If you’re looking for a diverse, welcoming, and friendly Northern Texas city, you should definitely put McKinney on your list. Located on the northern edge of the Dallas-Forth Worth area, McKinney has often been named among the best places to live in the United States by various publications. It is a friendly, safe community that offers much to see and do, including beautiful scenery and many unique neighborhoods. It is a city that offers plenty of opportunities, and much to see and do, as well as a diverse and vibrant, if smaller, LGBTQ community. If you’re thinking of finding your next home in McKinney, chances are, you’ll find plenty about it to love!
A Look at McKinney's History
McKinney is the unique city that it is today, in part, because of its rich history. It is a city with a strong pioneer spirit and was originally settled by many who were offered free land and the promise of a fresh start to come to Texas. The first settlers arrived in the mid-1800s, and put down roots – many of them staying and establishing farms and communities. After its founding, the town grew quickly, particularly after railroads came to the area. It also became an important producer of cotton and grains and remains so to this day. Today, McKinney is a diverse, friendly, and vibrant city full of much to see and do. Truly, it would be a wonderful place to call home!
A Few Fun Facts About McKinney
Read more fun facts about McKinney here.
McKinney’s LGBTQ Community
McKinney is a city that loves and supports its LGBTQ community with a variety of resources, including:
PFLAG Dallas is the McKinney area’s local chapter of the national PFLAG organization, which is the largest grassroots organization of its kind in the country. PFLAG is well-known for its mission of supporting LGBTQ people, friends, family, and allies across the country in a wide variety of ways. With 500 chapters and more than 200,000 members in the United States, PFLAG plays a critical role in providing advocacy, support, and resources to the LGBTQ community.
Gay for Good is a group that seeks to mobilize and energize the LGBTQ community to interact with the greater McKinney and Dallas communities by volunteering time to various social projects. Each month, Gay for Good selects a different non-profit in the city to benefit from its service. Meet a friend, have some fun, and do some good!
What's the Weather Like in McKinney?
Those who live in McKinney can expect to experience all four distinct seasons each year. In winter, lows can drop to around 32ºF in January, while in the summer highs typically reach around 93ºF in July. Spring and fall are typically mild and pleasant, with spring promising beautiful blooming flowers, and fall bringing crisp breezes and brightly colored leaves. The average annual rainfall is around 41 inches, and the area gets about 2 inches of snow per year as well. For the most part, any time is a wonderful time to enjoy the beauty of the outdoors in McKinney.
Can’t-Miss Events in McKinney
Dallas Pride is only a short drive away from McKinney, and it is certainly worth the drive. This can’t-miss celebration offers parades, parties, family-friendly activities, networking opportunities, and more, all to celebrate the LGBTQ community and all that it adds to the city. Be sure to put it on your calendar – you won’t want to miss your chance to join in the fun!
McKinney is well known for its very interesting, vibrant, and extensive markets including the Third Monday Trade Days. Third Monday Trade Days is the oldest running flea market in North Texas – it’s more than100 years old in fact. Don’t miss your chance to stop by and see all of the unique offerings available for yourself!
The Best Neighborhoods in McKinney
If you’re thinking of making a move to McKinney, you will find that the entire city is very welcoming. Unlike some larger cities that tend to have one specific “gayborhood,” and particularly as McKinney is close to other bigger cities like Dallas and Fort Worth, the LGBTQ community in McKinney is sprinkled throughout the city, so truly, anywhere in the city would make a wonderful place to call home. There are all kinds of housing options available in McKinney, including very old Victorians and Texas-style ranch homes with big yards, pools, and five bedrooms. The housing market is also known for its low property taxes.
There are a wide variety of home styles available in different price ranges. The median list price of homes currently for sale in the McKinney area is around $459,000.
Arts and Entertainment
Historic Downtown McKinney is a great spot for those who enjoy browsing art galleries and viewing local performances. There are a number of performance spaces and artsy cafes in the downtown area as well.
McKinney Performing Arts Center
Those who live in McKinney won’t want to miss the chance to enjoy a performance (or several!) at the city’s beautiful performing arts center. Throughout the year, a wide variety of performances in different genres are offered. This multi-use facility is in the center of the historic district, so there are several restaurants and other shops as well for visitors to enjoy.
Parks and Recreation
Erwin Park is a beautiful park located in the heart of McKinney. With more than 200 acres of green space, the park is a great place for hiking, biking, picnicking, or simply relaxing. It has a number of pavilions and playgrounds too and is a perfect spot to enjoy a beautiful McKinney day.
The Varsity Gay League is headquartered in nearby Dallas, but it’s open for all in the surrounding area to enjoy. The Varsity Gay League calls itself the original LGBTQ+ Recreational Sports Organization. Established in 2007, it offers year-round activities, games, and sporting events to unite the gay and straight communities with new and fun ways to play and interact. All are welcome!
McKinney Nightlife
Established in 1980 and located only a short drive away in nearby Dallas, JR’s Bar and Grill (named for one of the main characters in the 1980s soap opera Dallas) is considered by many to be one of the most popular gay bars in the city. It is known for its cheap drinks, friendly atmosphere, and comfortable patio area.
The Urban Cowboy Saloon, located in nearby Forth Worth is well worth the drive from McKinney. The Urban Cowboy is Fort Worth's largest LBGTQ bar. With a fun disco honkey-tonk feel, this bar guarantees a good time. It is a pillar of the LGBTQ community and is frequented by all.
Contact a McKinney Gay Realtor Today
If you're ready to make a move to McKinney, at www.gayrealestate.com, we're here to help you take the first step toward finding an agent who knows and loves the community, and who can help you find a home and a neighborhood you'll love. We're proud to have a network of excellent realtors in McKinney, and we would love to help connect you with the right one. Contact a McKinney gay realtor today for a free, no-obligation consultation!
