After living in Celina for the past few years, I wanted to share my honest thoughts about this rapidly growing North Texas town. If you’re considering a move to the DFW area and wondering about Celina, here’s what it’s really like to live here.
The Small-Town Feel (That’s Starting to Change)
One of the first things that struck me about Celina was its genuine small-town atmosphere. Even with our population growing past 20,000, you still get that friendly Texas welcome everywhere you go. Our historic downtown square is charming, though it’s definitely evolving. On weekends, you’ll find locals grabbing coffee at the corner café or browsing the boutique shops that have popped up recently.
What’s Great About the Schools
My kids attend Celina ISD, and I’ve been genuinely impressed. The teachers are invested in their students’ success, and there’s a strong sense of school pride here. The district is growing fast, which means new facilities and opportunities, but also some growing pains as they work to keep up with the population boom. Class sizes are still reasonable, and the community really shows up for school events – especially football games (this is Texas, after all!).
Living Costs and Housing Reality
Let’s talk honestly about costs. Compared to nearby Prosper or Frisco, housing in Celina is still relatively affordable, but prices have been climbing. We found we could get more space here than in other Dallas suburbs, which was a huge plus. New construction is everywhere you look, giving buyers options, but it’s also changing the landscape of our once-rural town.
The Location Trade-Off
Living in Celina means accepting that you’re not right in the middle of things. The Dallas North Tollway extension has made commuting easier, but it’s still a trek if you work in Dallas proper. Frisco is about 20-25 minutes away, which isn’t bad for shopping or entertainment. We’ve learned to plan our trips efficiently, and honestly, we’ve found that most daily necessities are now available right here in town.
The Community Vibe
This is where Celina really shines. The community events here are fantastic and frequent. The Cajun Fest brings the whole town together, and the Friday Night Markets are a great way to support local vendors. What I love most is how people actually show up for these events – they’re not just items on a calendar, they’re where you’ll find your neighbors and make friends.
Parks and Recreation Options
We’ve got some beautiful parks and trails, though we’re still growing in this department. Old Celina Park is great for sports and family outings, and the city keeps adding more green spaces as new developments come in. It’s nice to see the city planning for recreation as we grow.
The Growth Factor – Pros and Cons
Living in one of the fastest-growing areas of North Texas has its ups and downs. The constant construction can be frustrating, and traffic is definitely increasing. However, it also means we’re getting new restaurants, shops, and amenities regularly. Just in the past year, we’ve seen several new shopping centers open up, bringing more convenience to daily life.
What You Should Know Before Moving Here
Celina might be right for you if:
- You’re okay with a slightly longer commute in exchange for more space and a quieter lifestyle
- You want to be part of a growing community that still maintains some small-town charm
- You’re looking for good schools and family-friendly neighborhoods
- You don’t mind some construction and ongoing development
It might not be the best fit if:
- You need to be close to major employment centers
- You want an established urban environment with lots of nightlife
- You’re looking for extensive public transportation options
- You prefer areas with more diversity in dining and entertainment options
Final Thoughts
Celina is a town in transition. It’s not the sleepy rural community it once was, but it’s also not yet the bustling suburb it’s likely to become. For us, it’s been a great place to call home, despite the growing pains. The community is welcoming, the future looks promising, and there’s a real sense of being part of something growing.
Just remember that what you see in Celina today will likely be different in a few years as development continues. If you’re considering a move here, I’d recommend spending some time in the area at different times of day to get a real feel for the community and make sure it aligns with what you’re looking for in a hometown.