Van Alstyne
Data updated
Comparevs Annavs McKinneyvs Melissavs Celinavs Frisco
Each dot is one of the 84 cities we score — brighter means a higher score. Boundaries, highways and lakes: US Census TIGER.
- Prosperity74
- Schools86
- Safety86
- Lifestyle50
- Market75
- Affordability79
- Commute63
- Growth83
Van Alstyne
Snapshot
✓ Pros
- Affordable, family-friendly housing – Homes tend to be more affordable than closer-in North Dallas suburbs, with options ranging from historic homes to new builds.
- Excellent schools – Van Alstyne ISD’s strong reputation is a major draw, especially for families.
- Good balance of convenience – Easy access to US-75 and State Highway 5 makes commuting to McKinney or Dallas feasible while keeping a rural-suburban feel.
✗ Cons
- Limited retail and entertainment – Beyond local shops and eateries, many residents drive to McKinney, Sherman, or Dallas for big-city amenities.
- Traffic growth with population increase – As the population expands, road congestion — especially near US-75 — can increase.
- Car-dependent lifestyle – Public transit is minimal; most residents rely on personal vehicles.
Demographics
Population
Mobility & Migration
Age Distribution
Households
Education Level
Connectivity & Remote Work
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Real Estate
💡 Market Insights
Home Prices
Market Trends
Market Health
Market Insights
Typical Home
Property Mix
Common Features
Costs & Ownership
Investment Indicators
Lifestyle
Explore Van Alstyne on Google Maps
Nearby Amenities (within 5 miles)
Getting Around
Averaged across Van Alstyne, weighted by where people live. #21 of 84 cities. Most errands need a car here.
Local life in Van Alstyne
What everyday life in Van Alstyne involves: a small historic downtown, a growing park system, a school district that has nearly doubled, and a drive to Anna or Sherman for big errands.
Day-to-day Van Alstyne1,6,10,11,12,13,14,15,16,18,21,24,26,28,39
- 1Bill Smith's Cafe
- 2The Railyard Taproom
- 3Myth & Ember Coffee House
- 4Jafar's Mediterranean Grill
- 5Honeylu's Coffee
- 6Cooley Bay Winery
- 7City Drug Co.
- 8Central Social District
- 9Forrest Moore Park
- 10McKinney Wilson Park
- 11North Park
- 12Partin Elementary
- 13Sanford Elementary
- 14Van Alstyne High School
- 15Van Alstyne ISD Administration
- 16City Hall
- 17Van Alstyne Public Library
- 18Police Department
- 19Fire & EMS
- 20First United Methodist Church (Lord's Acre)
Off the map (farther out): Brookshire's, Texoma Medical Center ER at Anna, Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - McKinney.
Van Alstyne's year, month by month2,3,17,18,19,42
| Month | Event | Where |
|---|---|---|
| April | Spring Wine Festival | Downtown |
| Apr-Sep (Tuesdays) | Railcar Farmers Market, 3-7 p.m. | Central Social District |
| Summer | Concert series, Movie in the Park, Splash Bash | Central Social District |
| July | Sounds of Summer + fireworks | Central Social District |
| October | Fall Der All; downtown trick-or-treating | Downtown |
| November | Lord's Acre Harvest Festival; Vines & Finds | 303 S. Preston St.; Dorothy Fielder Park |
| December | Holiday Hangout: parade, market, tree lighting | Central Social District / downtown |
| December | Grinch Gallop fun run | Grayson College South Campus |
Recurring city events from city announcements; months reflect recent years. 2026 dates confirmed only for November and December events. Check the city calendar for 2027 dates.
Drive times from downtown Van Alstyne37
- Downtown Sherman16.5 mi20 min
- Downtown McKinney17.6 mi24 min
- Downtown Plano31.1 mi36 min
- Lake Texoma (Denison Dam)30.5 mi36 min
- Downtown Dallas48.9 mi56 min
- Dallas Love Field50.6 mi61 min
- DFW Airport53.3 mi65 min
Realust calculation with the OSRM open routing engine. Free-flow times; weekday rush hour on US 75 adds time.
What's in town vs. nearby1,2,10,11,12,13,15,16,18,21,23,24,25,26,39
| Need | In Van Alstyne | Nearest outside town |
|---|---|---|
| Full grocery | None (Braum's, Dollar General) | Brookshire's and Walmart, Anna (~7 mi); Kroger planned in Anna, 2027 |
| Pharmacy | City Drug Co., 232 E. Jefferson St. | Chain pharmacies in Anna/Sherman (not confirmed) |
| Emergency room | None | Texoma Medical Center ER, 2710 Hackberry Dr., Anna (24/7) |
| Hospital | None | AHS Sherman Medical Center (Sherman); Baylor Scott & White - McKinney |
| Library | 151 W. Cooper St. (renovated 2026) | - |
| Coffee | Myth & Ember; Honeylu's | - |
| Sit-down dining | Bill Smith's Cafe, Jafar's, Railyard Taproom | More choice in Anna, McKinney, Sherman |
| Ambulance / fire | Van Alstyne Fire/Rescue (city-run) | - |
| College | Grayson College South Campus | Grayson College main campus (Denison) |
In-town businesses confirmed from listings and news dated 2024-2026.
Read the full local life guide
Downtown: a few blocks of 1900s storefronts
Van Alstyne's historic core sits east of US 75, around Jefferson Street, Marshall Street, Main Drive and Preston Avenue. The town grew up around the Houston and Texas Central Railway in 1873, and the downtown blocks still face the rail line.
