Let the numbers do the talking.
Arlington, TX vs Mckinney, TX
Arlington, TX vs Mckinney, TX: What the data shows
Arlington, TX is in Arlington, TX while Mckinney, TX is in Mckinney, TX — both in the same state. On home prices, Arlington, TX is the more affordable option at $172,800 median — $177,200 less than Mckinney, TX's $350,000. WYLT rates Arlington, TX as “Think twice” — a neighborhood that warrants careful research before committing — and Mckinney, TX as “Good for now” — a solid choice worth serious consideration.
Mckinney, TX has the stronger safety profile of the two. Arlington, TX has Moderate violent crime and Moderate property crime. Mckinney, TX has Low violent crime and Moderate property crime. On environmental risk, Arlington, TX has Low flood risk and Mckinney, TX has Low flood risk.
Mckinney, TX is the more walkable neighborhood. Arlington, TX scores 17/100 (car-dependent) versus Mckinney, TX's 29/100 (mostly car-dependent). For families weighing school quality, Mckinney, TX has the higher school rating — Arlington, TX rates 6.7/10 and Mckinney, TX rates 7.5/10.
| Category | Arlington, TX | Mckinney, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | ||
| Verdict | Think twice | Good for now |
| Median Price | $173K ✓ Lower price | $350K |
| Median Rent | $1K ✓ Lower rent | $2K |
| Median Income | $43K | $74K ✓ Higher income |
| Price Volatility | Moderate | Moderate |
| Getting Around | ||
| Walk Score | 17/100 | 29/100 ✓ More walkable |
| Transit Score | 2/100 | 25/100 ✓ Better transit |
| Bike Score | 2/100 | 22/100 ✓ More bikeable |
| Commute | 45 min | 41 min ✓ Shorter commute |
| Safety & Environment | ||
| Safety Grade | D+ | B ✓ Safer |
| Violent Crime | Moderate | Low ✓ Lower risk |
| Property Crime | Moderate | Moderate |
| Flood Risk | Low | Low |
| Air Quality | Moderate | Good ✓ Cleaner air |
| Community | ||
| Schools | 6.7/10 | 7.5/10 ✓ Better schools |
| Best for | Budget‑conscious familiesCommuters to Dallas or surrounding citiesSports fans who attend AT&T Stadium | Families with childrenCommuters with access to a carHomebuyers looking for a suburban lifestyle |
Bottom line
If budget is your top priority and you don't mind a car-dependent lifestyle, Arlington might work for you. However, if you're willing to pay more for better schools, slightly stronger amenities, and a less isolated experience, McKinney is a more attractive choice for most families and commuters. Overall, McKinney edges out Arlington as a safer bet for a suburban lifestyle.
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