Are you moving to northwest McKinney? This is for you. Do you live here and are just looking for something new to do? This guide to McKinney, TX, is also for you! If you caught our spotlight on southwest McKinney at the beginning of January, you already know that McKinney is bursting with things to do, places to live, and areas to explore. As one of the fastest growing cities in the country, it only makes sense to take a closer look at the different areas of this unique city. Northwest McKinney is no exception; let’s take peek at what this area of the city has to offer!
Last year, our family made the big leap into home ownership! As we were scouting out different areas around DFW, we kept coming back to northwest McKinney. It had almost everything we were looking for in a place to start putting down some roots. We loved that it was family-friendly, growing, well-kept and close to almost anything you could ever need! Our neighborhood, Summit View Lake, sits among several other neighborhoods along and north of 380 (University Drive) in the northwest part of the city.
Within this area you find more established neighborhoods like ours, Robison Ridge, and Heatherwood, newer neighborhoods like Auburn Hills and Wilmeth Ridge, and the unique and adorable neighborhood of Tucker Hill. Great schools were also a key point in our decision-making process, and in this area most children attend schools in McKinney ISD or Prosper ISD, depending on the location of your neighborhood.
A significant draw to this area for our family was the easy access to shopping, food, and other conveniences. Already established amenities include the proximity of medical care at Baylor Scott & White-McKinney and numerous dentists and doctor’s offices, grocery stores and shopping (Hi, Target) and easy, family-friendly restaurants. In the coming months, along 380 and west of 75, you can expect Hobby Lobby, Costco, Kroger Marketplace, and Cinemark, among other shopping and other conveniences, to open.
Sure this means plenty of construction, but honestly, driving anywhere is basically a free field trip, because my kids are obsessed with all of the trucks, bulldozers, and diggers to be found. We have been known to find a parking spot and watch construction sites when we need something easy and fun to do!
Another deciding factor was the family-friendly area with plenty to do and see. Below are some unique places to play, eat and explore in northwest McKinney:
- Erwin Park. This park is filled with trails, camp grounds, and spacious view of Texas country. Whether you go for a couple of hours on a nature walk or on an overnight camping trip, this park is sure to offer memorable moments for your family! It is off the beaten path and a gem when it comes to family activities!
Photo credit: mckinneytexas.org - Ledbetter Park. Located in the Heatherwood neighborhood, this park offers a huge playground, climbing rocks, and a large field for soccer, basketball, and other sports. A short walking trail surrounds the park, perfect for a quick run or scooter ride. Check out a full list of McKinney’s parks here.
- Third Monday Trade Days. This market, open every third weekend of the month, is one of the oldest of its kind in the area! Each weekend they are open promises delicious food, unique shopping, and family fun! It is a little (big?) treasure amongst all the new construction.
- Country road drives: Only a couple miles north, you can still find plenty of country roads, open fields, and farm animals. As a mom of young kids, sometimes a drive through the countryside is the perfect way to give everyone a little break and enjoy the beauty of our area!
- Delicious food. We love to find places to eat, new and familiar. Food is one of our family’s love languages! Check out our previous McKinney post for some great options that are close to the northwest McKinney area, both for date night and family outings. Don’t forget to add Hutchins to your list of go-to places. Take a drive over to east McKinney and check out this amazing BBQ experience. But be sure to get there early for better luck at a shorter line.
- John & Judy Gay Library: Located a few minutes south of northwest McKinney, is the John & Judy Gay Library. The library is always a great outing with kids on a rainy, or hot, day. They have many great classes and events for kids. You can check out the calendar here.
If you’re looking for suburban living with a touch-of-country feel, check out northwest McKinney!
