Waxahachie is the county seat of Ellis County, located about 30 miles south of Dallas along Interstate 35E, with additional access via U.S. Highway 287, U.S. Highway 77, and State Highway 34 for convenient travel across North Texas. This network of routes makes it easy to commute north toward Dallas and DeSoto/Lancaster, west toward Midlothian and Mansfield, or south toward Hillsboro and Waco while still coming home to a distinctive small-town setting.

Waxahachie has grown from its mid-19th-century roots into a vibrant community known for its historic downtown, late-19th-century architecture, and role as the commercial and civic hub of Ellis County. The city blends established neighborhoods with newer residential growth, and its walkable courthouse square, local shops, and regular community events reinforce a strong sense of local pride.

Recreation here centers on local parks, sports facilities, festivals, and nearby Lake Waxahachie. Residents enjoy boating and fishing, with multiple public boat ramps and year-round lake access, plus additional outdoor opportunities at nearby Bardwell Lake located towards Ennis. Seasonal events and attractions around downtown and throughout the city add to the year-round activity options without needing to leave Waxahachie.

For commuters, I-35E and U.S. 287 provide quick connections to major job centers in Dallas, Arlington-Mansfield, and other parts of the southern Metroplex, while U.S. 77 functions as a primary north-south thoroughfare through town. This combination of regional freeways and local arterials helps many residents balance metropolitan employment with quieter residential streets and a more relaxed pace of life.

Most students in the city attend Waxahachie ISD, which offers advanced academics, gifted/talented education, and career and technical education programs in fields such as engineering, health science, business, agriculture, and the arts. The district uses a TEKS-aligned, student-centered curriculum and provides multiple pathways including advanced, Pre-AP, AP, dual credit, and specialized programs, giving families flexible options without requiring long commutes to school.

What Makes Waxahachie Special:

• Central Ellis County Access: Waxahachie sits about 30 miles south of Dallas along I-35E, with additional connections via U.S. 287, U.S. 77, and State Highway 34. Its location gives residents practical commuting options toward Dallas, Mansfield/Arlington, and other Ellis County job centers while keeping day-to-day life more relaxed than in the urban core.
• Historic Homes to Modern Communities: As a long-established county seat, Waxahachie offers early- to mid-20th-century homes near downtown, mid-century neighborhoods, and newer subdivisions on the outskirts. Buyers can choose from charming historic homes, traditional single-family neighborhoods, and newer communities with modern floor plans, suiting first-time buyers, growing households, and downsizers who still want a single-family setting.
• Lakes, Parks, and Recreation: Residents enjoy multiple city parks, sports fields, and walking trails, along with community facilities and event spaces near the historic downtown. Nearby Lake Waxahachie and Bardwell Lake add boating, fishing, camping, and picnic options, giving locals easy access to weekend recreation without leaving the area.
• Award-Winning School District: Most families in Waxahachie are served by Waxahachie ISD, which provides a broad mix of academic, fine arts, athletic, and career and technical programs from elementary through high school. Additional private and nearby district options in Ellis County give parents flexibility while keeping schools, activities, and daily errands within a reasonable drive.
• Courthouse Square Character: Waxahachie leans into its identity as a historic North Texas town, with a picturesque courthouse square, restored buildings, and frequent festivals and community events. Locally owned restaurants and shops downtown and along major corridors sit alongside national retailers, so residents can enjoy both small-town character and convenient access to everyday services and bigger-city amenities.
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