Gingerbread houses, crape myrtles and a Main Street City
Tucked away about 30 miles south of the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex is Waxahachie, a city with a population of around 47,000 people and several titles. It is called "The Gingerbread City" for the area's many "gingerbread" homes, as well as "The Crape Myrtle Capital of Texas," due to the vibrant flower that blooms in the excessive heat of a southern summer. Waxahachie also embraces the name "The Best Little Hollywood in Texas," since the hit movie "Bonnie and Clyde" was filmed there in 1967. The city was founded in 1850 and drew its initial success from the cotton industry, establishing one of the state's first textile mills. Today, the Texas Historical Commission recognizes Waxahachie as a Main Street City balancing historic preservation with economic growth. "You get a quieter, small-town lifestyle with all the amenities of the bigger cities," says Ty Stayton, the Assistant Regional Sales Manager at Century 21 Judge Fite and a city resident. Baylor Scott and White Health and the Waxahachie Independent School District are two of the primary employers in the city.
Waxahachie was founded in 1850 and is home to over 45,000 residents.
Waxahachie boasts charming small-town shops in its downtown area.
Waxahachie provides a quieter, small-town lifestyle with all the amenities of a larger city.
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center offers expertise and treatment options for Waxahachie.
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Historic districts and Victorian homes
While Waxahachie is known as "The Gingerbread City" for its gingerbread-like homes, there are other designs, including Craftsman and contemporary styles. Residents also will find classic Victorian-style homes as pink as the crape myrtles that bloom throughout the city. The housing market has increased, with the median home price in 2024 at $405,000, slightly lower than the national median price of $417,000. The city includes five National Register Historic Districts: West End, Ellis County Courthouse, North Rogers Street, Oldham Avenue and Wyatt Street. Each neighborhood tells a unique story and contributes to the larger cultural tapestry of the city. "The city has done a great job with all the new developments as people move in while still embracing the history of the community," Stayton says.
An early 20th-century cottage, beautifully renovated in Waxahachie.
Welcome to this beautifully updated Craftsman-style home, built in the early 20th century.
A vibrant, colorful Victorian-style home built in the early 20th century in Waxahachie.
Small, colorful cottages are scattered throughout Waxahachie.
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Crape Myrtle Festival, Fireworks and Parade
Waxahachie holds events year round that bring the community and surrounding areas together for fun festivities. Among the notable events is the Crape Myrtle Festival, Fireworks & Parade, a July 3rd and 4th celebration with food trucks, fireworks, a kids zone and a parade. Other notable events include the Crossroads of Film and Music Festival and the Texas Country Reporter Festival. Downtown Waxahachie holds a Christmas Tour of Homes during the holiday season, including five historical homes covered in holiday decorations. "When they do stuff downtown, there are lots of people there, and they are very nice," Stayton says. "You can bump into someone, shake their hand, and become friends with them."
Waxahachie hosts the annual Christmas Tour of Homes each holiday season.
Historical homes are covered in holiday decorations during the Christmas Tour of Homes.
The Waxahachie Farmers Market features dozens of vendors offering a wide variety of goods.
The Waxahachie Farmers Market opens every spring, offering the freshest produce and goods.
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Largemouth bass fishing at Lake Waxahachie
Waxahachie has 22 parks throughout the city that are open to the public. Getzendaner Park is a 33-acre park that serves as an entrance to the trail system. It also includes the Historic Chautauqua Auditorium, a performance hall built in 1902 that is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Athletes appreciate Lee Penn Park for its covered basketball courts, lighted athletic fields and public pool. Professional sports teams are also accessible to Waxahachie residents, with the Dallas Cowboys and Texas Rangers stadiums about 35 miles away in Arlington. Richards Park is a baseball field that opened in 1914. Named for former MLB player and manager Paul Richards, the park is where three major league teams held spring training in the early 20th century. The facility is now owned by the local school district and is home to the high school baseball team. "Richards Park has been here forever, and people still embrace the history of it," Stayton says. Lake Waxahachie is a hot spot for boating and fishing, with an abundance of largemouth bass.
Getzendaner Park, one of the largest parks in Waxahachie, is a local favorite.
Located in Waxahachie, Richards Park is a historic baseball field that first opened in 1914.
The Historic Chautauqua Auditorium, a performance hall built in 1902.
Lee Penn Park is a charming green space in Waxahachie, offering a peaceful retreat.
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Several local shops in Historic Downtown
Waxahachie is home to an array of restaurants and cuisines, from fast-food chains like Sonic Drive-In to local diners like Pop's Burger Stand. Historic Downtown includes over 120 local businesses, including cafes, boutiques and entertainment venues. Most of the buildings remain the same as they were in the 1880s when the railroad sparked the growth of the city. The Waxahachie Town Center offers various retail options, while the Waxahachie Marketplace and Red Barn Flea Markets have groceries and other unique goods.
That Gibson eclectic shop in Waxahachie sells men's wear and ladies' apparel.
The Waxahachie Town Center offers various retail options for its residents.
Savor your favorite latte at the charming Bloom & Pour in downtown Waxahachie.
Historic downtown Waxahachie includes over 120 local businesses, including boutiques.
