City & Culture
Welcome to Wide Awake Wylie!
Wylie was incorporated in 1887 along the Gulf, Colorado and Santa Fe Railway right-of-way. The town earned the nickname “Wide Awake Wylie," when, as the railroad infused the town with visitors and commerce, shop owners stayed open late to accommodate the crowds gathering to shop for groceries and dry goods and catch up on the latest news with friends and neighbors.
Since its spirited beginnings, Wylie has become one of the fastest-growing communities in the country. With a population of over 51,000, Wylie’s growth reflects a 230-percent increase since 2000. Its quality of life and spirit of community are but two of the factors cited in Wylie’s ever-lengthening list of awards and accolades. In 2017, MONEY Magazine named Wylie the 20th Best Place to Live in the Nation. Financial website NerdWallet named Wylie the No. 1 Best Small City for Families in the Nation in 2016. It’s also one of the safest cities, with a crime rate that dropped by 28 percent in 2015. Security organization SafeWise and financial website CreditDonkey both named Wylie the 19th Safest City in Texas in 2016. Realtor.com named Wylie the second Best Suburb in the U.S. in 2017, NerdWallet named Wylie the fifth Best Place for Young Families in Texas, In 2017, SafeWise moved Wylie up to the ninth spot on the list of Safest Cities in Texas.
Recreational opportunities abound in Wylie, including a park system featuring more than 700 acres of parkland and open space, over 10 miles of trails, 15 playgrounds, eight pavilions, horseshoe pits, soccer, baseball and football fields, a nine-hole disc golf course, a cricket pitch and more. The recreation center features state-of-the-art workout equipment, a three-lane indoor track, guest WiFi, a climbing wall, a wide variety of activities and classes, rental space, and child care. Wylie’s proximity to Lavon Lake and Lake Ray Hubbard provides even more places to gather and enjoy the outdoors.
The Wylie Municipal Complex, which opened in 2010, features a 44,000-square-foot library, a 47,000-square-foot recreation center, and a 46,000-square-foot city hall. Designed by nationally recognized firms Architexas and Holzman Moss Architecture, the complex features green building and energy-saving initiatives. Special consideration was taken to ensure that the unique design complements the beautiful landscape and takes full advantage of the open meadow, sloping topography, trees and creek. The complex is located on a small piece of the rapidly vanishing Blackland Prairie; Wylie is partnering with Texas Master Naturalists to restore 22 acres of this treasured prairie, ensuring an unspoiled landscape for its citizens and a link with the area’s geographical history.
Wylie is also becoming known for its public art installations, created by nationally recognized artists. Twelve pieces are located throughout the city, with artwork recently installed at the disc golf course, along the municipal complex trail, and at Animal Services.
In 2016, Collin College announced plans to build its newest campus in Wylie. Construction is underway at the intersection of Brown Street and Country Club Road, across from the Wylie Municipal Complex, and it is slated to open in 2020. The 415,000-square-foot campus will accommodate 7,500 students. Wylie ISD is a rapidly growing school system covering 41 square miles and featuring top schools. The district of more than 16,000 students serves the City of Wylie as well as families in the surrounding communities of Sachse, Murphy, Lucas, Lavon and St. Paul. Wylie ISD has 20 campuses, including one 6A high school and one 5A high school, one alternative high school, three junior high schools, three intermediate schools and 11 elementary campuses.
Wylie embraces growth and prosperity without sacrificing its hometown appeal. Its many community-driven events are often mentioned when Wylie receives awards and honors; these include the Wylie Chamber of Commerce Championship Rodeo, the Wylie 500 Pedal Car Races, Bluegrass on Ballard, Boo on Ballard and Night of Wonder Magic Festival, National Night Out, the Wylie Arts Festival and and tree lighting in Olde City Park.
So welcome to Wylie! Its unique sense of home, selection of housing, growing retail options, historic downtown area and recreational opportunities make Wylie the perfect place for your family or business. With an eye to preserving the past, a celebration of present-day good times, and planning for the future, Wylie is still wide awake!
