Living in Waxahachie, TX

Waxahachie is the county seat of Ellis County and one of my favorite places to show people who are moving south of Dallas. You get historic downtown charm, local shops and restaurants, and real community events, plus a mix of new construction and homes on acreage. It’s about 30 miles south of Dallas, close enough to get to the city and far enough to get some breathing room.

Waxahachie at a glance

Population: about 53,000 (City of Waxahachie estimate, 2026)
Location: county seat of Ellis County, about 30 miles south of Dallas
Major roads: I-35E, US-287 and US-77
Schools: Waxahachie ISD, rated B by the Texas Education Agency in 2026
Homes: historic homes near downtown, master-planned new construction communities, and homes on acreage outside town

What it's like to live here

Downtown Waxahachie is the heart of town. The historic Ellis County Courthouse sits in the middle of the square, surrounded by local boutiques, coffee shops and restaurants. Getzendaner Park is a go-to for families. The town is known for its Victorian homes and has events people plan their year around, like the Gingerbread Trail home tour and the Scarborough Renaissance Festival every spring.

The commute, honestly

Most people commuting to Dallas take I-35E, and depending on traffic and where you work, plan on 35 to 45 minutes. Traffic on 35E and US-77 is growing right along with the town, so drive your commute at rush hour before you buy. If you work from home or have a hybrid schedule, Waxahachie gets a lot more appealing.

Who Waxahachie is a great fit for

Buyers who want character and community without giving up access to DFW
Families who want more space and a bigger backyard
Anyone who’s been dreaming about an acre lot
Buyers who love the idea of walking to coffee and local shops downtown

Common questions about Waxahachie

Is Waxahachie a good place to live?

For a lot of people, yes. Waxahachie gives you a historic downtown, a strong community feel, good access to Dallas and more space than you’ll usually find closer in. The trade-offs are a longer commute and growing traffic, so it’s a great fit if the lifestyle matters more to you than being 10 minutes from downtown Dallas.

How far is Waxahachie from Dallas?

About 30 miles. Depending on traffic and where you work, plan on roughly 35 to 45 minutes on I-35E.

What is Waxahachie known for?

Its historic downtown and the Ellis County Courthouse, its Victorian homes, the Gingerbread Trail home tour and the Scarborough Renaissance Festival.

Thinking about moving to Waxahachie?

I’d love to help you figure out if it’s the right fit. Text or call me at 903.926.0390, or download my free Ellis County relocation guide.