Red Oak

Discover why families, professionals, and tech investors are all choosing Red Oak as their home.

Why Red Oak? The Perfect Blend of Authority and Innovation

Red Oak isn’t just another Dallas suburb, it’s a transformation story in real-time. While maintaining its small-town Texas charm, Red Oak is simultaneously experiencing explosive tech-driven growth that’s putting it on the national map.

With Google’s $600 million data center investment announced in 2023 (now one of FIVE Texas Google facilities), Compass Datacenters’ massive campus, and a projected population explosion from 19,000 to over 63,000 by 2030, Red Oak represents one of Ellis County’s most compelling value propositions for homebuyers.

The city offers something increasingly rare: genuine affordability without sacrificing access to Dallas, exceptional schools, and participation in North Texas’s tech boom.

What Makes Red Oak Special:

∙Tech Hub Growth: Google’s $600M data center + Compass Datacenters campus bringing thousands of jobs

∙Explosive Population Growth: From 19,365 (2025) to projected 63,329 (2030) – 227% growth

∙Unbeatable Affordability: Median home value $318,200 with median household income $104,125

∙Dallas Proximity: 20 minutes to Downtown Dallas via I-35E—closest Ellis County city to Dallas

∙Top-Rated Schools: Red Oak ISD rated Top 10% in Texas, with Red Oak High School in Top 50 DFW

∙Strategic Location: Direct I-35E access connecting Dallas and Waco

∙Strong Diversity: One of Ellis County’s most diverse communities (36.8% Black, 36.1% White, 21.3% Hispanic)

Historic Roots That Point Towards An Explosive Future

Why History Matters for Home Buyers

This isn’t just interesting trivia, Red Oak’s history is WHY it’s positioned for explosive growth:

The Railroad Legacy means Red Oak has always been about CONNECTIVITY. That original Missouri, Kansas and Texas Railroad line is now I-35E, one of the most strategic corridors in North Texas, giving Red Oak residents faster Dallas access than almost any Ellis County city.

The Agricultural Foundation created affordable land prices and open space for development. Unlike land-locked suburbs, Red Oak has ROOM TO GROW, which is why major developers and tech companies are investing hundreds of millions here.

The Commuter Community DNA means Red Oak has been a Dallas bedroom community since the 1980s. The infrastructure, mindset, and lifestyle are already built around Dallas professionals, but at 2025 prices that won’t last long.

The Tech Transformation (2023-present) is the culmination of 175+ years of strategic location. Google didn’t choose Red Oak randomly, they chose it for the same reasons smart homebuyers should: location, infrastructure, business-friendly environment, skilled workforce access, and land availability.

Bottom Line: Red Oak is at the exact inflection point where affordability meets explosive growth. The small-town pricing won’t survive the tech boom, which is why NOW is the strategic entry point.

To learn more about the historical roots of Red Oak, click here ->History of Red Oak

Or check out our Red Oak Guides: click each image to read the article

Red Oak Neighborhoods: Find Your Perfect Fit

From established communities near I-35E to brand-new master-planned developments and modern new construction, Red Oak offers remarkable diversity in housing options at price points that simply don’t exist in Dallas or Collin County anymore.

Scroll through the featured neighborhoods below to compare prices, amenities, and lifestyle fit ->

Explore the details of Crystal Lake Estates in Red Oak and learn if its a good fit for your needs. Learn more with Bobby Franklin, the North Texas Market Insider. Bobby Franklin is the best realtor in Waxahachie.

Explore the details of Glenbrook in Red Oak and learn if its a good fit for your needs. Learn more with Bobby Franklin, the North Texas Market Insider. Bobby Franklin is the best realtor in Waxahachie.

Red Oak ISD: Education Excellence

One of the primary reasons families choose Red Oak is the outstanding Red Oak Independent School District, consistently rated in the Top 10% of Texas school districts.

District Highlights:

∙Overall Rating: B (84/100) – Top 10% in Texas

∙Student Population: ~6,600 students

∙Student-Teacher Ratio: 17:1

∙Graduation Rate: 93.8% (above state average)

∙Advanced Placement: Multiple AP and IB courses offered

∙College Readiness: Strong dual-credit partnerships with major universities

∙Special Programs: STEM focus, career technical education, fine arts excellence

Notable Schools:

Red Oak High School

∙Rating: Top 50 high school in Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex

∙93.8% graduation rate

∙Comprehensive AP program

∙State championship athletics

∙College Partnerships: Dual credit through Navarro College, UT Arlington, Texas State Technical College

∙Career Prep: Students can earn Associate’s degree while in high school

∙“4 Talons of the Hawk”: Academic Readiness, GRIT, Character, Service

Red Oak Middle School

∙Highly-rated middle school program

∙Strong academic foundation

∙Athletics and extracurricular excellence

Elementary Schools:

∙Eastridge Elementary (2 distinctions: Science, Postsecondary Readiness)

∙Red Oak Elementary (2 distinctions: Academic Growth, Closing the Gaps)

∙Wooden Elementary (3 distinctions: Science, Postsecondary Readiness, Academic Growth)

Higher Education Access:

Texas State Technical College – Red Oak Campus

∙Technical and vocational programs on-site

∙Federal apprenticeship programs with major employers

Life School – Red Oak

∙Public charter school option (K-12)

∙Character development focus

[Complete Red Oak ISD School Guide →]

Living The Red Oak Lifestyle

Community Events & Traditions

Red Oak combines small-town Texas charm with rapid tech-driven growth. From community celebrations to local traditions, there’s always something happening in this dynamic city.

