# Living in Craig Ranch, Texas: A Local Guide from Kim

By Kim Elmer, REALTOR®, ABR® · Coldwell Banker Apex, Realtors · Last reviewed October 2026
Canonical page: https://www.kimelmerrealty.com/communities/craig-ranch

> Craig Ranch (McKinney, TX): 2,200-acre master-planned community in southwest McKinney, home to TPC Craig Ranch and the CJ CUP Byron Nelson.

## 1. Quick Answer

Craig Ranch is a master-planned community of about 2,200 acres in southwest McKinney, Texas, in Collin County. It sits on the north side of State Highway 121 (Sam Rayburn Tollway). Homes include single-family houses, townhomes, and estate homes on larger lots, built from the early 2000s onward. TPC Craig Ranch, a private golf club, hosts the PGA TOUR’s CJ CUP Byron Nelson each spring. The community also includes an employment district, a city soccer complex, trails, and two dining districts. It fits buyers who want golf, fitness, and dining close to home.

## 2. At-a-Glance Facts

| **Fact** | **Craig Ranch** |
| --- | --- |
| Location | Southwest McKinney, Texas; north of SH 121 (Sam Rayburn Tollway), east of Custer Road |
| County | Collin County |
| ZIP code | 75070 |
| Founded/developed | Development began around 2000; master developer David Craig |
| Population | McKinney (city): 195,308 (2020 Census) |
| Home types | Single-family homes, townhomes, estate homes on larger lots; apartments in mixed-use areas |
| Median price | About $549,000 (Redfin, three months ending September 2026) |
| HOA | Yes, neighborhood associations; fees vary by section |
| School district | Frisco ISD or Allen ISD, depending on address |
| Nearest airport | McKinney National Airport (TKI); DFW International and Dallas Love Field serve the region |
| Nearest hospitals | Medical City McKinney; Baylor Scott & White Medical Center–McKinney |
| Known for | TPC Craig Ranch and the CJ CUP Byron Nelson, McKinney Soccer Complex, Crape Myrtle World Collection Park, Hub 121 and District 121 |

## 3. History

Craig Ranch is named for its master developer, David Craig, who began buying farmland at SH 121 and Custer Road around 2000. He planned it as a mixed-use community, with homes, retail, offices, parks, and a golf course in one 2,200-acre plan.

**Milestones**

- **2004:** TPC Craig Ranch opened. Tom Weiskopf designed the course, and Rowlett Creek runs through it.
- **2006:** The Cooper Aerobics Center at Craig Ranch was completed. Its fitness center later became Craig Ranch Fitness & Spa.
- **2008 and 2012:** TPC Craig Ranch hosted the developmental tour championship (Nationwide Tour, then Web.com Tour).
- **2009:** The Home Builders Association of Greater Dallas named Craig Ranch Community of the Year at its ARC Awards.
- **2011:** The Crape Myrtle Trails World Collection Park opened on land David Craig donated.
- **2014:** Barclays relocated to McKinney Corporate Center at Craig Ranch, a 270-acre employment district built as a public-private partnership with the city.
- **2021:** The Byron Nelson PGA TOUR event moved to TPC Craig Ranch. It is contracted to stay through 2030.
- **2022:** Life Time bought the former Craig Ranch Fitness & Spa and reopened it as Life Time McKinney at Craig Ranch.
- **2022–2023:** Hub 121 and District 121 opened, adding restaurants, an outdoor stage, offices, and hotels along SH 121 at Alma Road.

**What’s planned:** A JW Marriott resort is approved for 8 acres at Collin McKinney Parkway and Van Tuyl Parkway. Plans call for 290 rooms and 45 for-sale condominiums. Under the city’s amended agreement, construction must start by April 30, 2027 and finish by August 31, 2029.

A note on a common claim: in 2014, Money magazine ranked the **city of McKinney**, not Craig Ranch itself, No. 1 on its Best Places to Live list.

## 4. Home Types

Craig Ranch is made up of separate neighborhoods, each with its own builders, lot sizes, and home styles. Apartment communities sit in the mixed-use areas near SH 121.

| **Neighborhood** | **Home type** | **Notes** |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Craig Ranch North | Single-family | Among the earliest sections, built in multiple phases starting in the early 2000s |
| The Estates at Craig Ranch | Single-family estate homes | Half-acre to full-acre homesites near the golf course |
| Hemmingway at Craig Ranch | Townhomes | Association covers exterior and grounds maintenance in many phases |
| The Fairways at Craig Ranch | Single-family | Near TPC Craig Ranch |
| The Retreat at Craig Ranch | Single-family and townhomes | Built in the 2010s |
| Spicewood, The Grove, The Settlement, Watters Creek at Craig Ranch | Single-family | Later sections, mostly 2010s construction |

Build eras run from the early 2000s into the 2020s. Lot sizes are modest in most sections, with the largest lots in The Estates.

