Moving to Dallas TX: Is Waxahachie the Right Suburb for You?

By Jaran Ramsey · November 3, 2026

Most people relocating to Dallas start their search in the same few northern suburbs. Waxahachie, about 30 miles south of downtown, rarely comes up in that first conversation, and that is exactly why it is worth a closer look.

Depending on the source, typical homes in Waxahachie sell in the high $300,000s to low $400,000s. The market has cooled, homes are taking roughly five weeks to three months to sell, and about half of recent sales have closed below list price. For a buyer, that can mean more room to negotiate than you would find in the hottest suburbs.

A lower price only matters if the town works for your life, so this guide walks through the parts that matter most: the commute, the schools, the taxes, and what everyday life is actually like. Let's start with the commute.

In this article

The commute from Waxahachie to Dallas

The city reports under 35 minutes to downtown Dallas and about 45 minutes to downtown Fort Worth in normal traffic. Those numbers are the best case, and rush hour can add significant time, especially along I-35E during the morning and evening peaks. Before you decide, drive your route at the same time of day you will actually travel.

The average Waxahachie resident's commute is about 27 minutes, which is shorter than the raw distance suggests for many people. If you work from home, or only commute a few days a week, the math can look very different. The honest question is not how far the town is from downtown. It is how often you will make that drive, and at what hour.

Schools and what to verify

Most of the city is served by Waxahachie ISD, which has just over 11,000 students and is growing. The district's second comprehensive high school, Waxahachie Creek High School, is planned to open in fall 2027 as a STEM early college high school.

If you have children, the school question is really an address question. Attendance zones depend on the specific home, and they can change as the district grows. Confirm the assigned campuses directly with the district for any home you are considering, rather than relying on the reputation of the district as a whole.

Property taxes and assessments

Texas has no state income tax, but property taxes are higher than in many states. In Waxahachie, the city, county, and school district rates add up to roughly 2% of a home's value before exemptions. That is the number that surprises many buyers who are moving in from out of state.

Depending on the subdivision, there may also be a PID, a MUD, or other district charges on top of the base rate. Ask for the full tax and assessment breakdown for every community you tour, and have your lender estimate the payment using those figures.

Everyday life in town

Waxahachie is built around a historic courthouse square, and the courthouse was completed in 1897. The city has five historic districts on the National Register of Historic Places, and it is known for its Victorian homes. Walking the square on a weekend gives you a quick sense of the town's character.

Everyday needs are covered locally. Residents have an H-E-B, a Baylor Scott & White Hospital, restaurants, coffee shops, auto services, and a range of local shops. Many relocating families find that the town covers most of their routine without a trip into the city.

New construction at Myrtle Creek

Myrtle Creek is a master-planned community in Waxahachie built by Perry Homes. It is planned to include about 2,500 homes at completion, with amenities such as pools, a lazy river, pickleball courts, trails, and parks, and an amenity center planned for 2027. An elementary school is also planned inside the community.

As with any community still under development, confirm which amenities are finished today and which are still in planning before you commit.

Frequently asked questions

Is Waxahachie part of the Dallas area?

Waxahachie is a city in Ellis County, south of Dallas, and part of the Dallas-Fort Worth region. Many residents commute to Dallas, Fort Worth, or work locally.

How long is the drive from Waxahachie to downtown Dallas?

The city reports under 35 minutes in normal traffic. Rush hour can take considerably longer, so test the drive at your actual commute time.

Are homes in Waxahachie more affordable than in North Dallas?

Typical prices are generally lower than in many North Dallas suburbs, but the answer depends on the community, lot, and home type. Compare total monthly costs, including taxes and assessments, rather than the price alone.

Can I get help comparing Waxahachie with other suburbs?

Yes. Our team helps buyers and relocating families compare communities based on commute, schools, taxes, and daily life, so you can decide based on your priorities.

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Get our free Dallas Texas relocation guide with neighborhood, tax, and commute resources for newcomers.

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Let's Make Your Dallas Texas Move Happen

Work with Jaran Ramsey today. Call 214-418-9623 to talk through your options.

Schedule a Meeting

Jaran Ramsey

Dallas Realtor · Moving To Dallas Texas

Jaran helps buyers, sellers, and relocating families navigate the Dallas-Fort Worth market with education first. Let's have a quick conversation and figure out what works best for you.