Annual Events

Red Oak Heritage Days: Celebrating the city’s journey from farming community to tech hub
Halloween in the Park: Family-friendly celebration with trick-or-treating and activities
Christmas Tree Lighting: Small-town holiday celebration bringing the community together
Red Oak Athletic Booster Events: Supporting Red Oak Hawks athletics year-round
Community Farmers Markets: Seasonal fresh produce and local goods
National Night Out: Community safety celebration and neighborhood connection

Dining & Shopping

Red Oak offers growing local options while providing quick access to major retail and dining throughout the southern Dallas metroplex. The I-35E corridor brings national retailers, while nearby communities provide additional variety.

Local Red Oak Options:

∙Growing restaurant scene along I-35E corridor

∙Local cafes and family-owned businesses

∙National chain restaurants expanding to Red Oak

∙Quick-service and casual dining options

Within 10 Minutes:

∙Waxahachie’s historic downtown square (boutiques, local dining, antique shops)

∙Lancaster retail corridor (Walmart, Target, major chains)

∙DeSoto shopping districts (Marshalls, Ross, grocery options)

Within 20 Minutes:

∙Dallas shopping and dining districts

∙The Shops at RedBird Mall

∙International cuisine and upscale dining

∙Entertainment and cultural attractions

Recreation & Parks

Red Oak offers excellent outdoor recreation with city parks, nearby lake access, and some of Ellis County’s best natural areas just minutes away.

Red Oak City Parks:

∙Multiple neighborhood parks throughout the city

∙Playground equipment and sports fields

∙Walking trails and open green spaces

∙Picnic areas and community gathering spaces

∙Planned expansion with population growth

Nearby Recreation (Within 15 Minutes):

∙Joe Pool Lake – Boating, fishing, water sports, camping

∙Bear Creek Park – Hiking trails, disc golf, nature areas

∙Cedar Hill State Park – Swimming, camping, outdoor activities

∙Getzendaner Park (Waxahachie) – 190 acres with sports fields and trails

Additional Activities:

∙Youth sports leagues and programs

∙Golf courses within 20 minutes

∙Fitness centers and recreation facilities

∙Easy weekend access to Waco, Fort Worth, and Austin via I-35E

Current Events Calendar: Visit Red Oak Texas Events →

Location and Commuting: The Strategic Triangle

Red Oak’s strategic location is arguably its greatest single asset. It’s the closest Ellis County city to Downtown Dallas.

Commute Times from Red Oak:

∙Downtown Dallas: 20-25 minutes via I-35E (FASTEST in Ellis County)

∙DFW Airport: 35 minutes

∙Fort Worth: 45 minutes

∙Waxahachie: 10 minutes

∙Lancaster: 8 minutes

∙Midlothian: 15 minutes

The I-35E Advantage:

Red Oak sits directly on Interstate 35E, one of the most strategic transportation corridors in North Texas.

Compare:

∙Frisco/McKinney: 35-45 minutes to Dallas, median $450K-$550K

∙Plano: 30-40 minutes to Dallas, median $425K-$500K

∙Red Oak: 20-25 minutes to Dallas, median $318K

You’re getting BETTER Dallas access at 40-50% lower cost.

Read More About Ellis/Johnson County Developments here:
– South Creek Ranch
– Loop 9 Expansion
– Other Developments

Red Oak Housing Market Stats

How To Use These Charts
Use these charts to track; Days on Market, Closed Sales, and Shows to Pending.
Just hover over the image to see specific data points for each month.

Median Days on Market
How many days a home is on the market before it goes under contract.
Median takes the highest and lowest numbers and finds the number exactly in the middle.
This keeps numbers from being skewed by extreme highs or lows like you find when you take averages.

Closed Sales
The total amount of homes that sold for that month.

Median Shows To Pending
The median amount of showings a home had before it went under contract and sold.
This helps sellers have realistic expectations when their home gets showings.
This helps buyers understand which cities have more urgency from buyers.

For more in-depth market data: Visit DFW Market Updates ->

Essential Red Oak Resources

🏛️ City Government

Official city services, utilities, permits, and city council information

Visit Website →

📅 Events & Tourism

Complete events calendar, visitor information, and attractions

Visit Website →

🏛️ Historic Downtown

Shopping, dining, events, and downtown business directory

Visit Website →

🎓 Education
School information, enrollment, athletics, and district news

Visit Website →

💼 Business & Chamber
Red Oak Chamber of Commerce Business directory, networking events, economic development

Visit Website →

📚 Library
Red Oak Public Library programs, digital resources, community events

Visit Website →

🏥 Healthcare
Full list of Healthcare service providers and centers in Red Oak.

Visit Website →

Your Red Oak Real Estate Expert

As the North Texas Market Insider and Ellis County market specialist, I help you understand what Red Oak’s explosive growth means for YOUR investment.

Red Oak isn’t just growing, it’s transforming. Will you participate at TODAY’s prices?

Bobby Franklin, REALTOR®
Legacy Realty Group – Leslie Majors Team
📲 214-228-0003

Bobby Franklin

Realtor®

Serving DFW | Ellis County
16 Northgate Dr. Ste 100

Waxahachie, TX 75165

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