McKinney offers something rare in North Texas: a real historic downtown alongside some of the region's best-planned new communities.

• Historic downtown square. Local restaurants, boutiques, coffee shops and year-round events give McKinney a small-town center most suburbs don't have.
• Master-planned living. Communities like Stonebridge Ranch and Craig Ranch offer pools, trails, lakes and golf within the neighborhood.
• Room to grow. North McKinney is still adding new communities, so buyers can choose between established neighborhoods and brand-new construction.
• Easy access to work. SH-121, US-75 and the Sam Rayburn Tollway connect McKinney to the Frisco, Plano and Legacy corporate corridors.
• Choice of school districts. Depending on the address, homes in McKinney are zoned to one of several highly regarded districts (more on that below).

The biggest choice McKinney buyers make is which side of town: west McKinney is closer to the highways and the Frisco/Plano job centers, while north McKinney offers newer homes and a quieter setting.

Craig Ranch (southwest McKinney). My own neighborhood. It borders Frisco near SH-121 and mixes homes with shops, restaurants and offices. It's built around TPC Craig Ranch, which has hosted a PGA Tour event. It includes everything from townhomes to gated custom homes in The Pinnacle. Depending on the street, homes are zoned to Frisco ISD or another district.

Stonebridge Ranch (west McKinney). One of McKinney's best-known master-planned communities, at roughly 6,700 acres, with lakes, golf and a beach club. Sections like Tanglewood offer custom homes and mature trees.

Tucker Hill (west McKinney). Traditional architecture, front porches and walkable streets designed to feel like an older town.

Trinity Falls (north McKinney, off US-75). A large master-planned community with miles of trails, open space and multiple builders. A popular pick for new construction.

Historic Downtown (central McKinney). Older homes with character on tree-lined streets, within walking distance of the square.

Eldorado (central-west McKinney). Established neighborhoods with mature landscaping, often at more approachable price points than the newer master-planned communities.

A McKinney address doesn't automatically mean McKinney ISD. Because district lines were drawn long before the city grew, homes in McKinney and its surrounding area are zoned to one of seven districts: McKinney, Frisco, Allen, Prosper, Celina, Melissa or Lovejoy ISD.

In general, northwest McKinney includes Prosper, Celina and McKinney ISD, while southwest McKinney includes Frisco, Allen and McKinney ISD. Two homes on neighboring streets can be in different districts.

If schools matter to you, tell me early. I'll confirm the zoned schools for every home before you write an offer.

As a McKinney resident, these are the places I recommend to every client who's new to town.

1. Explore Historic Downtown McKinney. One of the oldest and liveliest downtowns in Texas, with independent boutiques, galleries, antique shops, restaurants, wineries and live music around the old courthouse square.
2. Visit the Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary. Miles of nature trails, wetlands, wildlife exhibits and seasonal outdoor dinosaurs, a local favorite for all ages.
3. Step back in time at Chestnut Square Heritage Village. Restored 19th-century homes, a chapel and a schoolhouse, including the city's oldest house.
4. Shop the McKinney Farmers Market. Held at Chestnut Square, with local produce, baked goods and handmade crafts.
5. Dive into local history. The Collin County History Museum and the Heard-Craig Center for the Arts are both near the square.
6. Raise a glass downtown. TUPPS Brewery in the historic Cotton Mill, plus wine tasting at Landon Winery and other downtown spots.
7. Catch golf at TPC Craig Ranch. The course in my own neighborhood has hosted a PGA Tour event.
8. Enjoy the parks. Bonnie Wenk Park, Towne Lake and miles of trails across the city.
9. Hunt for treasures. Antique malls and vintage shops make downtown McKinney a great place to browse.

What school district is my McKinney home in? It depends on the address. McKinney homes can be zoned to McKinney, Frisco, Allen, Prosper, Celina, Melissa or Lovejoy ISD. I confirm the zoned schools for every home you consider.

Do I need a realtor to buy a new construction home in McKinney? You don't have to have one, but it's smart. The builder's sales rep represents the builder. Your own agent negotiates for you, and the builder typically pays that commission.

Which McKinney neighborhoods are closest to Frisco and Plano? Craig Ranch, Stonebridge Ranch and Tucker Hill in west McKinney have the quickest access to SH-121 and the Sam Rayburn Tollway.

Where can I find newer homes in McKinney? North McKinney, including Trinity Falls and Painted Tree, has the most active new construction.