Royse City is "A Friendly Touch of Texas"
There’s a reason Royse City has a reputation as “the best-little-big-town east of Dallas”. While its location along Interstate 30 between Rockwall and Greenville has fueled recent growth, it still has a laid-back, family-friendly feel.
Royse City offers everything you’d want in a true hometown, from a smart spot to launch a small business, to the ideal place to escape city life and start a family. A wholesome environment that beckons everyone to set roots and stay awhile, Royse City is a place where a person can simply relax and enjoy life, retire amongst good, down-to-earth people, and enjoy festive events, and a vintage Americana vibe.
Royse City has a quality of life that is unsurpassed in Texas. it has several new subdivisions, including Vista Oaks Estates, yet preserves the feeling of country living. Royse City is a growing - but cozy - small town with friendly folk. It's hip but historical. Contemporary but modernly vintage. It's Americana at its best. It really is “A Friendly Touch of Texas”!
The History of Royse City
Garrett Burgess Griffin Royse, better known as Byrd Royse, was born in Kentucky in 1838, as the 7th of 14 children.
In 1886, Royse, who was a savvy businessman, knew the Missouri-Kansas-Texas (MK&T) Railroad Line was being planned, and was instrumental in making sure its route passed through the newly platted city. Family legend has it that Mr. Royse informed the MK&T Railroad people that he would donate the land for a train station if they would call it Royse City. Train service was a major economic boon to the area, and the small city grew quickly. In 1890, the city boasted two cotton gins, a gristmill, and 20 businesses.
After the lots were sold and land in and around Royse City was selling pretty high, the Royse family sold their part and, in 1893, joined about 100,000 others in the Oklahoma Land Rush. Mr. Royse and his wife resided near Foss, Oklahoma until their death.
These early photos in downtown Royse City, shows the main modes of transportation were walking and horseback. As the cotton and sorghum industries grew, cars, trucks, and other modes of modern transportation were introduced to Royse City. Most of the brick buildings that you see are still in use today.
Interstate 30 was constructed just south of the city in the mid-1960s, and the city grew south to meet the interstate. Royse undoubtedly had no idea this Texas Main Street City would still retain its 19th century rural charm almost one hundred and fifty years later.
Why Royse City?
The Royse City region has a wide variety of vineyards and wineries, from small family-owned farms with rolling hills and mature trees, to decades old operations with commercial capabilities.
Royse City is home to plenty of hiking, biking, boating, and fishing opportunities. Lake Ray Hubbard is just 20 minutes away, while the City of Royse City has around 45 acres of parkland, with 4 playgrounds, 3 catch and release ponds, and 1.5 miles of nature trails and jogging paths. There is also a baseball/softball complex and a soccer complex, with various practice fields.
The Royse City ISD is known for its passionate teachers and talented students. All 9 Royse City campuses have been named National Showcase Schools.
If you're looking for a community that's safe, special, and full of fun (with a growing economy to boot), Royse City is for you.
The Charm of a True Main Street!
The Texas Main Street program, originated in 1986, is part of the Texas Historical Commission’s Community Heritage Development Division. There are currently 84 Texas Main Street designated communities throughout the state, of which Royse City is proud to be one of them.
Main Street is the heart of Royse City, providing an enhanced sense of community for people of all ages and backgrounds, whether they’ve lived here many years or recently moved to Royse City. There are many activities throughout the year that brings the community together, from Christmas parade to weekly live music to their Annual Funfest.
Come see why Royse City is the city of your dreams!
Read more about Royse City, and also Vista Oaks Estates, at any of these links below: (All links open in a new window so you won't lose your place.)
