Wylie

About Wylie

Wylie is a Texas city about 20 miles northeast of Dallas, near Lake Ray Hubbard and Lavon Lake. The growing city stretches over three counties — Dallas, Rockwall and Collin Counties — and nearly doubled in size between 2000 and 2015 alone. One of the city’s highlights is its historic downtown district, filled with locally-owned shops, family restaurants, and historic and cultural sites.

The History of Wylie

Wylie was originally founded in the 1870s and named Nickelville as a nod to its first general store. When railway tracks were built a half-mile north of the original townsite, most of the town’s businesses decided to move north for practical purposes. This shifted the community’s boundaries, and Wylie was officially incorporated in 1887 in its new location bordering the railroad right-of-way. The new name of Wylie was chosen in honor of a local Civil War veteran and railroad agent.

A second railway arrived just a few years later, which along with the flourishing agricultural industry, fueled the city’s growth. Its population multiplied, and the economy thrived, making Wylie one of the few rural cities in Texas that continued to grow during the Great Depression. The city earned the nickname “Wide-Awake Wylie” in the 1940s because many of its businesses were host to late-night gatherings and celebrations.

Things to Do in Wylie

If you’re looking for ways to stay entertained in Wylie, you’ll find plenty of options. The historic downtown area has a variety of shops and restaurants as well as the historic Brown House. More than 10 public art installations are spread throughout Wylie, ideal for a self-guided tour of local art.

Nearby Lavon Lake draws more than 1 million visitors every year with its fishing, swimming, boating and camping offerings, while Lake Ray Hubbard is a favorite for watersport lovers and hikers. Wylie also has a number of community parks featuring playgrounds, picnic areas, walking trails and more. Community events like the holiday tree lighting, National Night Out and a city pedal car race bring locals together and give you the chance to meet your neighbors.

Wylie Schools

Because Wylie stretches across three counties, several school districts — the Wylie Independent School District, Princeton Independent School District, the Garland Independent School District and Rockwall Independent School District — serve its various public schools. You also have the option of enrolling your child in one of the area’s private or charter schools.

Resources for Moving to Wylie

Here are a few helpful resources for planning your move to Wylie:

• Utilities: As a Wylie resident, you’ll be responsible for choosing your electricity provider and setting up services. The city manages residential water and sewer services.
• Garbage and Recycling: Trash, recycling and bulky items are collected on a regular schedule, typically at curbside.
• Transportation: Collin County Regional Area Transit facilitates public bus routes through Wylie and its neighboring communities.

Wylie Housing Information

Although the price of housing in Wylie is above the national average, it’s fairly comparable with most communities in the Dallas area. If you’re shopping for something more affordable, older, ranch-style homes are typically budget-friendly, as are the townhouses and condos in multi-family communities around the city. On the other end of the housing spectrum, million-dollar homes on large lots are interspersed throughout Wylie.