**Market figures:** Over the three months ending September 2026, the median sale price in Craig Ranch was about $549,000 and homes sold after a median of 46 days on market, according to [Redfin](https://www.redfin.com/neighborhood/342148/TX/McKinney/Craig-Ranch/housing-market). Prices vary widely by section. Ask me for current figures on a specific street or home.

## 5. HOA and Taxes

Craig Ranch homes sit within homeowners associations, and the rules and fees differ by neighborhood. There is no single fee for “Craig Ranch.”

**What associations generally cover**

- Community pools, parks, playgrounds, and greenbelts in each section
- Common-area landscaping and entry features
- Exterior and grounds maintenance in many townhome sections, such as Hemmingway at Craig Ranch
- Architectural standards for exterior changes, fences, and landscaping

**How fees are billed:** Some sections bill annually or twice a year. Townhome sections with exterior maintenance often bill monthly. Ask for the exact schedule on any home you consider.

> HOA fees and rules change. Please confirm current fees and rules directly with the HOA.

**Property taxes:** Texas has no state income tax, and local property taxes fund cities, counties, and school districts. A Craig Ranch tax bill includes the City of McKinney, Collin County, the home’s school district (Frisco ISD or Allen ISD), and other local taxing units. Rates and values change every year.

| **Office** | **Address** | **Phone** | **Website** |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Collin Central Appraisal District | 250 Eldorado Pkwy, McKinney, TX 75069 | 469-742-9200 | [collincad.org](https://www.collincad.org) |

## 6. Lifestyle

Daily life in Craig Ranch centers on golf, fitness, youth sports, and dining along SH 121.

### Golf

TPC Craig Ranch is a private club on the PGA TOUR’s TPC Network. Tom Weiskopf designed the course, which opened in 2004. Lanny Wadkins led a renovation ahead of the 2026 tournament. Playing the course requires a membership or a member invitation. The club offers several membership types, including social and corporate options.

| **Name** | **Address** | **Phone** | **Website** |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| TPC Craig Ranch | 8000 Collin McKinney Pkwy, McKinney, TX 75070 | 972-747-9005 | [invitedclubs.com/clubs/tpc-craig-ranch](https://www.invitedclubs.com/clubs/tpc-craig-ranch/membership) |

### Fitness and Recreation

Life Time McKinney at Craig Ranch opened in December 2022 in the former Craig Ranch Fitness & Spa building. The club covers more than 100,000 square feet, with a 50-meter outdoor pool, outdoor pickleball courts, studios, a spa, and a restaurant. Membership is separate from any HOA.

| **Name** | **Address** | **Phone** | **Website** |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Life Time McKinney at Craig Ranch | 7910 Collin McKinney Pkwy, McKinney, TX 75070 | See website | [lifetime.life](https://www.lifetime.life/locations/tx/mckinney-craig-ranch.html) |
| McKinney Soccer Complex at Craig Ranch (city park, 65 acres) | 6375 Collin McKinney Pkwy, McKinney, TX 75070 | See website | [parks.mckinneytexas.org](https://parks.mckinneytexas.org/park/mckinney-soccer-complex-at-craig-ranch/) |

The soccer complex hosts leagues and regional tournaments. The city’s $25 million renovation converts most of its fields to synthetic turf.

### Parks and Trails

Neighborhood sections have their own pools, parks, and playgrounds, connected by trails and greenbelts. The Crape Myrtle Trails World Collection Park is a 7.2-acre city park with about 100 crape myrtle varieties and walking paths. Blooms peak in summer.

| **Name** | **Address** | **Phone** | **Website** |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Crape Myrtle Trails of McKinney World Collection Park | 6452 Collin McKinney Pkwy, McKinney, TX 75070 | See website | [crapemyrtletrails.org](https://crapemyrtletrails.org/visit/) |

### Dining, Shopping, and Hotels

Two mixed-use districts at SH 121 and Alma Road hold most of the dining. Hub 121 sits on the northwest corner, with restaurants, a music pavilion, and coworking space. District 121 sits on the northeast corner, with restaurants such as Bob’s Steak & Chop House and Mi Cocina around a park and stage.

