English Bulldog Puppies for Sale in McKinney, TX

The Houston-based budget airline announced on Wednesday that it will double down on its presence at McKinney National Airport.

MCKINNEY, Texas — Houston-based Avelo Airlines announced it would make McKinney National Airport a base, just one month after signing a five-year lease.

Avelo Airlines, a budget airline that currently flies to destinations in Texas, the Northeast, Florida, and the West, will streamline its network and add a new base in McKinney, the airline said in a press release.

In December, WFAA first reported that the airline signed a five-year lease to operate out of the airport. Airport officials also provided a behind-the-scenes look at the progress at McKinney National Airport, where walls are now up for a brand-new passenger terminal.

“This is bigger than McKinney; this is a regional benefit,” McKinney Mayor Bill Cox previously told WFAA.

The $79 million terminal and support facilities are expected to deliver an initial $300 million economic impact, growing to $600 million shortly after, WFAA previously reported. The airport's new passenger terminal is expected to finish by late 2026 or early 2027, with commercial flights taking off soon after.

The airport expansion has faced opposition from residents who voted against devoting public bond funding to the project and The North Texas Conservation Association which unsuccessfully sued over environmental assessments.

"TKI fits well within our network a secondary airport of a large metro area," the airline previously said. "A small, easy-to-use airport works perfectly into our strategy and we’re excited to work the airport and city leadership to grow."

When an airline opens a base, it means aircraft and crew will be based in the region. Avelo Airlines said adding a new base will support its growth after the company’s recent order for up to 100 Embraer 195-E2 aircraft.

Avelo also announced it has been recapitalized and now has the strongest cash position, relative to its size, in the U.S. airline industry. The airline currently has four bases, in New Haven, Conn. (HVN); Philadelphia/Delaware Valley (ILG); Charlotte/Concord, N.C. (USA); and Central Florida/Lakeland (LAL).

While adding its new base in McKinney, Avelo will close its bases in Mesa, Ariz. (AZA); Raleigh-Durham, N.C. (RDU); and Wilmington, N.C. (ILM), the release states.

"These changes enable Avelo to focus on sustainably scaling five core bases in 2026 and to prepare the company for growth in the coming years," the release states.

Avelo plans to open its base in McKinney by late 2026.

Avelo has not yet announced when it will begin service or which nonstop destinations it plans to offer from McKinney. The airline is expected to release those details a few months before the commercial terminal opens, WFAA previously reported.

The small airline has been controversial because it has a contract with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to conduct deportation flights.

The first commercial airline to operate at McKinney National Airport's new passenger terminal has been approved.

McKinney National Airport (TKI) expects to complete their passenger terminal by late 2026.

McKinney airport commercial line

Avelo Airlines is the first carrier to commit to operating out of TKI’s passenger terminal, which are currently under construction.

The five-year agreement gives Avelo the use of:

What they're saying:

"We have reached an important milestone at McKinney National Airport by signing the first Airline Use and Lease Agreement," said Mayor Bill Cox. "The airport team has been working diligently to deliver convenient and affordable nonstop airline service to our residents and visitors, and we applaud them for their efforts to serve our community."

"We look forward to working with our airline partners in 2026 and beyond to bring air service to North Texas," Cox continued.

McKinney National Airport construction

The city council approved Tuesday the allocation of the last $7.4 million of the $22.4 million appropriated in May.

The following contracts were approved for the continued construction:

Construction of TKI’s passenger terminal, commercial aircraft apron, parking areas, and other support facilities continues and is currently on schedule to be completed by late 2026, the city says.

"This project is gaining momentum, and it’s exciting to see the city’s long-term planning turn into visible progress towards delivering a commercial terminal that will strengthen our economy and increase connectivity and convenience for our residents," Mayor Bill Cox said.

Dig deeper:

The new passenger terminal will be built just east of the airport’s existing facilities.

The plans call for a 45,000-square-foot terminal with four initial gates, parking areas, a taxiway, and other runway equipment.

The $72 million project is being funded through sales tax revenue, federal loans, and grants. The airport received a $14.8 million Texas Department of Transportation grant for the eastside airfield projects.

The Source: Information in this article came from TKI.

“This is bigger than McKinney, this is a regional benefit,” said Mayor Bill Cox.

MCKINNEY, Texas — The city of McKinney is offering a rare look inside the progress at McKinney National Airport, where walls are now up for a brand-new passenger terminal.

The city first broke ground in July and the first walls went up on Monday. Within a few days, a large section of its outer walls have been put up.

“This is bigger than McKinney, this is a regional benefit,” said Mayor Bill Cox, who is celebrating another milestone — Avelo Airlines has signed on to operate out of the airport.

“The city has been talking with Avelo for close to a year,” Cox said.

Avelo, based in Houston, currently flies to destinations in Texas, the Northeast, Florida, and the West. The airline bills itself as low-cost, small, convenient, and reliable — but it’s not without controversy. The company has a contract with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to conduct deportation flights.

