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
Matt Templeton,
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 63 days on the market compared to the national average of 56 days. The median sale price for homes in Waxahachie, TX over the last 12 months is $361,990, up 3% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Beautifully upgraded single story home situated on a spacious 70-foot interior lot in the highly sought after North Grove community in Waxahachie. Offering 3 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, a dedicated home office, and 2 living areas, this exceptional home seamlessly blends functionality, style, and sophistication. Designer finishes abound, including stunning high-end light fixtures and chandeliers hand
MLS# 21263910 - Built by HistoryMaker Homes - Aug 2026 completion! ~ The Olive, a well-designed single-story home ideal for modern living. This spacious home includes 4 bedrooms 3 baths and in closed study, providing ample space for family and guest. The open concept living area integrates the kitchen, dining and living spaces, perfect for entertaining. The primary suite serves as a serene
Imagine 101 Griffin St, a residence presenting a straightforward, functional layout. This property maintains a well-kept condition throughout, featuring practical interior spaces that receive ample daylight. The surrounding exterior grounds provide an adaptable area, complementing the overall design and readiness for immediate occupancy. This property exemplifies thoughtful design and ready
New Price! Discover this stunning two-story History Maker home in the heart of Waxahachie. Perfectly situated just 30 minutes from Dallas and Fort Worth with easy access to Hwy 287 and I-35, this home offers the ideal blend of convenience and comfort. The spacious 4-bedroom, 3-bath floor plan features an open-concept layout with white quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances, and a gas
Escape to the peaceful countryside without sacrificing convenience in this stunning custom home situated on 1.072 fully fenced acres. Enjoy the freedom of NO HOA and the savings of NO CITY TAXES while still being just minutes from the shopping, dining, and amenities of Waxahachie. With fiber internet available, you can enjoy country living without giving up modern connectivity. Designed for both
Stop taking vacations and start living in your own private resort! This one-of-a-kind 4,474 SF custom luxury estate sits on 1.74 secluded acres in Waxahachie, TX, offering unmatched privacy, amazing views, and resort-style living. Featuring 6 bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms, custom details throughout, and a breathtaking backyard oasis with a resort-style pool, this extraordinary property is perfect as a
NEW PRICE! UNBEATABLE VALUE! A new custom home inside a 1904 Victorian Masterpiece - fully restored in 2021. This is the rare historic property that gives you everything — the soul, craftsmanship, and architecture of a true historic house with the systems, comfort, and confidence of brand-new construction. Taken down to the studs and tastefully rebuilt, this 5-bedroom, 4.5-bath custom home on
Lakefront Living on Lake Waxahachie — This recently updated 3-bedroom, 2-bath home puts you steps from the water with your own large covered dock for fishing, swimming, and boating. Inside, vaulted ceilings with exposed wood beams and a wood-burning fireplace set the tone for a space that feels both open and warm. The kitchen features granite countertops, a center island with seating, and modern
FULLY RENOVATED, NO HOA, and $275k?! Step inside to soaring vaulted ceilings, brand new flooring, and fresh paint that flow through the entire home. The kitchen steals the show with crisp white cabinets, sleek new black countertops, white subway tile backsplash, new sinks, modern hardware, and stainless steel appliances. The primary suite is a peaceful retreat with an attached bathroom, great
Welcome to 279 Moonshadow Drive in Waxahachie’s coveted Buffalo Ridge neighborhood. This STUNNING, 2020-built traditional brick and stone home OFFERS a breathtaking aesthetic and an unprecedented FINANCIAL ADVANTAGE: a rare, qualified-buyer assumable loan at just 2.75% interest, offering massive monthly savings in today's market. PACKED with Exquisite Architectural Details & Spanning 2,500 square
Built in 1902 by newlyweds Willia Getzendaner & S.P. Skinner, this Main Street home saw its owner become President Pro Tempore of the Texas Senate just 5 years later. More than a century later, the home was headed for demolition before a careful restoration moved it 6 blocks down Main Street & gave it a foundation of concrete piers drilled to bedrock, with all new plumbing & electric. You get the
This property is buzzing with opportunity! Set on just shy of 10 beautiful acres, this warm and inviting home offers the perfect opportunity to make it your own with personal updates and modern touches. The primary suite, along with two additional bedrooms, conveniently located on the main level, while the upstairs features a fourth bedroom, full bath, and spacious game room, providing an ideal
**$80,000 PRICE REDUCTION — NOW PRICED BELOW APPRAISAL!** Rarely does a private waterfront property with acreage, major system updates, and exceptional value become available at this price point. Nestled behind a gated entrance on 2.6 scenic acres, this move-in ready country retreat offers the perfect combination of privacy, space, and modern comfort. A stocked pond with a private fishing pier
Welcome home to peaceful country living with the convenience of the city just minutes away! Nestled on over an acre, this beautifully maintained home offers the perfect blend of space, comfort, and a TON of modern upgrades, full upgrade list in transaction desk. Pride of ownership is evident throughout, with numerous updates that make this home truly move-in ready. Inside, you'll find a
Welcome to 436 Brushwood Lane, a beautifully designed Highland Homes Canterbury floor plan located in the North Grove master-planned community of Waxahachie. This exceptional single-story home offers 4 bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms, a private office, media room, multiple living areas, and a rare oversized 4-car tandem garage that is insulated and temperature-controlled for year-round functionality.
