Plano offers a pleasant environment characterized by calm surroundings and convenient access to over 40 nearby green spaces such as Cottonwood Creek Greenbelt and Schell Park. The city supports cycling with well-designed infrastructure, making bike travel straightforward. Many local businesses and essential amenities, including grocery stores and more than 50 cafes, are situated close to residential areas, providing excellent daily convenience. The housing variety is broad, featuring single detached homes alongside large and small apartment buildings constructed mostly since 1992. Educational options include public and private elementary and secondary schools, making access to schooling readily available. Parking in the city is typically easy to find.
The character of Plano is exemplified by its relaxed atmosphere. This part of the Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan area is very quiet, as there are generally low levels of noise from traffic. Finally, the greenery in this city is not very prominent; however, there are over 300 public green spaces nearby for residents to discover, including Crowley Park and Cottonwood Creek Greenbelt, making them easy to get to.
Parks, schools, dining, and what makes this neighborhood special
A 6.3‑mile paved multi‑use trail running through Highlands of McKamy along Meandering Way, ideal for walking, biking, running, and skating, connecting Fretz Park, Salado Park, and Campbell Green Park—an active, scenic asset right within the neighborhood.
Residents of Highlands of McKamy are zoned to highly rated schools in the Plano Independent School District—Jackson Elementary, Frankford Middle, and Plano West Senior High—making the area especially notable for families prioritizing education.
This neighborhood park directly accessible from Highlands of McKamy via the Preston Ridge Trail features open green space and a playground, providing a convenient outdoor gathering and recreation spot for families.
The neighborhood’s boundaries along Frankford Road to the south and Hillcrest Road to the east give residents exceptionally convenient access to major thoroughfares, easing commutes to downtown Dallas, Plano, and Richardson.
Highlands of McKamy stands out for its quiet, mature suburban feel—single‑family homes from the late 1980s/early 1990s, established landscaping, and shaded streets create a peaceful, community‑oriented atmosphere.
Things to do, events, and what's happening this month
This free, family-friendly festival in the Dallas Arts District features mariachi, Latin dance, live salsa and cumbia music, a Latinidad Mercado, and authentic food vendors. It is a convenient regional outing for Highlands of McKamy residents who want an evening of culture, music, and food without a ticket cost.
View event details →The State Fair is one of Dallas’s signature fall traditions, offering carnival rides, livestock exhibits, live entertainment, fried-food favorites, shopping, and family attractions such as the Kidway and stunt-dog show. Fair Park is a reasonable drive from Highlands of McKamy for a full-day October outing.
View event details →More than 100,000 pumpkins, gourds, and squash transform the Dallas Arboretum into a colorful fall destination. Highlands of McKamy residents can enjoy seasonal gardens, family photo opportunities, outdoor walks, and rotating fall programs, making this a relaxed daytime activity close to White Rock Lake and East Dallas.
View event details →This family-friendly neighborhood festival near White Rock Lake combines German food, local craft beer, live music, children’s activities, and a Kid Zone. Its East Dallas location makes it especially practical for Highlands of McKamy residents seeking a festive outdoor event that is closer than many large regional festivals.
View event details →This free Halloween celebration offers a family-oriented way to enjoy the holiday in downtown Dallas, with seasonal entertainment and activities from the AT&T Performing Arts Center. It is a strong choice for Highlands of McKamy households looking for daytime Halloween fun rather than a late-night haunted attraction.
View event details →Stories, updates, and things to know in Highlands of McKamy
Local characteristics and demographics for Highlands of McKamy
