Living in Princeton Texas: What You Need to Know in 2025

Wondering if living in Princeton, Texas is right for you? This once quiet town has become the fastest-growing city in the U.S., and there’s more behind the headlines than just population numbers.

As of 2025, Princeton’s population has jumped 30% in a year, now topping 37,000 residents. That’s a huge leap from just over 3,400 in 2000—and it’s no accident. This growth is fueled by three things: affordability, opportunity, and location.

Where Is Princeton Texas?

Located in Collin County, just east of McKinney and northeast of Dallas, Princeton offers quick access to:

• Highway 380

• Highway 75

• Sam Rayburn Tollway

• DFW International and Love Field airports (45–50 minutes)

You’re just 50 minutes from downtown Dallas and about an hour to Fort Worth.

Princeton Texas Cost of Living

According to PayScale, cost of living in Princeton is 1% below the national average. That may sound small, but in a booming area like North Texas, it’s significant—especially for homebuyers.

As of April 2025:

• Median home price in Princeton: $320,000

• DFW median: $373,000

• Collin County median: $480,000

That $320K can get you a brand-new 3–4 bedroom home, roughly 1,700–2,000 sq ft, in a community with amenities.

Community, Parks, and Things to Do

Despite the rapid growth, Princeton retains a small-town feel. Locals enjoy:

• 4 city parks

• Lake Lavon for boating and fishing

• Annual events: Fourth of July celebration, Fall Festival, Tree Lighting, and Movies in the Park

• Nearby restaurants, shops, and entertainment in McKinney

Schools and Safety in Princeton

Princeton ISD serves about 12,000 students across 13 campuses and has earned a B- rating from the Texas Education Agency. With continued growth, more schools are on the way.

Safety-wise, Princeton also holds a B rating from CrimeGrade.org, offering peace of mind for families considering relocation.

Princeton’s Housing Market and Moratorium Update

Here’s the twist: in response to the explosive growth, the Princeton City Council enacted a housing moratorium in 2024. It temporarily halted new residential permits to allow for:

• Infrastructure review (roads, water, sewage)

• Emergency services planning

• Balanced development

The moratorium was extended in January 2025 for another 6 months, and further extensions are possible. This means inventory may shrink, driving prices and competition higher in the months ahead.

If you’re thinking about buying a home in Princeton, now is the time to start planning.

Should You Consider Living in Princeton Texas?

✅ Affordable homes
✅ Good schools
✅ Community-focused events
✅ Fast access to DFW
✅ Quiet, suburban feel in a high-growth area

Princeton is small-town living with big-time opportunity—especially if you’re moving to North Dallas.