Most of what draws people downtown is food and drink. Bill Smith's Cafe moved here from McKinney after 66 years there and reopened in February 2024 at 233 E. Jefferson St., in a former harness and buggy shop. The Railyard Taproom, at 218 E. Jefferson St., pours about 40 rotating craft beers and hosts live music and trivia. Myth & Ember Coffee House (212 E. Marshall St.) roasts its own coffee and serves breakfast and lunch. Jafar's Mediterranean Grill is at 240 E. Marshall. City Drug Co., an independent pharmacy, is at 232 E. Jefferson St.
Parking is on the street, plus spaces the city built with the Central Social District park. In 2026 the city began the next phase of a downtown project that lowers century-old raised sidewalks to street level and adds ramps for ADA access. Expect some construction downtown while that work runs.
The year runs through the Central Social District
The Central Social District, a 4.4-acre downtown park at 215 E. Van Alstyne Pkwy that opened in 2022, is where most city events happen. It has a stage, a playground and a free splash pad.
In past years the city has run a spring wine festival (late April), a Tuesday farmers market from April through September, a summer concert series, a July fireworks show called Sounds of Summer, the Fall Der All festival in October, downtown trick-or-treating, and the Holiday Hangout in early December. The Holiday Hangout includes the Christmas parade, a holiday market, photos with Santa and the tree lighting. In 2026 it is set for Saturday, Dec. 5, starting at 2 p.m.
First United Methodist Church's Lord's Acre Harvest Festival is a long-running November event. It is on Nov. 7, 2026, at 303 S. Preston St. The chamber of commerce holds monthly breakfasts and after-hours mixers.
Parks, trails and lakes
Forrest Moore Park (1890 S. Waco St.) is the main sports park. It has ballfields, tennis and basketball courts, two pavilions, playgrounds and a paved walking loop. McKinney Wilson Park (146 Ball Park Way) has two youth softball fields. North Park (145 Grays Trail) and Dorothy Fielder Park, a gazebo park at Jefferson and Main, are smaller. The newest is the 24-acre Eula Umphress & Robert Hynds Park between Kelly Lane and S. Dallas Ave. It cost about $5.75 million and has a fishing pond, a loop trail, a pavilion and a playground.
Trails are limited. The 2019 parks master plan counted about 1.25 miles of trail. Most of it ran along drainage channels in the Georgetown subdivision or around Forrest Moore Park, and the plan called the system largely disconnected. Youth sports are run with the Van Alstyne Sports Authority (VASA).
Lake Texoma's Denison Dam is about 30 miles north (roughly 36 minutes). Hagerman National Wildlife Refuge, on Texoma's Big Mineral arm, is about 33 miles away, and Lavon Lake is roughly 39 miles south-east.
Errands: some in town, more in Anna
As of 2026 Van Alstyne has no full-size grocery store. In town you'll find Braum's (which sells some groceries), Dollar General and convenience stores. The usual weekly run goes to Anna, about 7 miles south, where Brookshire's (1325 W. White St.) and a Walmart are. A Kroger Marketplace is planned at Rosamond Parkway and US 75 in Anna, with its first phase targeted for 2027. In Van Alstyne, a developer has 100 acres off US 75 under contract, and the city hopes a grocery store will anchor it. As of September 2025 that project was at an early stage.
For emergencies, Texoma Medical Center's 24-hour ER is at 2710 Hackberry Dr. in Anna. The nearest full hospitals are in McKinney, including Baylor Scott & White–McKinney at 5252 W. University Dr., and in Sherman, where AHS Sherman Medical Center is a 237-bed Level III trauma center. The public library, at 151 W. Cooper St., reopened in July 2026 after an eight-month renovation. City Hall is at 152 N. Main Drive.
Schools
Van Alstyne ISD has six campuses: three PK-4 or K-4 elementaries (Partin, Sanford and the new Charles & Beth Williams), a middle school for grades 5-6, a junior high for grades 7-8, and Van Alstyne High School for grades 9-12 at 700 Collin McKinney Pkwy. The high school opened in 2024. An 87,700 sq ft multipurpose addition there (about $17 million) is due for completion in December 2026. Enrollment nearly doubled between 2016 and 2026. Grayson College runs a South Campus in Van Alstyne.
Getting around and public safety
US 75 runs along the west side of town, with Exits 50 and 51 serving Van Alstyne. SH 5 runs north-south through town and FM 121 runs east-west. Off-peak, downtown McKinney is about 24 minutes away, Plano about 36, downtown Dallas about 56, Love Field about an hour and DFW Airport about 65 minutes. Rush-hour times on US 75 run longer. We found no public transit.
Van Alstyne has its own police department (242 N. Preston Ave.) and a combination fire department (280 N. Preston Ave.). The fire department has 15 full-time staff, 2 volunteers and two stations. It runs its own ambulance service with a MICU unit. A $30 million public safety facility was nearing opening in 2026.
Not confirmed yet
- 2026 TEA accountability ratings for Van Alstyne ISD and its campuses.
- The ISO fire protection rating is not published on the city fire page.
- Police department headcount.
- Post office street address.
- Whether Urgent Care of Van Alstyne (920-980 W. Van Alstyne Pkwy) is still operating. A separate TexomaCare Van Alstyne listing shows as permanently closed.
- Acreage for Forrest Moore, McKinney Wilson, North and Dorothy Fielder parks.
