Celina, Texas is a charming small town located about 40 miles north of Dallas. With a population of just over 40,000 people, Celina has managed to maintain its small town charm while still experiencing significant growth over the past few years. In this article, we'll explore the history of Celina, the current population, and the town's future prospects, including the real estate market.
History of Celina, Texas
Celina was founded in 1879 and was named after the daughter of a prominent pioneer, John T. Mulkey. The town began as a small farming community, but in the late 1800s, it became a hub for the cotton industry. With the advent of railroads in the area, Celina became a transportation center for goods and people.
The town's growth slowed in the 20th century, but it has seen a resurgence in recent years as more people are drawn to the small-town lifestyle and proximity to the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex.
Population of Celina, Texas
According to the United States Census Bureau, the population of Celina, Texas, was just over 40K as of 2024. That's a huge increase from the 2010 census, which recorded a population of 9,423. The median age of Celina residents is 37.6 years, and the median household income is $116,197.
Future of Celina, Texas
The future of Celina looks bright, as the town is experiencing significant growth in several areas. The town's strategic location near the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, combined with its small-town charm, has made it an attractive destination for both businesses and residents.
One of the most significant drivers of growth in Celina is the real estate market. Like many other parts of Texas, Celina is experiencing a real estate boom, with home prices and demand both increasing rapidly. The median home value in Celina is $470,000, up from $200,000 in 2015. The number of new homes being built in the area is also on the rise, with new housing developments springing up all over town.
There are several reasons why Celina is experiencing such a surge in real estate demand. For one, the town offers a high quality of life with excellent schools, plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities, and a low crime rate. The town is also conveniently located near the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, which makes it an excellent option for commuters looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city.
Cities Close to Celina, Texas
In addition to Celina, there are several surrounding cities and towns in the area worth mentioning.
Prosper: Prosper is a neighboring town to the east of Celina, with a population of around 30,000 people. Like Celina, Prosper has experienced significant growth in recent years and has a thriving real estate market. The town also boasts excellent schools and a high quality of life.
Frisco: Frisco is a larger city located just south of Celina, with a population of over 200,000 people. Frisco is known for its excellent shopping and entertainment options, including the Frisco RoughRiders minor league baseball team and the National Videogame Museum. Frisco also has a booming real estate market, with many new developments springing up in the area.
McKinney: McKinney is a historic city located to the southeast of Celina, with a population of around 200,000 people. McKinney has a charming downtown area with many shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions. The city also has several excellent schools and is known for its high quality of life.
Denton: Denton is a college town located to the northwest of Celina, with a population of around 140,000 people. Denton is home to both the University of North Texas and Texas Woman's University, which gives the town a youthful and vibrant atmosphere. The town also has a thriving arts scene, with many galleries, museums, and theaters in the area.
All of these surrounding cities and towns are within easy driving distance of Celina, making it an excellent option for people who want to live in a small town but still have access to big-city amenities. Whether you're looking for shopping, entertainment, or cultural attractions, there's plenty to see and do in the surrounding areas.
The Railroad and Celina, Texas
The railroad played a significant role in the history of Celina, Texas, and was instrumental in the town's early growth and development. In fact, Celina owes much of its early success to the arrival of the railroad in the late 1800s.
The first railroad in the area was the Missouri-Kansas-Texas (MKT), also known as the Katy. The Katy was a major transportation company that operated throughout the Midwest and South, and it played a critical role in the expansion of Celina and the surrounding areas.
The arrival of the Katy in Celina in the late 1800s made it easier and more efficient to transport goods and people to and from the town. This led to an increase in trade and commerce in the area, and spurred the growth of the local economy.
In addition to providing a transportation link to the outside world, the railroad also brought new people and businesses to Celina. Many of the town's earliest settlers were attracted by the promise of a new life and the opportunity to start businesses and build homes in a growing community.
Over time, other railroads began to operate in the area, including the St. Louis-San Francisco Railway (Frisco) and the Dallas and Sherman Railroad. The railroads continued to be an important part of Celina's economy throughout the 20th century, although the town's growth slowed in the post-war era.
Today, the railroad still plays a vital role in the transportation of goods and people to and from Celina. The town is served by the Union Pacific Railroad, which operates freight trains through the area. The railroad also continues to be an important part of Celina's history and heritage, with several museums and historical societies dedicated to preserving the memory of the Katy and other early railroads in the area.
Overall, the railroad played a critical role in the early development of Celina, Texas, and helped to shape the town's economy and way of life. Today, the town's rich history and connection to the railroad continue to be an important part of its identity and character.
Things To Do Around Celina, Texas
Since Celina, Texas is located just north of the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, it benefits from easy access to a wide range of entertainment options. Here are some of the top entertainment options in and near Celina:
Downtown Celina: The town's historic downtown area is a charming destination for shopping, dining, and entertainment. The area is home to several unique shops and boutiques, as well as a variety of restaurants and cafes.
Preston Trail Farms: This working farm is a popular attraction for families and visitors to the area. The farm offers a petting zoo, pumpkin patch, and hayrides, as well as a country store that sells local produce and gifts.
