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
Tami Burnett,
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.
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On average, homes in Celina, TX sell after 84 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 $465,949, down 21% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Don’t Miss This One!Welcome to 3525 Dancer Road — a rare opportunity in Celina’s premier master-planned community, Mustang Lakes.Set on a desirable corner homesite, this 4-bedroom, 3-full and 2-half-bath residence spans 3,725 square feet of thoughtfully designed living space. Soaring ceilings and abundant natural light fill the open-concept main living area, which flows seamlessly
Exquisitely remodeled and move-in ready. This distinguished traditional estate is set on a private 1.64-acre retreat in the coveted Twelve Oaks community. Offering 3,713 square feet of single-level refined living, every detail of this home has been curated for the discerning buyer. A top-to-bottom interior renovation showcases the finest finishes throughout — striking Taj Mahal quartzite
MLS# 21362026 - Built by William Ryan Homes - Ready Now! ~ Extremely energy efficient, with a 2x6 exterior framework and open cell insulation, the Lakeway plan welcomes you home with a 16 ft entry and 8 ft doors throughout. The spacious 1 and half story plan offers 4 bedrooms, 3 full size bathrooms, and a flex space. This home will allow everyone to have their own space with two bedrooms and
PRICE IMPROVEMENT - MOTIVATED SELLERMove-in ready and priced to compete with new construction, this beautifully maintained single-story home offers something many newer homes can't—a premium greenbelt location, established neighborhood, and an exceptional value in highly sought-after Celina ISD.Built in 2020, this 4-bedroom, 2-bath home features over 2,100 square feet of
Make use of the buyers market. This home was previously appraised for $763,000! Beautifully maintained north-facing home offering 3,731 sq. ft. with 5 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, and a 3-car garage in highly acclaimed Prosper ISD. Designed for comfortable living and entertaining, this move-in-ready home features soaring ceilings, an open-concept layout, a spacious living area, and a well-appointed
Welcome to 2900 Evergreen in Celina, a beautifully designed two-story home offering the perfect blend of style, functionality, and flexibility. Rich charcoal wood flooring welcomes you as you step inside, while soaring ceilings create a bright, open atmosphere throughout the main living areas.Designed with convenience in mind, the first floor features two bedrooms, including the private
SELLER OFFERING UP TO $10K IN SELLER CONCESSIONS! This like-new 5-bedroom, 4.5-bath home combines modern style, thoughtful design, and exceptional functionality in a prime location with the neighborhood elementary school just a short walk away.Designed for both everyday living and entertaining, this spacious floorplan features a private first-floor guest suite with en-suite bath, making it
PROSPER ISD! New price and improvements... 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. Updated kitchen with granite countertops and modern fixtures. New dual vanity installed in primary bath. Upgraded storage building in the backyard stays! No
PRICED TO SELL, QUICK MOVE-IN! This beautifully upgraded home is ready for its next owners, with the flexibility to close and move in quickly. A thoughtfully designed 5-bedroom, 4-bathroom home offering 3,635 square feet of functional living space in the highly sought-after Light Farms community. A first-floor guest bedroom with an adjacent full bathroom offers added flexibility for guests,
Welcome to this beautifully designed 4-bedroom, 3 full bathroom with office that perfectly blends modern elegance with everyday comfort. Built by Shaddock Homes in 2023, this like-new residence offers an exceptional open-concept floor plan filled with natural light and high-end finishes throughout. Step inside to discover light-colored luxury vinyl plank flooring that flows seamlessly through the
Tucked into a rare creekside position in Mustang Lakes, this 2023 Coventry home faces lush green space, a winding trail, and mature trees — with no opposing neighbors. Just stillness. Inside, soaring 20-ft ceilings and coffered details create an immediate sense of calm. The thoughtfully designed main level offers a serene primary suite, full guest room, media, dining and office, while upstairs a
Welcome to 16913 Clover Dr in the desirable Celina, Texas community of Green Meadows, where modern living meets small-town charm. This spacious home offers an open, functional layout ideal for everyday living and entertaining. Residents enjoy neighborhood amenities including a resort-style pool, clubhouse, playground, scenic ponds, parks, and miles of walking and biking trails. Located within the