- Opening date and address of the $30M public safety facility.
- Street addresses for Van Alstyne Junior High, Williams Elementary and Grayson College South Campus.
- Private schools within about 15 minutes.
- Whether the Fall Der All and Spring Wine Festival ran in 2025-2026 and on what dates.
Questions people ask
Is there a grocery store in Van Alstyne?
Not a full-size one as of 2026. Residents shop at Brookshire's or Walmart in Anna, about 7 miles south. A Kroger is planned in Anna for 2027, and the city is working with a developer on a 100-acre site off US 75 that it hopes will include a grocery store.
Where is the nearest emergency room to Van Alstyne?
Texoma Medical Center's freestanding ER at 2710 Hackberry Dr. in Anna is open 24/7. Full hospitals are in Sherman (AHS Sherman Medical Center) and McKinney (Baylor Scott & White - McKinney).
How long is the drive from Van Alstyne to Dallas?
About 56 minutes to downtown Dallas off-peak, roughly 49 miles via US 75. Rush hour adds time. McKinney is about 24 minutes away and Plano about 36.
How far is Van Alstyne from Lake Texoma?
Denison Dam is about 30 miles north, roughly 36 minutes by car.
What schools serve Van Alstyne?
Van Alstyne ISD has six campuses: Partin, Sanford and Williams elementaries (PK/K-4), a middle school (5-6), a junior high (7-8) and Van Alstyne High School (9-12), which opened in 2024. Enrollment was 2,857 in 2026.
What events does Van Alstyne hold?
The main ones are a spring wine festival, a Tuesday farmers market (April-September), July fireworks, the Fall Der All festival in October, the Lord's Acre Harvest Festival in November, and the Holiday Hangout with the Christmas parade in early December. Most are held at the Central Social District downtown.
Does Van Alstyne have its own fire department and ambulance?
Yes. Van Alstyne Fire/Rescue is a combination department with 15 full-time staff and two stations, and it runs its own ambulance with a MICU unit.
Is there public transit in Van Alstyne?
We found no bus or rail service. Getting around takes a car, and US 75 is the main route south.
Sources (42) · checked Oct 28, 2026
- Independence Title, Van Alstyne relocation guide (PDF; city contacts, parks, schools)
- Homes.com, Van Alstyne local guide
- City of Van Alstyne news, June 2024 (farmers market, event list)
- TDLR TABS2023026116, Umphress/Hynds 24-Acre Park
- City of Van Alstyne, new 24-acre park update (Jan 2024)
- TDLR TABS2021008531, Central Social Business Park
- KXII, Van Alstyne splash pad reopens (July 2024)
- Van Alstyne Parks Master Plan 2019, trail plan excerpt (Collin County)
- City of Van Alstyne, Parks & Recreation
- Local Profile, Bill Smith's Cafe reopens in Van Alstyne (Feb 2024)
- City Lifestyle, The Railyard Taproom (Sept 2025)
- Joe Coffee, Myth & Ember Coffee House listing
- Texoma Connect, Jafar's Mediterranean Grill
- TX Wine Lover, Cooley Bay Winery
- Honeylu's Coffee opens new Van Alstyne location
- RxLess, City Drug Co. listing
- Texoma Connect, 2025 Holiday Hangout, Parade & Tree Lighting
- AllEvents, Van Alstyne events (Oct 2026 listing)
- KXII, Big turnout for Van Alstyne's Sounds of Summer (July 2024)
- KXII, Van Alstyne library reopens after 8-month renovation (July 2026)
- City of Van Alstyne, Public Library
- KXII, New shopping center, grocery store could be on their way (Sept 2025)
- Hoodline, Kroger mega center at Rosamond Crossing, Anna (Apr 2026)
- Texoma Medical Center, opening of ER at Anna
- Wikipedia, AHS Sherman Medical Center
- City of Van Alstyne, Fire & EMS
- NERIS (FSRI), Van Alstyne Fire Department FD48181782
- City of Van Alstyne, Police Department
- Van Alstyne EDC homepage (news, 2026)
- KXII, Van Alstyne reaches construction milestone on $30M public safety facility (Mar 2026)
- KXII, Van Alstyne enters next phase of downtown revitalization (Mar 2026)
- Van Alstyne ISD homepage (campuses and grades)
- Wikipedia, Van Alstyne Independent School District
- Texas Tribune Public Schools Explorer, Van Alstyne ISD (2026 enrollment)
- TDLR TABS2026001544, VAISD High School Multi Purpose Facility Addition
- Wikipedia, Van Alstyne, Texas
- OSRM open routing engine (Realust drive-time calculation, Oct 2026)
- TDLR TABS2026019156, 7-Eleven at US 75 & Panther Pkwy
- ResumeGeni job listing, Brookshire Grocery Co., 1325 W. White St., Anna
- TCOLE-hosted Van Alstyne PD recruitment flyer
- Texoma Connect, Van Alstyne restaurants category
- AARP Local, Van Alstyne Wine Festival 2024-04-27 (listing now expired)
Seasonal Temperatures
Annual Conditions
Crime & Safety
Safety Overview
Violent Crime
Property Crime
Job Market
Income
Employment
Income Distribution
Education
School District
Schools
Academic Info
Transportation
Mobility Scores
Commute
Distance To
⚡ EV Charging
Drive to major employers from Van Alstyne
Rush-hour drive times from the center of Van Alstyne, weekday at 8:00 AM.