Lake Ray Roberts: Just a short drive from Celina, Lake Ray Roberts is a popular destination for boating, fishing, and other water sports. The lake covers over 29,000 acres and is surrounded by several parks and recreation areas.
Stonebriar Centre: This large shopping mall is located in nearby Frisco and features over 160 stores, as well as a movie theater and several restaurants.
Toyota Stadium: Located in Frisco, Toyota Stadium is the home of the FC Dallas soccer team and is a popular destination for sports fans. The stadium also hosts concerts and other events throughout the year.
The Star: Also located in Frisco, The Star is a world-class sports and entertainment complex that is home to the Dallas Cowboys football team. The complex features a variety of restaurants and shops, as well as several outdoor venues for concerts and other events.
Historic Downtown McKinney: Just a short drive to the southeast of Celina, McKinney's historic downtown area is a charming destination for shopping and dining. The area features several unique shops and boutiques, as well as a variety of restaurants and cafes.
Overall, whether you're looking for outdoor recreation, shopping, dining, or sports and entertainment, there's plenty to see and do in and near Celina, Texas.
Celina Independent School District
The Celina Independent School District (CISD) is a highly regarded public school system that serves the city of Celina, Texas and the surrounding area. The district operates six schools, including two elementary schools, one intermediate school, one middle school, one high school, and one alternative education campus.
The district is known for its excellent academic programs and has consistently achieved high marks on state and national assessments. According to the Texas Education Agency, the district has earned an overall rating of "A" for the past several years, and has received numerous awards and accolades for its academic performance.
In addition to its strong academic programs, the district offers a variety of extracurricular activities and athletics programs. Students can participate in sports such as football, basketball, baseball, and volleyball, as well as music, theater, and other clubs and organizations.
The district is also known for its commitment to technology and innovation in education. In recent years, the district has implemented a one-to-one technology initiative, which provides every student with a laptop or tablet for use in the classroom and at home. The district also offers a variety of online and virtual learning opportunities for students who require more flexibility in their schedules.
Overall, the Celina Independent School District is a highly regarded public school system that offers students a wide range of academic and extracurricular opportunities. The district's commitment to academic excellence, technology, and innovation has helped to make it one of the top school systems in the state of Texas.
Celina, Texas Football
Celina High School football is a source of pride for the town and the school district. The football program has a rich history, with a tradition of excellence that dates back several decades.
The Celina Bobcats football team has won eight state championships, including four in a row from 1998-2001. The team has also won numerous district and regional titles over the years, and is known for its high-powered offense and hard-nosed defense.
The football program has produced several notable players over the years, including several who have gone on to play at the college and professional levels. Notable alumni include Chad Henning, who played for the Dallas Cowboys, and Von Miller, who played for Texas A&M and currently plays for the Denver Broncos.
In addition to its success on the field, the football program is also known for its close-knit community and strong sense of tradition. The team is supported by a dedicated group of fans, many of whom have been following the program for years.
The success of the Celina High School football program is a reflection of the town's strong commitment to athletics and its small-town values. The program has become an important part of the town's identity and is a source of pride for the entire community.
Some Restaurants in Celina, Texas
Lucy's on the Square
Tender Smokehouse
Toasted Walnut
Papa Gallo's
Bongo Beaux's
Celina, Texas is a small town with a growing restaurant scene. Despite its size, the town offers a variety of dining options, ranging from casual cafes to upscale restaurants. Here are some of the top restaurants in Celina:
Lucy's on the Square: Lucy's on the Square is a popular local restaurant located in the heart of downtown Celina. The restaurant serves classic American comfort food, such as burgers, sandwiches, and salads, and is known for its friendly atmosphere and outdoor seating.
Tender Smokehouse: This barbecue joint serves up delicious smoked meats, including brisket, ribs, and sausage. The restaurant also offers sides such as mac and cheese, baked beans, and potato salad.
Toasted Walnut is a cafe located in downtown Celina that serves breakfast, lunch, and brunch. The menu includes items such as omelets, sandwiches, salads, and baked goods, as well as coffee and other beverages.
Papa Gallo's is a Tex-Mex restaurant located in Celina that serves up classic dishes such as fajitas, enchiladas, and tacos, as well as a variety of margaritas and other cocktails.
Bongo Beaux's is a Cajun-style restaurant located in Celina that serves up dishes such as gumbo, jambalaya, and crawfish etouffee, as well as sandwiches, salads, and other southern-inspired fare.
Overall, Celina, Texas has a diverse and growing restaurant scene, with a variety of options for casual dining, upscale cuisine, and international flavors. Whether you're in the mood for barbecue, Tex-Mex, Cajun, or something else entirely, there's something for everyone in Celina.
Conclusion
Celina, Texas, is a small town with a bright future. Its strategic location, excellent quality of life, and burgeoning real estate market are attracting new businesses and residents to the area. If you're considering a move to Texas and looking for a small-town lifestyle that's still close to the city, Celina is definitely worth checking out.
Be sure and comment on this post. What Do You Think of When You Think Of Celina, Texas? Here are some earlier responses:
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