If you’ve driven around McKinney in the last couple of years, you’ve probably noticed it. New construction everywhere. New roads. New neighborhoods. New everything. It’s hard to miss the scale of transformation happening across the city.
McKinney is officially one of the fastest-growing cities in Texas, and the numbers behind that growth tell a pretty remarkable story about where the city is headed. Some of the projects in development represent investments in the hundreds of millions—even billions—of dollars.
Let’s start with Long Branch, which is probably the most ambitious mixed-use development underway. This is a $1.3 billion project located at US 75 and the 380 bypass. When it’s complete, Long Branch will span 155 acres and include 1,600 multifamily units, 135,000 square feet of retail space, 318,000 square feet of office space, and a 100-room hotel. To put that in perspective, this single project represents an enormous addition to McKinney’s housing stock, commercial offerings, and business infrastructure. It’s the kind of development that changes the trajectory of a city.
On the northwest side, Huntington Park is shaping up to be another game-changer. This is a nearly 800-acre master-planned community that will eventually include thousands of homes. Unlike Long Branch’s focus on mixed-use density, Huntington Park is primarily a residential community, but the scale is what’s striking. Thousands of homes represents a significant portion of McKinney’s anticipated growth over the next decade.
Now, if you want something that stands out as unique in the region, Cannon Beach Surf and Adventure Park is worth paying attention to. This is a $200 million project centered around a 4-acre surf lagoon—an actual surfing facility in McKinney. Beyond the lagoon, the development will include a resort hotel, dining options, and entertainment venues. It’s the kind of amenity that doesn’t fit the typical pattern of suburban development. It’s bold and different, which is interesting for a city that’s mostly known for residential growth.
The hospitality side is getting attention too. A JW Marriott is opening at Craig Ranch with 290 rooms and 45 condos. This property will also include access to TPC golf facilities, which adds another layer of amenity. The timeline on this one is 2029, so it’s a ways off, but it’s already part of the broader story of how McKinney is positioning itself as a destination.
What’s interesting about all this development is not just the scale but the type of growth. Long Branch is pushing for density and mixed-use development rather than typical suburban sprawl. Huntington Park is creating a master-planned community, which is a different approach than scattered suburban development. Cannon Beach is adding an amenity that’s frankly unusual for a North Texas community. These aren’t just cookie-cutter subdivisions; they’re strategic developments.
The question that comes up whenever growth like this happens is always the same: what does it mean for the people already living here? For existing residents, growth of this magnitude brings both opportunity and challenge. More jobs, more amenities, more investment in infrastructure. But also more traffic, more demand on schools, more change to the character of the community. Both things are true.
What’s clear is that McKinney’s trajectory is firmly set toward being a major North Texas population and commercial center. The investments being made suggest that developers and companies believe there’s significant opportunity here. When you’ve got $1.3 billion in one mixed-use project alone, plus hundreds of millions in other developments, the market is sending a pretty clear message about the city’s future.
For people considering moving to McKinney or businesses looking to relocate, it’s worth understanding that you’re moving to or investing in a city that’s in the middle of substantial transformation. The infrastructure, the housing options, the commercial opportunities—they’re all expanding rapidly.
The speed of this growth is perhaps the most notable element. This isn’t gradual change; it’s significant and accelerating. Whether you see that as exciting or concerning likely depends on your perspective, but it’s certainly the defining characteristic of McKinney right now. The city is growing up, growing out, and adding layers of complexity that smaller communities don’t have to think about.