| Workplace | 8 AM rush | No traffic | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
| RaytheonMcKinney | 29 min | 20 min | 16.5 mi |
| Capital OnePlano | 50 min | 32 min | 30.9 mi |
| The StarFrisco | 50 min | 33 min | 33.2 mi |
| JPMorgan Chase Legacy WestPlano | 51 min | 32 min | 32.8 mi |
| Keurig Dr PepperFrisco | 51 min | 34 min | 33.4 mi |
| Telecom CorridorRichardson | 51 min | 32 min | 32.9 mi |
| Legacy WestPlano | 52 min | 34 min | 32 mi |
| Frito-Lay / PepsiCoPlano | 52 min | 34 min | 32.8 mi |
Show all 36 workplaces
| Workplace | 8 AM rush | No traffic | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
| State Farm CityLineRichardson | 52 min | 33 min | 32.4 mi |
| Toyota North America HQPlano | 53 min | 34 min | 33.1 mi |
| Tyler TechnologiesPlano | 53 min | 35 min | 32.5 mi |
| Medical City PlanoPlano | 55 min | 38 min | 33.6 mi |
| UT DallasRichardson | 57 min | 38 min | 34.9 mi |
| Texas Woman's UniversityDenton | 64 min | 61 min | 45.3 mi |
| McKessonLas Colinas | 69 min | 47 min | 50.8 mi |
| Texas InstrumentsDallas | 70 min | 42 min | 39.9 mi |
| Galleria / LBJDallas | 72 min | 43 min | 41.2 mi |
| DFW AirportDFW | 73 min | 50 min | 51.9 mi |
| Kimberly-ClarkIrving | 75 min | 53 min | 53.8 mi |
| Las Colinas Urban CenterIrving | 75 min | 53 min | 54.1 mi |
| SMUUniversity Park | 79 min | 47 min | 44.4 mi |
| American AirlinesFort Worth | 80 min | 56 min | 60.6 mi |
| University of North TexasDenton | 80 min | 60 min | 61.2 mi |
| Fidelity InvestmentsWestlake | 81 min | 58 min | 60.8 mi |
| Charles SchwabWestlake | 82 min | 58 min | 61.9 mi |
| Uptown DallasDallas | 83 min | 48 min | 47.8 mi |
| Baylor University Medical CenterDallas | 84 min | 51 min | 48.4 mi |
| Downtown DallasDallas | 84 min | 51 min | 48.3 mi |
| Dallas Love FieldDallas | 84 min | 53 min | 51.4 mi |
| AT&TDowntown Dallas | 86 min | 51 min | 48.2 mi |
| Arlington Entertainment DistrictArlington | 87 min | 65 min | 66.1 mi |
| Southwest AirlinesLove Field | 88 min | 56 min | 52.5 mi |
| AllianceTexasFort Worth | 91 min | 67 min | 69.7 mi |
| UT Southwestern / Medical DistrictDallas | 91 min | 54 min | 52.3 mi |
| Downtown Fort WorthFort Worth | 94 min | 70 min | 73.6 mi |
| Lockheed MartinFort Worth | 104 min | 80 min | 83.6 mi |
Source: Google Routes forecast, updated October 2026. Find where to live near your work →
Cost of Living
Cost Index (100 = National Average)
Monthly Utilities
Everyday Costs
Taxes
Hidden costs in Van Alstyne
Price is only part of the bill. Here is what owning or renting in Van Alstyne costs each month in property tax, special districts, electricity, internet and more, with the figures sourced to the tax rolls and utility tariffs.
Where a typical Van Alstyne homestead tax bill goes (2025)1,2,4,5
- Van Alstyne ISD$2,462/yr
- City of Van Alstyne$1,935/yr
- Grayson County$853/yr
- Grayson College$510/yr
Homestead at $349,536, Grayson County side, no MUD or PID, owner under 65. A $1.00 MUD would add $3,495.
Base 2025 tax rate: Van Alstyne vs. nearby cities1,5
- Sherman2.19%
- Van Alstyne (Grayson Co.)2.18%
- Howe2.17%
- Anna2.00%
- Van Alstyne (Collin Co.)1.96%
- Melissa1.91%
- McKinney1.75%
Excludes MUDs and PIDs, which add 0.60–1.20 in some subdivisions. Grayson County cities pay a higher county + college rate (0.4511) than Collin County cities (0.2306).
Monthly cost beyond the mortgage (sourced parts only)1,2,9,10,17
- Property tax (homestead, no MUD)$480/mo
- Electric (GCEC, 1,000 kWh)$172/mo
- Internet (1 Gig fiber)$60/mo
HOA dues vary by subdivision and are not included, nor are homeowners insurance and the city water/sewer/trash bill, which we could not confirm yet.
Utility providers by area9,10,14,15
| Service | Older town / city core | Newer subdivisions & ETJ | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electric | Oncor wires; choose a retail provider (likely; confirm) | Grayson-Collin Electric Co-op (no retail choice) in much of the area | GCEC: $25 base + about 14.7¢/kWh |
| Water & sewer | City of Van Alstyne | City, or the MUD's operator or a rural water supply corporation (not confirmed) | City deposit $150 + $50 service fee |
| Trash & recycling | Community Waste Disposal via city bill | City contract inside limits; outside limits, contract your own (not confirmed) | Weekly trash, every-other-week recycling |
| Natural gas | Atmos Energy (not confirmed) | Often all-electric | |
| Internet | Grayson Collin Communications fiber; others not checked | GCC rural fiber at higher prices | 1 Gig from $59.95 |
Read the full hidden costs guide
The tax bill is the biggest hidden cost
On the Grayson County side of Van Alstyne, a home inside city limits pays four taxing units: Van Alstyne ISD at 1.1748, the city at 0.5537, Grayson County at 0.3051 and Grayson College at 0.1460. All rates are per $100 of value. Together that is 2.18% before exemptions, among the highest in the area.
