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.
1/4
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.
1/4
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.
1/4
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.
1/4
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.
1/4
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.
1/4
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
Matthew Bloch
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Barbara Perez,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
On average, homes in Waxahachie, TX sell after 75 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 $400,000, up 4% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Looking for an amazing home with NO HOA?! Step into this stunning Bloomfield home sitting on an oversized lot, offering the perfect blend of comfort, style, and thoughtful upgrades. This home has 4-beds, 3 full baths, private office, two living spaces, and a media room! The primary suite features a garden tub, separate shower, dual sinks, and a spacious walk-in closet. The gourmet kitchen is
Come see THE SUNSETS and FALL IN LOVE with this almost 1.3 ACRES, over 4200 SF with 3 living areas, four bedrooms, 3 baths! Well-maintained Grand Avenue estate, where every room exudes quality workmanship and care, with lovely views from each window. From the front door, you enter the first living area and dining room (or excellent for flex space!), both with beautiful wood-look flooring and
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.
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.
Experience modern living at its best in this impeccably maintained, like-new home filled with designer finishes, eye-catching accent walls, and custom built-ins! Every corner has been thoughtfully designed, showcasing true pride of ownership. The huge country-style kitchen is a showstopper and the heart of the home, featuring sleek white cabinets, a large center island, and a multi-burner gas
Still Feels Brand New!This beautiful 3-bedroom, 2-bath J. Houston home has been lovingly maintained by its original owner and still feels (and smells!) like new. You’ll appreciate the thoughtful upgrades added over time — from cameras and a full security system to custom shelving, window coverings, garage floor mats, a stone border around the flowerbeds and trees, and gutters. Located just a
Do not miss this rare opportunity to lease a truly extraordinary, Fully Furnished executive residence. This luxurious 6-bedroom, 3.5-bath home sits on a secluded 1.75-acre estate with a resort-style pool and sweeping panoramic views. Designed by award-winning interior designer Courtney Warren, this custom masterpiece offers an unmatched blend of elegance, comfort, and modern sophistication -
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.
Vaulted ceiling in this 2 story grand living room. 2 story brick fireplace. Wrought iron spiral stairs leading to loft. Breakfast area attached to spacious kitchen. Built in dishwasher, oven, and separate cook top. Master suite includes an oval tray ceiling and ensuite bath. Walk in shower and double vanities. Front bedroom has large picture window and built in desk. Covered front porch plus
Walk Score® measures the walkability of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