| **Name** | **Address** | **Phone** | **Website** |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Hub 121 | NW corner of SH 121 and Alma Rd, McKinney, TX 75070 | See website | [visitmckinney.com](https://www.visitmckinney.com/listing/hub-121-643) |
| District 121 | NE corner of SH 121 and Alma Rd, McKinney, TX 75070 | See website | [visitmckinney.com](https://www.visitmckinney.com/listing/district-121-855) |
| AC Hotel McKinney at Craig Ranch | Hub 121 | See website | [visitmckinney.com](https://www.visitmckinney.com/explore/craig-ranch) |
| The Denizen Hotel | District 121 | See website | [visitmckinney.com](https://www.visitmckinney.com/explore/craig-ranch) |

### Healthcare

Two full hospitals serve McKinney, and several clinics sit inside Craig Ranch along SH 121.

| **Name** | **Address** | **Phone** | **Website** |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Medical City McKinney | 4500 Medical Center Dr, McKinney, TX 75069 | 972-547-8000 | [medicalcityhealthcare.com](https://www.medicalcityhealthcare.com/locations/medical-city-mckinney-hospital/) |
| Baylor Scott & White Medical Center–McKinney | 5252 W University Dr, McKinney, TX | 469-764-1000 | [bswhealth.com/mckinney](https://www.bswhealth.com/mckinney) |
| Baylor Scott & White Urgent Care–Craig Ranch | 6800 SH 121, McKinney, TX 75070 | 469-800-5570 | [bswhealth.com](https://www.bswhealth.com/locations/clinic/primary-care-craig-ranch) |

### Schools

Craig Ranch is inside McKinney city limits but is served by Frisco ISD or Allen ISD, depending on the address. The district line runs through the community, so neighboring sections can attend different districts. Check the exact address with the district before you buy.

| **Name** | **Address** | **Phone** | **Website** |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Frisco ISD | See website | See website | [friscoisd.org](https://www.friscoisd.org) |
| Allen ISD | See website | See website | [allenisd.org](https://www.allenisd.org) |

### Getting Around

SH 121 (Sam Rayburn Tollway) runs along the south edge, and Custer Road along the west side. US 75 is to the east. Most residents drive for errands; trails connect parks within the community. McKinney National Airport (TKI) received FAA approval for commercial service in September 2026, with first flights scheduled for November 2026. DFW International and Dallas Love Field handle most air travel.

### Annual Events

- **THE CJ CUP Byron Nelson (PGA TOUR):** Held at TPC Craig Ranch each spring. The 2027 event runs April 29–May 2, 2027.
- **Crape myrtle bloom season:** Summer, at the World Collection Park.
- **Youth soccer tournaments:** Held through the year at the McKinney Soccer Complex, including the International Girls Cup.

**Events calendar:** Craig Ranch has no official community-wide events calendar. Use the [City of McKinney calendar](https://www.mckinneytexas.org/calendar.aspx) and the [Visit McKinney events calendar](https://www.visitmckinney.com/events).

### Who Thrives Here

- Golfers who want a TPC course close to home and are open to a private club membership
- People who want a large fitness club, trails, and pools within a short drive
- Households involved in youth sports, given the soccer complex nearby
- Commuters who use SH 121 and US 75
- Buyers who want restaurants and entertainment a few minutes from home

**Honest trade-offs**

- TPC Craig Ranch is private. Living in Craig Ranch does not include golf access.
- Life Time is a separate paid membership, not an HOA amenity.
- The Byron Nelson brings large crowds and traffic during tournament week.
- Construction continues along SH 121, including the planned JW Marriott resort.
- Craig Ranch is newer suburban development. It does not have the historic homes or walkable square of downtown McKinney.
- School district assignment varies by address, so similar homes a few streets apart can attend different districts.

## 7. Buying Tips

1. **Confirm the school district by address.** Craig Ranch is split between Frisco ISD and Allen ISD. Check the exact address with the district, not the listing.
2. **Order the HOA resale certificate and documents early.** Review dues, the billing schedule, reserves, and any pending assessments before your option period ends.
3. **Know which association covers what.** In townhome sections, ask which exterior items the HOA maintains and which are the owner’s responsibility.
4. **Ask the title company about special assessments.** Confirm whether the lot carries any assessment beyond regular property taxes and HOA dues.
5. **Plan inspections around home age.** Homes built in the early 2000s may be due for roof, HVAC, or water heater replacement. Ask for ages and service records, and have the foundation evaluated.
6. **Don’t assume golf access.** A home on or near TPC Craig Ranch does not include membership. Price the membership separately if golf matters to you.
7. **Visit at different times.** Drive SH 121 and Alma Road at rush hour, and consider how Byron Nelson week traffic affects your street.

