The Rise of Celina, Texas: The Fastest Growing City for Homebuyers

Once a quiet farming community, Celina, Texas has become one of the fastest-growing cities in North Texas and among the top four fastest-growing cities in the entire U.S. Its growth reflects broader trends in housing affordability, urban migration, and development patterns that are reshaping communities across Texas.

In this article, we’ll explore what’s behind Celina’s meteoric rise, what makes the town so attractive, and what prospective homeowners need to know about buying in this booming market.

Why Celina? A Small Town With Big Appeal

Located about 40 miles north of downtown Dallas, Celina offers the charm of small-town living with the convenience of big-city access. The city’s population, which was under 2,000 just 20 years ago, is now pushing past 40,000 residents — and projections suggest that number could exceed 300,000 over the next two decades.

What’s Driving the Surge?

• Affordability vs. Dallas and Frisco: Housing prices in Celina remain more accessible than in nearby cities like Frisco, Plano, or McKinney. With the median home price in Celina still below many DFW suburbs, buyers can often get more square footage, larger lots, and newer construction for their dollar.
• Master-Planned Communities: Major master-planned communities like Light Farms, Mustang Lakes, and Green Meadows attract families with top-tier amenities, parks, pools, and trails.
• Top-Rated Schools and Community Spirit: The Celina ISD is gaining recognition for academic excellence and school spirit — Celina is "Friday Night Lights" country, where football games bring the town together.

Major Developments Reshaping Celina

Just 20 miles south of Celina, PGA Frisco has become a destination for sports and leisure. This 660-acre development includes the PGA of America headquarters, two championship golf courses, a resort, restaurants, retail spaces, walking trails, and public event areas. It is expected to generate thousands of jobs for the region and contribute significantly to the local economy through tourism, hospitality, and events. The facility plans to host multiple major tournaments, concerts, and community gatherings annually, creating ongoing economic impact and new opportunities for businesses in nearby communities like Celina.

Celina is also seeing a retail and civic development boom. A 190-acre Walmart mixed-use plan will include dining, shopping, and public spaces, with phases projected to open starting in 2026. Costco (late 2025), Home Depot, Lowe’s, and other retailers are coming, alongside mixed-use projects with entertainment, medical, and office space. The city is investing in downtown revitalization, parks, and new schools to balance growth with small-town character.

Several mixed-use developments will also bring restaurants, entertainment venues, medical offices, and coworking spaces. These projects promise greater convenience, more local job opportunities, and enhanced tax revenue to fund city services, but they also fuel concerns about preserving Celina’s small-town identity and charm.

Pros and Cons of Moving to Celina

Pros

• Affordability compared to DFW hotspots: Homebuyers can stretch their dollars further in Celina, often securing newer, larger homes for less than what they’d pay in neighboring cities like Frisco or Plano.
• Newer homes with modern layouts and features: Many homes offer energy-efficient designs, smart home technology, and open floor plans that suit today’s lifestyles.
• Strong sense of community and frequent events: From Cajun Fest to Friday Night Market, Celina’s community events bring neighbors together and foster small-town charm.
• Abundant outdoor amenities: Larger lots, parks, trails, and green spaces provide room to breathe and enjoy the outdoors.
• Strategic location with improving infrastructure: Highway projects and regional investments promise better connectivity to job hubs and neighboring cities.

Cons

• Construction and traffic disruptions: Rapid growth means ongoing construction, detours, and occasional road closures.
• Limited local services in some areas (though improving): While retail and healthcare options are expanding, some parts of Celina still require trips to nearby towns for certain services.
• Higher property taxes and HOA fees in new communities: The cost of amenities and new infrastructure can raise monthly housing expenses.
• Commute times until highway projects are complete: Getting to major job centers like Dallas can be time-consuming during peak hours.
• Tension between growth and small-town identity: Residents voice concerns about preserving Celina’s character amid rapid expansion.

Thinking About Making the Move to Celina?

If you’re considering Celina for your next home, it’s important to approach the process with a smart plan. The first step is getting pre-approved for a mortgage. Pre-approval not only helps you understand your budget, but it also shows sellers and builders that you’re a serious, qualified buyer.

Once you’re pre-approved, you can begin shopping for a home. With so many master-planned communities and new construction options, working with a local real estate agent can help you navigate your choices. Whether you’re looking for a larger lot, top-rated schools, or specific amenities, knowing your priorities will make the search smoother.

Equally important is partnering with a mortgage professional. A broker like LendFriend compares multiple lenders to help you secure competitive terms. This can be especially valuable in a fast-growing city where prices, taxes, and fees vary widely by community.

Planning ahead, asking the right questions, and working with trusted professionals will help you move forward with confidence.

If you’re considering a move to Celina or anywhere in Texas, working with an independent mortgage broker like LendFriend can help you navigate your options. We compare lenders and loan products so you don’t have to, helping you secure competitive terms tailored to your needs. 

Our goal is to make financing simple so you can focus on finding the right home. Call us at 512.881.5099 or connect with us online.