McKinney, TX downtown

Photo Courtesy of Chad Hatcher/McKinney Convention & Visitors Bureau (MCVB)

2021 Top 100 Best Places to Live In America Sponsored by:

UPDATE: Check out our new 2023 Best Cities to Live in the U.S. list.

liv score
682
How We Calculate Our Data
Civics 63
Demographics 54
Economy 56
Education 63
Health 56
Housing 53
Infrastructure 39

#60. McKinney, TX

McKinney, TX is consistently rated one of the most livable places in the United States. With a charming, tree-lined historic downtown, acres of vibrant vineyards, acclaimed farm-to-table restaurants and a plethora of lush parks, it is easy to see why. Even with the recent population increase, McKinney is able to keep its small-town feel. 

Top Colleges/Universities: Collin College

Top Industries & Employers: SRS Distribution, a national network of independent roofing distributors, is McKinney’s largest employer. Other top industries include insurance, medical technology, manufacturing and data management.  

Weekend Plans: Spend an afternoon exploring Main Street. The historic 160-year-old downtown is filled with outdoor cafes, trendy restaurants, art galleries and antique shops. 

Favorite Place to Feast: In a town known for great barbecue, Hutchins BBQ rises above the rest. Make sure to order a Texas Twinkie – a jalapeño stuffed with cream cheese and Hutchins’ brisket wrapped in thick bacon before being smoked and grilled.  

Beloved Beverage: Grab a beer at Tupps Brewery, a rural microbrewery set inside a former cotton mill on an old farm. 

Outdoorsy Activity: Fish, stretch your legs, or simply soak up the sunshine at the 102-acre Towne Lake Recreation Area that curls around the shores of Towne Lake. 

Why Your Pet Will Love It, Too: Even in the dog days of summer, the Bonnie Wenk Dog Park has splash pads to cool off hot dogs and a shaded pavilion for dog owners to sit under while their four-legged friends run around the off-leash park. 

Remote Work Perk: McKinney topped LawnStarter’s poll for the best city in America for remote workers. Cities were ranked based on internet speed, remote working opportunities and the cost of renting a home office. 

One More Thing … There is a 45-acre development in the middle of town modeled after a small Croatian fishing village. 

– Brittany Anas

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