Proximity to Dallas, good schools and lower home prices than nearby suburbs are just some of the reasons that the city of Princeton has exploded in popularity. “It’s one of the fastest growing cities and has conveniences of other cities within 10 minutes,” says Vickie Mize, owner and broker at Vickie’s Real Estate Group, who has been selling real estate in Princeton for 25 years. Princeton is home to 28,000 residents--about 11,000 more than in 2020. “It's blooming with new businesses and residential developments,” says Alba Herrera Beaty, a Realtor with Coldwell Banker Apex who’s sold many homes in the area. “People used to move to McKinney, but it's become crowded, so they’re heading to Princeton instead. It’s still one of the most affordable places in the area even though it’s becoming more expensive.”
Many residents work in Dallas, about 40 miles away, Plano, 22 miles away, or McKinney, 10 miles west. Major employers in the city are the Princeton Independent School District and the City of Princeton.
Princeton aims to offer unique products and services, enhancing the community experience for everyone.
Overall, Princeton is set to benefit greatly from these developments as they enrich local shopping options.
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Growth brings new residential development
Aligned with its recent growth, many homes in Princeton were built in the last 20 years. Homes range from older ranch-style properties to New Traditional homes in organized developments on wide roads. Several new master planned communities have sprung up in the city, including Whitewing Trails and Forest Park. The median home price in Princeton is $345,000, lower than the Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington area median of $399,000, according to the Texas Real Estate Research Center. Mize notes that “the cost point of the homes is the number-one reason come here. You can get a house for $350,000 in Princeton that would be $500,000 in McKinney.” Due to the explosive growth in Princeton, a 120-day moratorium on new residential development was issued in September 2024 to assess its impact on the city's infrastructure and public services.
Princeton features beautiful ranch-style homes with spacious, open layouts.
Princeton’s master-planned neighborhoods offer convenience and strong amenities.
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Local parks and nearby Lake Lavon
The City of Princeton has four parks, but a $109 million bond is set to improve the parks' infrastructure. The bond will expand green spaces, enhance existing parks, and build community spaces. J.M. Caldwell Sr. Community Park has a disc golf course, basketball court and dog park. The park also hosts a big 4th of July event. Other parks include Princeton Municipal Park, with a catch-and-release fishing pond and walking trails, and Parkview Heights with a playground and a basketball court. Princeton is next door to Lake Lavon for fishing, beaches, campgrounds, boat docks and hiking trails.
Veterans Memorial Park in Princeton has pathways to walk and view the memorial monuments.
Local athletes of Princeton enjoy training at J.M. Caldwell St. Community Park.
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Students served by the well-rated Princeton Independent School District
The Princeton Independent School District serves students in Princeton. The district earns an overall A-minus grade from Niche, including an A grade for diversity and an A-minus mark for college prep. Princeton ISD offers students a variety of fine arts and has been recognized on both the state and national levels. The district is planning to open new schools through 2034 to avoid overcrowding in schools due to population growth.
James Godwin Elementary in Princeton serves students Pre-K through 5th grade in Collin County.
Students might attend Southard Middle School in Princeton.
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Shopping and dining at nearby Historic Downtown McKinney
Historic Downtown McKinney is a 9-mile drive from Princeton and is one of the largest historic districts in Texas. The area has over 170 unique shops, from art galleries to home décor shops, and more than two dozen places to grab a bite. Dining in Princeton can be found along U.S. Highway 380, including national chains like Wingstop and Dominos and local spots like Scrambler Café and Jocy’s Restaurant.
The fun of McKinney's downtown shops and cafes is easily reached from Princeton.
Jocy's Restaurant is a where all the local residents of Princeton recommend to grab lunch.
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Near McKinney and Greenville
U.S. Highway 380 bisects the area and runs west to McKinney and east to Greenville. While there is no traditional public transportation in Princeton, those who qualify can use the Collin County Transit Program, which connects them to local grocery stores, senior centers, libraries, hospitals and more. Downtown Dallas is 40 miles from Princeton, while Downtown Fort Worth is about a 65-mile drive. The Dallas Fort Worth International Airport and Dallas Love Field Airport are about 40 miles away. The nearest hospital is Medical City McKinney, 11 miles away.
Princeton's weather
According to the 11th National Risk Assessment, Princeton has a significant wind factor. The city is also at risk of wildfires, with 100% of properties in Princeton being at some risk of being affected. The city also has extreme heat during the summer months but mild winter temperatures.
Princeton's crime
According to Princeton Police Department reporting, in December 2023, the violent crime rate was 73 offenses per 100,000 residents, lower than the state and national averages. Over that same span, they reported a property crime rate of 69 offenses per 100,000 residents, also lower than the state and national averages.
