Jul 31, 2023

The Ultimate Guide to Living in Celina Texas!


Welcome to the Fastest Growing City in North Texas! Today, we are taking you throughout Celina Texas to show you everything that this charming city has to offer. We will show you all of the amazing shops and restaurants downtown; we’ll tell you all about the schools; We’ll show you the most popular park in the city, and we’ll take you to some of the most prominent neighborhoods in the city.

Make sure you stick around because throughout the video we will also be revealing 5 pros and 5 cons of the city. So sit back, grab some popcorn, and get ready to learn everything there is to know about living in Celina, Texas!

About Celina

Celina is a charming little city located in both Collin and Denton counties here in Texas.

It lies between Texas State Highway 289 (Preston Road) to the east and the forthcoming Dallas North Tollway to the west. Positioned approximately 40 miles north of Dallas, Celina currently has a population of 43,811. 

However, its future growth is ambitious, with a projected full buildout population of 380,000 and a potential population of 100,000 by 2026

For those of you looking to make the move here, the median home price in Celina ranges from $600,000 to $650,000.

History of Celina

The history of Celina traces back to the mid-1800s when the area was settled by pioneers seeking new opportunities in the vast lands of North Texas. It was officially established as a town in 1879 and quickly grew into a bustling community centered around agriculture and farming. Celina’s strategic location along the Houston and Texas Central Railway further contributed to its development, facilitating trade and commerce. 

Throughout its history, the city has experienced periods of growth and setbacks, reflecting the ebb and flow of economic and social changes in the region. Over time, Celina has evolved into a charming blend of its historic roots and modern aspirations, now poised for significant growth and development in the coming years.

Historic Downtown Celina

Downtown Celina, also known as Celina Square, offers a delightful array of activities and attractions for visitors to enjoy. Immerse yourself in the charming atmosphere of the historic district as you explore a variety of unique shops, delightful restaurants, and a vibrant farmers market. 

Celina Square is renowned for its lively events, including the highly anticipated “big four” main events. Kick off the summer with the energetic Cajun Fest in May, and brace yourself for the exhilarating Splash & Blast celebration in July. Experience the thrill of Beware! Of the Square in October, and embrace the festive spirit during Christmas on the Square in November. Whether you’re seeking cultural experiences, delectable cuisine, or community celebrations, downtown Celina promises an engaging and memorable visit for all.

Jobs & Economy

Celina’s robust economy and thriving job market make it an attractive destination for professionals and families alike. With an impressive average household income of $126,000 , residents enjoy a comfortable standard of living. 

Over the past decade, Celina has experienced remarkable growth, with its population increasing by an impressive 70% between 2010 and 2020. While Education and Government stand as the biggest employers in Celina, residents also benefit from the city’s convenient proximity to major employment opportunities in nearby Frisco and Plano. Just a short drive away, these vibrant cities house numerous headquarters of major companies like Frito Lay, JCPenney, and Cinemark. 

Moreover, Frisco and Plano offer abundant prospects across diverse industries such as technology, healthcare, and finance. This advantageous location ensures Celina’s residents have access to a wide range of employment options.

Schools

Residents of Celina will either be zoned for Celina ISD or Prosper ISD depending on where they live. Those in South Celina will primarily be zoned for Prosper ISD while Central and North Celina are zoned for Celina ISD.

Celina Independent School District

Celina Independent School District (ISD) is an above average educational institution that caters to the academic and athletic development of its students. With a student population of 2962, the district provides a conducive learning environment for its diverse student body. 

Celina ISD has received a B+ rating from niche.com. The district is also in the top 10% ranking for student athletes statewide. 

Additionally, Celina ISD boasts impressive average SAT and ACT scores of 1220 and 26.

The district has a 19:1 student-teacher ratio.

Celina ISD consists of three elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school, providing comprehensive education from primary to secondary levels. 

Celina High School 

Celina High School, situated in the northern part of Celina just off Preston Road, is the primary high school in Celina ISD and, on average, has a student population of around 1000 students. 

The school takes pride in its wide range of sports programs, catering to students’ diverse athletic interests. Students can choose from a variety of sports, including football, baseball/softball, basketball, track & field, swimming, golf, powerlifting, tennis, soccer, and volleyball. 

With a remarkable 99% graduation rate , Celina High School demonstrates its commitment to academic excellence and student success. The high graduation rate reflects the school’s dedication to providing a supportive and nurturing environment that enables students to thrive academically and graduate with confidence. 

