Downtown & Main Street
HistoricAn 18-block historic district with more than 135 buildings, plus older homes within walking distance of galleries, restaurants and breweries.
Homes near Downtown & Main Street
2026 Denison community guide · Grayson County
Living in Denison, TX
Lake Texoma five miles north, a restored Main Street of galleries and breweries, and the birthplace of President Eisenhower.
By Shayla Eadler, Broker & Owner (TREC #747934) · Updated
- Population
- 26,822Census estimate, July 2025
- County
- Grayson
- School district
- Denison ISDDenison High rated B
- Typical home value
- $226,500Zillow, mid-2026
- Est. total tax rate
- ≈2.32%City + Denison ISD, before exemptions
- To Lake Texoma
- ~5 miDenison Dam
For sale now
Homes for sale in Denison, TX
Denison mixes railroad-era homes near Main Street, mid-century neighborhoods, new homes in Gateway Village and lake-area properties toward Texoma. Start with the latest listings.
$184,900
$107
Active
1317 Lafayette Drive
Denison, TX 75020
2
Beds,
2
Baths,
1,722
square feet,
Set in a tree-lined Denison neighborhood, this classic brick ranch offers 1, 722 square feet with two bedrooms, two bathrooms, and two living areas. A brick fireplace and warm wood details provide vintage character, while the kitchen opens to a separate den for flexible everyday living. Move-in ready with room to make cosmetic updates at your own pace, the home features a roof replaced in 2023, updated electrical, and flooring replaced throughout over the past approximately 10 years. The refrigerator, cooktop, and ovens convey. An attached two-car garage provides convenient parking and storage, while the fully fenced backyard offers privacy and a separate workshop for hobbies and projects. Enjoy nearby Waterloo Park and the Katy Trail, with downtown Denison’s shopping, dining, and events just minutes away.
Residential
MLS# 21426335
Ox Realty Group
$149,999
$128
Active
1238 Carla Street
Denison, TX 75020
3
Beds,
2
Baths,
1,172
square feet,
OWNER FINANCE
Move-In Ready Charm with Owner Financing Available!
Come take a look at this recently updated 3-bedroom, 1.5-bath home featuring a 1-car garage and a functional, open floorplan. Recent interior paint and flooring give the home a fresh, inviting feel. Enjoy the convenience of a spacious laundry room, along with a fenced backyard offering room to relax, entertain, or enjoy outdoor activities. Tucked away in a cozy neighborhood while still providing easy access to major highways, shopping, and everyday conveniences, this home offers both comfort and convenience.
Owner financing available! Don't miss this opportunity to make this charming home yours!
Owner is a licensed Real Estate Broker.
Residential
MLS# 21425142
Sunrise Real Estate
$219,900
$160
Active
919 W Day Street
Denison, TX 75020
3
Beds,
2
Baths,
1,377
square feet,
New construction home, with a builder warranty, is now complete & PRICED BELOW COMPS! This thoughtfully designed one-level home offers 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, and a driveway and 2-car garage. Located in an established area with no HOA, this home features a covered front porch that leads into a modern front door. With approximately 1, 377 square feet and an open layout with a bright kitchen showcasing a granite island, pantry, and seamless flow into the dining and living areas with 10’ ceilings.
Interior highlights include LVP flooring, granite bathroom vanities, and a spacious primary en suite with dual sinks, a walk-in shower, and a large closet. Set on a flat lot, the home combines quality construction with a convenient location near Historic Downtown Denison, Waterloo Lake Park, and Forest Park, with quick access to Highway 75 and Lake Texoma. This home builder offers a 1 year limited construction warranty for the buyers peace of mind.
Residential
MLS# 21426007
Exp Realty
$295,000
$177
Active
1206 Amsden Circle
Denison, TX 75020
3
Beds,
2
Baths,
1,664
square feet,
This is the one you’ve been waiting for! Located in a wonderful, established neighborhood, this beautiful custom-built home offers 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and all the features you’ve been looking for. The spacious primary suite is a true retreat, complete with a cozy sitting area and an impressive bathroom featuring a custom vanity, double sinks, garden tub, and oversized walk-in shower. The kitchen is sure to steal the show with its large island, perfect for gathering and entertaining, while the oversized pantry provides all the storage you could ever need. You'll also love the split-bedroom floor plan, abundant closet space, and beautiful custom cabinetry throughout. Additional features include a security system, rain gutters, underground propane tank, outdoor fireplace, and cedar privacy fence. Beautifully designed, thoughtfully equipped, and ready to welcome you home! Don't miss your opportunity to make this one yours!
Residential
MLS# 21425918
Sunrise Real Estate
$139,900
$111
Active
701 E Main Street
Denison, TX 75021
3
Beds,
1
Baths,
1,260
square feet,
Priced $10, 000 below appraised value, this inviting 3-bedroom home offers comfort, thoughtful updates, and a spacious backyard ready for entertaining. The updated kitchen features granite countertops and stainless steel appliances, while the updated bathroom adds a polished touch. Newer windows and a newer roof provide added peace of mind, and ceiling fans throughout help keep every room comfortable. A split HVAC system provides energy-efficient heating and cooling.