Exemptions do a lot of work here. The school district takes $140,000 off a homestead's value, and Grayson County takes 20%. The city and the college have no general homestead exemption, so they tax the full value. Owners 65 and older get extra exemptions and a tax ceiling from the ISD, the county, the city and the college.
At the city's 2025 average homestead value of $349,536, the bill comes to about $5,760 a year, or $480 a month. That is an effective rate of about 1.65%. The same house as a rental with no exemptions would owe about $7,620.
Check for a MUD or PID before you buy
Grayson County's 2025 roll lists several MUDs around Van Alstyne, including Van Alstyne MUD #1 and #3, Grayson County MUD #8, #9 and #3A, Sunset Ranch, Noble Ridge and Heritage Ranch. Most levy $1.00 per $100, and they range from $0.60 to $1.20. On a $350,000 home, a $1.00 MUD adds about $3,500 a year, or $291 a month.
Many MUDs sit outside city limits in the ETJ. There you pay the MUD but not the city's 0.55. Some newer subdivisions also carry PID assessments, which are a flat yearly charge per lot, not a rate. Look up the exact address on the appraisal district site and ask for the seller's MUD and PID disclosure.
The Collin County side costs less in tax
Part of the city reaches south into Collin County. There the county and college rates total 0.2306, compared with 0.4511 in Grayson County. With the same city and school rates, the base rate is about 1.96%, and the same $349,536 homestead would owe about $5,180 a year. Confirm by address, because the ISD and any MUD can change the total.
Electric depends on whose lines serve you
Van Alstyne is the home base of Grayson-Collin Electric Cooperative, and many homes around town are on its lines. Co-op members cannot shop retail plans. The Farm & Home rate is a $25 monthly charge plus 13.7¢ per kWh and a 1¢ power-cost factor that changes monthly. At 1,000 kWh that is about $172, and at 1,500 kWh in summer about $246. Homes on Oncor lines choose a retail plan instead, so their price depends on the plan.
Water, trash and internet
The city bills water, sewer and trash together. A new account requires a $150 deposit and a $50 service fee. Water and sewer rates have changed six times since 2018, most recently in January 2025, so ask for a recent bill on any house you are considering.
Community Waste Disposal collects trash weekly and recycling every other week in 95-gallon carts. Bulk items and bundled brush go out on trash day.
Grayson Collin Communications, a local company with an office in Van Alstyne, sells symmetric fiber starting at $34.95 for 300 Mbps and $59.95 for 1 Gig. Plans in rural areas cost more.
Commute and HOA
The average Van Alstyne worker's commute is about 31 minutes. US 75 south to McKinney, Plano and Dallas has no tolls. Heading west to Frisco often means the Sam Rayburn Tollway or the Dallas North Tollway, which do charge tolls.
HOA dues vary by subdivision. Newer master-planned communities such as Mantua and Oaklawn charge their own dues, so check each listing.
Not confirmed yet
- What are the city's current water and sewer rates per 1,000 gallons, and the monthly trash fee?
- What does homeowners insurance typically cost for a $350,000 home in Van Alstyne?
- What share of city parcels sits in a FEMA Special Flood Hazard Area?
- What is the median rent in Van Alstyne (ACS median gross rent and current apartment listings)?
- What are typical HOA dues in Mantua, Oaklawn, Thompson Farms and Rolling Ridge?
- What are typical drive times and toll costs to McKinney, Plano, Frisco and downtown Dallas?
- What water/wastewater impact fees apply to a new single-family home?
Questions people ask
What is the property tax rate in Van Alstyne, TX?
Inside city limits on the Grayson County side, the 2025 base rate is about 2.18% (city 0.5537, Van Alstyne ISD 1.1748, Grayson County 0.3051, Grayson College 0.1460). On the Collin County side it is about 1.96%. A MUD can add 0.60–1.20 more.
How much are property taxes on a $350,000 home in Van Alstyne?
About $5,760 a year ($480 a month) with a standard homestead exemption and no MUD, based on 2025 rates. With a $1.00 MUD inside city limits, about $9,260. As a non-homestead rental, about $7,620.
Who provides electricity in Van Alstyne?
It depends on the address. Much of the area is served by Grayson-Collin Electric Cooperative, which has no retail choice. Homes on Oncor lines can pick a retail provider.
Does Van Alstyne have fiber internet?
Yes, in many areas. Grayson Collin Communications sells symmetric fiber starting at $34.95 for 300 Mbps and $59.95 for 1 Gig. Check by address.
Who picks up trash in Van Alstyne?
Community Waste Disposal, under contract with the city. Trash is collected weekly and recycling every other week, with bulk pickup on trash day.
What deposit does the city charge for water service?
$150, plus a $50 service fee, for a new water and sewer account.
Does Van Alstyne have a homestead exemption?
The city has no general homestead exemption, but it gives $5,000 to owners 65 and older and freezes their city tax. Van Alstyne ISD exempts $140,000 and Grayson County exempts 20%.
