McLendon-Chisholm features upscale homes in a safe setting near Dallas
McLendon-Chisholm is a fast-growing city in Rockwall County, about 30 miles from Dallas. Growth continues amid ongoing construction of the upscale homes that make this bedroom community an appealing destination. The city offers a setting that blends the suburban and the rural, where residents enjoy access to the A-rated Rockwall Independent School District and proximity to the amenities of nearby Rockwall. McLendon-Chisholm is also one of the safest communities in the region. Its Cap Index Crime Score of 1-out-of-10 signifies an area with the lowest possible crime rate. “It’s town-and-country living, with homes on large lots of a half-acre to an acre or more,” says Dee Evans, a principal broker at Coldwell Banker Apex, Realtors and longtime area resident. “The appeal is that you get the benefit of city life with really good schools, but you’re far enough out that you’re not on top of everybody.”
Subdivisions offers large custom homes, smaller homes with amenities
Windsor Place, Kensington Park and Chisholm Crossing are developments that feature large custom homes on spacious lots. Homes are built far enough apart to provide a sense of privacy, yet close enough to allow residents to get to know their neighbors. Newer homes built closer together can be found in Sonoma Verde, which features recreational amenities and a more affordable collection of housing. Front yards are typically small, but backyards are large enough for pools. Sidewalks offer appealing walkability. Older homes, including ranches, can also be found. Prices range from about $350,000 to $1 million-plus.
Rockwall County works to maintain its top-rated schools
Depending on the address, residents are zoned to different schools; however, all but one school in the district is rated A or A-minus. “We’re always passing bonds,” Evans says. “The district is very fiscally responsible while also keeping up with technology and trying to attract good teachers.” A typical combination consists of Sharon Shannon Elementary, Ursula Rakow Middle School and Rockwall-Heath High School. The elementary and high schools are A-rated. The middle school opened for the 2025-2026 school year and does not yet have a Niche grade. The high school has a separate freshman campus to help ease the transition into the final stage of secondary education. Except for children of full-time employees, the district does not accept transfers from outside the district. Students can apply for limited transfers out of the district, but any such moves must be approved by Rockwall ISD and the receiving district.
Nearby Rockwall features boutique shops, restaurants and retail
While only a handful of local businesses are located along the Texas State Highway 205 corridor that runs through the community, the roadway provides direct access to nearby Rockwall. The city features a variety of shopping and dining destinations, including boutique shops in the historic heart of town, restaurants on the waterfront and big-box retailers such as Target and Kroger. “Rockwall is bustling,” Evans says. “We have a really active downtown square.”
Oasis Pickleball Club is a popular community destination
Urban Air Trampoline and Adventure Park and Oasis Pickleball Club are adjacent recreational destinations conveniently located along Texas 205. The latter features dozens of courts, both open-air and enclosed. The facility offers open play, lessons and designated Beginner Nights. It also hosts national-level tournaments. Nearby Buffalo Creek Golf Club features a highly rated, 18-hole course. Rockwall is located along Lake Ray Hubbard, so boaters, anglers and outdoor enthusiasts of all kinds have easy access to one of the largest lakes in North Texas.
Expansion of major highways impacts travel to Dallas
Rockwall, home to a Baylor Scott & White Medical Center, is about 6 miles away via Texas 205. Residents can hop on Interstate 30 in Rockwall for travel into the DFW Metroplex. Dallas Fort Worth International Airport is about a 50-mile drive. Downtown Dallas is only about 30 miles from the community via Texas 205 and I-30, but construction has significantly increased travel times. “That’s a sore point because I-30 is in an expansion, and they’re also expanding 205,” Evans says. “It will be wonderful when it is all done, but the traffic is terrible right now. It’s the sticker in all our sides. Jobs are still available in Dallas, so that is bringing a lot of people here, and we’re just experiencing growing pains with the expansion as they try to keep up with the growth.”
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Written By
Matt Pallister
