If you are moving to Van Alstyne or just passing through, check the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about life here, city services, housing, restaurants, businesses and where you can find the information you need on common things or places.
The following list should be helpful but please contact me with items of importance you think should be included.
Where is the Van Alstyne Public Library?
Van Alstyne’s public library is at 151 West Cooper St. with additional parking facing Waco St. (Hwy 5)
Hours are Mon.- Wed. 10 AM. to 6 PM., Thursday noon until 8 PM. and Sat. 10 AM to 2 PM.
The library has a variety of resources including play scripts, CDs, tapes and programs for adults and children including the Winding Road Book Club, storytelling and summer reading. It is a modern facility with WiFi and Internet PCs for the public’s use.
The requirements for library cards are a driver’s license or mail showing your address. Contact the Van Alstyne Public Library for more information.
The volunteer group Friends Of The Library is a big part of it’s support with book sales in Sept, an Antique Car show in July and month breakfasts 7 AM. to 10 A.M on the first (1st) Saturday of every month.
Where do I register my car, get plates or change titles?
Auto registration, license plates, property taxes and title changes can be done at the South Grayson County Government Center in Van Alstyne.
It is located at 117 N. Main St., hours 8 AM to 4 PM. Note that 11:30 AM. to 1PM. it is closed for lunch. Phone # 903-482-6004
For additional information and other locations for the Grayson County Tax Assessor Office see their website.
When does school start in Van Alstyne?
For the 2018-2019 year school starts August 16th.
Spring Break is March 11th to 15th.
Graduation Day is May 24th.
Additional School Information about Van Alstyne ISD, Van Alstyne High School, Middle School and Sanford and Partin Elementary School.
How do I get utilities turned on?
Depending where you live and the providers you could have several contacts besides the City of Van Alstyne to start your utility services. Outside of the city, you could have a variety of different water, electric and trash providers.
The best way to know who to call is to ask your Realtor, neighbor or take advantage of a new resident concierge service.
- City of Van Alstyne Utility Info (water & trash) 903-482-5426
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South Grayson SUD (water) 903-482-6231
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GCEC (Grayson County Electric Co-Op)
903-482-7100 - TXU Electric 844-254-8904
- Marilee Water 972-382-3222
- Atmos Energy (gas) 888-286-6700
- Cain's Trash Removal (903) 482-1303
- Alfords Services Inc (trash) 903-433-1454
Where is there to eat in Van Alstyne?
If you are getting hungry, here are a few Van Alstyne Restaurants to satisfy your craving.
- Arroyo’s Mexican Restaurant
- Buck Snort BBQ
- El Patio Escondido Mexican Restaurant
- Golden Chick
- Jack in the Box
- Jafar's Mediterranean Grill
- La Cima (Mexican)
- McDonald's
- Romano's (Pizza)
- Sonic Drive-In
- Subway Restaurants
- Sweet Olivia's Bake Shoppe
- Rudi's Kitchen
- Asian Cuisine Restaurant
- Home Town Donuts
- Donut Chef
- Smokey Gs Barbeque Hut
Where can I board a dog in Van Alstyne?
The premier dog boarding facility in the Van Alstyne area is Tailwaggers Country Inn at 166 Hynds Ranch Rd. Phone # 877-774-3647
Check their website for more information. They have all kinds of services and activities to keep your dog happy, including a Doggy Slash Park.
Who is the best Veterinarian?
As dog and horse owners, we recommend Cold Springs Animal Hospital at 2111 CR1106 in Anna,Tx 903-482-0573.
Cold Springs Animal Hospital has provided routine and emergency care for dogs, cats, and horses since 2001. There are currently 4 veterinarians led by Drs. David and Cindy Fazzino to give your pet or horse excellent care.
What is a FM Road?
Rural roads in Texas are designated as (FM) Farm To Market or (RM) Ranch To Market depending on location.
Be aware that on FM and RM roads, animals and slow moving farm vehicles have the right of way. Texas is an Open Range state making it legal for livestock be on the berm or road. Use caution when coming over hills or rounding corners as there may be a tractor, cow, horse or farm implement being transported.
This is especially true as rural areas are being developed into more urban environments. Be very careful when wanting to pass a line of cars ahead. The lead “car” could be a slow moving vehicle like a tractor preparing for a left turn.
Don’t forget why you moved to the Van Alstyne area. It’s a slower pace so embrace the adjustments you will have to make for your safety as well as the lifestyle!
Where is the Van Alstyne Post Office?
The Van Alstyne Post Office is located at 130 E Jefferson St. Phone # 800-275-8777
The pleasure of a small town post office is it becomes a meeting place. Since most of the residents of downtown have P.O. Boxes, you tend to see the same people there at the same times.