“It’s an agreement between the federal government and the airline. It’s not something the city council would have a say in,” Cox said. “Certainly we’d want passenger service to be safe to and from McKinney National Airport.”

The North Texas Conservation Association, which has opposed the airport’s expansion, filed a federal lawsuit over environmental assessments — a case that was recently dismissed. The group says Avelo’s reputations and financial conditions need a closer look. “In view of this widespread sentiment, the City of McKinney should have been completely transparent about its dealings with Avelo.”

"There has been a serious erosion of trust between the citizens of McKinney and their city government. The erosion of trust stems largely from the McKinney City Council’s disregard for the will of the people and a general lack of transparency on significant matters," read a statement from NTCA.

While two bond proposals for the airport have failed, city officials say federal grants and sales tax revenue have funded the project so far. Cox maintains the airport will bring long-term benefits. He estimates an initial $300 million economic impact, growing to $600 million shortly after.

“That’s jobs, that’s construction, that’s ad valorem property values, that’s home sales, that’s retail sales,” Cox said.

The new terminal will feature four gates and accommodate six to eight daily flights. Cox says conversations are underway with “two to four” additional airlines to join Avelo.

"TKI fits well within our network a secondary airport of a large metro area. A small, easy to use airport works perfectly into our strategy and we’re excited to work the airport and city leadership to grow. For aircraft, we’ll initially utilize our Boeing Next-Generation 737 aircraft and when we accept delivery of our Embraer E2s, we’ll utilize those as well. Once the airport is officially ready for commercial service you can expect news of new routes a few months prior," read a statement from Avelo Airlines.

Construction is expected to finish by late 2026 or early 2027, with commercial flights taking off soon after.

McKinney, Texas -- , a $200 million surf and adventure resort, is set to break ground at 11:00 a.m. Monday, Dec. 15 in McKinney, marking one of the most innovative recreation and entertainment developments in North Texas this year. The 35-acre project, located at the northeast corner of Stacy Road and S.H. 121, will introduce a three-acre surf lagoon, lazy river, mineral hot springs circuit, full-service resort hotel, and a mix of dining, entertainment, and business spaces designed to transform the region’s leisure and tourism landscape.

“We are proud to bring the intersection of lifestyle and adrenaline to McKinney,” said developer Cole Cannon. “In partnership with the City, we’re creating a place where families build indelible memories, visitors explore, and businesses thrive, all centered around a surf experience you won’t find anywhere else in the state.”

At the center of the development will be a resort-style hotel featuring best-in-class accommodations, event and wedding venues, and a sandy beach. Guests will enjoy cabanas and lounge areas with food service, directly connecting them to the surf lagoon and water attractions such as cliff diving and a stationary surf wave. Plans also include a skateboard park, movie theater, bowling alley, health club and indoor recreation facilities.

“This groundbreaking marks an important moment for our city’s future. The project brings new energy to McKinney, supporting growth that provides residents with more activities to enjoy while opening new avenues for local businesses to serve visitors and benefit from the increased activity this destination will attract,” said Mayor Bill Cox. “The City of McKinney is grateful for the dedication of everyone involved in guiding it forward and excited to see the positive impact it will have as it comes to life.”

The development is a partnership between the City of McKinney, the McKinney Economic Development Corporation, and the McKinney Community Development Corporation, which have worked tirelessly to make this project a reality for McKinney. The parties executed development agreements in May 2025 — including infrastructure assistance, tax reimbursements and land acquisition. The first phase could open as soon as mid-2027.

“Our community continues to attract projects that open new doors for local workers and strengthen McKinney’s economy,” said Brian Loughmiller, McKinney Economic Development Corporation Board Chairman. “This development will help draw investment and support a strong business environment, and the MEDC is proud to play a role in bringing it to our city.”

Cannon Beach is projected to create more than 700 jobs, welcome 400,000 visitors annually, and generate more than $2 billion in economic impact over the next 20 years.

“Families in McKinney, and visitors to our city, will soon have a place that adds more ways to relax and enjoy time together,” said George Fuller, McKinney Community Development Corporation Board Chairman. “We are proud to support projects like Cannon Beach that enrich everyday life, and this project builds on the sense of connection that makes our community special.”

The announcement follows Cannon Beach’s recent opening of its first surf-focused development in Mesa, Arizona.

About Cannon BeachThe Cannon Development Group is currently delivering a 40-acre multi-use development in Mesa, Arizona. Their mission is to create immersive, water-focused destinations centered around surf lagoons paired with entertainment, dining, retail, office, and resort-style hospitality. Learn more about the Mesa location atCannonBeachAZ.com. For updates on the McKinney project, visitCannonBeachTX.com or contactinfo@cannonbeachtx.com.

About McKinneyAs one of the fastest-growing cities in America, McKinney offers award-winning schools, a vibrant historic downtown and cultural district, a thriving culinary scene, and scenic natural surroundings. The city is home to the top-rated McKinney National Airport and headquarters of numerous Fortune 500 companies. A balanced way of life, sense of place, and authenticity make McKinney Unique by nature. Learn more atMcKinneyTexas.org.