**OPEN HOOUSE SATURDAY, SEP 12 11AM-1PM** NEW & IMPROVED PRICE! ** Like new and beautifully maintained, this spacious NORTH FACING home built in 2019 offers 4 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, a private home office, gameroom and an epoxy-coated garage floor. The dedicated office just off the entry provides the perfect space for working from home, studying, or enjoying a quiet retreat. The open-concept
****Open House Sunday from 1 to 3*** Welcome home to this beautifully designed single-story residence in the highly sought-after Prosper ISD, where space, comfort, and convenience come together. Situated on an oversized 80-foot lot with an 8-foot privacy fence, this thoughtfully designed floor plan offers four spacious bedrooms and open living spaces that are perfect for both entertaining and
Rare single-story home in Creeks of Legacy, zoned for Prosper ISD. This hard-to-find, low-maintenance layout is priced among the lowest per square foot in the community. Now vacant and move-in ready, just a short walk from Smothermon Elementary. Highly regarded Moseley Middle School is close by as well.This immaculately maintained 2019 build offers an open floor plan connecting the
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
Welcome to luxury living in one of Celina’s most desirable master-planned communities. This like-new 5-bedroom, 4.5-bath home combines modern style, thoughtful design, and exceptional functionality in a prime location with the neighborhood elementary school just a short walk away. Designed for both everyday living and entertaining, this spacious floorplan features a private first-floor guest
Come home to Ascend at Celina Hills, where convenience is built into your lifestyle. Make yourself comfortable in one of our one, two, or three bedroom apartments with an expansive layout, and attractive finishes. Spend warm afternoons enjoying the breeze on your patio or balcony with your pet, or enjoy a slow-paced day indoors surrounded by beautiful finishes like wood-style flooring,
Step into your own private luxury resort with this extraordinary, executive estate in Celina, Texas. Completed in 2023 and set on an impressive 2.23-acre lot with no HOA, this remarkable property combines modern sophistication, exceptional privacy, and resort-style living to create a truly one-of-a-kind Texas retreat. Available furnished or unfurnished. From the moment you arrive, every detail of
Welcome to The Ownsby, conveniently located in Celina, TX! Forget the generic apartment hunt - embrace a lifestyle tailored to you. Picture trendy, luxury apartments near you where laughter fills the air and comfort reigns supreme. Stay organized with our walk-in closets and built in shelving, offering plenty of storage space for all your essentials. Craft restaurant-quality meals in no time,
Absolutely gorgeous, like new 4 bedroom home with open floor plan featuring incredible upgrades & amenities including designer hardware, fixture & lighting. Open floor plan features spectacular chef's dream kitchen with tons of cabinetry, quartz countertops, center island, built in stainless steel dishwasher, cooktop, oven & microwave. Kitchen opens onto beautiful family room with fireplace.
Live carefree every day. At Alpine Ten55, coming home feels like you're on vacation. With impressive finishes and resort-quality amenities, our apartments make it possible to live beyond your expectations. With so much to do in the perfect location, a vibrant new lifestyle awaits. Embrace it.
Welcome to this spacious 4 Bedroom, 3 Full Bathroom home in the highly desirable Bluewood community! Thoughtfully designed for comfort and convenience, this home features an open-concepts floor plan with the primary suite, spare bedroom, and a dedicated home office or den located on the first floor. Upstairs, you'll find 2 additional bedrooms, a spacious loft or game room, and a media room.
Welcome to The Grove at Century Farms, where the comfort of home meets the ease of rental living. Designed with space, style, and simplicity in mind, this brand-new community offers thoughtfully crafted studio, one-, two-, and three-bedroom homes with the features and privacy you've been searching for.Enjoy the flexibility of renting without sacrificing the details that matter—from modern
AVAILABLE FOR IMMEDIATE MOVE-IN!Less than one year old and beautifully maintained, this spacious single-story home sits on a desirable corner lot with additional yard space and outstanding curb appeal in the rapidly growing city of Celina.Featuring 4 bedrooms, 3 full bathrooms, and a versatile flex room, this home offers the flexibility today's tenants need ..whether for a home
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