Farmersville offers small-town charm and new-home growth near Dallas
Farmersville is a historic community on the western edge of Collin County about 45 miles northeast of Dallas. This growing city of about 4,500 blends small-town charm with modern development. Farmersville was dubbed the “Onion Capital of North Texas” nearly 100 years ago and the community remains anchored by its agricultural roots. Its monthly farmers market is held at a restored 1930s onion shed on Main Street. “I was active-duty military for 25 years, and for my last duty station, we landed in the very popular area of McKinney,” says Travis Hunt of Care One Real Estate, who sells homes throughout the region. “As I moved toward retirement, we wanted to get out of McKinney, which is great, but it was getting too crowded and expensive. So, we started targeting little towns within an hour’s radius. One day, we landed in Farmersville. What really attracted us was that it has a cute little Texas downtown with boutique shops and restaurants. We also found that it was socially and family friendly, meaning it has a lot of events and parades and things like that. We liked that aspect.”
New construction features contemporary homes near Lavon Lake
New and ongoing construction offers an alternative to the mix of older homes in the heart of town. Modern residential settings feature a variety of contemporary homes with driveways and attached garages near Lavon Lake. “The price points are still reasonable compared to the extensive growth in North Texas,” says Hunt, who lives on ranch outside of Farmersville proper. Large renovated homes built in the Colonial Revival style stand out among the community’s older housing stock, which also includes quaint cottage-style homes. Many of the older homes have been renovated and stand out along quiet streets filled with mature trees. Midcentury ranch-style homes can offer more spacious lots. Prices typically range from around $250,000 to $800,00-plus for acreage homes on the outskirts. The community’s Cap Index Crime Score of 2-out-of-10 is lower than the national average.
Well-rated Farmersville ISD is a popular draw
The Farmersville Independent School District earns a B-plus from Niche. “People think very highly of the school district,” Hunt says. “It’s very popular.” Tatum Elementary School, Farmersville Intermediate School, Farmersville Junior High School and Farmersville High School are all rated B-plus as well. The Career and Technical Education P-Tech program allows students who are not planning to attend college to obtain credentials and/or associate degrees. Texas has an inter-district open enrollment policy, so students can apply for transfers into and out of Farmersville ISD.
McKinney Street and its red bricks highlight a historic downtown
The downtown historic district is centered around McKinney Street and its red bricks. Burro-ito’s and Wood and Time Smokehouse BBQ are featured dining destinations. Downtown is home to the Onion Shed, a historic building that hosts the popular farmers market on the first Saturday of the month. The community’s signature event, the Old Time Saturday Festival, is held downtown every year in early October. Charlie’s Old Fashioned Kitchen, housed in an early 1900s cotton gin building, is among restaurants that can be found elsewhere in town. “We have not seen the rate of growth we thought we would, which is good and bad,” Hunt says. “We don’t have a Walmart or a Target or a Starbuck’s. But growth seems to be steady and not ridiculous.” Residents can shop for groceries at Brookshire’s along Audie Murphy Highway, named for the decorated World War II hero who is the community’s most famous resident. “As a big military guy, I found that cool,” Hunt says.
Freedom Plaza, Chaparral Rail Trail are popular destinations
Downtown offers relaxing and contemplative green spaces that include Farmersville Memorial City Park and Freedom Plaza, which features a memorial to Audie Murphy. Nearby is the entrance to the Chaparral Rail Trail. “Groups will have bike rides on it, and they also run races,” Hunt says. Children can enjoy Rambler’s Park and the adjacent Robbie Lamkin Memorial Splash Pad. Spain Athletic Complex is anchored by several ballfields, and Southlake Park offers a waterfront setting for hiking, biking, fishing and bird watching. Lavon Lake is a haven for boaters, anglers and other outdoors enthusiasts.
Highways provide convenient access to the region's larger cities
This car-dependent community enjoys relatively convenient access to the amenities of surrounding cities via a pair of highways that run through town. Audie Murphy Parkway is known regionally as U.S. Route 380, and it is part of a proposed eight-lane bypass. McKinney, the county seat and home of a Baylor Scott & White Medical Center, is about 20 miles away via U.S. 380. Plano, home of Toyota Motor North America headquarters, is about 30 miles away via Texas State Highway 78. That roadway also connects to Interstate 30 in nearby Rockwall and leads into downtown Dallas, which is about an hour and 15 minutes away. Dallas Fort Worth International Airport is about a 50-mile drive from the community.
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Written By
Matt Pallister
