ELLIS COUNTY
County Offices
1201 North Highway 77
Waxahachie 972-825-5000
www.co.ellis.tx.us
Chamber of Commerce
P.O. Box 74
Roanoke 817-837-1000
https://www.metroportchamber.org
Services
Ideally situated between Dallas and Fort Worth, Ellis County boasts a vibrant and balanced economy that encompasses industry, agriculture, tourism, and even the motion-picture business. Highly acclaimed, full-service medical facilities are available at Baylor Medical Center in Waxahachie, Ennis Regional Medical Center in Ennis, and Charlton Methodist Hospital in nearby Dallas. Supportive healthcare facilities include Ellis County Diagnostic Center at three locations, a rehabilitation center, and Midlothian Medical Clinic. Health screenings, community education, and specialized programs serve a wide spectrum of needs.
TEA recognized school districts provide an outstanding variety of educational opportunities from a strong academic core to extra-curricular opportunities in everything from art to athletics. Preparing for the future as well as meeting the needs of a growing population, the region has opened a new facility dedicated to pre-school and kindergarten students, a ninth grade academy, and a state-of-the-art learning center. Two institutions of higher learning are convenient to Ellis County residents, Navarro College and Southwestern Assemblies of God University. The Ellis County campus of Navarro College attracts students of all ages to college-track programs, career degree and certification programs, and continuing education courses.
Lifestyle
Culturally and historically rich, Ellis County has attracted visitors for nearly 150 years to a picturesque region that remains one of the top agricultural income producers in the Blackland Belt. Some of the area’s towns boast quaint historical districts that have been revitalized to offer a charming collection of boutiques, antique shops, and eateries. Colorful and energetic Ellis County is home to the National Polka Festival, the Gingerbread Trail, the Texas Blue Bonnet Trails, and a popular Renaissance Festival. The region also entertains residents and draws enthusiastic crowds to the its multi-million-dollar Texas Motorplex, a major stop on the professional drag-racing circuit. First-rate YMCA programs complement the Waxahachie Sports Complex, a 100-acre recreation center filled with sports fields of every type. In addition to local parks, recreational sites such as Joe Lake Pool and Lake Bardwell provide virtually unlimited opportunities for water sports, boating, hiking, biking, and relaxation.
Hollywood “discovered” the visual appeal of Ellis County decades ago, distinguishing Waxahachie as the as the most photographed motion picture setting in Texas. More than 30 movies have been filmed in the town and the surrounding countryside, including such classics as “Bonnie and Clyde,” “Tender Mercies,” “Places in the Heart,” and “The Trip to Bountiful.” Those who appreciate culture will enjoy exploring the local lore and history at Ellis County Museum, or enjoying theatre and symphony performances. Local hobby and civic groups play an active role in the county’s communities, adding to the quality of life. Housing choices are attractive and diverse, from vintage homes shaded by ancient trees to newer construction in a wide variety of architectural styles and price ranges. From horse properties to elegant country manors, Ellis County has a setting for every lifestyle.
Ennis
City Hall
972-878-1234
https://www.ennistx.gov/
Chamber of Commerce
972-878-2626
https://ennis-chamber.com/
Home to nearly 18,000 residents, the City of Ennis is strategically located on Interstate Highway 45 just 30 minutes from downtown Dallas. This former agricultural settlement now boasts more than 300 acres of parkland, a municipal hospital, and abundant shopping. Ennis also represents a major step on the professional drag-racing circuit at the Texas Motorplex. Progressive and growing, the area is experiencing widespread revitalization with unique shops and boutiques taking up residence in historic buildings. Nestled in rolling terrain, Ennis enjoys the panoramic surroundings of countryside hills, meadows, and ponds. As “Bluebonnet Country,” Ennis welcomes throngs of photographers and inspires local artists with spring wildflowers. Highlights of the community include a state-of-the-art multi-media learning center at the Ennis Public Library and the Railroad & Cultural Heritage Museum.
Midlothian
City Hall
972-775-3481
https://www.midlothian.tx.us/
Chamber of Commerce
972-723-8600
https://www.midlothianchamber.org/
Approximately 10,000 residents had made the City of Midlothian their hometown, enjoying a relaxed lifestyle that includes an excellent school system as well as business and commercial centers. Known as the “Cement Capital of Texas,” Midlothian is also home to major companies in the steel and automotive industries. More than one-third of the homes were constructed after 1990, although affordable housing is available in a variety of architectural styles and prices ranges. To the north, Joe Pool Lake offers opportunities for water sports and many other outdoor activities. Six lakes, three state parks, and a number of golf courses are all just a few minutes drive from Midlothian. Nearby Arlington offers first-rate entertainment opportunities, from Six Flags Over Texas to the Ballpark in Arlington, home of the Texas Rangers. Locally, the city claims a new athletic complex as well as multiple city parks and greenbelts.
Red Oak, Oak Leaf, Ovilla
City Halls
Oak Leaf
972-617-2660
Ovilla
972-617-7262
Red Oak
972-617-3638
www.redoaktx.org
Chamber of Commerce
972-617-0906
https://www.redoakareachamber.org/
Located just eight miles from historic Waxahachie and the Navarro College campus, the small town of Red Oak offers a serene residential environment to approximately 6,000 residents. Available housing in this community covers a wide range of prices and architectural styles, from modest single-family homes to luxurious country manors on sweeping lots. Outstanding recreational opportunities are available close to home at Cherry Creek Nature Preserve and one of the most popular outdoor destinations in the Metroplex, Joe Pool Lake. Nearby Oak Leaf claims a population nearing 2,500 and Ovilla is home to 3,800 residents, both offering an opportunity for elegant homes and generous acreage in the country. The region known as the Red Oak Area actually encompasses Red Oak, Ovilla, Oak Leaf, and Pecan Hill — where lovely residential developments are graced by creeks and large oak trees.
Waxahachie
City Hall
972-937-7330
https://www.waxahachie.com/
Chamber of Commerce
972-937-2390
https://waxahachiechamber.com/
Home to approximately 23,000 residents, historic Waxahachie boasts more than 20 buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Each June, Waxahachie proudly celebrates its architectural ancestry with tours through elegant estates and manor houses built by wealthy cattle and cotton barons. Picturesque and appealing, the city is the most photographed setting in all of Texas. Waxahachie is often called the Gingerbread City for the abundance of Victorian homes. The charming downtown district features antique shops and outstanding restaurants, anchored by the beautifully restored 1895 Ellis County Courthouse. Respected schools, a major healthcare institution, the Ellis County Museum, the Ellis County Art Museum, a full-service library, and local performing arts groups are just a few of the community highlights. Located on Interstate 35 and Highway 287, the city is ideally poised for further expansion and growth.
