Hutchins

Hutchins may be one of the smallest towns in Dallas County, but it's growing slowly and steadily alongside other rural spots near downtown. Many people move to this enclave for an easy commute to work and for its peaceful proximity to Trinity River. “Hutchins is right in the middle of anywhere you want to go,” says Realtor Cherri Bryant of Monument Realty. Interstates 20 and 45 intersect in this neighborhood, taking you up and down Texas and getting you downtown quickly. “The city gets expensive. You have to keep going farther out to get a little bit more for your money, and we are fortunate that our little bit more keeps us growing,” says Realtor Cecilia Baca-Pena of Century 21 Judge Fite Company. “As Dallas continues to improve our roads, and rural places become more accessible, people are drawn to them.” Though most of the population in Hutchins remains those born and raised here, they like making new friends. "A client of mine who just bought a house in Hutchins said one of his new neighbors came by to introduce themselves. People don’t do that anymore," Bryant shares. “It’s been a welcoming place for him.”

Homes in Hutchins represent a mix of styles from new farmhouses, to new traditionals, ranch-style houses and bungalows. You can purchase a brand-new three-bedroom property for under $300,000 in this neighborhood. Most homes are priced within a range of $200,000, and they rarely exceed $400,000. Not unlike other established rural subdivisions of Dallas County, homes here have large backyards and modest front yards set back from wide streets shaded by mature trees. On average, houses sell within 42 days. There are also plenty of hidden creeks, waterways and vast swaths of untapped prairie in Hutchins if you want to build your dream house. Tranquil, 1 acre or less plots perfect for country living range from $30,000 to $230,000. Plots over 4 acres, especially near highways or closer to downtown Dallas, travel upward to the millions.

Kids in Hutchins attend Wilmer-Hutchins Elementary School, Kennedy Curry Middle School and Wilmer-Hutchins High School. Overall, the elementary school is rated B-minus, while the middle school is rated C and the high school C-plus, by Niche. Wilmer-Hutchins aims to close opportunity gaps by helping every student achieve their goals. The school recently joined Dallas’ Accelerating Campus Excellence (ACE) program, which attracts some of the highest-performing teachers in the county. Kids can head to Atwell Public Library for a quiet, brightly lit place to study and do their homework. Atwell’s catalog includes eBook and audiobook options for modern learning.

On the weekends and free afternoons, neighbors head to the local parks. Hutchins residents have plenty of outdoor spaces to choose from – including Sunrise Creek Park and Martin Luther King Jr. Park – but nothing beats the Trinity River Greenbelt Goat Preserve. This 501-acre island off Post Oak Road contributes to 8 miles of accessible waterfront in Dallas County. Locals love to use its trails for off-road cycling, hiking and running. As leaves change from green to red and yellow, neighbors celebrate the season with the annual Fall Festival organized by The City of Hutchins Parks and Recreation Board. At this event they can expect free food, fun and friendly faces.

Given Hutchins’ spread-out landscape, you'll need to drive most places. It won’t take you too long to get anywhere though, and your options aren’t as limited as you might expect given the rural location. You can head to WW Grocery on North Main Street for a burger and Taqueria Chicaly off I-45 for tacos and an ice-cold soda. Hutchins Donuts is a neighborhood favorite for a sweet treat. There’s a Dollar General on East Belt Line Road for daily needs, and Elrod's Cost Plus Supermarket on Buckner Boulevard for groceries. You can also head 10 miles north to downtown Dallas for more shopping options. For farther afield adventures, nearby airports include Dallas Love Field and Dallas/Fort Worth International – both within 30 miles of the neighborhood via interstate 45.

When you want a small-town lifestyle close to a bustling city, consider making your home in Hutchins.

Written By

Kathryn Ashworth

Photography Contributed By

Elon Walton

Video By

Lucas Dyke