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About Wichita Falls, TX

About Wichita Falls, TX

A rural city near the Oklahoma border

Wichita Falls is named after its artificial waterfall, built to recreate natural falls that washed away in the 19th century. However, some call the city "Texoma" for its location 20 miles south of the Oklahoma border. Over 100,000 people live here, enjoying several large parks, a fair share of retail and a historic downtown core. Culturally, Wichita Falls is steeped in history — with landmarks dotting the city from its earliest days — and the city boasts a lively event scene that includes the Wichita Falls PRCA Rodeo and the summer bike race Hotter'N Hell Hundred. Wichita Falls' population has decreased by 2% in the past decade. The city reached its peak during the oil boom of the 1920s and suffered several hits when the refineries closed down in the 1960s, and a major tornado struck a decade later. The economic stops and stalls slowed growth and maintained a rural feeling overall, yet, residents still enjoy urban amenities, including a university and hospital system. Outside of Wichita Falls' medical and educational industries, another major employer is Sheppard Air Force Base, a NATO training facility located in the city.

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Downtown Wichita Falls is the heartbeat of the area.
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Locals kids enjoy the time spent at the Lucy Park Ponds where they can feed ducks.
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Sheppard Air Force Base is just a few miles from Downtown Wichita Falls.
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Downtown Wichita Falls will welcome you with historic and charming architecture.
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Vintage homes and some new builds in Wichita Falls

Most of Wichita Falls' homes were built during its peak, from the 1920s to the '70s. However, newer homes started springing up in the 1090s and early 2000s, and recently, there's been another small wave of construction. "All along from the West, where the city intersects with Loop 11, they have built brand new homes," says Debbie Dobbins of Love to the Moon Inc, LLC, who runs her own YouTube channel devoted to Wichita Falls. "It's a little slice on Northwest Parkway, built literally in the last three years." The city's gridded downtown core has its most historic homes, many of which are bungalows. Homebuyers will find more ranch-styles and neo traditional homes expanding out from that central core — some on 5 acres or more. Stone Lake Estates, a neighborhood with stately lakeside homes built in the 2000s, is a luxury neighborhood in Wichita Falls where homes can climb to over $1 million. This is exceptionally rare, as the city is otherwise relatively affordable. "The sweet spot price range for all of Wichita Falls is about $250,000. That's where most people feel comfortable and affordable," Dobbins says. The median home price here is around $217,000, about 38% less than the state average.

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Storms bring hail, making garages and carports essential in Loch Lomond.
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Ranch style homes have gabled roofs and sit on flat land in Loch Lomond.
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Sunnyside Heights homes generally sit on 8,000 to over 9,000 square foot lots with modest yards.
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Some Stone Lake Estates homes have large driveway that residents can use to park a boat.
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Home to the "world's littlest skyscraper"

Wichita Falls' centuries-old depth is visible in historic landmarks dotted throughout the city. One is the "world's littlest skyscraper," a four-foot-tall structure built by a conman in 1919 who promised it would be 480 feet upon completion. The Kell House Museum devotes itself to one of the city's founders, the Kell family. The art-deco Wichita Theatre, a beacon of community theater, debuted as an opera house in 1908. The Wichita Falls Symphony Orchestra has been performing downtown for almost 80 years.

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Wichita Theater Performing Art Centre has live performances in Downtown Wichita Falls.
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The Museum of North Texas History is a must visit when you are in Downtown Wichita Falls.
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The Worlds Littlest Skyscraper is in Downtown Wichita Falls.
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Art lovers in Loch Lomond enjoy viewing local art at Wichita Falls Museum of Art.
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Lucy Park is the site of the city's waterfalls

Trust for Public Land estimates that just over half of Wichita Falls' residents can walk to a park within 10 minutes. The city's 37 parks range from smaller green spaces to those spanning over 100 acres. As 258 acres, Weeks Park is the largest park in the city and houses the municipal golf course. Lucy Park's 178 acres lead to the local waterfall, a public swimming pool, an 18-hole disc golf course and a popular duck pond. "River Bend Nature Center is also a part of Lucy Park, and it's so great for kids because they have all kinds of creatures and bugs," Dobbins says. Another popular spot is Lake Wichita Park, known for its lakeside hiking and biking trails, picnic shelters, and its monument to Wichita Falls' veterans and military members. Local bikers and hikers take advantage of an ever-expanding City-wide Circle Trail System. Its first connection point was built at Lucy Park in 1987, and it's grown to span 20 miles.

