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
Lisa Birdsong,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Celina, TX sell after 85 days on the market compared to the national average of 56 days. The median sale price for homes in Celina, TX over the last 12 months is $502,000, down 22% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Located on a premium cul-de-sac lot in a sought-after master-planned community and zoned to Prosper ISD and Walnut Grove HS, this beautifully maintained one-story home offers a functional layout, modern finishes, and a private backyard designed for everyday living and entertaining. Inside, the open-concept design connects the kitchen, dining, and living areas, creating an easy flow filled with
Rare single-neighbor lot! This Perry Homes masterpiece sits nestled against a community park with sparkling pond. From this premium lot, enjoy nature as your neighbor! Home begins when you enter your gated courtyard & step into a spectacular, beautifully upgraded floorplan. Secure in the heart of Light Farms & zoned for the top-rated Prosper ISD, this residence is designed for the modern chef &
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
Welcome to 6201 Cheshire St, where comfort, space, and modern style come together in one of Aubrey’s desirable communities. This well-maintained home offers a functional open-concept layout designed for both everyday living and effortless entertaining. The spacious living area flows seamlessly into the kitchen and dining space, creating a bright and inviting atmosphere. The kitchen features ample
An incredible opportunity to enjoy the sought-after lifestyle of Mustang Lakes! This thoughtfully designed one-story home offers 4 bedrooms and 3 full bathrooms with a functional layout perfect for everyday living and entertaining. The open-concept floor plan creates a welcoming space, anchored by a cozy gas fireplace and rich wood flooring that flows through the main living areas. The kitchen
Located on a premium cul-de-sac lot in a sought-after master-planned community and zoned to Prosper ISD and Walnut Grove HS, this beautifully maintained one-story home offers a functional layout, modern finishes, and a private backyard designed for everyday living and entertaining. Inside, the open-concept design connects the kitchen, dining, and living areas, creating an easy flow filled with
Ready to love where you live? Welcome to this stunning Perry Homes beauty in Mustang Lakes, a like-new 2024-built home ready to give you the lifestyle you love. The Builder's Warranty is still in effect through December 2026, giving you all the benefits of new construction without the wait. Step inside to discover the heart of the home, a kitchen that showcases crisp white quartz counters, a
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
Rare single-neighbor lot! This Perry Homes masterpiece sits nestled against a community park with sparkling pond. From this premium lot, enjoy nature as your neighbor! Home begins when you enter your gated courtyard & step into a spectacular, beautifully upgraded floorplan. Secure in the heart of Light Farms & zoned for the top-rated Prosper ISD, this residence is designed for the modern chef &
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
Motivated Seller.This single-story 4-bed, 3-bath home is located in Celina with exemplary Prosper ISD.Versatile Living Spaces with a formal dining room, breakfast area, and spacious living room.The centrally located Chef's kitchen is equipped with upgraded SS appliances, granite counters, sensor-attached faucets, and an island with extra storage.Living area boasts a decorative fireplace with
Welcome to this 2-bedroom, 1.5-bath townhome located in the heart of Celina, featuring a functional layout with all bedrooms and a full bathroom upstairs for added privacy, and a convenient half-bath downstairs for guests. The kitchen is fully equipped with essential appliances, including a refrigerator, stove, and dishwasher, and the home also includes full-size washer and dryer connections for
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
Beautifully appointed home offering true single-level living with all bedrooms on the first floor, located in highly sought-after Prosper ISD and within walking distance to the neighborhood elementary school. A versatile flex space on the main level easily serves as a formal dining room, private study, or playroom. Upstairs, a spacious game room with private half bath provides the perfect retreat
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
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
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
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
This Stunning K Hovnanian Home has many upgrades. With 4 bed, 3 baths, this home offers a fantastic open floorplan with split bedrooms. The 4th bedroom could easily be used as a study or a 2nd living area. It features beautiful engineered wood flooring and nice carpeting in bedrooms. The kitchen boasts granite, SS appliances, a large island and tons of cabinets. Many custom touches include
Built in 2024 and move-in ready with Section 8 housing vouchers welcome! This beautifully designed 3-bedroom plus office townhome offers approximately 1,937 sq. ft. of open-concept living in a prime Prosper location. Landlord covers HOA dues, lawn maintenance, and yard care for added convenience. The home features a modern kitchen that flows seamlessly into a spacious living area, along with a
Do not miss this stunning, fully furnished executive rental in Celina, Texas, available this July. Experience Magnificent Resort-Style Luxury Living, completed in 2023. Nestled on a sprawling 2.23-acre lot with no HOA, this extraordinary masterpiece redefines modern luxury living. From the moment you arrive, every detail of this 7,450 SF residence speaks of craftsmanship, elegance, and modern
Nestled in a premier neighborhood known for its warmth and charm, this pristine sanctuary offers a lifestyle of effortless grace, situated directly across from the community park. From the moment you enter, soaring high ceilings and an abundance of natural light illuminate a sophisticated interior, featuring a gourmet kitchen with stainless steel appliances and elegant flooring that flows from
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