Van Alstyne is a growing community north of Dallas with plenty to do
Van Alstyne keeps growing, but its small-town atmosphere remains. The city, split between Grayson and Collin counties, has a population of around 6,000, nearly double what it had in 2010. While some amenities have yet to arrive, like a full-scale grocery store, others have: the city has a bustling food and drink scene, and enough parks for residents of all ages to have space to play. “There’s a vibrant downtown area, but we’re also close to everything in Dallas that you want to do,” says Angelica Peña, an agent with Real Broker LLC. Peña added the area’s highly rated schools as another reason people move to the community.
New Traditional homes with brick exteriors sit along narrow streets
Most of Van Alstyne’s New Traditional homes were constructed after 2015 and sit on small lots of a quarter-acre or less. Many of them incorporate brick or stone into their exterior. The median sale price is about $425,000, close to the national median. “With housing prices, you’re getting more bang for your buck here than in Frisco or Plano,” Peña says. “It’s a pretty significant difference, like 20 to 30%.” Yards are largely short-cut grass but can feature medium and large trees, and some residents have gardens. Residential asphalt roads are often narrow, and though it is a car-dependent community, main thoroughfares like Waco Street can have sidewalks.
Casual and upscale dining options, but no full-scale grocery store
Most restaurants sit along Waco Street and U.S. Route 75. Bill Smith’s Cafe serves homestyle food in a space with 1950s decor. Jafar’s Mediterranean Grill brings authentic flavors. Burnt by J.H. offers American-style fine dining and an extensive whiskey selection. Cooley Bay Winery’s tasting room is open Thursday through Sunday. Braum’s serves ice cream and sells select groceries. Dollar General locations are nearby, and Walmart and Brookshire’s are found in Anna, around 7 miles south.
Highly rated schools and a school choice voucher program
Students are zoned for the Van Alstyne Independent School District. Those in kindergarten through fourth grade can attend John & Nelda Partin Elementary School, which holds an A Niche score. Van Alstyne Middle School, for grades 5-6, doesn’t have a Niche or GreatSchools rating. Van Alstyne Junior High, for grades 7-8, gets an A from Niche. Van Alstyne High offers dual-credit classes in partnership with Grayson County College. It earns a B-plus score.
Starting in 2026, Texas’ school choice voucher program will award eligible families nearly $10,000 to use on private school tuition and other expenses. The closest private school is Texoma Christian School, about 20 miles away in Sherman, which has an A Niche rating.
Spend time fishing, walking or playing team sports at several parks
The city’s Central Social District has a stage for concerts, a playground and a splash pad. It often hosts farmers markets and other events. Dorothy Fielder Park is centered around its gazebo and picnic tables. The catch-and-release fishing pond at Eula Umphress and Robert Hynds Park offers bass, catfish, crappie and bluegill. The park has a short walking trail, a pavilion and a playground. Sports take the spotlight at Forrest Moore Park, which has tennis and basketball courts and baseball and softball diamonds. More softball facilities can be found at McKinney Wilson Park.
Free concerts and the Fall Der All festival bring the town together
The city throws community events like cornhole tournaments and free concerts throughout the year. The Fall Der All festival, held annually each October, mixes live music with family activities and food trucks. In December, Van Alstyne’s Christmas parade, part of its Holiday Hangout event, takes on a different theme each year. Van Alstyne First United Methodist Church uses all proceeds from its Lord’s Acre events to give back to the community; each one blends a country store, silent and live auctions, games and an optional lunch.
Access to U.S. Route 75, Downtown Dallas and a regional emergency room
U.S. Route 75 passes just west of the city, and Texas State Highway 5, known locally as Waco Street, cuts through its center. The area is around 50 miles from Downtown Dallas and Dallas Fort Worth International Airport. ER at Anna, a Texoma Medical Center facility, is less than a 10-mile drive. Peña says the community rarely gets tornadoes or other big storms.