Assuming no bills are in the box, everyone is in a good mood, holding the door, greeting friends, admiring the day and helping each other out. Once when my car wouldn’t start, a complete stranger took me several miles home to get jumper cables.
What parks are in Van Alstyne?
- Interurban Park – Two old Interurban Freight Cars that have been converted into a small park. The Railcar Farmers Market is held here. – More Information on the Interurban –
- Forest Moore Park – Baseball Field, Tennis Courts, Playground and An Old Historic Pin Bridge.
- North Park – Playground, Softball, Scout Hut. Most Van Alstyne parades stage near here.
- Dorothy Fieldler Park – This park is the site of live music in the gazebo at various times during the year and has the City of Van Alstyne historical marker.
- McKinney Wilson Park – Playground and baseball field
- Van Alstyne Scout Hut – At North Park, site of Troup 44, the 3rd oldest scout troop in Texas.
When is the Van Alstyne Museum Open?
The Van Alstyne Historical Museum at 214-218 Jefferson St. is open Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday 1 PM. to 3 PM. and by appointment for special tours.
Learn about life in Van Alstyne from articles donated by families that lived here and look through pictures of the past.
How much are property taxes in Van Alstyne?
The property tax rate for the City of Van Alstyne is .595932. Including all county and school property taxes, the total rate is 2.835076.
Taxes are calculated based on every $100 of valuation so a 200K home would have a tax of apx. $5,670 per year. Every year when tax notices go out people tend to get property tax madness. The main reason taxes go up is the increase in value, not the tax rate.
How much is a house in Van Alstyne?
Our market is constantly changing. The best way to know for sure is contact me and I can set you up with automatic listing alerts, especially if you are looking for something special like horse property, custom homes of acreage, pool homes, ect. See today’s current listings by clicking below.
Click the link for all MLS listed homes – Van Alstyne Listings
Homes for sale in Van Alstyne can be anywhere from the low 100s to well over one million dollars. The median home sale overall for the last year was approximately 275K.
New construction homes were selling for median of 2,404 sf @ 303K.
There is a mix of housing types in Van Alstyne. You will find historic homes, mobiles, farms and ranches, new development construction as well as full custom homes on acreage. In town, some of the older homes are being replaced by new.
A lot in town, if available will probably start in the mid 30K range and one acre lots in developments will go for 80K up. In general, an average 10+ acres will be approximately 15K up, subject to location and features.
*Above info as of 3-2019 from sold data over a one year period.
Where it the best place to live in Van Alstyne?
Do your own search below or click here for current Van Alstyne Listings.
The best place to live in Van Alstyne could be in a subdivision, established area close to schools or in the countryside.
Many home buyers want a new home on an acre with HOA while others like established or historic homes and other types of buyers want the freedom of living on acreage to enjoy horse property or just have room to roam.
In general, property on the west side of Hwy 75 will be more expensive than the east of Hwy 75 due to the expected growth between Hwy 75 and the tollway when extended to Sherman. Both directions have areas of rolling land and FM121 in either direction is scenic countryside.
If you are looking for a suburban environment very close to schools, check out Georgetown, Sanford Park and Greywood Heights. These three developments offer walking distance to schools.
For a more rural feel on acre+ lots, check out new developments at Chapel Creek Farms, Hunter’s Crossing, Blackthorn Meadows, 121 Farmington & 121 Majors. I will be happy to show you homes in these developments but I must register as your agent on your first visit to be able to represent your interests. Contact me first at 469-233-1234 and have someone on your side!
There are many established Van Alstyne subdivisions but the most popular are Steeplechase, Hackberry Heights, Trail Ridge, Thornberry and Windham Farms for one acre properties. If you don’t find what you are looking for but like these areas, let me set up an automatic listing alert for you.
Last but not least, don’t forget about homes in the country which are normally on acreage. No HOAs, no city taxes and no neighbors too close by.
Whatever type of property you are looking for, The Van Alstyne Homes Team in association with Fathom Realty can show you any home, represent your interests as your buyer’s agent or set up an automatic MLS new listing search for you.
Who provides internet service in Van Alstyne?
Internet Services can be provided by a variety of vendors including Cable One, Frontier, GCEC, Rise, Satellite and Cellular Companies
Not all providers can service all areas or provide the speed you may require. Before buying a home in Van Alstyne, check out your options and don’t forget to check your cell phone signal as well!
Since providers come and go and rates change frequently it is best to source internet providers on the web or better yet, ask a potential neighbor who they use. Cable One is popular where available, Rise has good line of sight coverage.
Due to being in a challenging location, I use Unlimitedville, a cellular provider. It’s expensive but it works. Give them code DFTAEBU and we both might get a discount.
Broadband Now is a good source of info.