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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
Rebecca Askin
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Austin Holtzman,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Celina, TX sell after 79 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in Celina, TX over the last 12 months is $514,900, down 21% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Experience Texas size living with this completely renovated home on 2.02 acres in High Point Estates, offering a convenient location near Historic Downtown Celina Square with close proximity to Preston Road and the Outer Loop. This property combines open acreage with easy access to shopping, dining, and services. The home offers over 3,000 sq. ft. of living space with a grand entry featuring high
Welcome to 3820 Horseshoe Trail, a beautifully maintained single-story home built in 2020 offering the space, layout, and efficiency today’s buyers are searching for in Celina. With 4 bedrooms, 2 baths, and 2,174 square feet, the open-concept floor plan creates a natural flow between the living, dining, and kitchen areas—perfect for both everyday living and entertaining. The kitchen features gas
Experience elevated living in one of Celina’s premier master-planned communities, where thoughtful design and upscale finishes come together to create a home that is both sophisticated and welcoming. Perfectly positioned on a desirable homesite within Mustang Lakes, this corner lot residence offers a seamless blend of comfort, style, and functionality.The interior showcases expansive living
This immaculate family home is loaded with upgrades & has fantastic views of the community walking trail and pond! This beautifully designed residence features an open layout filled with natural light. As you enter you'll be impressed with the rotunda type foyer with a sweeping staircase with wood treads. The thoughtful floor plan offers two bedrooms on the first floor, ideal for guests or
This beautiful and well maintained Celina home is a must see! This home offers an open living, dining and kitchen area, and features four spacious bedrooms on the first level and three full baths in the home. Interior finishes are excellent with plantation shutters, extensive crown molding, and upgraded light fixtures and ceiling fans. The kitchen has granite counter tops, an abundance of 42 inch
Experience Texas size living with this completely renovated home on 2.02 acres in High Point Estates, offering a convenient location near Historic Downtown Celina Square with close proximity to Preston Road and the Outer Loop. This property combines open acreage with easy access to shopping, dining, and services. The home offers over 3,000 sq. ft. of living space with a grand entry featuring high
NEW PRICE! $50,000 PRICE DROP! If you’re buying your first home or relocating to Celina, this is the kind of space that makes the move feel worth it. This 1.5 story home comes with 4 bedrooms, which works perfectly for first-time buyers as well as those upgrading from a smaller 3-bedroom home without overextending. Built in 2022 and based on a popular floor plan, this newer home includes
Welcome to this beautifully maintained, one-year-old home offering 1,769 sq ft of modern comfort and style. Designed with today’s lifestyle in mind, the open-concept kitchen features crisp white cabinetry, granite countertops, a large center island, and a gas cooktop, perfect for cooking, gathering, and entertaining. The kitchen flows seamlessly into the spacious living area, creating an inviting
Price adjustment! Seller also offering $5,000 buyer credit. Discover this immaculate, move-in-ready home set within the coveted Prosper ISD, perfect for anyone wanting the feel of new construction without the wait. From the moment you enter, you’re greeted by an airy, sunlit layout designed for comfortable everyday living and effortless entertaining. The living and dining areas flow together
Immaculate Home in Award-Winning Prosper ISD and Backs to Open Space! Welcome to this stunning 4 bedroom, 3.5 bath residence, perfectly situated on a quiet cul-de-sac street in the highly-acclaimed Prosper School District. Showing like a new home, this property boasts recent updates including new carpet and fresh paint throughout, complemented by elegant engineered hardwood floors. The
Welcome home to a rare opportunity near Downtown Celina. This is where space, community, and small-town charm come together. This home boasts a 5-Bedroom, 3-Full Bath home is thoughtfully designed for modern living, featuring two bedrooms and two full bathrooms on the main level, ideal for multigenerational living, guests, or a private home office. Tucked away on a quiet cul-de-sac and adjacent
Meticulously maintained by the original owner, this stunning east-facing, one-story MI Homes beauty delivers modern open-concept living in award-winning Prosper ISD—all within the vibrant, master-planned community of Light Farms! Natural light fills the spacious living areas, while a dedicated home office adds everyday flexibility for work or study. Energy-efficient features include a tankless
No MUD or PID for this home in Greenway Subdivision offering wonderful amenities including several green belts, jogging paths, community pool, pond, playground and park, all within short walking distance. This open concept floor plan offers an airy feel with 11ft ceilings throughout. Upgraded gourmet kitchen features a large center island with a stainless apron sink, quality shaker style cabinets
