Let's talk about McKinney, Texas—the not-so-sleepy northern neighbor of Dallas that just keeps leveling up.

If you've been anywhere near Collin County lately, you've probably heard a buzz—maybe it was about the airport, maybe about the real estate market, or maybe someone whispered the phrase "lazy river" and your ears perked up. Either way, this update is worth your time, whether you're dreaming of your next move, considering selling, or simply love staying informed.

 

A JW Marriott Resort Is Coming to Craig Ranch (And It's a Big Deal)

McKinney just approved plans for a JW Marriott resort hotel in Craig Ranch. This isn't your basic hotel off the freeway. This is a destination.

 

Here's the quick rundown:

  • 290 luxury guest rooms
  • 51,000+ square feet of upscale conference and meeting space
  • Resort-style pool with a lazy river
  • Fitness center, multiple restaurants, rooftop-style terrace, and poolside service
  • Pickleball courts and lifestyle amenities
  • And at least 45 condos for sale on-site

Yes, for sale. Meaning you'll be able to live there. Every day. Like it's vacation… but it's home.

This will sit on an 8-acre corner lot inside Craig Ranch, already one of the most beautifully developed communities in DFW. And if you've ever driven through Craig Ranch, you know it already feels like a resort. The roads, the trees, the stonework—it's like a little piece of Texas Hill Country tucked into Collin County.

 

Why This Resort Matters for Real Estate

This isn't just about poolside cocktails. A development like this:

  • Increases tourism and local spending
  • Adds luxury housing options with those condos
  • Boosts the reputation and desirability of the area
  • Brings more long-term investment into the community
  • Helps prop up home values—even blocks away

It's also strategic. With the McKinney airport expansion (possibly) on the horizon, this resort is getting ahead of the growth. Travel, business, events—all roads point to more people visiting, and potentially living in McKinney.

 

Wait… What's Going on With That Airport?

Good question. The McKinney National Airport expansion was steaming full speed ahead until a lawsuit popped up that could delay the project indefinitely. The concern? Environmental and neighborhood impact. Whether it's a slowdown or a full halt is TBD, but here's what we know:

  • The east side of the airport is targeted for expansion (the west is maxed out)
  • A new terminal is planned for passenger service
  • The feds are now involved, reviewing complaints and environmental procedures
  • This will take time—but it likely won't stop forever

Bottom line: Growth in that northeast corridor—think McKinney to Princeton to Farmersville—is still coming. It might be delayed, but it's not going away.

 

Now Let's Talk Real Estate: What's the Market Doing?

I'll give it to you straight. It's complicated but also full of opportunity.

 

Inventory

McKinney currently has more active listings than at any point in the last 10 years. Over 1,200 listings are on the market—and nearly a quarter of them (324) are brand-new builds.

 

That's a lot of options for buyers. But does that mean it's a buyer's market? Not exactly.

 

Seller's Market… Statistically

We're holding steady at 3 months of inventory, which is the official line for a seller's market. It briefly bumped to 4 months back in January—which, let's be honest, was brutally cold and nobody wanted to leave their house, let alone list it. But outside of that, we've been consistent.

 

Still, here's what I call the murky middle: There are streets in McKinney that feel red-hot, and others where sellers are making concessions left and right. Real estate is hyper-local. One side of the block with big trees and no road noise will perform totally differently than the other side of the same street.

 

Pricing

  • 2023 average sale price: $336,000
  • 2024 average sale price: $345,000
  • So far in 2025: $323,000 (January's cold spell brought that average down with a median sale price of $276,000. May already back up at $331K.)

Expect those averages to keep trending upward as we move through the summer months.

If you strip out the new construction and look just at existing homes, the pricing stabilizes a bit. New builds tend to pull averages in different directions because of price per square foot, upgrade packages, and builder incentives.

 

Final Thoughts: McKinney's Just Getting Started

Whether it's the JW Marriott, the airport, the rising home values, or just the good food downtown—McKinney is on the move.

 

And if you're planning to buy or sell anywhere in DFW, remember this: the market is complicated, but the opportunity is real… if you've got a plan.

 

Want help with that plan?

 

Call or text 214-310-0008

 

Visit ToddTramonteTeam.com

 

We'll match you with a world-class agent, walk you through the strategy, and make sure you win—whether you're poolside at the JW or downsizing into your next chapter.