Living in Princeton, TX: A Look at Living in America’s Fastest Growing City

Situated close to the city of Dallas, living in Princeton, TX, means a tight-knit small-town feel with easy access to big-city amenities. With rapid growth in recent years, Princeton has a strong economy and safe communities, desirable among families in particular. While there are plenty of advantages of living in Princeton, TX, it’s also important to look at the disadvantages. To get a better picture of everything that this city has to offer, here is what it’s like living in Princeton.

Princeton, TX, at a Glance

• Located in Northeast Collin County, Princeton is situated 30 miles northeast of Dallas between the cities of McKinney and Greenville.
• Princeton’s total area is about 10.1 square miles.
• The Princeton, Texas, population is just over 40,000.
• Princeton is growing at a rate of around 13 percent annually.
• The median age in Princeton is close to 33 years old.

10 Things To Know About Living in Princeton, TX

As one of the fastest-growing cities in America (and among the best places to live in Texas), Princeton has established itself as an attractive place to be. With a strong community feel and lots of opportunity for career growth, it’s no surprise that the population continues to be on the rise.

With expansive growth comes downsides, though. The city is still working to establish all of the necessary infrastructure to accommodate a rising population. To make the best choice on whether or not living in Princeton, TX, is the right place for you, here are some things you should know.

1. Princeton Was the Fastest Growing City in America in 2024

That’s right, Princeton made the very top of the list as the fastest growing city from 2023 to 2024 with an incredible 30.6 percent growth rate. In just one year, the Princeton, TX, population increased by one-third and has doubled since 2020.

The surrounding North Texas region has become a very popular location to settle down. It offers accessibility to Dallas while still remaining affordable compared to neighboring cities.

The cost of living in Princeton is higher than in Dallas, which could be a challenge for some.

2. The Cost of Living in Princeton, TX, Is Pretty Affordable

The cost of living in Princeton, TX, is 11.7 percent higher than the national average and 18.6 percent higher than the state average. The cost of living in Princeton is also higher than in Dallas, which could be a challenge for some.

A family of four with two working adults and two children living in Princeton, TX, should make at least $115,000 annually before taxes to cover basic expenses. A person living alone should make $54,000, while a couple without children should make closer to $72,000.

3. Pros and Cons of Living in Princeton, TX

Here are some of the top pros and cons of living in Princeton, TX.

4. New Homes in Princeton, TX, Are Cheaper Than You Might Think

With a large inventory of homes, new homes in Princeton, TX, are much more affordable than other neighboring areas, like McKinney or Frisco. Princeton, Texas, homes for sale have an average sale price of $308,100 — a seven percent decrease from last year’s average.

While there is a wide range of home prices available, you’ll find plenty of affordable options. Single-family homes are the most common in the area, with styles like Colonial Revival and Craftsman among the most popular.

Looking to rent? You’ll still have plenty of options. The average rent in Princeton is $1,350 for a one-bedroom apartment around 775 square feet. Princeton, Texas’s real estate market and other renting options are deemed relatively affordable in the city overall.

Princeton is just an hour away from Dallas, making it easy for residents to enjoy all the big city has to offer.
(Source: Klyde Warren Park via Facebook)

5. You Won’t Lose Access to Big City Amenities

Where is Princeton, TX? An hour drive away from the city of Dallas, Princeton is also close to other popular cities — including Plano — which is roughly a 35-minute drive. Situated close to major highways, such as US-75 and US-380, living in Princeton, TX, provides residents with easy accessibility to McKinney and Lake Lavon. The DFW International Airport is also less than an hour away.

6. Princeton, TX, Weather Heats Up in the Summer

Overall, the weather in Princeton, TX, is characterized by hot summers and mild winters. The hottest month of the year in Princeton is July, with an average high temperature of 94 degrees Fahrenheit. The coldest month is January, with an average low of just 35 degrees Fahrenheit.

There is a possibility of severe weather events — especially during hurricane season. Severe wind can damage properties, along with knocking down trees and causing an influx of scattered debris.

7. Princeton’s Booming Job Market Is on the Rise

As one of the fastest-growing cities in the U.S., there are many job opportunities emerging in Princeton in many different industries. Plus, your proximity to Dallas opens up options and makes for an easy commute.

The healthcare, retail, and finance industries have a reputation for employing the largest number of people in the Princeton area. While Princeton’s unemployment rate is around 5.4 percent, the expansion of the local economy is expected to lower it.

8. Crime Rates in Princeton Aren’t a Cause for Concern

With a crime score of 56 — meaning Princeton is safer than 56 percent of all U.S. cities — safety isn’t a cause for concern. Your chances of becoming a victim of a crime are 1 in 134, and the city’s crime rate is about 62 percent lower than all other communities across the state. Princeton has even been ranked as one of the top 100 safest cities in the entire country.

9. Students in Princeton Will Receive a Quality Education

A contender for one of the best places to raise a family in Texas, Princeton families can rest easy knowing their kids have access to a great education.

The Princeton Independent School District has a B+ rating according to Niche, with a 96 percent graduation rate. Smith Elementary School comes with an A- Niche grade. While other top schools include Harper Elementary School, Lacy Elementary School, and Lowe Elementary School — all with B+ grades on Niche.

Outdoor activities are a favorite among Princeton residents.

10. There’s Always Something To Do in Princeton

Outdoor activities are quite common among residents living in the city, and there are plenty of free things to do in Princeton when you engage in activities at one of the local parks.

J.M. Caldwell Sr. Community Park and Sister Grove Park are some of the most popular areas to spend time with the kids, while other nearby green spaces, like Tickey Creek Park, offer access to fishing, picnicking, and spending some time on the beach of Lake Lavon.

Besides outdoor activities, there are plenty of other businesses and attractions to explore in Princeton. The Old Rooster Creek Flea Market is a great place to do some shopping, while the Hero Bullion is an ideal spot to shop for antiques. When you’re in the mood for some beer or wine, check out Collin Oaks Winery.

Make Your Move to Princeton Flexible with PODS

Ready to make your move to Princeton? Add flexibility to the process with a PODS portable moving container delivered right to your driveway for convenient loading on your own schedule. Need help with the heavy lifting? PODS can refer you to local packing and loading services. When you're finished loading up all of your belongings, schedule for your container to be picked up and delivered to your new home in Princeton or kept in a PODS Storage Center until you're ready for it.

Visit PODS online for a free local moving quote or call 877-350-7637 for long-distance moving.

Editor’s note: For ease of reading, monthly rental prices were rounded to the nearest $25 and home values were rounded to the nearest $100. Home values in the millions were rounded to the nearest $100,000.

_{*This article was written on behalf of PODS Enterprises, LLC (“PODS”). PODS does not warrant the completeness or accuracy of any information contained in this article and disclaims any liability for reliance upon the content herein.}