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
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On average, homes in Waxahachie, TX sell after 64 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Waxahachie, TX over the last 12 months is $389,990, up 3% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
MLS# 20879187 - Built by Impression Homes - Ready Now! ~ Located in the sought-after Carrera Ranch subdivision, just minutes from downtown Waxahachie, dining, and shopping, this 1,824 sqft. open-concept design is great for entertaining! Situated on 1 acre lots on a quiet street, this home features 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, a mudroom, and a walk-in laundry room.
MLS# 21024114 - Built by Impression Homes - Ready Now! ~ Located in the sought-after Carrera Ranch subdivision, just minutes from downtown Waxahachie, dining, and shopping, this 2,131 sqft. open-concept design is great for entertaining! Situated on 1 acre lots on a quiet street, this home features 4 bedrooms, 2 baths, a mudroom, and a walk-in laundry room.
MLS# 21132084 - Built by Trophy Signature Homes - Ready Now! ~ Delivering form, function, beauty and comfort, the Wimbledon is a grand slam for buyers who demand more from their homes. Five bedrooms mean everyone gets their own room. Four baths mean no early morning squabbles about whose turn it is to brush their teeth. Your guests will be impressed by the spectacular, high-ceilinged family room
Welcome to The Cottages of Cantrell, a charming, quiet community of Craftsman-style homes with amazing curb appeal. This adorable 3-bedroom, 2-bath single-family home is full of character and designed for modern, comfortable living. Step inside to a bright, open-concept floor plan with tons of natural light, gorgeous luxury vinyl flooring, and thoughtful custom finishes throughout. The large
ALL NEW WINDOWS, EXTERIOR DOORS, GARAGE DOOR, ROOF, FLOORS, TRIM, AND FRESH PAINT. Welcome to your own slice of the countryside! This well-kept 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home sits on 3.99 spacious acres, offering quiet rural living with few neighbors and wide-open skies. Inside, you'll find a comfortable and well-maintained home with a large living room, spacious kitchen, and separate dining room.
This charming THREE-BEDROOM, TWO-BATH CRAFTSMAN HOME offers character and functionality throughout. A SPACIOUS DECK wraps around the back of the property, creating an ideal setting for OUTDOOR ENTERTAINING or relaxing evenings. ORIGINAL HARDWOOD FLOORS run through most of the home, adding TIMELESS APPEAL, while a STYLISH, UPDATED BARN DOOR connects the BEDROOMS to the DINING ROOM. The KITCHEN AND
The Mark on Conquest offers luxury apartment homes in a new upscale apartment community. Where luxe meets comfort, these spacious floorplans incorporate sleek design, modern fixtures, and an abundance of light. Quaintly located just south of Dallas, in Waxahachie, TX, The Mark on Conquest will have you asking, "Are we there yet?" every time you're headed home.
Stunning Like-New 4 Bed 3 Bath 2,300 Square Foot Home In Amazing Waxahachie Neighborhood. Open Concept with Enormous Living Room. Gorgeous Granite Countertops with a Large Island in Kitchen. Like-New High-Quality Appliances Including Stainless Steel Fridge. High Vaulted Ceilings. Jaw-Dropping Master Suite With Dual Sinks, Garden Tub, Tiled Shower, and a Walk in Closet You Can Get Lost In. Washer
Experience elevated apartment living in the heart of Waxahachie, Texas. Located just 30 miles south of Dallas in scenic Ellis County, The Village at Waxahachie offers modern studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom apartments for rent near top local attractions, dining, and shopping destinations. Our luxury apartment community combines the comfort of high-end finishes with the warmth of small-town
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