When Princeton was known more for onions than expansion, DL Caldwell can still remember that time. He has quietly observed a significant change that few could have foreseen while operating a pawn shop that was handed down from his father. Princeton’s population has increased by over 30% in the last 12 months, making it the city in the US with the fastest rate of growth. Not only was this unexpected, but it was also very important, changing the course of the city and the housing market in Texas as a whole.
Princeton has become remarkably successful at drawing in first-time buyers, working families, and digital professionals who are willing to forgo longer commutes for roomier living by offering homes at a median price of about $325,000, which is surprisingly affordable when compared to nearby hubs like Frisco or McKinney. A notable factor driving this value-driven migration is the stark disparity in housing costs. The cost of housing in Princeton is almost half that of Frisco, which has prices close to $685,000 for comparable suburban comfort.
This change has made North Texas one of the most rapidly growing areas in the nation in recent years. The growth trajectory of Princeton is being replicated in towns like Celina, Anna, and Melissa. Infrastructure, telecommuting flexibility, and rising urban housing costs are transforming these towns—once sleepy stopovers on the way to Dallas—into residential hotspots.
Fastest Growing City in Texas – Bio and Key Facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| City Name | Princeton, Texas |
| Location | Collin County, ~45 miles northeast of Dallas |
| Population (2020) | 17,000 |
| Population (2024) | 37,000 |
| Growth Rate (2023–2024) | 30.6% (Fastest in U.S.) |
| Projected Population (2030) | 100,000 |
| Median Home Value | ~$325,000 (Zillow, 2025) |
| Mayor | Eugene Escobar Jr. |
| Known For | Rapid residential development, affordable housing |
| Related Growth Cities | Fulshear, Celina, Anna, Fate, Melissa, Hutto |
| Official Census Source | Texas Tribune Census Report 2025 |
Princeton has authorized more than 13,000 new residences through strategic planning in anticipation of a population boom that could more than double in the next five years. Though growth is anticipated, the rate has already surpassed projections. Citing issues like congested roads and limited sewer capacity, Mayor Eugene Escobar Jr. has publicly admitted that the city is struggling to keep up. Although it may seem counterintuitive, city officials have temporarily halted new construction permits in order to prevent a bottleneck effect. This move is glaringly necessary to protect quality of life.
For millions of Americans, working remotely has become the norm over the last two years. Princeton provides something extremely uncommon for families drawn to the open air or uprooted by the expenses of the city: affordability without seclusion. Because the city is only 30 miles from downtown Dallas, it maintains its close-knit, semi-rural feel while providing access to big-city conveniences.
Princeton is steadily gaining popularity as a commuter town by taking advantage of its close proximity to important roads and educational institutions. The boom isn’t limited to real estate. The number of neighborhood eateries, childcare facilities, and service-oriented enterprises is growing. Classrooms are being added by schools. The number of civic buildings is growing. Additionally, despite change, community identity is still strong.
The town’s change isn’t happening in a vacuum. Princeton’s moment is directly related to the expanding national dialogue surrounding zoning reform, affordable housing, and suburban revitalization. Across the United States, young couples are choosing smaller towns that provide an opportunity to build—not just homes, but lives—instead of costly cities. Due to its rise, Princeton is now much more visible to investors and developers who previously wouldn’t have given it much thought.
It is no longer uncommon to hear tales like Krystal Alexander’s, an Arlington nurse who was priced out of the market but found stability in Princeton. They’re actually starting to become the norm for the population. In addition to simply relocating, these newcomers are establishing businesses, establishing roots, and enrolling their kids in nearby schools. Surprisingly, despite the rapidly increasing numbers, the sense of community has persisted.
Making sure that this expansion doesn’t overshadow the ideals that initially drew people to early-stage communities like Princeton is a challenge. The city’s success in the coming years will rely on its ability to grow while maintaining its livability as well as how many people it can accommodate.
Princeton has the opportunity to set an example for communities across the country by combining sustainable practices with long-term planning. In addition to being quick, this growth could be incredibly successful in bringing about long-term prosperity with the correct leadership and community involvement.