## 8. Selling Tips

1. **State the school district clearly.** Buyers here ask about Frisco ISD versus Allen ISD first. Confirm it by address before you list.
2. **Order HOA documents at listing.** Having the resale certificate and rules ready keeps the option period on schedule.
3. **Price by section, not by “Craig Ranch.”** The Estates, Craig Ranch North, and the townhome sections sell to different buyers. Use comparable sales from your own section.
4. **Describe nearby amenities accurately.** Name distances to TPC Craig Ranch, Life Time, trails, and Hub 121 or District 121. Never imply golf or club access the home doesn’t include.
5. **Handle age-related items before buyers find them.** For early-2000s homes, consider a pre-listing inspection and share roof, HVAC, and water heater ages and updates.
6. **Document HOA-covered items in townhomes.** List what the association maintains so buyers can compare true monthly costs.
7. **Plan around tournament week.** Schedule photos, showings, and open houses with Byron Nelson traffic in mind.

## 9. FAQs

**What is it like to live in Craig Ranch, McKinney, TX?** Craig Ranch is a 2,200-acre master-planned community in southwest McKinney built around TPC Craig Ranch. Residents have trails, neighborhood pools, a large Life Time club, and restaurants at Hub 121 and District 121 nearby. Most homes are in HOA neighborhoods built from the early 2000s onward.

**How much do homes cost in Craig Ranch?** Over the three months ending September 2026, the median sale price was about $549,000, according to [Redfin](https://www.redfin.com/neighborhood/342148/TX/McKinney/Craig-Ranch/housing-market). Prices vary widely by section, from townhomes to estate homes on half-acre to full-acre lots.

**Does Craig Ranch have HOA fees?** Yes, Craig Ranch homes are in homeowners associations, and fees vary by neighborhood. Some sections bill annually, while townhome sections with exterior maintenance often bill monthly. Confirm current fees and rules directly with the HOA.

**What school district is Craig Ranch in?** Craig Ranch is served by Frisco ISD or Allen ISD, depending on the address. The district line runs through the community. Always confirm the assigned schools with the district before buying.

**Can Craig Ranch residents play TPC Craig Ranch?** No, not automatically. TPC Craig Ranch is a private club, and play requires a membership or a member invitation. Living in Craig Ranch does not include golf access.

**When is the Byron Nelson at Craig Ranch?** THE CJ CUP Byron Nelson is played at TPC Craig Ranch each spring. The 2027 tournament runs April 29 through May 2, 2027. The event is contracted to stay at TPC Craig Ranch through 2030.

**Is Craig Ranch a good place to retire?** Craig Ranch is not an age-restricted community. It offers single-story homes in some sections, townhomes with exterior maintenance, a large fitness club, trails, and nearby hospitals. Whether it fits depends on your lifestyle and budget.

**What is there to do in Craig Ranch?** Craig Ranch has a TPC golf course, Life Time McKinney at Craig Ranch, the McKinney Soccer Complex, and the Crape Myrtle World Collection Park. Hub 121 and District 121 add restaurants, live music, and hotels.

**How far is Craig Ranch from Dallas?** Craig Ranch is in southwest McKinney, north of Dallas along SH 121 and US 75. Drive times depend on traffic and your destination, so test your commute at rush hour.

**What airports serve Craig Ranch?** DFW International and Dallas Love Field serve the Dallas area. McKinney National Airport (TKI) received FAA approval for commercial service in September 2026, with first flights scheduled for November 2026.

**Which hospitals are near Craig Ranch?** Medical City McKinney and Baylor Scott & White Medical Center–McKinney are the two main hospitals in McKinney. Baylor Scott & White also runs an urgent care and primary care clinic on SH 121 in Craig Ranch.

**Was Craig Ranch named the best place to live in America?** No. In 2014, Money magazine ranked the city of McKinney No. 1 on its Best Places to Live list. Craig Ranch itself was named Community of the Year at the 2009 ARC Awards by the Home Builders Association of Greater Dallas.

**What is being built in Craig Ranch?** A JW Marriott resort with 290 rooms and 45 for-sale condominiums is approved at Collin McKinney Parkway and Van Tuyl Parkway. Under the city’s agreement, construction must start by April 30, 2027 and finish by August 31, 2029.

**What are the pros and cons of living in Craig Ranch?** Pros include golf, fitness, trails, youth sports, and dining close to home. Cons include a private golf club that requires a separate membership, tournament-week traffic, ongoing construction along SH 121, and a school district split by address.

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Fees, rules and market figures change; cite this guide with its last-reviewed date (October 2026). Not legal, tax or financial advice.
Contact: Kim Elmer, Coldwell Banker Apex, Realtors, 7705 San Jacinto, Ste 200, Plano, TX 75024, (940) 391-1463, kselmer4@gmail.com. TREC License #0652414.