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Ennis, TX

Frequently asked questions

Ennis, TX

Ennis is a city in eastern Ellis County, Texas, United States. The population is 20,159 according to the 2020 census, with an estimated population of 21,210 in 2021. Ennis is home to the annual National Polka Festival. 

Ennis is in the northeastern region of Texas, in eastern Ellis County. Interstate 45 passes through the east side of the city, with access from Exits 247 through 255. I-45 leads north 35 miles (56 km) to Dallas and south 205 miles (330 km) to Houston. U.S. Route 287 curves around the south side of Ennis and leads northwest 15 miles (24 km) to Waxahachie, the Ellis County seat. Texas State Highway 34 passes through the center of Ennis, leading northeast 26 miles (42 km) to Kaufman and southwest 20 miles (32 km) to Italy. Waco is 73 miles (117 km) to the southwest. 

Ennis has a total area of 28.2 square miles (73.0 km2), of which 27.6 square miles (71.6 km2) is land and 0.54 square miles (1.4 km2), or 1.85%, is water.

In 1871 the Houston and Texas Central Railroad (H&TC) arrived at the spot that would become Ennis as it built north towards Dallas. The city was established that year and surveyed a year later. It is named after Cornelius Ennis, a founder of the H&TC Railroad. 

Between 1874 and 1890, the population of Ennis grew tenfold from approximately 300 to 3,000. Many of the new settlers came from the defeated Confederate States of America and others came from the war-torn European nations that later became Czechoslovakia. This early growth was attributed to the success of cotton production in the region, making Ennis a center of trade and commerce for both farmers and the railroad. The influx of Czech migrants would also shape and transform the cultural heritage of the community for years to come.

In 1891, the H&TC chose Ennis to be its northern division headquarters. The machine shops and roundhouse employed several hundred men. One condition of the agreement was that as long as Ennis was able to furnish water the shops could not be moved from the community. The city built the first of three lakes for this purpose: Old City Lake in 1892, followed by New Lake in 1895, and Lake Clark (an extension of New Lake) in 1940. However, H&TC would later be acquired by the Texas and New Orleans Railroad (T&NO), a subsidiary of Southern Pacific, in 1934. While it no longer hosted the company headquarters, the shops and yards in Ennis would remain and continue to be used as a hub for other lines and branches serving the city.

Health and wellness are integral to the Ennis community, with various facilities and initiatives promoting residents' well-being. The Ennis Regional Medical Center serves as a vital healthcare institution, offering comprehensive medical services to the city and its surrounding areas. Join local fitness centers and gyms to participate in exercise programs, fitness classes, and strength training. Some popular options include Planet Fitness, Anytime Fitness, and CrossFit Ellis. Discover the walking and biking trails in and around Ennis, such as the Waxahachie Creek Hike & Bike Trail and the Bluebonnet Trail. These trails offer opportunities for outdoor exercise and enjoyment of nature.

Top sites in Ennis, TX are Bardwell Lake, Texas Motorplex, and High View. 

Population: 23,686 (2023). ZIP codes: 75119-75120. Area codes: 214, 469, 945, 972. Elevation: 484 ft (148 m). Area: 33.06 sq mi (85.62 km2).

FAQs

Is Ennis, TX a good place to live?

Living in Ennis offers residents a sparse suburban feel and most residents own their homes. Many families live in Ennis and residents tend to have moderate political views. The public schools in Ennis are highly rated.

What is the crime rate in Ennis, TX?

The crime rate in Ennis is considerably higher than the national average across all communities in America from the largest to the smallest, although at 21 crimes per one thousand residents, it is not among the communities with the very highest crime rate. The chance of becoming a victim of either violent or property crime in Ennis is 1 in 48. Based on FBI crime data, Ennis is not one of the safest communities in America. Relative to Texas, Ennis has a crime rate that is higher than 77% of the state's cities and towns of all sizes.

Is Ennis, TX expensive to live in?

Ennis is part of the Dallas-Plano-Irving Metro Div. metro area, which is ranked 73 out of 273 cities across the US in terms of cost of living. According to C2ER (the Council for Community and Economic Research), the cost of living in Ennis is estimated to be 103% of the national average making it an average US city. The total monthly expenditure you can expect to incur depends on the cost of housing, food, utilities, transportation, healthcare, and other miscellaneous goods and services. 

Sources

Wikipedia 

Ellis County

City of Ennis

Ennis Regional Medical Center 

Planet Fitness

Anytime Fitness

CrossFit Ellis

Waxahachie Creek Hike & Bike Trail 

Bluebonnet Trail

Bardwell Lake

Texas Motorplex

High View

Niche

Neighborhoodscout

Zero Down

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