Families and retirees are attracted to Ovilla because of its historic, small village charm. The smallest home sites are 1/3-acre. Most lots average 1/2-acre or larger. The smallest homes are 2,000-square feet, and most new homes are much larger. The average new home built since 1992 is more than $200,000, with many new homes priced at more than $400,000.
Established in 1844, Ovilla grew rapidly until early 1900, when two fires ravaged its entire business area. City leaders had resisted the highway and train growth during the 1800s. When the fires destroyed the business center, Ovilla slowly grew, without trains or busy highways. Today, this historic village is a peaceful enclave of Ellis County.
Only 25-minutes from downtown Dallas or the Stemmons area, and 35-minutes from DFW, the town is accessible and offers excellent shopping. Taxes and insurance are also among the lowest in the metroplex. Ovilla students attend the Red Oak ISD, which offers a specialized curriculum with small class sizes and a wide range of educational opportunities.
