Living in Celina, TX — Relocation Guide

Collin & Denton County, Texas

Living in Celina, TX

One of North Texas' fastest growing communities new construction, larger homesites, and rural charm.

Ask Your Advocate About Celina

Celina at a Glance

County

Collin & Denton Counties

Population

Approx. 35,000+ (rapidly growing)

To Downtown Dallas

Approx. 45–55 min via Dallas North Tollway

To Downtown Fort Worth

Approx. 60–70 min via US-380 and SH-121

To DFW Airport

Approx. 40–50 min via SH-121

To Love Field

Approx. 50–60 min via Dallas North Tollway

Median Home Price

Approx. $450,000–$600,000 (varies by neighborhood)

Avg. Property Tax Rate

Approx. 2.0–2.5% (varies by location)

Year Incorporated

1876

ZIP Codes

75009

Welcome to Celina

Celina has become one of the most talked about communities in North Texas. Just a few years ago it was a quiet small town; today it's one of the fastest growing cities in the country, attracting buyers who want new construction, larger lots, and more space than the densely developed communities to the south. Celina retains a genuine small town character a charming historic downtown square, community events, and a strong local identity while offering the amenities of a rapidly growing suburb. For buyers who want to get ahead of the growth curve, Celina represents one of the most compelling opportunities in the DFW market.

Housing in Celina

Celina's housing market is dominated by new construction. Major builders including D.R. Horton, Lennar, Highland Homes, and Coventry Homes are active in multiple communities throughout the city.

Lot sizes in Celina tend to be larger than in Frisco or Prosper, making it attractive for buyers who want more outdoor space. Communities range from entry level new construction to upscale custom home neighborhoods.

The historic downtown area has some older homes, but the vast majority of Celina's housing stock is new or recently built. Buyers should expect HOA communities with amenities including pools, trails, and parks.

Lifestyle in Celina

Celina offers a blend of small town charm and growing suburban amenities. The historic downtown square features local restaurants, shops, and community gathering spaces that give Celina a distinct character.

As the city grows, new retail and dining options are opening along the US-380 corridor and near major residential developments. Residents also have easy access to Prosper and Frisco's more developed commercial areas.

Community events, local festivals, and a strong sense of civic pride make Celina feel like a genuine community rather than just a collection of subdivisions.

Things to Do

Celina's historic downtown square is a gathering place for community events, local dining, and shopping. The city hosts festivals, holiday celebrations, and community events throughout the year.

Outdoor recreation is a draw the area's open spaces and trails provide cycling, running, and nature opportunities. Nearby Lake Ray Roberts and Lewisville Lake offer boating and fishing.

Frisco's entertainment options Toyota Stadium, The Star, and extensive dining are approximately 20–30 minutes south.

Education

Celina is served by Celina ISD, which has grown rapidly alongside the city. The district has invested in new facilities to accommodate the population growth.

For school boundary information and performance data, visit the Celina ISD website at celinaisd.com. Some areas of Celina may fall within Prosper ISD or other districts always verify for a specific address.

Collin College has a campus in McKinney, approximately 25–30 minutes south.

Major Employers

Celina is primarily residential, with most residents commuting to employment centers in Frisco, Plano, McKinney, and the Dallas North Tollway corridor.

The city's rapid growth is attracting commercial development, but the major employment base remains in neighboring cities. Toyota North America, PGA of America, and numerous technology firms are accessible within 30–45 minutes.

Healthcare employment is available at Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Frisco and Medical City Frisco.

Transportation and Commuting

Celina is a car dependent community. The Dallas North Tollway (DNT) provides the primary north south connection, accessible via Preston Road (SH-289) from Celina.

US-380 runs east west through the area, connecting to McKinney to the east and Denton to the west. Commute times to Frisco are approximately 20–30 minutes; to downtown Dallas, approximately 45–55 minutes.

There is no public transit serving Celina. Most residents commute by car.

Parks and Outdoor Recreation

Celina's parks system is growing alongside the city. Community parks and trails are included in most new master planned developments.

The open, semi rural character of the area provides a different outdoor experience than the more developed communities to the south. Nearby Lake Ray Roberts State Park offers camping, hiking, and equestrian trails.

Lewisville Lake is approximately 30–40 minutes south for boating and water recreation.

Annual Events

Celina hosts community events centered around its historic downtown square, including holiday celebrations, festivals, and seasonal markets.

