

We were not expecting McKinney to have such a strong cafe scene, but it does. There are so many cafes to hang out in, and the best part is that you can choose the type of environment you want depending on your mood. If you want greenery, there are plant based cafes filled with indoor and outdoor plants where you can enjoy your coffee surrounded by nature. If you need a place to get work done, there are cafes that are quiet and reliable, which comes in handy on the days when your home wifi does not cooperate. Every bakery cafe we have tried so far has served fresh, high quality items, and none of them have disappointed us. This has quickly become one of our favorite parts of living here.

4. The Food Scene Has Something for Everyone

McKinney offers a huge variety of restaurants, which is perfect for the days when we do not have time to cook. Whether we are looking for lunch or dinner, there are countless options nearby. We have found Italian, Chinese, Thai, Indian, and Mediterranean restaurants all within a short drive. There are also several fully vegan restaurants for anyone following a plant based diet. The variety here is honestly impressive, and we have not run out of new places to try even after two months.

5. Shopping Is Convenient and Spread Out Everywhere

Shopping outlets and retail centers are everywhere in McKinney. You do not have to drive far to find what you need, whether that is groceries, clothing, home goods, or general errands. This convenience has made the transition easier since we are not spending a lot of time driving long distances just to shop.

6. Groceries Are Cheaper Than We Expected, and HEB Has Become Our New Favorite

This one genuinely surprised us. After moving from Alabama, we assumed grocery prices would be similar or even cheaper back home, but Walmart here in Texas actually felt more expensive compared to what we were used to. HEB, on the other hand, has become our go to grocery store. It is nearby, the prices are reasonable, and the quality is excellent. The fruits in particular are always fresh. HEB has basically become our new Walmart, and we are not mad about it.

7. The Texas Heat Is on a Different Level

We thought we understood heat coming from Alabama, but Texas heat is a completely different experience. During the day, it is genuinely difficult to be outside. Anything after 8pm becomes more bearable, but the daytime heat is intense. We moved during the summer, so this is very much on us, but almost every single day has been 100 degrees or higher. We are hoping this summer wraps up soon because the heat has been one of the harder adjustments of this move.

8. Job Opportunities Are Growing

McKinney and the surrounding area are home to several big companies, and more companies continue to move into the region. This means job opportunities here are expanding, which is a big plus for anyone relocating for work or considering a career change. The overall economic growth in this part of Texas is noticeable, and it feels like a good time to be building a career in this area.

9. Rent Is Expensive, So Budget Accordingly

While the job market looks promising, the cost of housing is something to seriously consider. Rent in McKinney is expensive. For a decent apartment, you are likely paying more than 1500 dollars a month, and that price does not even include internet, garbage, electricity, and other utilities. You need to work hard just to comfortably cover rent and basic living expenses here. If you are planning a move to McKinney, make sure your budget accounts for this, because it can catch you off guard if you are coming from a lower cost of living area like we were.

10. The Parks Are a Highlight

One thing we genuinely love about McKinney is how many parks are scattered throughout the city. We have made it a habit to visit a different park every day for a walk, and so far we have not run out of options. The parks are well maintained, spread out across different neighborhoods, and offer a nice escape once the heat calms down in the evening. This has become one of our favorite daily routines since moving here.

11. Downtown McKinney Is a Must Visit

Downtown McKinney has quickly become one of our favorite spots to visit on the weekends. It has a charming, walkable layout with local shops, restaurants, and a nice small town feel despite being part of a much larger metro area. If you are new to McKinney or just visiting, downtown is one of the first places we would recommend checking out.

12. What We Miss From Alabama

Moving is never perfect, and there are a few things we miss from our old life in Troy, Alabama. We came from a university area, so we miss the energy and the everyday activities that come with living near a big university. Football season is also coming up, and we know we are going to miss the college football atmosphere we were used to in Troy. McKinney does not have a big university nearby, so that specific college town feeling is something we have not been able to replace yet.

Final Thoughts After 2 Months in McKinney, Texas

Overall, our first two months in McKinney have been a positive experience with a few honest challenges mixed in. The city is beautiful, central, and full of variety when it comes to food, cafes, and shopping. Grocery shopping has actually become cheaper than expected thanks to HEB, and the parks have given us a great way to stay active and explore our new home. On the other hand, the heat has been intense, rent is on the higher side, and we do miss the university town atmosphere and football season we left behind in Alabama.

If you are considering a move to McKinney, Texas, here is a quick recap of what to expect:

Central location with quick access to Frisco, Allen, Prosper, Princeton, and Plano
A strong and varied cafe culture, including plant based and work friendly cafes
A wide range of restaurants covering Italian, Chinese, Thai, Indian, Mediterranean, and vegan options
Convenient shopping outlets throughout the city
Affordable groceries, especially at HEB
Intense summer heat that requires planning around daytime activities
Growing job opportunities as big companies continue to move into the area
Higher rent prices, often more than 1500 dollars a month before utilities
Plenty of parks perfect for daily walks
A charming downtown area ideal for weekend visits
No major university nearby, which may be a downside if you are coming from a college town

Two months in, we are still adjusting, but overall McKinney has a lot to offer, and we are looking forward to seeing what the rest of the year brings once this Texas heat finally cools down.