Celina, Prosper, Princeton, and McKinney are among the fastest-growing communities in the country, and they sit right in our backyard. In the U.S. Census Bureau's latest ranking of fast-growing cities, Celina came in at No. 1 and Princeton at No. 3.
If you're thinking about buying or selling here, that growth affects everything from prices and taxes to traffic and schools. Here's what's happening in each town and what it means for you.
Celina: The Fastest-Growing City in America
Celina grew 24.6% between July 2024 and July 2025, reaching about 64,400 residents. That earned it the top spot on the Census Bureau's list. The Celina Economic Development Corporation projects the population will reach roughly 125,000 by 2030, nearly double today's.
Much of that growth is happening in master-planned communities, where builders offer new homes alongside pools, trails, and amenity centers. Neighborhoods like Mustang Lakes have also made Celina a destination for luxury buyers who want space and newer construction.
The everyday conveniences are catching up, too. Costco opened its Celina store this past August, and Methodist Medical Center in Celina has been expanding its services, including new women's health programs. For families who used to drive to Frisco or McKinney for shopping and healthcare, that's a meaningful change.
Princeton: Growth Driven by Affordability
Princeton has grown faster than almost anywhere in the country. Its population was about 17,000 in 2020 and is now estimated at more than 43,000. In 2024, it was the fastest-growing city in the nation, and it ranked No. 3 this year.
The main draw is price. Princeton's mayor has pointed to affordability as the driving factor, and the typical home there costs well below nearby McKinney and Frisco. For first-time buyers and families who want more house for their money, Princeton is often the first place to look.
Growth came so fast that the city paused new residential construction three times between 2024 and 2025 to let roads, water, and public services catch up. The last pause expired in November 2025, and a new state law makes another one harder to enact. Thousands of new homes are in the pipeline, and the city is investing in parks through a $109 million bond program.
McKinney: Big-City Amenities, Small-Town Charm
McKinney has more than doubled in about a decade, from roughly 100,000 residents to about 220,000. The McKinney Chamber of Commerce projects close to 400,000 at full buildout. Unlike its newer neighbors, McKinney pairs that growth with a historic downtown square and established neighborhoods.
The biggest headline this fall is air travel. Avelo Airlines plans to launch nonstop flights from McKinney National Airport in November, with service to Las Vegas, Orlando, Tampa, Fort Myers, and Fort Lauderdale. For north DFW residents, that could mean skipping the drive to DFW or Love Field for some trips.
New amenities keep arriving, too. Whole Foods opened at University Drive and Custer Road, the Sunset Amphitheater is under construction near Gateway Boulevard and US 75, and a Dave & Buster's has come to Hardin Boulevard and US 380. Most new homes are going up on the northwest side, in communities like Painted Tree, Wildwood, and Highland Lakes.
The city is about 76% built out, so new-construction options will narrow over the next decade. That tends to work in favor of homeowners when it's time to sell.
What All This Growth Means for You
Fast-growing towns offer real advantages: newer homes, rising amenities, and the potential for strong appreciation. They also come with a few things buyers should understand before signing.
Ask about MUD and PID taxes. Many new communities fund their roads and utilities through Municipal Utility Districts or Public Improvement Districts. These add to your property tax bill, sometimes significantly, so compare total tax rates, not just home prices.
Bring your own agent to the builder. The sales rep in a model home works for the builder. Having your own agent costs you nothing in most cases and gives you someone negotiating on your behalf.
Look at what's planned nearby. That empty field behind the lot could become a park, a school, or a shopping center. City plans and zoning maps tell you what's coming.
Check school assignments. In growing districts, attendance zones can shift as new campuses open. Confirm which schools a home is zoned to today and whether changes are planned.
Test-drive the commute. Roads are still catching up in parts of all four towns. Drive your route at rush hour before you commit.
The Bottom Line
Celina offers newer luxury communities and fast-arriving amenities. Princeton offers some of the best value in Collin County. McKinney offers a historic downtown, established neighborhoods, and soon, its own commercial airport. The right fit depends on your budget, your commute, and what you want your day-to-day life to look like.
If you're curious which town makes the most sense for you, I'd love to help you compare neighborhoods, builders, and total costs side by side.
Call or text 469-590-4275 or email kristenholan@cannonteam.com.
Kristen Holan, REALTOR | The Cannon Team at LPT Realty
