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 76 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Celina, TX over the last 12 months is $525,000, down 19% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
North facing single-story home located in the highly desirable Cambridge Crossing community in Celina, Texas. Built in 2021 and beautifully maintained, this light and bright home offers a thoughtful open-concept layout that lives larger than expected, enhanced by high ceilings, tall windows, and an abundance of natural light throughout. Designed with flexibility in mind, the floor plan features a
Introducing a stunning new Grand Home in the highly desirable Wellspring community, with no MUD, PID, or PUD. This vibrant neighborhood offers Pickleball Courts, a Playground, a serene pond, and scenic winding trails, perfect for an active lifestyle. Situated on a spacious 0.22-acre homesite, the home welcomes you with a vaulted family room filled with natural light, featuring wood floors and a
READY FOR MOVE-IN! Extended entry with 13-foot ceiling leads to open kitchen, dining area and family room. Hardwood floors throughout living areas. Kitchen offers generous counter space, corner walk-in pantry, 5-burner gas cooktop and inviting island with built-in seating space. Dining area flows into family room with a wood mantel fireplace and wall of windows. Game room with French doors just
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
Stunning Custom Brick 2-Story on 2.5 Acres in Celina ISD! This remarkable property is nestled among mature oak trees with a charming creek and custom bridge, offering privacy, character, and timeless appeal. Step inside to find rich custom woodwork and skylights that flood the home with natural light. The formal living room features a fireplace with a custom mantel and picture frame paneling,
Welcome to this well maintained home! Boasting over 4,500 square feet of flexible living space— it is ideal for bringing your dream home to life. With 6 generously sized bedrooms (or 5 plus a dedicated office), a media room complete with theater seating and projector, and a bright sunroom, there’s room for everyone and every need. The layout offers a blank slate to tailor each space to your
This Charming Home is close to Downtown Celina Home, Near Preston Rd & Dallas North Tollway, The Next Frontier of the Platinum Corridor.Welcome to 307 S New Mexico Dr in Celina, Texas — a well-located home in the heart of one of North Texas’ fastest-growing and most desirable communities. Now recognized as the next frontier of the Platinum Corridor, Celina offers unmatched momentum, lifestyle
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
USDA approved property, with 0 down! Welcome to 2608 Muirwood Way in the heart of Celina, TX—a stunning, move-in-ready home that blends open-concept living, thoughtful design, and access to top-tier community amenities. Step inside to a bright, airy living area filled with natural light and highlighted by soaring two-story ceilings, creating an inviting and expansive feel. The gourmet island
Discover this move-in-ready single-story home in the sought-after Buffalo Ridge community of Celina. Built in 2022, this 3-bedroom, 2-bath home offers 1,897 sq ft of thoughtfully designed living space plus a dedicated office. Enjoy a bright open-concept layout with luxury vinyl plank flooring throughout and carpet in the bedrooms. The modern kitchen features quartz countertops, a gas cooktop,
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
Welcome home to your 2020 Shaddock build in one of the area’s most sought-after master-planned communities—Light Farms! This stunning 4-bedroom, 3-bath, two-story residence is the perfect size for a first-time homebuyer or an established family. With updated finishes throughout, this home is truly move-in ready. As you walk into the property, you are greeted with an open floor plan featuring a
Open Concept 4 Bedroom 3 Bath 3 Car Garage Home With Beautiful Stone & Brick Work In Award Winning SchoolDistrict! Only 1 Owner Built In 2023! Covered Front Porch * Balcony * Huge Living Are With Corner Gas Log FireplaceOpen To Kitchen Featuring A Breakfast Bar, Sparkling Quartz Countertops, Island, Gas Cooktop, Oven & Microwave*Primary Bedroom & Ensuite Down With Garden Tub, Separate
Welcome to your nearly-new dream home in the heart of Celina!Built in 2021, this stunning 4-bedroom, 3-bath residence offers approximately 2,240 sq ft of thoughtfully designed living space. Located in the sought-after Sutton Fields community, this home seamlessly blends modern convenience with everyday comfort. Stepping inside, you’re greeted by an open-concept layout, perfect for both