McKinney was named the country’s most affordable city this year, according to one report, surprising some residents who believe housing is unattainable in the fast-growing North Texas suburb.

“Affordability is relative to so many things,” said Beth Bentley, who lives in Allen but has six generations of family roots in McKinney.

She said it would be a challenge to find an affordable home in McKinney if she were to move back. Like many residents, she was surprised to see McKinney at the top of the list of most affordable places in the country.

McKinney has also been named one of the country’s fastest-growing cities in the past decade by the U.S. Census Bureau, one of the best places to rent by RentCafe and a city with one of the most booming economies according to SmartAsset.

Now The Motley Fool, a financial services company, named McKinney the most affordable city in the U.S. based on a relatively low cost of living and a high median income — “the sweet spot,” according to the report. Census data shows McKinney’s median household income is $120,273, well above the national median household income, which was $83,730 in 2024.

McKinney is one of the most popular places to move north of Dallas. Since 1990, the city has added 200,000 residents, according to the city’s population data. While math tells one story of affordability for residents, some who have seen home values skyrocket and McKinney change unrecognizably have a different perspective on affordability in the city.

Next on the top-ten list were Morristown, N.J., Edmond, Okla., and three Texas cities — Midland, Austin and Plano.

“Texas is an overall, generally affordable place,” said Jack Caporal, who authored the report for Motley Fool. “I think that’s reflected in our list.”

The Motley Fool report used each city’s cost-of-living index from the Council for Community and Economic Research to calculate income-to-expense ratios.

“Affordability is not just based on how cheap or expensive it is to live somewhere,” Caporal said. “The cost of living versus the median household income in an area … essentially shows how far your income goes.”

High earners attracted to McKinney

Younger professionals in McKinney contribute to its affordability. The median age in the city is around 39, according to the U.S. Census Bureau — right about to enter their prime earning years, Caporal said.

McKinney’s residents make about 40% more than the national median household income, often in high-earning fields like management, sales, business or financial operations, according to Caporal. A diverse pool of industries casts a wider net for high-earning professionals.

Wajahat Khan, 37, is one of many who have moved to McKinney to establish his family and career. He works for a software company and moved to McKinney around 2022 from Coppell to buy his first home. Khan says bills in McKinney are fair.

“It’s kind of on the border of city and country life,” he said. “We were looking to start a family and we wanted to be close enough to civilization, but not too far away.”

Not every city on the list of the country’s most affordable are as fast-growing or as large as McKinney, but the city’s location and industry make it attractive, he said.

“It’s by an urban center, which offers a lot of different opportunities for entertainment, amenities, cultural opportunities, etc.,” Caporal said. “[That] makes it a little bit more of a desirable place for families.”

The cost of housing in McKinney

Housing has a 28% weight in the cost-of-living index used in the report’s calculation, according to Caporal. He found McKinney’s housing costs were below the national average and well below Plano and Austin’s.

“McKinney sitting in the suburbs just generally helps with cost of living, especially that housing component,” Caporal said. “There’s more space to build, essentially, and there’s perhaps a little bit lower demand.”

The average home in McKinney costs more than $480,000, according to Zillow. In 2017, it hovered around $320,000.

“There’s no way people can afford this, especially for young people, who [are] starting out,” said Shawn Wang, a property owner in McKinney who used to run a restaurant downtown. “That’s not for everybody. That’s for people who are well-established with a good job. That’s not how most of America is.”

Johnny Mowad, president of the MetroTex Association of Realtors, wrote in an email to The Dallas Morning News that McKinney is “one of North Texas’s most attainable housing markets,” with high-income residents and a good amount of inventory.

McKinney offers affordability and high quality of life, Mowad wrote, with good schools and job access. About 60% of all home sales are under $500,000, according to Mowad, and it’s an ideal market for first-time buyers — like Khan.

Affordable housing in McKinney

While McKinney’s housing market is attainable for high-earners, low-income residents have a hard time owning homes. Bentley, 55, is the former director of the McKinney Housing Authority, which seeks to address housing needs of low-income families in the city.

“I don’t know that anybody’s sitting around thinking that a $400,000 or $500,000 home is [affordable],” Bentley said. “There are people that cannot live and work in the community. It’s a tough reality.”

According to a housing study drafted by the city in 2020, the homeownership rate of low-income households was 28% in McKinney, well below the rate for the U.S. and Texas, which was 41%. The report found nearly half of all renters in the city were cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of their income on housing costs.

The report also found a significant loss in affordable entry-level ownership options since 2011. The share of homes sold for under $200,000 dropped from 58% in 2011 to less than 3% in 2019 in McKinney, according to the study.

Bentley believes the city will make good use of the McKinney Public Facility Corporation, its community land trust and other opportunities to create affordable housing.

McKinney Mayor Bill Cox said he hopes to “ease the burden of homeownership” by incentivizing more affordable housing options and supporting organizations that provide lower-priced options.

“It’s important to have all price points of homes in a city,” Cox said. “We certainly want our employees that work in McKinney to live in McKinney.”

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