North metroplex city known for its population growth and development
Rural by nature and about as far north as it gets in the Dallas Metroplex, the City of Celina is rapidly developing as its population swells. Fields of longhorns, a close-knit community, and a historic downtown help maintain its small-town charm. Despite this, Celina's connectivity to the 70-mile Preston Road drives its growth. The city is 15 miles from Frisco and 41 miles from Downtown Dallas. As of 2023, the population of Celina was 43,000, a 26% increase from 2022, making it one of the fastest-growing cities in the U.S.
Activity on local roadways has increased, in preparation for $60 million in capital improvements. Costco, Starbucks and more are also coming to the area – along with nearly 50 other businesses, including several medical facilities and a new elementary school called Cambridge Crossing. These businesses will add to an economy that already boasts major employers like the Celina Independent School District and the City of Celina.
Locals express mixed feelings about the city's rapid development. "It's bittersweet,” says Tiffany Smith, a Realtor with Compass Realty. “We miss the days when it felt more rural. At the same time, there will be a Whole Foods by my house soon. When we moved here, it was 15 minutes away." Celina's tagline is “a life connected,” which shows up in its community. “The people make Celina what it is,” Smith says. “They are very caring.”
Celina is a cozy town in North Texas that has a small-town feel and a big-city convenience.
Celina is a lively town in North Texas that has an intense sense of community and pride.
1/2
Growth brings new developments to Celina
"This was all ranch land once,” Smith says. “As landowners sell to developers, more subdivisions pop up.” Developments are occurring north and south of Celina's downtown core, known for its historic Craftsman homes and bungalows. Mustang Lakes is one of the newest and most built-out subdivisions. This master-planned community is built around a lake and stocked with luxury new-traditional properties, 18 miles of trails and its own 20-acre park. The median price for a home in Celina is $625,000, higher than the Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington area median price of $399,000, according to the Texas Real Estate Research Center. “Home values have appreciated steadily, reflecting strong demand,” says Raj Nair, a Realtor with ReKonnection LLC.
Each neighborhood in Celina balances modern living with scenic beauty.
Newer traditional homes in Celina bring a sense of timeless grace to the neighborhood.
1/2
Celina Independent School District expanding
Students here attend the Celina Independent School District, which earns an overall A-minus grade from Niche. The school district also earns A marks for academics and sports and an A-minus for college prep. With the rapid population growth in the city, Celina ISD is expanding, adding a new elementary school in 2024, 2025 and 2026, along with an addition to Celina High School.
Celina High School, fostering excellence, serves as a hub of community pride in Celina.
Celina’s Moore Middle School prepares students well for high school success.
1/2
Watching longhorns graze from Old Celina Park
Celina is home to three parks, and additions and renovations are ongoing. Old Celina Park is popular for its baseball, multipurpose fields, and catch-and-release pond. A field of grazing longhorns serves as the park's scenic backdrop. Old Celina Park is undergoing renovations to add an all-inclusive playground with a water feature and a multiuse court. Founders Station Park has tennis and basketball courts, a playground and a horseshoe pit. Wilson Creek Park will be a 100-acre park with lighted fields, concrete trails and a 9-hole disc golf course. The $50 million project is projected to be completed in the fall of 2026. Ousley Park is another city project. The 30-acre park is set to include pickleball courts, a dog park, a trail and an art walk. The Celina Area Heritage Association and Museum showcases the city's history.
Old Celina Park, a cherished gathering spot in Celina, hosts vibrant community events.
The fishing dock at Old Celina Park offers a peaceful retreat by the water.
1/2
Shopping and dining in Downtown Celina
Celina was designated an official Main Street City by the Texas Historical Commission in 1997. Downtown Celina is a cozy square of local coffee shops, restaurants and boutiques. Lucy's on the Square — famed for their coconut cream pies — is a favorite pit stop, as is Summer Moon for an ice-cold coffee on hot Texas days. Papa Gallos serves authentic Mexican cuisine, and Terry's Donuts next door offers sweet treats. Tender Smokehouse across the street has a full range of Texas barbeque. Willow House Boutique sells women's and men's apparel options, and Terramania carries vintage and boho decor.
Tender Smokehouse in Celina serves up mouthwatering brisket and ribs.
Lucys on the Square in Celina is the perfect spot for enjoying great food and drinks.
1/2
Gathering in Celina
“The community is welcoming and tight-knit, with residents who value tradition and actively participate in local events,” Nair says. One of the most popular events in Celina is Cajun Fest, the largest crawfish boil in North Texas, held downtown in May. Locals get their fix of crawdads and jambalaya and stomp to live country music. With the Splash and Blast in July, Beware at the Square in October, and Christmas on the Square in November, there’s always a gathering to look forward to.
