Why Move to Celina, TX?
Explore top schools, master-planned neighborhoods, and unbeatable family amenities.
Celina, Texas Driving Tour — Communities, Commute, Schools & Taxes
Take a practical drive through Celina, Texas — see Light Farms, Uptown Celina, Mustang Lakes, Cambridge Crossing, and Parks at Wilson Creek; learn how MUD/PID taxes work, what to expect from the Dallas North Tollway extension, and how Celina ISD vs. Prosper ISD zoning affects your address.
Where is Celina Texas?
Celina, Texas, is a rapidly growing community located in northern Collin and Denton counties, roughly 40 miles north of downtown Dallas. It sits about 35 miles from Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport and approximately 55 miles northeast of Fort Worth. Positioned just off the Dallas North Tollway, Celina enjoys convenient access to urban amenities while maintaining a more relaxed, small-town feel. Although it can be a bit of a drive into the heart of Dallas—especially during rush hour—many residents appreciate living on the quieter outskirts while still benefiting from proximity to major employment hubs and entertainment options in the Metroplex.
Is Celina Texas a Good Place to Live?
According to Niche.com, Celina, Texas, earns an overall A rating, reflecting strong scores in areas such as public schools (A) and housing (A-). Its family-oriented atmosphere and quality educational options stand out as key strengths, drawing many families and professionals to the area. However, some weaker spots—like limited nightlife and a lower diversity rating—may not appeal to those seeking a more cosmopolitan environment. Despite these drawbacks, Celina’s blend of small-town charm and proximity to the Dallas–Fort Worth metro area continues to make it an attractive place to live.
Is Celina Texas Safe?
According to the crime statistics shown on BestPlaces, Celina’s violent crime rating stands at 10.3, which is considerably lower than both the U.S. average of 22.7 and Dallas’s rating of 37.6. In terms of property crime, Celina’s rating is 19, again notably below the U.S. average of 35.4 and Dallas’s figure of 50.7. These lower-than-average crime rates contribute to Celina’s reputation as a safer community, particularly attractive for families and individuals seeking a quieter environment with a strong sense of security. Despite its smaller size, Celina remains within easy reach of the Dallas–Fort Worth metropolitan area, offering residents the best of both worlds: a peaceful hometown atmosphere alongside convenient access to major urban amenities. With crime levels consistently trailing behind state and national benchmarks, Celina continues to draw new residents looking for a balanced lifestyle.
Celina Texas Schools
According to Niche.com, Celina Independent School District (ISD) holds an impressive overall rating of A-, reflecting strong marks in academics (A-) and college prep (B+). The district is praised for its supportive faculty, well-rounded curriculum, and close-knit community, though some areas—like diversity (B)—could benefit from further development. Meanwhile, portions of Celina also fall under the highly rated Prosper ISD, providing families with multiple excellent public school options. If a specific district is important to you, please reach out so we can help you find the perfect home in the right attendance zone.
Click here For Celina Texas Demographics Data!
Search All Homes for Sale in Little Elm, TX
Explore the latest Little Elm, Texas real estate — lakeside neighborhoods, established communities, and new construction near Lake Lewisville. This live feed updates daily from the MLS. Looking for a specific district? We’ve included a direct link to Frisco ISD homes with a Little Elm address.
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New Construction Homes in Celina Texas
Are you interested in New Construction homes in Celina Texas? Check out our resource you can search for all the new construction communities!
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Celina, Texas — Frequently Asked Questions
Is my Celina address zoned for Celina ISD or Prosper ISD?
Both districts serve parts of Celina. Many southern/eastern pockets (e.g., Light Farms, Mustang Lakes) are commonly within Prosper ISD, while central and northern neighborhoods tend to be Celina ISD. Because boundaries shift with growth, always:
- Check the current-year and next-year attendance maps for the exact address.
- Confirm with the campus registrar in writing (ask about sibling/grandfathering policies).
Start with our city guide: Celina, Texas landing page.
How long is the commute from Celina to major job centers?
Drive time depends on neighborhood and departure time. Typical ranges:
- Legacy West/Plano: ~25–45 minutes under normal conditions.
- Frisco/Plano Tech Corridor: ~20–35 minutes.
- Downtown Dallas: variable; plan longer.
The Dallas North Tollway extension and Collin County Outer Loop will improve connectivity over time. Test your commute at your actual drive times before you buy.
What are MUD and PID—and how do they affect my monthly costs?
MUD (Municipal Utility District): Helps fund water/sewer/road infrastructure within a boundary and typically appears as a separate tax line (often instead of a City of Celina line in that area). Rates can trend down as bonds are repaid.
PID (Public Improvement District): An annual assessment that funds local improvements. Amounts vary by lot/phase; some allow payoff options.
Action step: Request a written, address-specific estimate that includes taxing units + any MUD/PID + HOA before you make an offer.
Are property taxes higher in Celina because of new development?
Your total carrying cost depends on the property’s taxing units plus any MUD/PID and HOA. Newer master-planned areas may include special districts that increase annual costs. We’ll run side-by-side comparisons (with and without MUD/PID) so you can budget accurately.
What are the most popular neighborhoods for families?
Frequent favorites include:
- Light Farms (Prosper ISD; trails, lakes, active lifestyle)
- Mustang Lakes (Prosper ISD; resort-style amenities)
- Cambridge Crossing (Celina ISD; close to the Square)
- Uptown Celina (golf-cart & trail access to Downtown)
- Parks at Wilson Creek (Celina ISD; nature-forward plan with future city park)
Is there still new construction inventory available?
Yes—multiple builders offer move-in-ready homes and to-be-built options across Celina’s master-planned communities. Incentives and timelines vary by builder and phase. Browse what’s active now:
What are the downsides of living in Celina right now?
- Construction everywhere: Expect trucks, dust, and phased amenities in new areas.
- Traffic pinch points: US-380/Preston stack at rush hour; plan alternate routes.
- Carrying costs vary: Two similar homes can differ if one has a MUD or PID.
- Weather reality: North Texas heat, hail, and spring storms—budget for maintenance and solid insurance.
How do HOAs work in Celina master-planned communities?
HOAs maintain common areas/amenities (pools, clubhouses, trails, events). Fees vary by community and sometimes by lot size/product type. Review the HOA bylaws and amenity calendar to ensure the lifestyle and rules fit your household.
Does Celina have a true small-town center or is everything suburban?
Celina’s historic downtown square hosts markets and festivals, while new retail/services continue to arrive along major corridors. Many new neighborhoods connect via trails and golf-cart routes to the Square—giving you small-town and suburban convenience.
What’s the best first step if we’re relocating with school-age kids?
- Choose two communities—one in Celina ISD and one in Prosper ISD.
- Verify address-specific feeder patterns with the registrar (current & next year).
- Tour campuses and drive the drop-off loop at bell time.
- Test your commute at your actual start/return times.
- Request a total monthly estimate for each short-listed address (taxes + MUD/PID + HOA).
Everything you need to know about living in Celina, TX — neighborhoods, schools, commute, MUD/PID property taxes, amenities, pros and cons, and FAQ — plus a driving-tour video for a street-level look.