By By TX3DNews Staff | April 21, 2025
If you’ve been house-hunting in Collin County lately, you probably don’t need the data to tell you what your gut already knows: the market’s getting tighter, faster, and less friendly to working-class Texans.
In Allen, the median home price just cracked $525,000. But that’s just the headline. Peek into the numbers and you’ll see a trend playing out across TX-03: local families being priced out of their own neighborhoods.
Allen’s Still Hot—but Cooling at the Bottom
In Allen, the median home price just cracked $525,000. According to Redfin, Sales are up, listings are plentiful, but here’s the kicker—homes are sitting longer. According to Redfin: “In February 2025, Allen home prices were up 7.4% compared to last year, selling for a median price of $525K. On average, homes in Allen sell after 42 days on the market compared to 32 days last year.”
So while sellers might be cashing in, first-time buyers and renters? They’re stuck in limbo. The average rent in Allen is now $1,829/month, and it’s not showing signs of slowing.
McKinney’s Surge: Room to Grow, If You Can Afford It
McKinney’s housing market has been a powerhouse. With a median sale price of $530,000, up 10% year-over-year, the city continues to attract Dallas commuters, cash buyers, and growing families. Over 1,700 homes were sold in March alone. Redfin reports: “In February 2025, McKinney home prices were up 10.0% compared to last year, selling for a median price of $530K. On average, homes in McKinney sell after 71 days on the market compared to 36 days last year.”
Even here, the warning signs are creeping in: listing prices have dipped slightly, and homes are taking longer to sell. Translation? The top of the market may be peaking, but it’s not opening doors for everyday buyers.
Princeton’s Plateau: The Last Stop Before You’re Out of the Game
Princeton used to be the affordable fallback for Collin County families priced out of Allen or McKinney. But that narrative is changing—fast. Redfin reports: “In February 2025, Princeton home prices were down 5.7% compared to last year, selling for a median price of $327K. On average, homes in Princeton sell after 74 days on the market compared to 38 days last year.”
That dip in prices might sound like a win, but it’s still a red flag. For many, Princeton is the “starter market” of Collin County. But the number of true entry-level homes is shrinking fast. Builders are chasing higher margins with larger homes, not affordability. So families hoping to find a $200K foothold are more likely to see empty lots and signs reading “from the high $300s” instead.
What It Means for TX-03
From Allen to Princeton, TX-03 is living through a tale of two markets: high-end homes getting action, while working-class buyers get priced out.
Collin County as a whole now averages $480,000 for a home, with inventory rising to 3.6 months—up from 2.5 last year. Redfin reports: “In February 2025, Collin County home prices were down 1.0% compared to last year, selling for a median price of $480K. On average, homes in Collin County sell after 64 days on the market compared to 48 days last year.” (Source: redfin.com)
For teachers, nurses, small business owners, and the folks who actually make this place work—it’s a tough time. And the silence from Rep. Keith Self on housing affordability? Even tougher.
Local Leadership Needs to Step Up
Want to protect “Texas values”? Start with protecting Texans’ ability to live here.
– Incentivize affordable housing development, not just $600K suburban castles
– Push for zoning that includes multi-family and starter homes
– Support local transit so people can live farther out without being cut off
Otherwise, TX-03 is heading toward a future where communities are built around who can afford to move here—not who’s already raising families here.
All housing data sourced from Redfin market reports accessed in April 2025 (https://www.redfin.com).