Sources (19) · checked Oct 28, 2026
- Grayson Central Appraisal District, Grayson Tax Rate Summary Chart 2025 and 2025 Rate Sheet
- Grayson CAD, 2025 Certified Totals: City of Van Alstyne (CVA)
- Grayson CAD, 2025 Certified Totals: Van Alstyne ISD (SVA)
- Grayson CAD, Master Exemption Summary (updated 08-01-2023)
- Republic Title, 2025 DFW Tax Rates and Exemptions
- Grayson County, 2026 Tax Rate Hearing Notice
- Grayson CAD, 2025 Certified Totals: Grayson County (GRA)
- Grayson CAD, Certified Totals: Grayson Co. Jr. College (JRC)
- Grayson-Collin Electric Cooperative, Rates
- Grayson Collin Communications, Internet plans
- Collin County, FY2026 Tax Rate Public Hearing Presentation
- Community Impact, Collin College board maintains tax rate for FY 2025-26
- Census Reporter, Van Alstyne, TX profile (ACS 2024 5-year)
- City of Van Alstyne, Utility Billing
- Community Waste Disposal, Van Alstyne service page
- City of Van Alstyne, Fee Schedule
- Home listing, Georgetown Village Ph 3 (North Texas Top Team)
- Home listing, Georgetown Village IV (North Texas Top Team)
- NewHomeSource, Van Alstyne new-home communities
What’s coming
Public projects that will change daily life in Van Alstyne: new jobs, roads, schools and places to go. Every project links to its source.
Texas Health hospital, north McKinney
Texas Health Resources plans a hospital campus at Laud Howell Parkway and US 75, opening with 60 beds, an ER, surgery and women's services, with room to double capacity.
Why it matters: Closer ER and hospital care for fast-growing north McKinney, Anna, Melissa.
Also in McKinney · Anna · Melissa
US 75 at FM 121 interchange rebuild
A $67.2M project would widen US 75 and FM 121 (Van Alstyne Pkwy) to two lanes each way, add U-turn lanes and replace the US 75 bridge. It is a tier-one item in TxDOT's 10-year plan, and engineering is due in early 2027.
Why it matters: Fixes Van Alstyne's most congested intersection at its US 75 exit.
Anna regional sewer plant expansion
Anna is expanding its wastewater treatment plant into a regional site. Under an interlocal deal, Van Alstyne will send some of its wastewater there, starting around the end of 2026.
Why it matters: Sewer capacity for new homes on both sides of the Collin-Grayson line.
Also in Anna
Citywide
Rosamond Crossing (Kroger Marketplace)
800,000-sq-ft retail center at US 75 and Rosamond Pkwy. A 123,000-sq-ft Kroger is under construction; Aldi, Academy, Hobby Lobby, TJ Maxx and Burlington have signed. Later phases target spring 2028.
Why it matters: Big grocery and big-box shopping off US 75 for north Anna and Van Alstyne.
Also in Anna
Collin College $600M bond
Funds campus expansions in McKinney, Wylie, Plano, Allen, Celina and Frisco, a McKinney Aviation Academy and new Anna and Royse City campuses. The college expects no tax-rate increase.
Why it matters: More nearby college and job-training seats; no college tax-rate hike expected.
Also in Plano · Frisco · Allen · McKinney · Prosper · Celina · Fairview · Lucas · Parker · Wylie · Sachse · Anna · Farmersville · Royse City · Richardson · Princeton · Melissa · Lavon · Lowry Crossing · New Hope · Nevada · St. Paul · Blue Ridge · Westminster
Citywide
SH 5 widening, Anna to Van Alstyne
TxDOT plans to widen SH 5 north of the Collin County Outer Loop to four lanes: to Hackberry Drive ($47M, bids est. Nov 2026), then on to CR 375 at the Grayson County line ($45M, date TBD).
Why it matters: Wider SH 5 for north Anna and Van Alstyne drivers.
Also in Anna
US 75 six lanes through Van Alstyne
TxDOT is widening US 75 from four lanes to six from County Line Road (Panther Parkway) through Van Alstyne to FM 902 in Howe, under a $96.3 million contract. The frontage roads are now one-way and repaved, but the mainlane widening and two new U-turn bridges are still being built, and the state's filing lists completion in March 2029. The crowded FM 121 bridge is a separate project that could start in late 2027.
Why it matters: Six lanes on US 75 through Van Alstyne; one-way frontage roads are already open.
Liberty Hills (about 1,800 homes)
Veritas Communities is developing about 1,800 homes around Hurricane Creek Country Club west of US 75 in north Anna, with apartments and retail planned in later phases.
Why it matters: Adds a large new neighborhood and traffic near US 75 on Anna's north side.
Also in Anna
Recently opened
See every project on the North Texas map →We track publicly announced projects from official and local news sources. Plans and dates change; dates are targets, not promises. Map locations are approximate. Projects don't affect the Realust Score. Know of a project we're missing? Tell us.
Growth story in Van Alstyne
Van Alstyne is one of the fastest-growing small cities in North Texas: about 80% more people in five years, permits running three times their pre-2020 pace, and two master-planned communities that could add thousands of homes.
Van Alstyne population, 1990–20251,2,3
1990-2020: decennial Census counts. 2021-2025: Census Bureau July 1 estimates (Vintage 2025),
New housing units permitted by the City of Van Alstyne5,6
Census Building Permits Survey. 2016 and 2020 include apartment buildings (90 and 136 units). 2026 is January-September only. Homes permitted outside the city's jurisdiction are not counted.