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The Champions Cours at Weeks Park is perfect for hitting the links near Loch Lomond.
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The tennis courts at Weeks Park in Loch Lomond is perfect for residents to swing the club.
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The famous Wichita Falls are one of the main attractions to see when you visit this city.
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There are walking trails available around Downtown Wichita Falls for families.
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Downtown shopping and the Sikes Senter

Much of the shopping in Wichita Falls is concentrated around Kemp and Kell West Boulevards. Between the two, locals have the 24-7 grocery store Market Street, regional and national eateries, and major chains like Target and Starbucks. Downtown is a hub for local options — some relatively new, while others are longstanding. Casa Mañana is a notable, longstanding eatery that’s been serving its now famous, red-shelled tacos since the 1940s.

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Sunnyside Heights can get their caffeine fix at their local Starbucks.
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Market Street is open 24/7 for all your grocery needs in Fountain Park North.
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Stone Lake Estates residents looking for a day of shopping can check out the Skies Senter Mall.
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Grab an iced coffee and enjoy some shopping at Target near Stone Lake Estates.
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It's a short trip anywhere in Wichita Falls

Dobbins says traveling from one tip of Wichita Falls to the other takes no more than 20 minutes. There are 62 miles of highways and 12 miles of interstates in the city. U.S. Highway 277 and Interstate 44 connect Wichita Falls to Oklahoma. Other major highways are 287, 287 and 82. Falls Ride offers fixed and flexible bus routes in Wichita Falls. Wichita Falls Regional Airport operates out of Sheppard Air Force Base. It offers flights through American Airlines, with connections to Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport. Both Kell West Regional Hospital and United Regional Health Care System are in Wichita Falls.

From Wichita Falls Independent School District to Midwestern State University

Students in Wichita Falls attend the Wichita Falls Independent School District (WISD), which sports a B rating from Niche. The district has a total of 21 schools, serving just over 13,200 students. For higher education, students can stay close to home by attending Midwestern State University, located in Wichita Falls. The 255-acre campus enrolls over 5,000 students and more than 1,000 at the graduate level.

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Midwestern State University is home to over 5,100 students in Loch Lomond.
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Fain Elementary School scores an A-minus rating on Niche.com in Stone Lake Estates.
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Barwise Middle School gets a B minus according to Niche.com in Stone Lake Estates.
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Wichita Legacy High School is a newly built school in Stone Lakes Estates.
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Crime and weather in Wichita Falls

An FBI report shows that in 2022, Wichita Falls recorded 486 violent crimes and 2,964 property crimes. While Wichita Falls’ violent crime rate of 474 per 100,000 residents significantly surpasses the state average of 431 and the national average of 380, police chief Manuel Borrego says that police department uses “proven best practices, aided by cutting-edge equipment and technology, [while] constantly training, implementing new strategies and maintaining strong ties with citizens and community partners” to fight crime. As for weather, north Wichita Falls — closer to the Oklahoma Border — tends to see more extremes. While there have only been three significant tornados in the city, periodic microbursts, which are concentrated gusts of wind that can be destructive, do occur. Summers are longer than winters here, and the city is prone to droughts and wildfires.

Kathryn Ashworth
Written By
Kathryn Ashworth
Brandon Benham
Photography Contributed By
Brandon Benham
Michael Voyack
Video By
Michael Voyack

Neighborhood Map

Wichita Falls by the Numbers

100,452
Population
$221K
Average Housing Value
54
Average Days on Market

Cost of Living Comparison

Average Home Value



Source: Public Records

Top Schools in Wichita Falls, TX

Source:

Best Public Elementary Schools

Bradford Elementary School
#1 Bradford Elementary School
A-
Niche
9
GreatSchools
West Foundation Elementary School
#2 West Foundation Elementary School
B+
Niche
9
GreatSchools
Fowler Elementary School
#3 Fowler Elementary School
B+
Niche
9
GreatSchools
Sheppard Air Force Base Elementary School
#4 Sheppard Air Force Base Elementary School
A-
Niche
8
GreatSchools
Kidwell Elementary School
#5 Kidwell Elementary School
B+
Niche
Crockett Elementary School
#6 Crockett Elementary School
B
Niche
7
GreatSchools
John G. Tower Elementary School
#7 John G. Tower Elementary School
B
Niche
7
GreatSchools
Franklin Elementary School
#8 Franklin Elementary School
B
Niche
6
GreatSchools
I.C. Evans Elementary School
#9 I.C. Evans Elementary School
B-
Niche