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All information provided is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed and should be independently verified. General information only, not financial, tax, or legal advice. Verify prices, taxes, schools, and incentives before deciding.

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By Jaran Ramsey • November 5, 2026

Moving to Dallas? McKinney TX in 2027: Growth, Jobs, and East Ridge McKinney is one of the most talked-about cities in North Texas. Its next few years include a new airport service, a large amphitheater, new jobs, and major mixed-use projects. If you are moving to Dallas and considering McKinney, those developments matter, but so do the trade-offs. This guide covers what the video highlights for 2027, the pros and cons of living in McKinney, and East Ridge, a newer community most buyers overlook. Let's start with the projects. In this article What is coming to McKinney in 2027 The pros of living in McKinney The trade-offs to consider East Ridge: a community to watch What is coming to McKinney in 2027 The video highlights several projects. McKinney National Airport is expected to begin commercial passenger service, starting with Avelo Airlines non-stop flights to destinations including Las Vegas, Orlando, and Tampa. Sunset Amphitheater, a planned 20,000-seat venue, is targeted to open in 2027 with a summer schedule of touring acts. Job growth is also on the list. A Taiwan-based electronics manufacturer, Lite-On, is building a manufacturing campus at the Core Five Logistics Center, with at least 600 jobs over several years and a first phase targeted for 2027. A $1.3 billion Long Branch mixed-use development is planned near US 75 and the future US 380 bypass, and a $200 million surf and adventure resort, Cannon Beach, is under construction with its first phase expected in late 2027. Further out, the video mentions a new Texas Health hospital in North McKinney, with a target of late 2028 or 2029, and a $200 million rail station project scheduled to break ground in early 2027. Projects like these are proposed or under construction on different timelines. Before you rely on any of them, confirm their status with the city and the developer. The pros of living in McKinney McKinney has a historic downtown with more than 200 locally owned shops, galleries, and restaurants. The city offers a wide range of home styles, from older neighborhoods with mature trees to newer construction on the north and east sides, and its job base is growing. The video cites WalletHub's 2026 ranking of cities for home buyers, which places McKinney second nationally. It also compares the median home price, around $510,000 in McKinney, with nearly $658,000 in Frisco. Those figures change over time, so check current data before you decide. The trade-offs to consider Growth brings traffic and construction. McKinney sits about 35 miles north of downtown Dallas. The video estimates a 35 to 45 minute drive in light traffic, and rush hour can add much more time. If your work is in downtown Dallas, test the drive at your actual commute hours. East Ridge: a community to watch East Ridge is a master-planned community in McKinney with about 2,400 homes at completion. According to the video, it has two builders, Trophy Homes and Meritage Homes, at different price points, with inventory homes starting around $270,000. Amenities described in the video include a pool, clubhouse, playground, fitness center, walking and biking trails, and newer construction with energy-efficient features. The video also says East Ridge is zoned to McKinney ISD, and it cites a low deposit of $2,500 toward the down payment and closing costs. Confirm the school assignment, deposit, and pricing for the specific home you're considering. Before you buy in McKinney School zoning can differ by address, even within the same city. Compare the total monthly cost, including property taxes and any MUD or PID assessments, and not just the purchase price. Work with your own agent before you visit a model home, since a builder's sales representative works for the builder. Frequently asked questions Is McKinney worth moving to in 2027? It depends on your priorities. McKinney offers an established downtown, a growing job base, and a range of home styles, but traffic and construction are part of life there. How far is McKinney from downtown Dallas? McKinney is about 35 miles north of downtown Dallas. The video estimates 35 to 45 minutes in light traffic, with longer rush-hour drives. What is East Ridge? East Ridge is a master-planned community in McKinney with about 2,400 planned homes, built by Trophy Homes and Meritage Homes according to the video. Free Dallas relocation guide Get our free Dallas Texas relocation guide with neighborhood, tax, and commute resources for newcomers. Access Guide Let's Make Your Dallas Texas Move Happen Work with Jaran Ramsey today. Call 214-418-9623 to compare McKinney and other North Texas communities. Schedule a Meeting Jaran Ramsey Dallas Realtor · Moving To Dallas Texas Jaran helps buyers, sellers, and relocating families navigate the Dallas-Fort Worth market with education first. Let's have a quick conversation and figure out what works best for you. Connect Website YouTube Facebook Instagram All information provided is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed and should be independently verified. Project timelines, prices, and incentives change, so confirm details with the city, developers, and builders.