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Princeton is a city in eastern Collin County on US-380, about 8 miles east of McKinney. It is one of the fastest-growing cities in the country: its population was 17,027 at the 2020 census and was estimated at about 43,500 in 2025. The U.S. Census Bureau ranked Princeton the fastest-growing city in the nation in its 2024 estimates, with a population jump of just over 30% in a single year. Nitin Gupta, CRS, GRI, Broker Associate with Competitive Edge Realty, represents buyers, sellers and landlords in Princeton and nearby McKinney, Melissa, Anna and Wylie. Call 469-269-6541 or contact Nitin to start with a conversation.

 

Why Princeton Is Growing So Fast

Princeton's growth comes down to price and position. It sits on the US-380 corridor with access west to McKinney, Allen and Plano, while home prices remain well below those cities. Most of the new housing is builder new construction in large subdivisions, which means a high share of new homes, a fast-changing map of communities, and roads, schools and retail still catching up to the rooftops.

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Location and Commute

US-380 runs through Princeton, west to McKinney and US-75 and east about 8 miles to Farmersville. Commutes to Plano and Dallas generally run through McKinney to US-75, and US-380 traffic is a real consideration at peak hours, so drive the route at the times you would commute before choosing a community. Princeton's ZIP code is 75407. Some homes marketed as Princeton sit outside city limits in unincorporated Collin County, so confirm the city, county services and taxing entities for any specific address.

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Schools: Princeton ISD

Princeton is served mainly by Princeton ISD, which had roughly 11,300 to 11,700 students in the 2025-26 school year across 17 schools. The district is growing quickly, new campuses are opening and attendance zones change as they do, so confirm the district and assigned campuses for any specific address before making an offer. Compare districts with the DFW school district ratings guide.

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Princeton Home Prices

Zillow put the typical Princeton home value at about $290,000 as of June 2026, down roughly 10% from a year earlier, making Princeton one of the most affordable places in Collin County to buy a newer home. With so much builder inventory and falling values, pricing a resale home or judging a new-construction offer here depends on current comparable sales rather than older estimates. Some communities carry MUD or PID assessments and others do not, so compare the total monthly cost of each home rather than list price alone. For a current read on a specific home, use the home value analysis or contact Nitin.

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Buying New Construction in Princeton

Most of Princeton's inventory is new construction from national and regional builders. The builder's sales representative works for the builder, not for you. New construction also means a builder contract rather than a promulgated form, a construction timeline, and in some communities MUD or PID assessments tied to the address. Read who represents you at a Texas model home, learn how new construction buyer representation works, and compare builders in the DFW builder guides and top DFW master-planned communities.

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Princeton History

Princeton began as a farming community in the late 1870s. When a railroad came through in 1881, the settlement was known as Wilson's Switch, and residents chose the name Princeton, after local landowner Prince Dowlin, when they applied for a post office. The city incorporated in 1912 and was once known for its onion crops.

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Buying, Selling or Leasing in Princeton

Princeton draws first-time home buyers, move-up buyers and buyers relocating to Dallas-Fort Worth who want a newer home in Collin County at a lower price. Resale sellers compete directly with builder inventory and incentives nearby, so pricing and presentation matter: see the seller marketing plan and seller services. Owners who plan to rent can learn about landlord leasing services. Services are available in English, Hindi, Punjabi, Urdu and Gujarati.

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Princeton Real Estate FAQs

Is Princeton, TX really the fastest-growing city in the U.S.?

The U.S. Census Bureau ranked Princeton the fastest-growing city in the nation in its 2024 estimates, with population growth of just over 30% in one year. Its population more than doubled from 17,027 at the 2020 census to an estimated 43,500 in 2025.

Which school district serves Princeton?

Princeton is served mainly by Princeton ISD. The district is growing quickly and attendance zones change as new campuses open, so confirm the district and campuses for the specific address.

How far is Princeton from McKinney and Dallas?

Princeton is about 8 miles east of McKinney on US-380. Commutes to Plano and Dallas generally run through McKinney to US-75.

Can Nitin help me find out what my Princeton home is worth?

Yes. Nitin prepares a market analysis based on recent comparable sales, adjusted for competition from builder inventory nearby. You can also start with the online home value analysis.

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Work With Nitin Gupta in Princeton

Nitin Gupta is a Broker Associate with Competitive Edge Realty with 480+ closed DFW transactions, 13 professional designations including CRS and GRI, and D Magazine Best REALTOR® recognition in 2020, 2023 and 2024. Read client reviews, watch model home tours on his YouTube channel, or call 469-269-6541.