Van Alstyne ISD enrollment, actual and projected22,23,26,29
2019-20 is approximate ('roughly 1,800'). Gaps from 2021-22 to 2024-25 not yet filled. Projections are the district's, from its 2025 bond materials.
New-home communities in and around Van Alstyne4,7,8,10,11,12,13,14,15
| Community | Developer | Builders | Planned size | Status | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mantua / Mantua Point | Risland | David Weekley, Highland, Perry, Risland | ~3,000 acres overall, up to 6,000 homes (shared with Anna) | Selling | US 75 at county line; 1604-1616 Swan St |
| Highpoint Village | Centurion American | Ashton Woods, D.R. Horton, First Texas, Lennar, Mattamy, Pacesetter, Pulte | 667 acres, ~2,200 homes incl. 300 townhomes | Under development; first lots targeted Q2 2026 | Mantua Pkwy / Collin McKinney Pkwy / CR 222 |
| Thompson Farms | n/p | Highland, DRB, Brightland | n/p | Selling | 200 N Eagle Point Rd |
| Rolling Ridge | n/p | K. Hovnanian, Cambridge | n/p | Selling | Maple Ridge Dr area |
| River Ranch | n/p | Pacesetter, Stonehollow, Windsor | n/p | Selling | Cates Rd |
| Oaklawn | n/p | First Texas, M/I Homes | n/p | Selling | n/p |
| Tinsley Meadows | n/p | Cambridge | n/p | Selling | n/p |
| Lincoln Pointe | n/p | DreamBuilt | n/p | Selling | n/p |
| Sister Grove II | n/p | Stonehollow | n/p | Selling | n/p |
| Panther Trail | n/p | Altura | n/p | Coming soon | n/p |
Show all 12 rows
| West Farmington | n/p | Astoria | n/p | Coming soon | n/p |
| Summer Hill (concept) | Land for sale | None | 126 lots | Proposed | FM 121 / planned Lincoln Park Rd |
n/p = not published. Lot totals and lots built are not published for most communities; the city reports about 10,764 lots in some stage of development overall.
Where new homes are going7,12,13,14,15,20,34
- 1Mantua Point model homes
- 2Thompson Farms
- 3Rolling Ridge
- 4River Ranch
- 5Van Alstyne High School
- 6City Hall
Not mapped yet: Oaklawn, Tinsley Meadows, Lincoln Pointe, Sister Grove II, Panther Trail and West Farmington (no published street location).
Big employers near Van Alstyne16,17
- Texas Instruments Sherman fabsTI's figure at full build; SM1 producing since Dec 20253,000 jobs
- GlobalWafers Sherman wafer plantWikipedia figure; opened May 20251,500 jobs
Both sites are in Sherman, north of Van Alstyne on US 75. Job counts are announced targets, not current headcounts.
Read the full growth story guide
A rail town that held still for a century
Van Alstyne began in 1873, when the Houston and Texas Central Railway came through southeast Grayson County and settlers moved over from nearby Mantua. It incorporated in 1890 with about 400 people and had 1,940 by 1900.
Then it stopped growing. From 1910 to 1990 the population stayed between about 1,450 and 2,000. It was still 3,046 at the 2010 Census.
Population: from 4,400 to 8,000 in five years
The 2020 Census counted 4,369 people. The Census Bureau's estimates show 5,197 in 2021, 6,114 in 2022, 6,755 in 2023, 7,217 in 2024 and 8,012 in July 2025. That is about 80% growth in five years.
City staff forecast more than 30,000 residents by 2030. That figure comes from the city, not the Census Bureau or NCTCOG. Hitting it would take roughly six times the pace of the last five years. Treat it as a measure of how many lots are planned, not a prediction of when homes will fill.
Housing: permits and a long lot pipeline
Census permit data show the city issued fewer than 115 housing permits a year through 2019. Since 2020 it has issued 225 to 376 a year, 1,804 units in total from 2020 to 2025. Through September 2026 it had issued 216, close to all of 2025.
Most new homes are in builder communities. The largest is Mantua, a roughly 3,000-acre Risland tract on the Grayson-Collin line that it shares with Anna. Next to it, Centurion American's Highpoint Village plans about 2,200 homes, including 300 townhomes, on 667 acres, with first lots targeted for mid-2026. Smaller communities include Thompson Farms, Rolling Ridge, River Ranch, Oaklawn and Tinsley Meadows.
The city manager has cited 10,764 lots in some stage of development. A 75495 mailing address does not guarantee a home is inside city limits. Check city limits, ETJ status and any MUD or PID before buying, because taxes and services vary by address.
What is driving it
US 75 is the spine. North in Sherman, Texas Instruments started production at the first of up to four 300mm chip fabs in December 2025. TI cites about 3,000 jobs and up to $40 billion in investment there. GlobalWafers opened a wafer plant in Sherman in May 2025.
To the south, Collin County's Outer Loop now reaches US 75 in Anna, linking it west to Celina. TxDOT has begun early work on expanding US 75 through Van Alstyne, but its scope and schedule are not yet published. Locally, the Economic Development Corporation owns 67 acres on FM 3133 for an industrial park, and Highpoint Village sets aside 64 acres for commercial use.
Schools under pressure
Van Alstyne ISD had 1,475 students in 2016 and 2,857 in state data for 2026. A new high school opened in August 2024 on Collin McKinney Parkway, and the old campuses were re-used for grades 5-8.
