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Downtown Wichita Falls

Downtown Wichita Falls

$100,269 Average Value
$285 Average Price per Sq Ft
0 Homes For Sale
Find the World's Littlest Skyscraper in Downtown Wichita Falls.
Find the World's Littlest Skyscraper in Downtown Wichita Falls.

Home to the "world's littlest skyscraper"

In Downtown Wichita Falls, some vintage brick buildings lie vacant, while others have been filled with gastropubs in the past decade. Unlike in a booming metropolis, a wide-open feeling and less light pollution make the stars shine clearer at night, and traffic is minimal. The story of Wichita Falls begins here, at a river and a poker table. Back when the land was pure prairie, traveling Comanche sent a woman into a river to test its depth. "Wi Chi Ta," she called out, meaning waist deep in their language. Local lore says the land was later won in a poker game by a man from Mississippi in 1837. The city grew around a major oil boom but lost some of its shimmer after refineries closed in the 1960s and a major tornado struck in the '70s, causing over $400 million in damages. The current economy is bolstered by several hospitals, Midwestern State University, and Sheppard Air Force Base — a NATO training facility 5 miles north. Streetscapes are being renewed downtown with added artistic crosswalk installations, bike racks and pole banners. At the same time, downtown celebrates its storied history by carefully preserving its landmarks, including "the world's littlest skyscraper." An average weekend might look like meeting at the farmers market or catching a live show at a community theater.

Old homes in Downtown Wichita Falls, but not always historic

Debbie Dobbins of Love to the Moon LLC, who runs her own YouTube channel devoted to Wichita Falls, says people move here for the friendly residents and the low cost of living. Most residential options are between 11th Street and Kell West Boulevard, with a few businesses mixed in. Most homes date back to the early 1900s, but Dobbins says they're not always considered historic. "Although I sold a home in the last six months that was considered number 13 on the historic list of homes in Wichita Falls," she says. Property conditions are mixed, with some residences showing heavy wear and tear. "There was an influx of vacant houses a couple years back, but they are all being bought out by investors," says Realtor Miguel Vazquez, who works for eXp Realty, LLC, and has sold homes in Wichita Falls for two years. Though investment is heavy, there is no new construction. Vazquez says houses are being flipped to sell or rent instead. Tiny Craftsman-style homes, sometimes engulfed by trees, line the streets. Tudor, Victorian, and American Foursquares styles also dot the area. Prices range from around $60,000 for fixer-uppers under 1,400 square feet to around $225,000 for a larger, move-in-ready residence. Droughts come and go, according to Dobbins. She adds that Wichita Falls gets microbursts, essentially mini tornados, and plenty of hail. "We get severe weather alerts, and that just means there will be a lot of wind, a lot of rain, and thunderstorms are very common. I love thunderstorms. They are like a lullaby to me."

Some homes are renovation opportunities in Downtown Wichita Falls.
Some homes are renovation opportunities in Downtown Wichita Falls.
Multi-story family homes can have landscaped front yards in Downtown Wichita Falls.
Multi-story family homes can have landscaped front yards in Downtown Wichita Falls.
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The sound garden and suspension bridge at Lucy Park

Bellevue Park in downtown Wichita Falls spans nearly 4 grassy acres with nature trails weaving throughout. A hallmark of the park is a time capsule buried in 1976 that won't be unearthed until 2076 and contains mementos of the times. A concrete trail runs adjacent to the Wichita River and connects to Lucy Park's 176 acres, just next door on Sunset Drive. The park has a duck pond, a sound garden filled with instruments, disc golf fields and nature trails lined by cottonwood trees. The 60-year-old suspension bridge at Lucy Park sways with every step across the Wichita River toward an artificial waterfall. The waterfall was built in the '80s to replace the city's natural falls, which washed away in the 1800s. Kids also enjoy a playground at the park. Weeks Park, 7 miles south off the Southwest Parkway, houses the city's municipal golf course and nine lighted tennis courts.

The famous Wichita Falls are one of the main attractions to see when you visit this city.
The famous Wichita Falls are one of the main attractions to see when you visit this city.
Many visitors love the outdoor time by the Falls around Downtown Wichita.
Many visitors love the outdoor time by the Falls around Downtown Wichita.
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Local craft beer at Wichita Falls Brewing Company

Downtown's 40-foot tall "skyscraper" is in the historic area between 5th and 8th streets. It's now occupied by a furniture and decor store, but was built by a conman to house business offices in the 1800s. The swindler claimed it would be over 400 feet tall before skipping town with today's equivalent of $3 million. Locals can find a range of pubs, comfort food and establishments devoted to the arts here. Wichita Falls Brewing Company is a modern, industrial-style brewpub serving local craft beers and wood-fired pizza. The Highlander Public House is a Celtic/Texas fusion restaurant with old-world classics like fish and chips. Locals head to Half Pint Taproom & Restoration Hall to sit at the bar and catch Midwestern State football games. For a Texas steak, McBrides Land & Cattle Co. serves thick cuts of meat in a barn-style restaurant. One of the area's community theaters is across the street for a show. The Artistry sells local art and hosts art classes for the community. Locals gather year-round at the farmers' market for fresh produce, live music, and food trucks. The closest grocery store is Market Street, around 6 miles west.

