Relocating to Princeton, Texas: A Guide for California Families
- Nitin Gupta, CRS, REALTOR
- May 3
- 4 min read
With California home prices soaring and quality of life under pressure, many families are turning their attention to Texas—especially fast-growing cities like Princeton. Located just east of McKinney in Collin County, Princeton offers affordability, strong schools, and new construction homes that make it one of the best relocation destinations for California buyers.
If you're considering trading in the West Coast lifestyle for Southern comfort and space, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about relocating to Princeton, TX.
Why Princeton, TX Is Appealing to California Families
Princeton provides a compelling mix of affordability, accessibility, and family-friendly amenities that are especially attractive to those relocating from California metro areas.
Key reasons California families are moving to Princeton:
Lower cost of living and no state income tax
New construction homes with modern layouts and energy efficiency
Top-rated school districts and safe suburban neighborhoods
Easy access to Dallas-Fort Worth tech and healthcare job hubs
“Many of my California clients are shocked to find they can buy a four-bedroom, brand-new home in Princeton for the price of a one-bedroom condo in Orange County.”— Nitin Gupta, Broker Associate, REALTOR®
Cost of Living: California vs. Princeton
Housing Affordability
Median home price in Princeton (2024–2025): $345,000–$390,000
Median home price in Los Angeles: $860,000+
Median home price in San Jose: $1.3 million+
No State Income Tax
California top income tax rate: 13.3%
Texas state income tax: 0%
Lower Property Taxes—but Know the Numbers
Collin County effective property tax rate: 1.63%
Still lower in total tax burden than California, especially at higher incomes
Best Neighborhoods in Princeton for Relocating Families
1. Bridgewater by Lennar
Master-planned community with lakes, trails, and resort-style amenities
“Everything’s Included®” design makes moving simple
Great for families looking for community-focused living
2. Monticello Park
DR Horton homes starting in the low $300s
Parks, playgrounds, and newer schools nearby
Convenient to Highway 380 for commuting into McKinney or Frisco
3. Winchester Crossing
Family-friendly layouts with oversized lots
Quiet streets, strong resale potential, and nearby new shopping centers
Pacesetter Homes with energy-efficient builds
Schools in Princeton ISD
Princeton Independent School District is highly rated for its academic programs and extracurriculars.
What families love about Princeton ISD:
Smaller class sizes than larger DFW districts
New and well-maintained school facilities
High performance in college readiness metrics
Learn more: https://www.princetonisd.net/
What to Know Before You Move
🔹 Job Market Access
45 minutes to downtown Dallas
Easy commutes to Plano, Allen, and McKinney for tech, finance, and healthcare jobs
Major employers nearby include Toyota, Raytheon, and Texas Instruments
🔹 Weather Adjustment
Hotter summers (90s to 100°F), but far less wildfire and earthquake risk
Mild winters with occasional ice—no snow chains needed
🔹 Lifestyle Shift
Slower pace, more space, less traffic
Conservative-leaning culture and strong sense of community
Family-oriented events, outdoor recreation, and church-centered social networks
Moving Tips for California Families
Work with a local buyer’s agent who understands both Texas contracts and builder negotiations
Plan your timeline—some new construction homes are ready in 30 days, others take 6+ months
Budget for property taxes and factor them into your mortgage
Visit in person or schedule a virtual tour before making offers
“Relocating isn’t just about a home—it’s about finding the right schools, commute, lifestyle, and builder that fits your family’s goals.”— Gupta
Why Work with Nitin Gupta?
Nitin Gupta has successfully helped multiple California families relocate to Princeton and other parts of North Texas.
His certifications include:
Accredited Buyer’s Representative (ABR®)
Certified Negotiation Expert (CNE®)
Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist (CLHMS™)
Learn more about Nitin’s relocation expertise:https://www.nitinguptadfw.com/about/
Ready to Relocate from California to Princeton?
Don’t navigate the Texas market alone. Let a top-rated buyer’s agent help you identify the best neighborhoods, negotiate with builders, and make your transition smooth and affordable.
Schedule your consultation today:https://www.nitinguptadfw.com/contact/
About us: How We Help You Buy Your First Home in Princeton - Princeton Real Estate Agent
You need a top Princeton real estate agent & team to work hard for you and guide you through the home buying process. Our Realtors are devoted to helping our clients find the right home, at the best price, and with a minimal amount of stress and disruption to their lives. Our goal is to find the home in Princeton that will make you happy and successful in real estate ownership.
When you hire us to help you buy your first home in Princeton area, we want to know what you want and how much you can afford. Your Top Princeton Real Estate Agent will find a way to merge these two priorities and find a residence you will enjoy owning for years. Starting with the first interview determining your requirements to the moment we present the keys to your first home, your Realtor will walk you through the complicated home-buying process. We will share our expertise to educate you on the market and the process of buying a home, so you will be prepared to make the best choices and feel comfortable with all of your decisions. Please contact us to find out more about how we can make the home buying process easier for you.