Food

Tender Smokehouse

Tender Smokehouse in Celina is a must-visit family-owned Texas barbecue restaurant that promises a delectable dining experience. 

With a focus on hand-crafted pit barbecue, Tender Smokehouse takes pride in serving up mouthwatering dishes that showcase the authentic flavors of Texas. The restaurant sources its meat locally, ensuring the highest quality and supporting the community. 

Alongside the fantastic barbecue, Tender Smokehouse also offers a selection of locally brewed beers, providing the perfect complement to the flavorful dishes. 

The restaurant is known for its generous portions, ensuring that guests leave satisfied and with memories of big flavors. 

Parks & Recreation

Celina is located in the heart of North Texas, so there are endless opportunities for outdoor recreation. You can go hiking, biking, fishing, boating, and more. Residents are a short drive away from several large lakes including Lake Ray Roberts, Lake Lewisville, and Lake Texoma.

Old Celina Park

Old Celina Park offers a fantastic array of recreational amenities, making it a beloved destination for outdoor enthusiasts. 

This expansive park boasts two baseball fields specifically designed for children aged 12 and under, providing a safe and enjoyable environment for young athletes. Additionally, there is a baseball field designated for those aged 13 and up, catering to older players and ensuring there is something for everyone. 

The park also features 

  • a softball field. 
  • the large multipurpose fields with soccer goals and backstops 
  • A large pavilion is available for gatherings and events, 
  • playground 
  • picnic tables and charcoal grills 
  • serene fishing pond
  • walking trails 

Neighborhoods

Mustang Lakes

Mustang Lakes in Celina is a prestigious residential community that offers an unparalleled living experience. This highly sought after community has homes constructed by builders such as: 

  • Britton Homes
  • Coventry Homes
  • David Weekly Homes
  • Highland Homes
  • Perry Homes
  • Tradition Homes
  • The price range of homes in Mustang Lakes spans from the 500s to millions, catering to a wide range of budgets and preferences. some  of the standout features of this community include 
  • Front yard maintenance in the HOA fees
  • Five-acre stocked lake with an island, 
  • A 20-acre park 
  • A Junior Olympic pool
  • Tennis courts
  • Basketball courts

With a vast network of 18 miles of trails, residents can explore the beautiful surroundings while staying active and enjoying outdoor pursuits. The community also features an amphitheater, perfect for hosting events and enjoying entertainment in an open-air setting. The crowning jewel of Mustang Lakes is the Mustang Club, the largest amenity center in North Texas. Residents can indulge in a range of amenities, including fitness facilities, gathering spaces, and other recreational activities.

Families with school-age children will appreciate that Mustang Lakes is zoned for Prosper Independent School District, with access to esteemed educational institutions such as Sam Johnson Elementary, Lorene Rogers Elementary, and Prosper High School.

Light Farms

Light Farms is a remarkable residential community that offers an exceptional living experience. With renowned builders such as 

  • American Legends Homes
  • Drees Custom Homes
  • Khovnanian Homes
  • M/I Homes
  • Shaddock Homes
  • Toll Brothers
  • Tradition Homes
  • Trophy Signature Homes

residents have access to an array of high-quality homes designed to suit various tastes and preferences.

some of the standout features of Light Farms is its 

  • extensive trail system, spanning over 13 miles
  • 240+ acres of parks and open areas
  • five neighborhood pools
  • Community’s fitness center is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and even offers yoga classes. 
  • three tennis courts

Recap of Celina

From top-rated schools and a thriving job market to abundant recreational amenities and a strong sense of community, Celina has all the elements that make a city great. If you’re considering making Celina your home, reach out to the Living in Dallas Texas team today. We’re here to assist you in finding your perfect new home in this remarkable city, where you can enjoy the best of both small-town charm and easy access to big-city conveniences. Give us a call , shoot us an email or hop on a zoom meeting to get started!

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Let's schedule a meeting! During this initial consultation, we'll learn more about your situation and what you're seeking in a home. We'll provide advice and address any concerns you may have in order to determine the best approach to achieving your goals. By the end of our conversation, we'll have a solid plan of action and next steps for moving forward.

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Connect with Living in Dallas Texas Team

Ready to take the next step?

Let's schedule a meeting! During this initial consultation, we'll learn more about your situation and what you're seeking in a home. We'll provide advice and address any concerns you may have in order to determine the best approach to achieving your goals. By the end of our conversation, we'll have a solid plan of action and next steps for moving forward.

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