If you're looking for the best place to rent in the U.S., skip the pricey coastal cities and head straight to McKinney, Texas. According to RentCafe’s 2025 Best Cities for Renters Report , McKinney ranks #1 in the nation — beating out 149 other cities for its ideal mix of affordability, apartment quality, and overall livability. Surprisingly, nearby Dallas didn’t even make the top 50 , weighed down by high costs, smaller rentals, and lower quality-of-life scores.

North Texas is getting even more convenient for residents and savvy shoppers. Costco, the beloved membership-based grocery warehouse known for its bulk deals and iconic food court, is expanding its footprint across the Dallas-Fort Worth area with three new stores — including locations in Prosper, Weatherford, and Celina. New Openings This Spring Two of the new stores are scheduled to open in mid-March: Prosper: Located at 5620 W. University Dr., near FM 1385 and adjacent to a new School of Rock. This location has been in the works for nearly two years and officially broke ground in March 2024. Weatherford: Positioned at 310 Center Point Rd., at the northwest corner of I-20 and Center Point Road. This 160,000-square-foot facility will be the first of its kind in Parker County, featuring gas stations, a tire center, food options, and in-house optical, hearing, and pharmacy services. According to Prosper Economic Development President Jordan Simms, the city is enthusiastic about the economic benefits the new Costco will bring, including increased sales and property tax revenue. Looking Ahead to Celina Costco also has big plans for Celina, with a new store projected to open by December 2025. The Celina location will be part of The Crossing at Moore Farm, a 105-acre mixed-use development at the corner of Ownsby and Preston Road, led by Shop Companies. Construction is already underway. While Costco typically remains tight-lipped about the factors behind its location choices, this expansion reflects the company’s growing confidence in the region’s booming residential and commercial growth. Costco’s Growing Presence in DFW With over 800 locations worldwide and more than a dozen across the DFW area — including in Plano, McKinney, Southlake, and Fort Worth — Costco continues to be a major draw for homebuyers seeking value, convenience, and community amenities. The last store to open in the region was in McKinney in 2018. From discounted groceries and household items to flat-screen TVs and fuel, Costco is more than just a shopping destination — it’s a lifestyle perk that adds to the appeal of living in North Texas.

Looking for the best place to call home in the Lone Star State? You might be surprised to learn that the #1 county to live in Texas for 2025 isn’t Austin’s Travis County, nor is it home to Houston, Dallas, or San Antonio. Instead, this year’s top honor goes to Collin County — a rising star in North Texas known for its strong schools, job growth, and exceptional quality of life. According to a new Niche report, which evaluates counties based on nearly a dozen key metrics — including public education, affordability, job opportunities, diversity, and overall livability — Collin County earned an impressive A+ overall rating , placing it firmly at the top of the list. Why Collin County Leads the Pack Home to booming cities like Frisco , Plano , McKinney , and the fast-growing Princeton , Collin County has quickly become one of the most desirable places to live in the entire country. It’s not just growing — it’s thriving.  Major employers, entertainment giants, and families alike are flocking to this North Texas gem. The Dallas Cowboys have made Frisco their headquarters, and Universal Studios is currently developing a brand-new, family-friendly theme park in the area — the first of its kind in the nation. But it’s not just about business and development. Collin County also ranks as the healthiest county in Texas , offers some of the state’s top-rated public schools, and consistently earns top marks in family-friendliness and job availability. Here's how Collin County scored: Public Schools : A+ Good for Families : A+ Jobs : A+ Health & Fitness : A+ Diversity : A Nightlife : A− Housing : B+ Outdoor Activities : B+ Commute : B Weather : B Cost of Living : C+ Despite a slightly lower score in cost of living — likely due to increasing demand — the overall lifestyle and opportunity in Collin County make it well worth the investment. One resident of four years summed it up best: “My experience has been very satisfying and gratifying compared to living near downtown Dallas... It’s more spacious, beautifully manicured, and filled with great public and private schools. It’s the dream suburbia lifestyle — perfect for families or entrepreneurs looking to grow.”  How the Rankings Were Calculated Niche’s methodology uses data from trusted sources like the U.S. Census Bureau , Bureau of Labor Statistics , and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , alongside real resident feedback. Key ranking factors include: Education and higher learning rates Housing affordability and property values Job market strength and income stability Health and wellness access Commute and transportation Diversity (ethnic, age, and income) Outdoor recreation and local weather Entertainment and nightlife offerings Letter grades were assigned in each category, and counties were scored based on the overall average. If you're thinking about making a move, starting a business, or investing in real estate, Collin County is a name you’ll want to keep on your radar. And if you need help making your move to North Texas, The REAL McCoys® are here to help you find your dream home in the best county Texas has to offer.

Universal Kids Resort in Frisco Takes Major Step Forward Exciting progress is underway for the much-anticipated Universal Kids Resort in Frisco, Texas. On December 3, the Frisco City Council approved the facade plans for the resort’s themed hotel — a major milestone in the development of the city’s upcoming family-focused theme park. The five-story hotel will serve as the primary entrance to the Universal Kids Resort and is a key element of the overall 30-acre project, located at the intersection of Dallas Parkway and Panther Creek Parkway . “Construction has started, and we continue to make progress on our first Universal Kids Resort,” said a Universal Destinations & Experiences spokesperson. “This week, the city of Frisco voted to approve the façade plan for our themed hotel. The city, its businesses, and residents have been wonderful to work with, and we can’t wait to welcome guests to our first theme park designed specifically for families with young children.” Updates and Adjustments The project officially broke ground in late 2022, and facade plans — which outline the appearance of all four sides of a building — are a crucial part of the city’s development review process. Council approval followed two previously tabled meetings in November, where the design underwent revisions to meet community and city expectations. “We’ve made changes to the color scheme, window design, ground-level consistency, and rooftop screening,” said Melanie Becker , Senior Director of Government Relations at Universal Destinations & Experiences. Community Input While the design was ultimately approved, feedback from residents played a significant role. William Scott, a 10-year-old Frisco resident, voiced his concerns about the proposed hotel design during the meeting, stating it felt “cheap” compared to the cohesive look of developments like the PGA Frisco campus. “We need Universal to be the best thing that we can have for our neighborhood,” Scott said, adding that although his parents were initially opposed to the project, he’s thrilled about the park’s arrival. Becker acknowledged that while the design process included feedback from local communities such as Cobb Hill and Fields , it did not incorporate direct input from children — despite the fact that the resort is aimed primarily at families with children under age 10. Looking Ahead The Universal Kids Resort is targeting an opening date in early summer 2026, although an official grand opening timeframe has yet to be confirmed. Meanwhile, infrastructure surrounding the park is also taking shape — Universal Parkway, the main access road to the resort, is already under construction and expected to be completed before 2025. “We’ll continue to collaborate with city leaders and our neighbors as we bring this one-of-a-kind destination to life,” Becker said. As excitement builds, Frisco is poised to become home to one of the most unique family entertainment attractions in the country — a first-of-its-kind theme park crafted just for young children and their families. -The REAL McCoys

If you've been keeping up with the news lately, you've probably come across headlines talking about the increase in foreclosures in today’s housing market.

Buying a new construction home can be an exciting experience.

According to a recent Gallup poll, real estate has been voted the best long-term investment for 11 years in a row, beating gold, stocks, bonds, and more.

Wondering if it still makes sense to sell your house right now?

You may have heard some people say it’s better to rent than buy a home right now.