Boasting an old-fashioned main street filled with mom-and-pop shops and over 45 acres of parkland, Royse City draws residents looking for good old, rural living without compromising convenience. Just 32 miles east of Dallas, Royse City epitomizes a country town undergoing a population boom. Half of the shops along the town's quiet streets, and about 90% of its residents, were nonexistent a few decades ago. The city’s master-planned neighborhoods and mix of historic architecture give residents the best of two worlds. "This is a very community-oriented and family-friendly environment," says Kimberly Cox, a Realtor with the Scarborough Realty Group, who lives and sells houses in Royse City. "The population is growing so much – especially with all the new housing developments – but it's still considered a small little town.” While many residents make the commute to Dallas, the city’s major employers include Artisan Masonry, Royse City Emergency Hospital, Royse City Independent Schools and the City of Royse City.
Royse City offers a mix of rural charm and suburban growth for families.
Royse City is growing rapidly with a population boom and many new planned neighborhoods.
Artisan Masonry, a key employer in Royse City, plays a vital role in the local economy.
Royse City Emergency Hospital is another key employer, providing vital healthcare services.
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Shops and eateries along Main Street
As the city has grown, the local government has worked hard to maintain Royse City's its small-town charm. It became a Texas Main Street City in 2007, helping to encourage downtown revitalization and preservation in the city's historic district. Older businesses and newcomers line Main Street today, such as local boutiques Anchored Bliss and Stitching Embroidery. Down this thoroughfare, Texas Cafe Diner Royse City serves classic diner food, and Alejandro's features authentic Tex-Mex. Family-run Joe's Meat Market is a local favorite, offering groceries and tacos. Main Street Emporium Ice Cream & Coffee is the spot for fresh brews and sweet treats. The popular travel stop Buc-ee’s also has a location in Royse City. "There's no con to living here," Cox says. "Rockwall is 10 to 15 minutes down the road, and they have even more shopping."
Today, Royse City's Main Street features a mix of older businesses and new establishments.
Shop at Anchored Bliss, a charming local boutique in downtown Royse City, for unique finds.
Buc-ee's in Royse City offers a popular stop for travelers, featuring the iconic jerky wall.
Texas Cafe Diner Royse City serves classic diner food for breakfast and lunch.
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Meet royal llamas and attend annual events
Royse City hosts events to bring the community together, such as the Main Street Car Show in August and the Annual Christmas Tree Lighting in November. For a look into the past, the Zaner Robison Historical Museum South Arch Street highlights the prairie lifestyle of residents in the early to mid-1900s. ShangriLlama is a tourist attraction where visitors go on walks with royal llamas such as Dalai Llama and Barack O'Llama, named after historical figures.
Royse City hosts events such as the Annual Christmas Tree Lighting in November.
Residents of Royse City flock downtown to the Annual Christmas Tree Lighting.
The Zaner Robison Historical Museum offers a look at Royse City's history from 1880 to 1960.
Christmas carolers perform during Royse City's Annual Christmas Tree Lighting celebration.
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Rural living and brand-new construction
Planned communities like Highlands of McKamy reflect the town's development, offering brick, new-traditional homes with fenced-in backyards and attached garages. Highlands of McKamy has sidewalks and a private community clubhouse with a pool and tennis courts. Near Main Street, the neighborhoods are more established, and lots are larger, lined with ranch-style houses, minimal traditional country cottages and craftsman homes. Further from town, lots become larger, offering ample acreage for working homesteads. The median home price in Royse City is $339,000, lower than the Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington-area median price of $399,000, according to the Texas Real Estate Research Center.
A historic Craftsman-style house stands proudly in Royse City, showcasing its proud history.
Royse City boasts large, modern new homes with spacious layouts and contemporary designs.
A mid-century brick ranch home in Royse City offers classic design and timeless charm.
A custom Craftsman-style home in Royse City features unique design and craftsmanship.
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Students assigned to Royse City Independent School District
Students here are assigned to the Royse City Independent School District, comprised of six elementary schools, two middle schools and one high school. The school district earns an A-minus grade from Niche. Royse City High School offers a partnership program with Texas A&M Commerce and Paris Junior College, in which students can earn an associate degree by graduation.
Royce City High is is the only high school in the Royse City for students grade 9-12.
Ouida Bailey Middle School hopes to instill lifelong learning in their students in Royse Cit
Davis Elementary School serves students from Pre-K through 5th grade in Royse City.
Anita Scott Elementary School in Royse City is highly rated in the neighborhood.
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Tee it up at Stone River Golf Club
With over 45 acres of green space, Royse City residents spend much time outdoors. City Lake Park on Live Oak Street has a playground, a half-mile walking trail, and a catch-and-release fishing pond. There’s also a splash park on Main Street, right next to the Walker Hawk Sports Complex, where youth sports teams practice and play tournaments. Golf lovers will enjoy the proximity to Stone River Golf Club, which offers rolling green hills, ponds and scattered trees throughout the fairways. Locals are also about 11 miles from Lake Avon and Lake Ray Hubbard, where Texans spend summers cruising on the waterways.
Take a stroll along the half-mile walking trail at City Lake Park in Royse City.
City Lake Park in Royse City offers a catch-and-release fishing pond for visitors to enjoy.
Golf lovers will appreciate the close proximity to Stone River Golf Club in Royse City.
Royse City families love bringing their kids to City Lake Park to enjoy the playground.
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Interstate 30 provides direct access to Downtown Dallas
Interstate 30 leads west to Downtown Dallas, 32 miles away. Further west down I-30, Downtown Fort Worth is 64 miles away. Texas State Highway 66 intersects the town, serving as Main Street. Though Royse City is car-dependent, locals can use Star Transit, a scheduled ride service to get around the county and to Dallas. Additionally, the city is 50 miles from Dallas Fort Worth International Airport and 39 miles from Dallas Love Field Airport. The city’s hospital is Royse City Emergency Hospital.
Royse City crime and weather
The Royse City Police Department reported a violent crime rate of 21 offenses per 100,000 residents in December 2023, significantly lower than the state and national averages. Over that same span, they reported 130 property crime offenses per 100,000 residents, lower than the state and national averages.
According to the 11th National Risk Assessment, Royse City is prone to major winds. The city is also prone to wildfires with 99% of homes at some risk of being affected. Extreme heat is another factor during the summer months.
Written By
Kevin Haswell
Photography Contributed By
Erik Carlson
Video By
Sara Warthen
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Chris Dorward,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Royse City, TX sell after 189 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Royse City, TX over the last 12 months is $344,990, up 2% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
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