Some homes are about location. Others are about lifestyle. This one is the rare intersection of both. Set in the heart of Light Farms, a highly sought after master planned community, this property offers something few can: Celina’s small town charm, resort level amenities, and zoning to Prosper ISD, a trifecta that drives long term value and everyday enjoyment. Miles of scenic trails wind through
Step into the this beautifully designed home offering 2,647 sq. ft. of living space with 4 spacious bedrooms, 2.5 baths, a private study, and two inviting living areas. The heart of the home is the gourmet kitchen, featuring hard-surface countertops, stainless steel appliances, and ample cabinetry—perfect for both everyday meals and entertaining. The main bedroom suite is a true retreat, complete
Welcome home to this brand-new, never-lived-in single-story residence offering 4 bedrooms, 3 full bathrooms, and a dedicated office—perfect for working from home or creating a quiet flex space. The spacious, open layout provides comfortable everyday living with plenty of room to relax or entertain. Enjoy a private backyard with no rear neighbors, giving you extra peace and quiet and a more open
Nestled in the amenity-rich community of Light Farms in Celina, this beautiful new construction, single-story home offers modern living with 4 spacious bedrooms and 2 full bathrooms. Step inside to an open-concept floor plan highlighted by luxury vinyl plank flooring throughout, combining style, durability, and comfort. The chef-inspired kitchen features a large center island, abundant cabinetry
Discover this pristine 2-storey townhome, so brand new it has the new home smell, with zero baggage from previous occupants. It's fully equipped with a top-notch appliance suite, including a refrigerator ready to chill your groceries, a washer and dryer tag-team eager to tackle your laundry battles, and ceiling fans in every room to keep the vibes cool and breezy. The first floor boasts elegant
Welcome to your dream home—now available for lease on 2-1-2026! This stunning residence features 4 spacious bedrooms, 3 full bathrooms, and a thoughtfully designed layout that perfectly balances comfort and style. Enjoy effortless entertaining with a large game room and a cozy media room, ideal for movie nights or gatherings with friends. A private study offers the perfect space for working from
Call to find out how Owner is willing to sell you the home at the end of the lease if you wish. An option NOT an obligation. Get to test drive the home! PLUS ..........You will not have to pay for a background check to sign a lease because once you are accepted we credit that to your first months rent PS.. CALL this listing agent and ask for the WALK THROUGH video. North Facing home that is
Be the first to live in this stunning, brand-new 4-bedroom, 3-bath home located in the highly desirable North Sky community. This move-in ready residence offers the rare opportunity to lease a never-lived-in home with modern design, space, and functionality throughout. Step inside through a dramatic entry with soaring 12-foot ceilings that set the tone for the light-filled, open layout. A formal
Enjoy easy living in this single-story, well maintained home, located in the highly sought-after Light Farms community in Celina. With an open layout and soaring ceilings, this home has it all. A charming brick-and-stone exterior, with a landscaped homesite, engineered wood flooring guides you through a long foyer into a bright, open living space. Two spacious secondary bedrooms feature carpet,
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
Section 8 housing vouchers welcome. Landlord covers HOA dues, lawn maintenance and yard care. This brand new spacious 3-bedrooms plus office townhome is one of the largest floor plans in the community and is situated on a desirable corner lot in the heart of Prosper. Offering approximately 2,080 sq. ft., the home features an open-concept layout with a modern kitchen, generous living area, and a
Nestled in the growing city of Celina, Texas, the 75009 zip code area presents an exceptional living experience, blending small-town charm with upscale suburban amenities. This area is increasingly sought after by families, professionals, and investors alike, drawn by its picturesque landscapes, rapid development, and community-oriented atmosphere. Celina's strategic location offers convenient
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