Written By
Kevin Haswell
Photography Contributed By
Adam Jebbeh
Video By
Grace Kim
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
David Rogers,
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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J.M. Caldwell Sr. Community Park / WWII P.O.W. Camp
Bratonia Park
Ticky Creek Park
Clear Lake Park
Sister Grove Park
Twin Groves Park
Veterans Memorial Park
Princeton Municipal Park
Parkview Heights Park
Princeton Housing Trends
On average, homes in Princeton, TX sell after 85 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in Princeton, TX over the last 12 months is $374,990, down 3% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
MLS# 21345023 - Built by Ashton Woods Homes - Oct 2026 completion! ~ New two-story home by Ashton Woods located in Princeton, TX features the Serene Collection, showcasing muted earth tones and natural textures. Enjoy the open kitchen-living-dining in the heart of the home plus a formal dining room just off the foyer. An eat-in island with abundant countertop space, stainless steel appliance
MLS# 21344979- Built by Ashton Woods Homes - Oct 2026 completion! ~ Welcome to this brand-new, thoughtfully designed one-story home by Ashton Woods. Designed with the Harmony Collection, this home showcases polished whites and iron finishes. A charming front porch opens to an elongated foyer with a convenient coat closet, setting a warm and welcoming tone. At the heart of the home is a bright,
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Previous model home! Welcome to a beautifully designed home located in the sought-after Bridgewater community in Princeton, Texas. This spacious single-story home offers 2,347 square feet of thoughtfully designed living space with 4 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, and an open-concept floor plan that's perfect for both everyday living and entertaining.The heart of the home features a spacious
Welcome to 317 Magnolia Drive, a spacious five-bedroom home offering room to spread out both indoors and out. The flexible floor plan includes two generous living areas, 2.5 baths, and an attached two-car garage, making it well suited for a large household, entertaining, working from home, or creating dedicated hobby and media spaces.The home occupies one of the development’s premium lots,
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Discover your dream home in the sought-after Princeton Meadows West community! This charming, low-maintenance 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home perfectly balances affordability and comfort. The welcoming front porch and beautiful landscaping create a warm introduction. Inside, stylish light laminate flooring runs throughout, complementing a functional layout with two secondary bedrooms sharing a
Situated on an Oversized Corner Lot with a fenced backyard, this Immaculate 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home offers a refined blend of comfort and functionality. The light-filled Open-Concept floor plan is ideal for both entertaining and everyday living, highlighted by Beautiful Ceramic Tile flooring that adds durability and timeless appeal throughout the main living areas. The kitchen provides
The Ponderosa plan Cope Homes Luxury Series. This beautiful craftsman style home is located in the newest 1+ acre lot community in Princeton , at Hidden Valley II. This home features a large open floorplan, two story ceilings, and an oversized 3 car garage. The kitchen features quartz countertops, Bar, Kitchen Aid double ovens, gas cooktop, dishwasher, large kitchen island. Other features include
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Previous model home! This 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom Alta floor plan is located in the desirable Tillage Farms community in Princeton, TX. The open concept living and dining area features durable tile flooring, abundant natural light, and a versatile layout that flows easily into the kitchen. The kitchen offers rich cabinetry, a full appliance package, granite countertops, and a functional layout with
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Price improvement so here's YOUR chance, Life is short, buy the Lake House!! Welcome to this adorable, updated 1-bedroom, 1-bath retreat nestled just moments from the lake! With partial water views and a peaceful setting, this cozy gem is the perfect canvas for your weekend escape, fishing hideaway, or short-term rental investment. Step inside to find a open and bright inviting layout that’s easy
Section 8 welcome. Landlord pays the HOA dues.Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to lease a 2024 built single-family home, priced lower than many apartments, located in a highly-rated school district near the lake. The open floor plan features a spacious family room with a powder bath, dining area and kitchen downstairs. Upstairs, you will find 4 bedrooms, 2 full bathrooms and also the
We're leasing and open for tours! Welcome to Oxenfree Princeton, a new for-rent single family and townhome community in Princeton, Texas. Our two-, three-, and four- bedroom single family homes and townhomes offer private fenced in yards or balconies/ patios, attached garages, and a maintenance free, turn-key lifestyle. Experience leveled-up living like you've never seen before. Our indoor and
Situated on an Oversized Corner Lot with a fenced backyard, this Immaculate 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home offers a refined blend of comfort and functionality. The light-filled Open-Concept floor plan is ideal for both entertaining and everyday living, highlighted by Beautiful Ceramic Tile flooring that adds durability and timeless appeal throughout the main living areas. The kitchen provides
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Welcome to 3907 Turpin Drive, where modern design meets everyday functionality in this stunning 5-bedroom, 4-bath home offering over 3,500 square feet of thoughtfully designed living space. With a highly desirable floor plan, this home features a dedicated home office, private primary suite, additional first-floor bedroom with full bath, spacious game room, media room, and a rare 3-car
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Section 8 welcome! Brand new, energy-efficient home ready late August 2026 with refrigerator, washer, and dryer included, and landlord pays HOA dues. This thoughtfully designed home features an open-concept living area perfect for entertaining, with a spacious second-story loft ideal for kids or additional living space. The interior showcases pebble cabinets, marble-look white granite
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