Let the numbers do the talking.
Austin, TX vs Mckinney, TX
Austin, TX vs Mckinney, TX: What the data shows
Austin, TX is in Austin, TX while Mckinney, TX is in Mckinney, TX — both in the same state. On home prices, Mckinney, TX is the more affordable option at $350,000 median — $844,200 less than Austin, TX's $1,194,200. WYLT rates Austin, 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. Austin, TX has Moderate violent crime and Moderate property crime. Mckinney, TX has Low violent crime and Moderate property crime. On environmental risk, Austin, TX has Low flood risk and Mckinney, TX has Low flood risk.
Mckinney, TX is the more walkable neighborhood. Austin, TX scores 14/100 (car-dependent) versus Mckinney, TX's 29/100 (mostly car-dependent). For families weighing school quality, Mckinney, TX has the higher school rating — Austin, TX rates 7.4/10 and Mckinney, TX rates 7.5/10.
| Category | Austin, TX | Mckinney, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | ||
| Verdict | Think twice | Good for now |
| Median Price | $1.19M | $350K ✓ Lower price |
| Median Rent | $2K | $2K ✓ Lower rent |
| Median Income | $140K ✓ Higher income | $74K |
| Price Volatility | High | Moderate ✓ More stable |
| Getting Around | ||
| Walk Score | 14/100 | 29/100 ✓ More walkable |
| Transit Score | 14/100 | 25/100 ✓ Better transit |
| Bike Score | N/A | 22/100 ✓ More bikeable |
| Commute | 6 min ✓ Shorter commute | 41 min |
| 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 | 7.4/10 | 7.5/10 ✓ Better schools |
| Best for | High‑income professionalsRemote workers with budgetStudents needing proximity to downtown | Families with childrenCommuters with access to a carHomebuyers looking for a suburban lifestyle |
Bottom line
For high-income professionals who need a short commute to downtown Austin, the neighborhood in Austin, TX might work, but it's a stretch given the sky-high cost of living and minimal public transportation. If budget and driving aren't concerns, Austin's downtown access makes it a decent choice for remote workers and students. For most others, including families and those prioritizing walkability, McKinney, TX, is a more practical and value-oriented option, despite its car-dependent commute.
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