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.
Thoughtfully designed and intentionally located, The Emory at North Grove, will bring 98 units of modern apartment living to the heart of the growing North Grove district. Developed by Mia Rose Holdings, LLC, this upcoming community will deliver contemporary style, comfort, and convenience in a planned mixed-use setting.Emory at North Grove will feature one- and two-bedroom apartment
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
Welcome home to Five 49 at River Oaks! Our apartments in Waxahachie welcomes you with incredible amenities, spacious floor plans and exciting resident events, all blended together with stellar services. Make yourself comfortable in any of our 1, 2, 3 and 4 bedroom homes. They feature spacious bedrooms and immaculate kitchens designed with all the conveniences you'd expect.
Welcome to Oxford at Crossroads Centre, where luxury and convenience blend seamlessly to create an exceptional living experience. Nestled in a vibrant, gated community, our pet-friendly apartments offer a maintenance-free lifestyle that lets you focus on what truly matters. At Oxford at Crossroads Centre, we believe that home should be a sanctuary. Our spacious floorplans are thoughtfully
Whether you're looking for your first or your next home, Bridgepoint Apartments is a comfortable and charming place to reside. The relaxed location in Waxahachie, Texas offers the perfect blend of country-quiet living with city conveniences, including easy access to shopping and dining at the Waxahachie Towne Center, an easy commute to Navarro College, Baylor Hospital, SAGU, Historic Downtown,
The Hamilton at Garden Valley is a 55 years old and up Active Adults Only apartment community in Waxahachie, Texas. The community is designed exclusively for active adults ages 55 and older who are looking for maintenance-free convenience in our spacious one- and two-bedroom apartment homes with open-concept layouts, contemporary finishes, in a relaxed & refined setting. From beautifully
Life at Gala at Waxahachie doesn’t just include your well-appointed apartment home! As a resident of our community, you will gain access to a wide variety of unique and purposeful amenities. Whether practicing low impact water aerobics in our resort-style pool, perfecting your short game on our putting green, or enjoying a beverage with new friends in our Club House. There is more to experience
Settle into a home that feels like a getaway every day. Park Place Apartments blends modern interiors with resort-style outdoor spaces, so you can start mornings on your private balcony or patio and end evenings by the pool or fire pit. Just minutes from historic downtown Waxahachie, you have small town charm and big city convenience within easy reach.
Discover the perfect blend of comfort, convenience, and affordability at Bent Tree Townhomes in the heart of Waxahachie, TX. If you're in search of a great townhome with a wealth of amenities, you've come to the right place. We invite you to tour our beautiful townhomes and find out why everyone is talking about Bent Tree!Bent Tree Townhomes offer four fabulous floor plans with spacious 2 or
Virtual touring and by appointment, self-guided touring is available. Contact us today! Welcome to Emory on Grand located in Waxahachie, Texas. Our community is situated close to State Highway 287 and Interstate 45 for ease of commuting. Our location provides ample shopping, dining, and entertainment opportunities within minutes, like Hilltop Lanes or ShowBiz Cinemas. Explore the taste of Mexico
Local Logic measures the walkability, access to public transit and 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.
