Rent to Own Homes in McKinney
Named for Texas Declaration of Independence signer Collin McKinney, the town is filled with interesting places, historic sites and fun activities. It sports one of the biggest historic districts in the state, an award-winning McKinney National Airport and an extremely active McKinney City Council. Even the city’s school districts are high achievers. Frisco, Prosper and McKinney independent school districts operate a variety of top-ranking elementary schools in town. Local high schools include McKinney North High School and McKinney High School. Both McKinney North High and McKinney High participate in programs recognized nationally by America’s Promise Alliance.
Buying a Home in McKinney?
The real estate market in McKinney and all of North Texas is hot, with home prices increasing 8.7% in the last year. Even so, McKinney houses remain affordable, with the median sales price coming in at $221,000. At any given time, there are about 1,100 homes for sale in the area and about 468 homes for rent. If you’re looking for a townhome or condominium, you’ll want to act quickly since only 5 percent of homes on the market fall into that category. Overall, local home buyers can expect to pay about $126 per square foot.
Popular Neighborhoods in McKinney?
McKinney neighborhoods mix newer subdivisions with older, established areas. Neighborhoods west of U.S. 75 are popular for their low crime rates, easy commutes and new master planned communities. If new homes are appealing, Craig Ranch and Westridge are popular options. The Stonebridge community is a good mix of existing and new homes. Its residents enjoy excellent schools and abundant parks, lakes and golf courses. Houses with old-fashioned character are found in areas like Urbanton, where homes were built in the 1940s and ‘50s. Urbanton homes are in walking distance to the town square.
Buying vs. Rent to Own Homes?
Since McKinney home prices are climbing, getting into the market now makes sense. If you aren’t quite ready to jump into a mortgage immediately, though, renting to own gives you a little more flexibility. Rent to own home contracts usually last one to three years, so you lock in the price now but finish the financial transaction a few years down the road. In the meantime, you can live in your new home, paying rent and a nominal rental premium that goes toward the final purchase. It’s a terrific way to ease into home buying and give yourself time to build up a better downpayment. Cost of Living in McKinney
Living in McKinney is relatively affordable, costing locals about 11 percent more than the national average. Some necessities are less expensive here than in the rest of the country, including groceries, which are 5 percent more affordable in McKinney. Other costs are slightly higher, including transportation, health and utilities, which range from 1 to 6 percent more than in other U.S. towns. Housing is the biggest expense for local residents, costing 36 percent above average.
It’s easy to see why McKinney was named the best place to live in America by Money Magazine. A welcoming suburban atmosphere, amenity-filled subdivisions and tons of parks and recreation sites are just a few of the city’s highlights. Area schools are some of the best in the nation, and the low crime rate makes families feel safe here. While home prices are increasing throughout the region, the city’s wide range of home prices gives buyers many options to enter the market. Add in a cost of living that is minimally above average, and you have a town that is appealing to families, singles and retirees.