It’s no secret that droves of people are moving both to the Lone Star State and within the Lone Star State, but they’re not all headed to the same place. With so much wide-open space, towns like New Braunfels and McKinney have become burgeoning cities, and even middle-of-nowhere spots like Liberty Hill have become thriving small towns. But none of them can claim the title of fastest-growing city in America.
Princeton – no not the Ivy League university – the small town located northeast of Dallas, near Lavon Lake, turned heads earlier this year when the U.S. Census Bureau named the tiny Dallas-Fort Worth community as the No. 1 fastest-growing city in the U.S. It beat out all the rest by going from 17,000 residents in 2020 to 37,000 in 2024, a population increase of 30.6%. For context, Fulshear, the No. 2 city, had an increase of 26.9% as Texas claimed four of the top 5 fastest-growing cities.
“The key to Princeton’s growth has been its ideal combination of affordability and location within Collin County,” city officials said to MySA. “Positioned along the rapidly developing U.S. 380 corridor, Princeton offers residents easy access to major employment centers in McKinney, Allen, and Plano, while maintaining a lower cost of living and a genuine small-town atmosphere. Families are drawn to Princeton for its value, excellent schools, and sense of community, which make it both practical and personal.”
Princeton, Texas Municipal Center. (Courtesy of the City of Princeton)
Is Princeton, TX a good place to live?
Originally founded in the 1800s as a farming community, nicknamed the Onion Capital of North Texas due to its thriving onion crops, Princeton has gone through several iterations in its history, including housing a German prisoner-of-war camp during World War II. But through it all, city officials say it’s “preserved the friendly, small-town spirit that defines it.”
“Neighbors still know each other, local schools remain a source of pride, and community traditions unite everyone,” the city said to MySA. “It’s a city that’s growing quickly but staying grounded in what matters most: people and place.”
Education-wise, Princeton ISD has a B+ rating from Niche, putting it as the No. 12 school district in Collin County. It received a B+ for academics and teachers, while also getting an A- for college prep and an A for diversity.
Homes in Princeton, Texas. (Courtesy of the City of Princeton)
Why are people moving to Princeton, Texas?
People aren’t the only things coming to Princeton. This year alone Lowe’s, Chick-fil-A, Texas Roadhouse and Waffle House – which San Antonio doesn’t even have yet – have all announced plans to move into the city. As for residents, housing has been a major factor. The Texas Tribune reports the average Princeton home is selling for $325,000, while neighboring McKinney and Frisco can go for $500,000 and $685,000, respectively.
More than that, the city is showing a commitment to building up its community, making the downtown into a walkable destination while also expanding trails and improving quality of life.
“If you’re looking for a community that offers both opportunity and belonging, Princeton is the perfect place to call home,” the city said to MySA. “New residents will find a welcoming atmosphere, excellent schools, and a growing number of parks, trails, and family-friendly amenities. With its ideal location, affordability, and commitment to thoughtful growth, Princeton truly offers the best of both worlds: a city on the rise that still feels like home.”
What big city is Princeton, Texas close to?
Princeton is 10 miles east of McKinney along U.S. 380. It is 43 miles northeast of Dallas, around a 1 hour and 20 minute drive. For context that’s 315 miles northeast of San Antonio.
This article originally published at Why this tiny North Texas town is America’s fastest growing city.