The Beware of the Square event in Celina offers enjoyable activities and a chance to connect with the community.
Oktoberfest in Celina features traditional food, drinks, and entertainment for everyone to enjoy together.
1/2
New Methodist Celina Medical Center in 2025
Celina is a 41-mile drive to Downtown Dallas using Dallas North Tollway South, while Downtown Fort Worth is 62 miles away. Collin County Transit provides public transportation for qualifying residents. The Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport is a 38-mile drive, while Dallas Love Field is 39 miles away. The nearest hospital is Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – McKinney, 14 miles away. In 2025, construction on the $237 million Methodist Celina Medical Center will be complete. The facility will be four stories and over 200,000 square feet of space.
Celina's crime and weather
According to the Celina Police Department, the city's violent crime rate was 65 offenses per 100,000 residents in December 2023, lower than both the state and national averages. Over that same span, they reported a property crime rate of 85 offenses per 100,000 residents, also lower than both the state and national averages.
As for the weather, according to the 11th National Risk Assessment, wind is a major factor in Celina, and 99 percent of homes are at some risk of being affected by wildfires. With its geographic location, it’s also prone to extreme heat during the summer months.
Written By
Kevin Haswell
Photography Contributed By
Adam Jebbeh
Video By
Grace Kim
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Kalani Hooker,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
On average, homes in Celina, TX sell after 98 days on the market compared to the national average of 70 days. The median sale price for homes in Celina, TX over the last 12 months is $709,200, up 14% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Must-See Corner Lot Gem!Don't miss this rare opportunity to own a stunning home on a premium corner lot that lives like a private island—with virtually no neighbors and unobstructed water views. Perfectly positioned across from the community pond, this property offers peaceful sunrises, front porch views of the ducks flying in, and year-round serenity that’s hard to find. Step inside this
Discover an unmatched level of comfort & elegance in this charming two story Highland Home in the exceptional community of Lilyana. This 4 bedroom, 3 bath, game room with a loft, plus an office residence boasts ample space & beauty at one of the BEST VALUES in Prosper ISD! Offering the appeal of small town living, but all the conveniences of a close proximity to retail & major transportation
Do you appreciate modern design, low-maintenance living, and clean, uncluttered aesthetics? This Light Farms gem delivers. Step inside this thoughtfully designed one-and-a-half story home featuring timeless style and exceptional functionality. The kitchen shines with crisp white cabinetry, quartz countertops, a gas cooktop, double ovens, an oversized island with pendant lighting, and a porcelain
Must-See Corner Lot Gem!Don't miss this rare opportunity to own a stunning home on a premium corner lot that lives like a private island—with virtually no neighbors and unobstructed water views. Perfectly positioned across from the community pond, this property offers peaceful sunrises, front porch views of the ducks flying in, and year-round serenity that’s hard to find. Step inside this
Discover an unmatched level of comfort & elegance in this charming two story Highland Home in the exceptional community of Lilyana. This 4 bedroom, 3 bath, game room with a loft, plus an office residence boasts ample space & beauty at one of the BEST VALUES in Prosper ISD! Offering the appeal of small town living, but all the conveniences of a close proximity to retail & major transportation
Do you appreciate modern design, low-maintenance living, and clean, uncluttered aesthetics? This Light Farms gem delivers. Step inside this thoughtfully designed one-and-a-half story home featuring timeless style and exceptional functionality. The kitchen shines with crisp white cabinetry, quartz countertops, a gas cooktop, double ovens, an oversized island with pendant lighting, and a porcelain
LIVE IN LUXURY: Exquisite Former Model Home Loaded with High-End Upgrades in a Resort-Style Community! Welcome to this exceptional 4-bedroom, 4-bath masterpiece, where every corner has been thoughtfully curated for both elegance and functionality. Built to impress, this former model home offers architectural distinction, high-design elements, and an unmatched attention to detail. The expansive
Prosper ISD!Brand New Appliances Negotiable!Located in highly sought-after Prosper and zoned to top-rated Prosper ISD schools, this beautifully maintained home offers outstanding educational opportunities and a strong sense of community. Step inside to discover a bright, open layout with 9-foot ceilings and abundant natural light. The kitchen boasts 42-inch upper cabinets, granite
MOVE IN SPECIAL - NO DEPOSIT DUE AT MOVE IN!!! Welcome to this beautifully designed 3-bedroom, 2-bath home located in a peaceful neighborhood in Celina. With its open-concept layout, this home offers bright living spaces, neutral tones, and sleek finishes throughout. The kitchen features stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, and plenty of cabinet space—perfect for daily living and
Walk Score® measures the walkability of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