The Celina Bluegrass Festival is a beloved annual tradition. Community events organized by the city and neighborhood associations keep residents connected.

Nearby Prosper and Frisco offer additional events and entertainment options.

Homeownership in Celina

Celina homeowners are positioned in one of the most dynamic growth markets in North Texas. Property values have appreciated significantly as the city has grown, and continued development supports long term value.

Utility providers vary by location the City of Celina provides water/wastewater for most areas. Electricity is provided by Oncor or CoServ Electric depending on location. Atmos Energy serves natural gas.

Collin County and Denton County both offer homestead exemptions. Contact the Collin Central Appraisal District (collincad.org) or Denton Central Appraisal District (dentoncad.com) for details.

Most new construction communities in Celina are governed by HOAs. Review HOA documents carefully, and be aware that MUD (Municipal Utility District) taxes may apply in some areas, affecting your total tax rate.

Utilities and Services

Everything you need to set up before your move date in Celina.

Internet Providers

Common providers in Celina. Availability varies by address. Always verify before committing.

ProviderTypeCustomer ServiceWebsite
Frontier FiberFiber800-921-8101Visit site
AT&T FiberFiber800-288-2020Visit site
NextlinkFixed Wireless855-698-5465Visit site
Rise BroadbandFixed Wireless844-411-7473Visit site

Electricity

Deregulated market choose your provider at PowerToChoose.org

ProviderCustomer ServiceWebsite
TXU Energy800-818-6132Visit site
Reliant Energy866-222-7100Visit site
Direct Energy866-968-8065Visit site
Gexa Energy866-961-9399Visit site
Green Mountain Energy866-785-4668Visit site
Rhythm Energy888-774-9846Visit site

Natural Gas

Atmos Energy serves most of North Texas. Set up service at least one to two weeks before your move date.

ProviderCustomer ServiceWebsite
Atmos Energy888-286-6700Visit site
CoServ Gas940-321-7800Visit site

Water and Sewer

Water service in Celina is provided by the city or a Municipal Utility District (MUD) depending on your development.

ProviderCustomer ServiceWebsite
City of Celina / MUD (varies by development)972-382-2682Visit site

Trash and Recycling

ProviderCustomer ServiceWebsite
Waste Connections (City contract)844-708-7274Visit site

Home Security

ProviderCustomer ServiceWebsite
ADT800-238-2727Visit site
Vivint800-216-5232Visit site
Brinks Home800-447-9239Visit site
SimpliSafe800-548-0526Visit site

Mobile Phone Providers

ProviderCustomer ServiceWebsite
AT&T800-331-0500Visit site
Verizon800-922-0204Visit site
T-Mobile800-937-8997Visit site

TV and Streaming

ProviderCustomer ServiceWebsite
DIRECTV800-531-5000Visit site
Spectrum TV833-949-0036Visit site
YouTube TVOnline supportVisit site
Hulu + Live TVOnline supportVisit site
Sling TVOnline supportVisit site

Postal Services

ServiceContactWebsite
USPS Customer Service800-275-8777Visit site
Change of AddressOnlineVisit site
Hold MailOnlineVisit site

Texas Driver License & Vehicle Registration

ServiceContactWebsite
TX Dept of Public Safety (Driver License)512-424-2600Visit site
TX Dept of Motor Vehicles (Registration)888-368-4689Visit site

Homestead Exemption

File your homestead exemption with your county appraisal district to reduce your property tax bill. You must own and occupy the home as your primary residence as of January 1.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Celina still growing?

Yes Celina is one of the fastest growing cities in the country, with significant new residential and commercial development ongoing.

What school district serves Celina?

Most of Celina is served by Celina ISD. Some areas may fall within Prosper ISD. Always verify for a specific address.

Are there MUD taxes in Celina?

Yes, many new construction communities in Celina are located within Municipal Utility Districts (MUDs), which add to the overall tax rate. Ask your agent and review the tax certificate carefully.

How far is Celina from Frisco?

Approximately 15–25 minutes by car, depending on your specific location in Celina.

Is there new construction in Celina?

Absolutely new construction dominates the Celina market, with multiple major builders active in the area.

Nearby Communities

Thinking About Moving to Celina?

Nichelle Boyland is a DFW REALTOR® who specializes in helping buyers find the right community. Get personalized guidance, no pressure, just answers.

Get in Touch