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
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GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Celina, TX sell after 86 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 $466,630, down 28% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
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
Beautifully updated, carpet-free single-story home for sale at 414 Dartmoor Dr in Celina, TX, located in the highly desirable Carter Ranch community just off Preston Road north of Dallas! Featuring 3 bedrooms, 2 full bathrooms, and open-concept living, this low-maintenance home offers durable wood-look plank and tile flooring throughout. Interior Highlights: The spacious main family room features
Resort-style living meets refined design in this 2021 Highland Homes-built estate on a premium86-foot homesite in Celina's award-winning Mustang Lakes community. Panoramic sliding doorsblur the line between indoor and outdoor living, opening the main level to a backyard built forentertaining: a luxury pool with spa and slide, a built-in grill with bar seating, a covered cabanafor
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 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 everyday life. At the center of the
FANTASTIC! Single-story and immaculately maintained home in the Creeks of Legacy West. This perfectly designed home has it all! Beautiful, open floor plan is perfect for entertaining and ideal for any family. Oversized Primary has a gorgeous en-suite bath and custom closet system. The Chef's kitchen highlights granite counters, stainless appliances, gas accessibility, plenty of cabinet space, an
Welcome home to this charming one-story home in the highly desirable Sutton Fields community, located within sought-after Prosper ISD! Ready for move-in, this thoughtfully designed home offers a spacious open floor plan with 4 bedrooms, an oversized dining room, and a large living area—perfect for both everyday living and entertaining.The heart of the home is the inviting kitchen, featuring
Looking for more home for your money in Celina ISD? This spacious Celina home offers the location, layout, and value that many buyers struggle to find in today’s North Texas market. Discover the opportunity to own a spacious home in one of North Texas’ fastest-growing areas. Located in Celina and served by highly sought-after Celina ISD, 3820 Horseshoe Trail offers the space, functionality, and
Beautifully maintained and move-in ready, this exceptional home in Celina offers a spacious open-concept design that blends comfort, style, and functionality. Filled with natural light, the inviting living area flows seamlessly into a well-appointed kitchen featuring ample cabinetry, generous counter space, and a large center island ideal for everyday living and entertaining. The private primary
Welcome to luxury living in one of Celina’s most desirable 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 suite with
Come relax in the country and feel renewed in this lovely custom home set on a sprawling 2 acres with a sparkling pool and spa. The expansive living room features a cozy fireplace and a wall of windows framing picture-perfect views of the covered patio and wide-open outdoor space. The bright, airy kitchen offers an updated look with subway tile, a spacious breakfast bar, and an eat-in dining area
Seller is offering a $10,000 concession! Step into 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. This multi-story residence stands out with builder upgrades that enhance both everyday living and entertaining, including a fifth bedroom, dedicated media room, and expanded 3-car garage. At
This stunning single-story home offers 4 bedrooms and 3 full bathrooms, thoughtfully designed with high-end upgrades throughout. The spacious kitchen is a true centerpiece, featuring quartz countertops, bright white cabinetry for a clean, open feel, KitchenAid appliances, and a gas cooktop—perfect for both everyday living and entertaining.With three full bathrooms, including a luxurious
RARE LENNAR NEXT GEN – THE HOME WITHIN A HOME® IN TOP-RATED PROSPER ISD! This highly sought-after Genesis floor plan offers the perfect solution for multi-generational living with two homes under one roof. The private Next Gen Suite features its own entrance, living room, kitchenette, full bath, two bedrooms—ideal for extended family, guests, or aging parents. The main home showcases a beautiful
A fantastic north facing beautifully designed home that combines modern comfort, functionalliving, and timeless style in one of North Texas’ fastest-growing communities. From themoment you arrive, you’ll appreciate the thoughtfully landscapedexterior, and welcoming atmosphere.Inside, the home features include an open-concept layout filled with naturallight, spacious living
Welcome home to this beautiful single-story gem nestled in the heart of Celina offering incredible drive-up appeal with a stunning stone elevation and beautifully landscaped yard. This charming three-bedroom, two-bath home combines warmth, style, and functionality with an open-concept floor plan designed for everyday living and entertaining.Step inside and be greeted by handsome rich
One Preston Station offers upscale one, two, and three bedroom apartments in Celina, Texas, combining small-town charm with modern living.Located near the Dallas North Tollway, residents enjoy easy access to Frisco, Prosper, and the greater Dallas area while staying connected to the growing Celina community.Our thoughtfully designed apartment homes feature open-concept layouts, high-end finishes,
Recently refreshed and ready for immediate move-in, this beautifully updated Carter Ranch home offers the space and comfort today’s renters are looking for. Fresh interior updates completed in late June 2026 include new flooring in the living room and primary suite, along with fresh paint throughout. This spacious 5-bedroom, 3.5-bathroom home also includes a refrigerator for added convenience.
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
Atlas Bluewood Apartments is located at Kinship Parkway in Celina, Texas, in the Prosper Independent School District attendance zone. The Dallas North Tollway connects the community to Legacy West, Legacy Business Park, and major DFW employers including Goldman Sachs, Toyota North America, Liberty Mutual, and the Shops at Legacy in Plano, approximately 20 miles south. Celina Town Center is
Experience upscale living in the master-planned community of Lilyana, zoned to highly acclaimed Prosper ISD. Landlord pays the HOA dues. Situated on a premium lot with a park directly behind the home, this thoughtfully designed residence offers two bedrooms on the first floor, including a spacious primary suite and a private guest suite, making it ideal for multigenerational living or guests. The
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,
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
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.
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
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