Wylie's history starts in the late 1800s and is directly tied to the railroad. The town is named after Col. W.D. Wylie, a railroad agent and engineer in charge of laying the railroad track. The city that sprung up around the railroad earned the nickname "Wide Awake Wylie" for having local stores and restaurants open past midnight to accommodate visitors. As Wylie's agricultural roots began to take shape, the community would become known as the "Onion Capital of the World" until the 1960s because of the onion shed found by the Santa Fe tracks. Workers would come to town during onion topping season, wash them in downtown tanks and ship them off.
Fast forward to today, things look different. The Dallas suburb now has a population of over 60,000, with downtown remaining at the forefront of social life. "It's a growing community with a lot of annual activities happening downtown, like the pedal car race," says Kathy Spillyards, a broker at Integrity Plus Real Estate. Through the change, Wylie is still wide awake with community events and the restaurant and dining options on historic Ballard Avenue.
Downtown Wylie is the main historic hub in Wylie City frequented by many visitors.
Stop in for BBQ at Linke's BBQ in downtown Wylie.
In Wylie City you will find a variety of jerky to choose from at The Blend on Ballard.
The Wylie 12 theatre is a perfect place for Wylie residents to catch a film.
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Hitting downtown Wylie for storefronts and eats
Historic downtown Wylie has been a central market and gathering place since 1887. It is home to vibrant shops, restaurants and entertainment venues. “The historic downtown is a key role, the identity of the community,” says the city of Wylie's Public Information Officer Craig Kelly. “We work really hard to ensure that downtown remains vibrant.” South Ballard Avenue runs through downtown and the heart of Wylie, known as the town's "main street." Westgate Shopping Center is another prominent retail hub, highlighted by nationally recognized stores Home Depot and Albertsons supermarket. Woodbridge Crossing Shopping Mall features big-box options like Target and Kohl's and several local and chain restaurants.
Visit Shoemaker & Hardt General Store and browse the merchandise or get coffee and a scone.
Quaint retail shops line the streets behind downtown Wylie.
Kroger is just around the corner in Wylie to stop in for milk on the way home.
Wylie Flower & Gifts is the place to go for weddings, anniversaries and special events.
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Events span from Bluegrass on Ballard to the Olde City Park tree lighting ceremony
The Wylie community gathers each fall for the Boo on Ballard event. Children arrive in full costumes and go trick-or-treating at downtown businesses for a fun and safe Halloween. The annual Christmas parade draws a crowd, with many there to hear the mayor's traditional read of "The Night Before Christmas" before the tree lighting ceremony in Olde City Park. Bluegrass on Ballard is an annual summertime music festival where top bluegrass bands perform alongside a car show, food vendors and children's activities. “We have really fostered community events to help grow the area and bring people together,” Kelly says. “We’ll get 9,000-10,000 people together just for a simple event.”
The kids lined up for the start of the Wylie 500 Pedal Car Race.
At Taste of Wylie, locals stop by many food vendors for delicious bites.
The community comes together for fun and good cause at the Wylie 500 Pedal Car Race.
Every penny of revenue at the Taste of Wylie goes to provide meals at local food pantries.
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A rich selection of housing styles surrounding historic downtown Wylie
The median home price in Wylie is $460,000, which is slightly higher than the national average median price of $417,000. Newer builds tend to cost closer to $600,000 and $800,000. The city's growing subdivisions include modern homes with stone facades and traditional buildings sitting close to each other with built-in garages and well-maintained lawns. Downtown Wylie has well-established homes, while farms and ranches that harken back to the city's farming origins sit on the outskirts of town. “We are a bit of a bedroom community,” Kelly says. “The place has a unique sense of home and people love living here and laying down roots.”
You can find a modern take on a victorian style home in Wylie.
This beautiful historic home was established in 1917 here in Wylie.
Single story homes nestle in a row in quiet suburban Wylie.
Texas-sized estates in the nearby Wylie are perfect for growing families.
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Highly rated schools are a reason homebuyers flock to Wylie
Wylie is part of the Wylie Independent School District (WISD), which Niche ranks as the 14th-best school district in Texas and gives it an A-plus grade. Spillyards notes that the school district is one of the reasons people consider buying a home in Wylie. WISD comprises 11 elementary schools, seven middle schools and two high schools, all receiving an A grade or higher from Niche. Achieve Academy, an alternative school for grades 4 through 12, earns a B-plus from Niche. Collin College–Wylie Campus opened its doors in 2020 and offers undergraduate courses for over 7,500 students. “The schools here always stand out; some people make the decision to live here based on the schools,” Kelly says.
Meaningful work at Rita Smith Elementary School engages students in learning.
Grady Burnett Junior High School is located in a densely populated area of Wylie.
Wylie High School is one of the best rated high schools in Texas.
Collin College Wylie Campus is located just north of FM 544 at Country Club Road in Wylie.
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Neighboring Lake Lavon and Lake Ray Hubbard
Wylie is home to more than 700 acres of parks and open space, featuring 19 miles of walking trails, 23 playgrounds, 12 pavilions, several sports fields and a nine-hole disc golf course. Athletes appreciate Founders Park for its baseball and soccer fields, basketball court and sand volleyball court. Founders Park also has a fully accessible playground called Pirate Cove. East Fork Park sits along Lake Lavon, offering tow boat ramps, a swimming area and several picnic sites. The city council adopted a Parks, Recreation and Open Space Master Plan as a 10–20-year vision for future park developments and recreational opportunities. The city also partners with several local youth sports and recreation leagues. Lake Ray Hubbard is one of the largest lakes in North Texas; at over 22,000 acres, it is a nearby hot spot for fishing, boating and swimming.