Wichita Falls Brewery has been serving the downtown residents for over 6 years.
Wichita Falls Brewery has been serving the downtown residents for over 6 years.
You will find younger crowds enjoying some drinks in Downtown Wichita Falls during the weekends.
You will find younger crowds enjoying some drinks in Downtown Wichita Falls during the weekends.
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The story of the Wolds Littlest Skyscraper that is in Downtown Wichita Falls.
The story of the Wolds Littlest Skyscraper that is in Downtown Wichita Falls.

City of Wichita Falls Public Library is a quiet place to study

The Wichita Falls Independent School District is is currently in flux. The city's oldest high school is closing after celebrating its 100th year, and two new high schools opened in August 2024: Wichita Falls Memorial High School and Wichita Falls Legacy High School. Neither school has been rated by Niche yet. Both will support virtual learning and more collaborative in-person learning through breakout rooms and a large auditorium. Hirschi Middle School, rated B plus by Niche, replaced Kirby Middle School — which was also aging out — in 2024. Students still attend Booker T. Washington Elementary School, rated C by Niche. City of Wichita Falls Public Library on 11th Street is a quiet place to study after school. The library is a community hub, hosting reading challenges for different age groups, adult book clubs and movie nights for teens. For a convenient college track, Midwestern State University is around 4 miles south, with a 92% acceptance rate and a relatively low tuition after aid, at $10,000 a year.

United Regional Health Care System is downtown

The Oklahoma border is just 20 miles north of Wichita Falls, earning it the nickname Texoma. The city is 100 miles from larger cities like Denton and Fort Worth and around 140 miles southwest of Oklahoma City. U.S. Route 277 and Interstate 44 bound downtown to the west. United Regional Health Care System is downtown on 11th Street and Kell West Regional Hospital is around 7 miles west. Wichita Falls Regional Airport, 5 miles north at Sheppard Air Force Base, employs civilians and military professionals. The airport is served by United Airlines, which takes people to Dallas Fort Worth International Airport daily. Falls Ride provides local transportation, with bus routes in downtown, including on 8th Street. Regionally, commutes are swift. “Tip to tip it would take you 20 minutes to get anywhere," Dobbins says. "Most everything is 10 minutes to where everything else is.” The CAP Index crime score for Downtown Wichita Falls is a 9 out of 10, which is more than double the U.S. average of 4.

United Regional Health Care System is Downtown.
United Regional Health Care System is Downtown.
United Regional Health Care System is Downtown.
United Regional Health Care System is Downtown.
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Downtown hosts Wichita Falls' symphony

"One of the things about our town that I like is we have a symphony -- the Wichita Falls Symphony Orchestra, which is a professor symphony that’s been in existence for 76 years," says Tim Lockhart of Keller Williams Lonestar DFW, a sixth-generation Texan who served at Sheppard Air Force Base before becoming a Realtor. The orchestra plays at Memorial Auditorium, on 7th Street, which was built in the 1920s to replicate the State Fair Music Hall in Dallas. Wichita Falls Multi-Purpose Events Center, on 5th Street, hosts the Wichita Falls PRCA Rodeo in August, drawing 400 rodeo professionals and a large crowd. Museum of North Texas History, on Indiana Avenue, archives the area's history.

Movies at the Market is an event in Downtown Wichita Falls.
Movies at the Market is an event in Downtown Wichita Falls.
Downtown Wichita Falls Farmers Markets are popular to attend.
Downtown Wichita Falls Farmers Markets are popular to attend.
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Kathryn Ashworth
Written By
Kathryn Ashworth
Gabor Kovacs
Photography Contributed By
Gabor Kovacs
Adam Barkley
Video By
Adam Barkley

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Schools

Source:
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

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Downtown Wichita Falls Demographics and Home Trends

Housing Trends

Median List Price
$985,000
Median Sale Price
$900,000
Median Single Family Sale Price
$900,000
Median Change From 1st List Price
9%
Last 12 months Home Sales
3
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
74%
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$285

Neighborhood Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
169
Number of Homes for Sale
0
Median Year Built
1920
Months of Supply
0.00
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,607
Below the national average
1,924
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
1,528
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
7,405

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

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Average Home Value





Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Renters

Demographics

Total Population
1,821
Median Age
41
Population Density
3 ppl/acre
Population under 18
16%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
14.2%
On par with the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$41,087
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$48,964

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
83.5%
College Graduates
10.5%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
3.6%
% Population in Labor Force
38.3%
Significantly below the national average
65.1%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
29''
Average Winter Low Temperature
30°F
Average Summer High Temperature
97°F
Annual Snowfall
7''

Area Factors

Bikeable

Bike Score®

54 / 100

Very Walkable

Walk Score®

72 / 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score

Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.

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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.
NEIGHBORHOOD
Downtown Wichita Falls
Margie Santa
WILLIAMS REALTY AND AUCTION SERVICE LLC
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