Welcome to 3820 Horseshoe Trail, a beautifully maintained single-story home built in 2020 offering the space, layout, and efficiency today’s buyers are searching for in Celina. With 4 bedrooms, 2 baths, and 2,174 square feet, the open-concept floor plan creates a natural flow between the living, dining, and kitchen areas—perfect for both everyday living and entertaining. The kitchen features gas
PROSPER ISD! Located in the highly sought after community of Sutton Fields! This meticulously maintained LIKE-NEW home features a spacious kitchen open to the family room that overlooks the huge private backyard. No neighbors behind where you can relax or entertain on the extended covered patio. Upgraded storage building in the backyard stays! No carpet, brand new laminate flooring and fresh
Welcome to our rental property at 437 Lipizzan Lane in Celina, Texas, a charming single-family home located in the desirable Carter Ranch community. Built in 2015, this residence offers 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and encompasses approximately 1,951 square feet of living space. The open floor plan is designed to maximize natural light, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. The spacious living
Beautiful 4 bed, 3 bath & office home on a corner lot in Light Farms across from chicken park! This home also has a 3-car garage with 1 car area extended to accommodate longer vehicles. The open floorplan with wood floors offers an expansive living space, tons of natural light & plantation shutters! The kitchen is a true gathering place with a huge granite island, SS appliances, butler's pantry
Check out this elegant single-story home located in the amazing Light Farms community. This wonderful home features 3 bedrooms, a flex room, 2 bathrooms which promotes a desirable open floor plan to give both a welcoming and comfortable feel. The kitchen boasts with beautiful quartz countertops and barstool seating around the island. The enlarged primary bedroom has all the modern upgrades
Discover this inviting 4 Bedroom, 3 Bath home offering open-concept living in the sought-after Homeplace at The Columns community. Step inside to a bight, airy floor plan where the kitchen, dining, and living areas flow seamlessly together - perfect for entertaining or everyday living. The spacious kitchen features generous counter space and a functional layout ideal for the home chef. Enjoy a
Spacious and Inviting Home in Prosper ISD!Welcome to this beautiful 4-bedroom, 2-bathroom home with a dedicated office, offering 2,715 square feet of open-concept living. Located in the highly sought-after Prosper ISD, this home features a well-sized fenced backyard with a covered patio—perfect for relaxation or entertaining.Enjoy the fantastic amenities of the HOA, including a community
Landlord covers HOA dues, lawn maintenance and yard care. Built in 2025, this attractive 3-bedroom plus office townhome offers approximately 1,955 sq. ft. of open-concept living in the heart of Prosper. The home features a modern kitchen, spacious living area, and a private primary suite with a walk-in closet and spa-inspired bath. Washer, dryer, and refrigerator are included. Blinds are
PROSPER ISD!! A stunning single family one story house with 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms with over $50K worth of upgrades! Enjoy a beautiful kitchen with quartz countertops, waterfall island two-tone cabinets, Kitchen-aid Gallery appliances and a gas cooktop. With 3 FULL bathrooms, and a shower and tub in the primary bathroom, comfort is not something you'll sacrifice in this house. In addition to the
Fully furnished and move-in ready, this exceptional retreat offers resort-style living on a rare 1.9-acre lot with no HOA. Nestled on a quiet street in the highly desirable Preston Hills subdivision, this stunning 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath residence combines privacy, comfort, and luxury in one remarkable property. Spanning 2,609 square feet, the home features three spacious bedrooms, two inviting
Cute two bedrooms and one and a half bathroom Townhome for lease in Celina. 887 sq ft. Both bedrooms and full bathrooms are upstairs. Half-bathroom is conveniently located downstairs to accommodate guests. This unit includes appliances such as a dishwasher, an electric range, and a refrigerator. The unit also has full-size washer and dryer connections. Celina ISD. SECTION 8 WELCOME. One small pet
Welcome to this beautiful Highland home in the heart of the amazing Light Farms Community. This spacious house contains 5 Bedrooms, 3.5 Bath plus large loft, media room and office with luxurious built in desk and cabinets. Hardwood flooring throughout entry, kitchen, office, and living room. The kitchen boasts of granite countertops, large island and SS appliances. Fully built out Media Room with
Located in the highly sought-after Sutton Fields community and served by top-rated Prosper Independent School District, this beautiful 2024-built home comes fully equipped with a refrigerator, washer, and dryer. The thoughtfully designed floor plan features four spacious bedrooms, a private study, and three full bathrooms, with the primary suite set apart from the secondary bedrooms for added
This well-maintained home features an impressive staircase with metal spindles, spacious bedrooms, and a kitchen that boasts painted cabinets, a wooden vent hood, quartz countertops, a huge island, and a gas cooktop. Master Bathroom has upgraded tile, framed mirrors, a separate tub and shower, plus oversized closet. Upstairs features 3 Beds, 2 Baths, a Game Room, and a huge Media Room. Backyard
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