Highland Park Trail in Wylie City is the preferred place for residents to store their boats.
Founders Park in Wylie has great baseball parks.
Residents of Wylie City go to East Fork Park to walk the many trails found in the area.
The shores of Lake Lavon provide many locations for Wylie City residents to spend time.
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Ride Awake Wiley ride-sharing partnership
Ride Awake Wylie, playing off the city's nickname, is a partnership between TRIPPP Consulting, Uber and zTrip (for riders with disabilities) launched in 2020 to provide convenience and affordability for everyone. For rides eligible through the program, riders pay only the first $4, and the city will subsidize an additional $10. State Highway 78 is the major roadway and leads to Garland, 10 miles away, and Dallas, 28 miles away. The Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport is a 38-mile drive down President George Bush Turnpike.
ISO-1 ranking for Wylie Fire Rescue
According to FBI statistics, property crime rates are about 82 per 100,000 people, compared to 180 for national and 190 for state rates. Violent crime rates are less than half of both the national and state averages. The Wylie Police Department offers a house watch service, where an officer monitors a resident's home when they are gone for more than 48 hours. Fortune Magazine ranked Wylie as the second-best place to live for families in 2022. “The police department has done an excellent job, especially as our community has grown,” Kelly says. Wylie Fire Rescue holds an ISO-1 ranking, the highest Public Protection rating by the Insurance Services Office. The PPC rating measures quality and effectiveness of fire protection. Wylie is similar to many North Texas communities that are at risk for excessive heat. The average daily high temperature in the summer is 88 degrees, with July being the hottest, with an average high of 96 degrees. The area is prone to wildfires as well as tornadoes.
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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.
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On average, homes in Wylie, TX sell after 64 days on the market compared to the national average of 49 days. The median sale price for homes in Wylie, TX over the last 12 months is $450,000, down 2% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Tucked away in Success Village with STUNNING GREENBELT VIEWS—and even a glimpse of the lake between the trees—this beautifully and HIGHLY UPGRADED home offers a rare blend of modern comfort and luxury. Step inside to find custom office doors that make working from home feel luxurious, and an upgraded banister that adds a touch of elegance to the living spaces. This home features an inviting
Nestled at the end of a peaceful cul-de-sac in the desirable Wylie Lakes community, this delightful home offers a harmonious blend of comfort and functionality. Upon entering, you're welcomed by a versatile flex space—ideal for a home office, formal dining room, or creative studio tailored to your lifestyle.The open-concept design seamlessly connects the spacious living room and light-filled
Welcome to 426 Bell Dr, a captivating single-family home nestled in the heart of Wylie, just a few blocks from the quaint downtown with adorable shops and restaurants. This stunning residence offers 2,545 square feet of thoughtful living space, perfect for comfortable living and stylish entertaining.Step inside this four-bedroom, three-bathroom haven, and discover a world of comfort and
Built by Grand Homes, known for their signature dramatic architecture, this turret-style beauty offers a rare blend of charm, space, and opportunity. Set on a quarter-acre semi-cul-de-sac lot with 3,599 sq ft, a 3-car garage, and mature trees, this home features 3 bedrooms + 2 flexible spaces—one up and one down—perfect for the 4th bedroom or dual offices. A curved wall upstairs adds
Immaculate 4-Bedroom, 2.1-Bathroom Home with Spacious Game Room and More! This beautifully maintained, one-owner home boasts 2,709 square feet of living space and is nestled on a desirable corner lot. Located in a well-established neighborhood, this 2-story gem offers an abundance of room for comfortable living, with all rooms generously sized for maximum enjoyment. The inviting main level
Tucked in a peaceful area of Inspiration with several parks and trails just a short walk away—including direct access to Lake Lavon—this beautifully maintained First Texas home offers both comfort and convenience. Backing to serene Corps of Engineers greenbelt land, you'll enjoy added privacy and scenic views with no rear neighbors. The spacious floor plan features a first-level Media Room
Lovely 4-BR home with lots of updates ready for new tenants in popular Riverchase subdivision in Wylie. Solid flooring throughout is easy care. Huge great room can accommodate living furnishings and dining as well. Brick fireplace provides great ambiance to the room. Open and spacious on first level with chef-inspired kitchen; second level has all bedrooms and two full baths. The back yard
Welcome to LUXURY LIVING in the award-winning community of Inspiration! This STUNNING one-story Executive Home offers 3 spacious Bedrooms PLUS a dedicated Office, perfect for working from home or creative space. Enjoy high-end finishes and extensive upgrades throughout, from designer lighting and flooring to a chef-inspired kitchen with quartz countertops, huge island, and ss appliances with dual
Step into the brand new home, meticulously designed single-story retreat offering 2,210 sq ft of elegant living space. With gorgeous curb appeal and an inviting entrance highlighted by upgraded wood floors and 8' doors, this home makes a lasting first impression. The open-concept layout seamlessly blends style and functionality, creating a welcoming atmosphere.. At the heart of the home, the
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