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High marks for the Waxachachie Independent School District
Waxahachie students are part of the Waxahachie Independent School District, which earns an A-minus and is ranked the No.1 School District in Ellis County by Niche. The school district has 10 elementary schools, three middle schools and three high schools. Those looking to continue their education can attend Navarro College's Waxahachie campus, a community college with over 20 different programs, including cosmetology and paralegal studies. Stayton notes that sports are prominent in the schools, with baseball and football being huge in Waxahachie and throughout Texas.
Margaret L. Felty Elementary School is where education meets inspiration in Waxahachie.
Waxahachie High School boasts a large campus where students can learn and explore.
Global High School in Waxahachie is your top choice for a comprehensive learning experience.
Waxahachie students have the option to attend Wilemon STEAM Academy.
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Highway 287 leads to Arlington and Fort Worth
Highway 287 serves as a main roadway connecting Waxahachie with Fort Worth and Arlington. Residents take Interstate 35 to Dallas, which runs from Laredo, Texas, by the U.S.-Mexico border to Duluth, Minnesota. The Mid-Way Regional Airport is less than 7 miles away, while the DFW International Airport is about 44 miles north along Highway 287. Complete Health Medical Center and Baylor Scott & White Family Medical Center are the main hospitals in the city.
Crime and environmental factors
According to FBI crime statistics, the property crime rate in Waxahachie is about 153 incidents per 100,000 people, compared to the Texas average of 180. The violent crime rate is about half that of the state rate.
Like much of North Texas, excessive heat and potential tornadoes are a concern. August is the hottest month of the year, with an average high of 95 degrees, while the coldest month is January, with an average low of 37 degrees.
Written By
DJ Stewart
Photography Contributed By
Erik Carlson
Video By
Ennis Warlick
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
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an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Waxahachie, TX sell after 76 days on the market compared to the national average of 49 days. The median sale price for homes in Waxahachie, TX over the last 12 months is $409,200, down 3% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
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OPEN HOUSE - Saturday, June 14th from 1-3pm! Elegant and spacious 4 bed 3 bath home with shop on over an acre, tucked into the back of the cul-de-sac in the quiet Dove Meadows neighborhood of southern Waxahachie! This single-story home with split floorplan boasts an open layout with separate office, bonus room in back of house perfect as a game room or even 5th bedroom, tall ceilings, and great
*OPEN SATURDAY AND SUNDAY JUNE 14TH & 15TH 1-4PM** FLEXIBLE LIVING WITH INCOME POTENTIAL! Calling all investors, multi-generational households, or anyone wanting to live in the main home and rent out the apartment in the back—this unique property has it all! The standout feature is the 2 bed, 1 bath apartment (approx. 691 sq ft) located behind the main house—perfect for rental income, in-laws, or
Beautifully crafted 12.51 acre estate offering timeless charm, thoughtful upgrades, and incredible flexibility. The heart of the property is a 3,522 sq ft custom home w engineered hardwoods featuring 4 beds, 4 full baths -each bedroom has its own- formal dining, dedicated office space, kitchen, large utility room, full size bay sink, upper-lower cabinets & ample counter space and an expansive
Beautifully crafted 12.51 acre estate offering timeless charm, thoughtful upgrades, and incredible flexibility. The heart of the property is a 3,522 sq ft custom home w engineered hardwoods featuring 4 beds, 4 full baths -each bedroom has its own- formal dining, dedicated office space, kitchen, large utility room, full size bay sink, upper-lower cabinets & ample counter space and an expansive
OPEN HOUSE, SATURDAY, JUNE 7TH 12PM-3PM & SUNDAY, JUNE 8TH 3PM-5PMSpacious 4-bed, 2,500 sq ft home on 4 beautiful acres with a view of Lake Waxahachie! Features include an oversized primary suite with sitting area, large closets, separate study, breakfast nook, formal dining, and oversized garage with shop. Barn with stables, Generac whole-house generator, and peaceful country vibes just minutes
Welcome to The Cottages on Cantrell!!! This corner lot, 3 bedroom 2 bathroom Cottage is gorgeous inside and out.Outside has a lovely beige color on the home with fully landscaped yard. Hand scraped hardwood floors in home as wellas lush carpets in bedrooms. Beautiful Granite countertops in kitchen! Lots of windows to bring in natural light. Ceilingfan in every bedroom as well as living room will
Welcome to The Cottages on Cantrell!!! This lovely home has 3 bedroom 2 bathroom Cottage is gorgeous inside andout. Outside has a lovely red color on the home with fully landscaped yard. Hand scraped hardwood floors in home aswell as lush carpets in bedrooms. Beautiful Granite countertops in kitchen along with pantry! Lots of windows to bringin natural light. Ceiling fan in every bedroom as well
Welcome to this Fully furnished resort style executive rental. Designed by Courtney Warren, this custom home is available for short or long term lease. Lease includes all furnishings shown in photos, TVs, stocked kitchen, bedding, linens & all appliances. Redefining modern living, this meticulously crafted property exudes elegance with every detail. Spanning 4474 SF, it features 6 bedrooms, 2
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