Best Public Middle Schools

W.F. George Middle School
#1 W.F. George Middle School
A-
Niche
8
GreatSchools
City View Junior/Senior High School
#2 City View Junior/Senior High School
B
Niche
5
GreatSchools
McNiel Junior High School
#3 McNiel Junior High School
B
Niche
5
GreatSchools
Burkburnett Middle School
#4 Burkburnett Middle School
B-
Niche
5
GreatSchools
Barwise Middle School
#5 Barwise Middle School
B-
Niche
4
GreatSchools
Kirby Middle School
#6 Kirby Middle School
C+
Niche
2
GreatSchools
Wichita Co Jjaep
#7 Wichita Co Jjaep

Best Public High Schools

Iowa Park High School
#1 Iowa Park High School
A-
Niche
7
GreatSchools
Rider High School
#2 Rider High School
A-
Niche
5
GreatSchools
Burkburnett High School
#3 Burkburnett High School
B+
Niche
5
GreatSchools
City View Junior/Senior High School
#4 City View Junior/Senior High School
B
Niche
5
GreatSchools
Hirschi Middle School
#5 Hirschi Middle School
B+
Niche
3
GreatSchools
Wichita Falls High School
#6 Wichita Falls High School
B
Niche
3
GreatSchools
Wichita Falls Legacy High School
#7 Wichita Falls Legacy High School
Wichita Falls Memorial High School
#8 Wichita Falls Memorial High School
Harrell Accelerated Learning Cente
#9 Harrell Accelerated Learning Cente

Best Private Schools

Wichita Christian School
#1 Wichita Christian School
A
Niche
Christ Academy
#2 Christ Academy
A-
Niche
Bible Baptist Christian School
#3 Bible Baptist Christian School
Carrigan Center
#4 Carrigan Center
Holy Family Classical Academy
#5 Holy Family Classical Academy
Notre Dame Catholic School
#6 Notre Dame Catholic School
Agape Christian School
#7 Agape Christian School

Agents Specializing in this Area

Agent Spotlight

Nick Walker
(682) 297-7974
With a remarkable 12-year tenure in the real estate domain, Nick stands as a distinguished professional known for his multifaceted expertise and unwavering dedication. Beginning his journey in the realm of commercial development, he quickly ascended the ranks, leaving an indelible mark on the industry.

Before Nick began his venture into real estate, he graduated with honors at the University of North Texas where he also held leadership roles in his fraternity and played multiple intramural sports.

Having embarked on his journey as a licensed real estate agent, Nick ventured into the world of commercial development. This formative experience not only equipped him with a profound understanding of property dynamics but also fostered a deep appreciation for the intricacies of the field.

A pivotal juncture in his career led Nick to become the mastermind behind the site selection for two renowned national concepts across the country. He played a pivotal role in identifying strategic locations for these expanding brands, employing his astute market insights and strategic acumen to ensure the successful establishment of new stores.

Eager to broaden his horizons, Nick seamlessly transitioned into the realm of residential and commercial real estate agency. Armed with a wealth of experience, he navigated the intricate landscape of property transactions with finesse, using his innate knack for identifying market trends to match clients with their ideal properties. He’s completed deals all over Texas, but his main area of focus is North Texas, Dallas/ Ft Worth.

Beyond his professional achievements, Nick boasts a wealth of experience in real estate investments. He not only advises others in this arena but has also ventured into owning investment real estate, showcasing his commitment to the industry's core principles.

Away from the world of real estate, Nick finds solace and rejuvenation in pursuits that epitomize his balanced lifestyle. He frequents the gym, dedicating time to physical well-being, and shares cherished moments with his loyal canine companion and beloved family. He also has a passion for music and vinyl records. Nestled in the heart of Grapevine, TX, Nick calls this vibrant community home, nurturing his personal and professional growth in a locale steeped in history and modernity alike. He has been apart of this community for over a decade and is even a member of the Grapevine Rotary and Chamber of Commerce where he enjoys local community service and participating in local events.

Best Regards,

Nick Walker
Rogers Healy and Associates
REALTOR® / Residential and Commercial
p: 817.822.8297
e: NickWalker@RogersHealy.com
w: NickWalker.RogersHealy.com
a: 3001 Knox Street #210, Dallas, TX 75205
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Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.