The district projects more than 4,100 students by 2029-30 and nearly 6,000 by 2034-35. In November 2025 voters rejected a $550 million bond that would have paid for new elementary schools, a junior high and support buildings. No bond was on the May 2026 ballot. How the district adds seats without a bond is an open question for buyers here.
Values and incomes
Census survey data show the median owner-estimated home value rising from $125,900 (2011-2015) to $158,100 (2015-2019) and $342,700 (2020-2024). Median household income rose from $51,688 to $102,469 over the same periods.
These are five-year averages for a small city, with wide margins of error. The rise mostly reflects new, larger homes being added, not only older homes gaining value.
Not confirmed yet
- Is there an H-E-B, Kroger, Walmart or other large grocery store planned in Van Alstyne? None was confirmed.
- What water and wastewater plant expansions are planned, and on what schedule? The city posts a Water and Wastewater CIP that was not reviewed here.
- Does NCTCOG publish a 2026 estimate or 2040/2050 forecast for Van Alstyne?
- Will VAISD call a new bond, and how will it split propositions after the 2025 defeat?
- What will the Comprehensive Plan 2035 future land use map show?
- How many lots in each community are built, under construction and still to come?
Questions people ask
What is the population of Van Alstyne, Texas?
The Census Bureau estimated 8,012 residents on July 1, 2025, up from 4,369 at the 2020 Census.
How fast is Van Alstyne growing?
About 80% from 2020 to 2025 by Census estimates, roughly 700 people a year. City staff forecast 30,000 residents by 2030.
How many new homes are being built in Van Alstyne?
The city permitted 1,804 housing units from 2020 to 2025 and 216 more from January to September 2026, per the Census Building Permits Survey.
What are the biggest new communities in Van Alstyne?
Mantua (Risland, about 3,000 acres shared with Anna) and Highpoint Village (Centurion American, about 2,200 homes). Others include Thompson Farms, Rolling Ridge, River Ranch and Oaklawn.
Did the Van Alstyne ISD bond pass?
No. Voters rejected a $550 million bond on Nov. 4, 2025. No VAISD bond was on the May 2, 2026 ballot.
How far is Van Alstyne from the Texas Instruments plant in Sherman?
TI's Sherman fabs are north of Van Alstyne along US 75 in Sherman. Check the drive time from your address.
Is Van Alstyne in Grayson or Collin County?
Mostly Grayson County. City limits reach slightly into Collin County, but the Census Bureau counts all residents in the Grayson part. Some nearby communities with Van Alstyne addresses are in the ETJ or in Anna.
Sources (34) · checked Oct 28, 2026
- Van Alstyne, Texas (Wikipedia; historical census table and history)
- U.S. Census Bureau, Vintage 2025 city and town population estimates, Texas (sub-est2025_48.csv)
- KXII, Van Alstyne's population could more than triple by 2030 (Aug 20, 2024)
- WFAA, More build lots than population: booming Van Alstyne (undated, c. 2025)
- U.S. Census Bureau, Building Permits Survey, annual place files, South Region (soYYYYa.txt, 2010-2025)
- U.S. Census Bureau, Building Permits Survey, South Region place file, year-to-date through Sept 2026 (so2609y.txt)
- WFAA, Centurion American plans Highpoint Village in Van Alstyne (Oct 2024)
- Centurion American, 2,200 Single-Family Homes Planned for Van Alstyne, Texas (Oct 21, 2024)
- Local Profile, 2,200 homes to be built in Van Alstyne (2024)
- Dallas Morning News, Mantua residential community north of Dallas readies the first of thousands of homes (Feb 26, 2021)
- KXII, 3,000-acre development coming to Grayson/Collin county line (Sept 17, 2019)
- Builder, David Weekley and Highland Homes open models north of Dallas at Mantua
- NewHomeSource, new home communities in Van Alstyne, TX (accessed Oct 28, 2026)
- Brightland Homes, Thompson Farms community page
- Vanguard Real Estate Advisors, Van Alstyne land offering memorandum (c. 2024)
- Texas Instruments, Sherman manufacturing site
- Sherman, Texas (Wikipedia; economy section)
- GlobalWafers (Wikipedia)
- Collin County Outer Loop (Wikipedia, citing Collin County and Community Impact)
- City of Van Alstyne, Planning for Growth (document library)
- City of Van Alstyne, Overview of the Comprehensive Plan
- Van Alstyne ISD bond press release, Feb 2021 (hosted by City of Van Alstyne)
- KXII, Van Alstyne ISD $325 million proposed bond would expand district facilities (Mar 30, 2021)
- KXII, Van Alstyne ISD officially opens doors to new high school (Aug 16, 2024)
- The Bond Buyer, Van Alstyne approves $24 million bond for school, renovations (May 8, 2017)
- NBC DFW, Voters in Van Alstyne ISD to vote on district's $550 million bond package (Oct 20, 2025)
- KXII, Van Alstyne voters divided, to decide on $550 million school bond (Oct 22, 2025)
- KXII, Looking ahead after Van Alstyne voters reject $550 million school bond (Nov 20, 2025)
- Texas Tribune Public Schools Explorer, Van Alstyne ISD (state enrollment data, 2026)
- Grayson County Elections, sample ballot, May 2, 2026 general and special election (Van Alstyne ISD)
- U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year table-based summary files 2021-2024 (B25077, B19013, B25001, B25003), place 4874924
- U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 2015-2019 5-year summary file, Texas
- U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 2011-2015 5-year summary file, Texas
- Van Alstyne High School (Wikipedia; address and enrollment)