Currently tenant-occupied and generating $1, 200 in monthly rent.
Residential
MLS# 21425761
Mersal Realty
$189,999
$120
Active
925 W Shepherd Street
Denison, TX 75020
3
Beds,
3
Baths,
1,589
square feet,
TWO HOMES. ONE PRICE. AN OPPORTUNITY YOU DON'T WANT TO MISS! Why settle for one home when you can have TWO for $189, 999? Welcome to 925 & 925½ W Shepherd Street in Denison, Texas, where versatility, value, and opportunity come together!
This unique property features TWO SEPARATE RESIDENCES on ONE PARCEL, offering a combined 1, 689 square feet per tax records. The front home features 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, while the second residence offers 1 bedroom and 1 bathroom. BOTH HOMES HAVE BEEN UPDATED and feature NEWER ROOFS!
Looking for an investment property? Explore the potential for TWO rental income streams. Want to offset your mortgage? Live in one and rent the other! Need space for extended family, guests, or independent living arrangements? You've found it!
Both residences are VACANT and ready for their next chapter. Conveniently located near downtown Denison, shopping, dining, and entertainment, this property offers possibilities that are hard to find at this price point.
Whether you're a first-time investor, seasoned investor, or buyer looking for a creative living arrangement, this is a property worth seeing in person!
TWO HOMES. ONE PARCEL. $189, 999. Schedule your showing and discover the possibilities!
Residential
MLS# 21410145
MyOfferIQ
Jump to a section
01Overview
Is Denison, Texas a good place to live?
Denison is a great fit for buyers who want lake living and a walkable historic downtown at a lower price. Typical home values are about $226,500, Lake Texoma and Eisenhower State Park are minutes away, and Main Street has more than 420 restored buildings. The trade-offs are the highest combined tax rate of the Grayson County cities (about 2.32%), a district school rating of C, and a drive of over an hour to Dallas.
Denison was founded in 1872 around the Missouri–Kansas–Texas “Katy” Railroad depot and named for railroad vice president George Denison. Dwight D. Eisenhower was born here on Oct. 14, 1890, and horticulturist T.V. Munson developed the phylloxera-resistant grape rootstock that saved French vineyards, which is why Denison is a sister city of Cognac, France.
Downtown is the heart of the city. Denison joined the Texas Main Street Program in 1988, has rehabilitated more than 420 downtown buildings since, and now markets itself as “Brew City, TX,” with galleries, antique shops, restaurants and craft breweries along Main Street.
About 26,800 people live here (July 2025 Census estimate). Lake Texoma and Denison Dam are about five miles north, and Sherman’s new semiconductor plants are a short drive south.
Local tip from Shayla
Lake Texoma’s shoreline is managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Owning land near the lake doesn’t give you dock rights: private docks need a Corps permit and are allowed only in designated areas. We confirm shoreline status with the Lake Texoma office before you buy.
What locals love about Denison
- Lake Texoma boating, fishing and Eisenhower State Park
- Historic Main Street galleries, shops and breweries
- Eisenhower Birthplace State Historic Site
- Waterloo Lake Park’s seven-mile trail
- Texoma Medical Center and Grayson College in town
02Honest take
Pros and cons of living in Denison
What we tell our own clients before they make a move.
Pros
- Lake accessThe closest Grayson County city to Lake Texoma and Eisenhower State Park.
- DowntownAn award-winning Main Street with more than 420 restored buildings.
- AffordableA typical home value around $226,500, among the lowest nearby.
- History & cultureEisenhower’s birthplace, the Katy railroad and T.V. Munson’s vineyards legacy.
- New school facilitiesA 2014 high school (rated B) and the new B. McDaniel Intermediate (2026).
Cons
- Highest tax rate nearbyAbout 2.32% combined; the city rate rose about 6 cents in 2024.
- Long Dallas driveAbout 73 miles and an hour and 15 minutes to downtown Dallas.
- Slow resale marketLonger days on market than Collin County, which helps buyers but tests sellers.
- District ratingDenison ISD was rated C for 2024–25 overall.
- Lake rules“Lake area” rarely means a private dock; Corps rules are strict.
03Where to live
Best neighborhoods in Denison
Denison’s neighborhoods range from historic streets near Main to new master-planned homes and lake-oriented properties to the north.
Denison Arts & Cultural District
HistoricOne of the city’s most-searched neighborhoods, next to downtown’s arts venues and events.
Homes near Denison Arts & Cultural DistrictThompson Heights
EstablishedAn established neighborhood that Redfin lists among Denison’s most popular.
Homes near Thompson HeightsGateway Village
Master-plannedA mixed-use master plan along US-75 with Highland Homes in “The Reserve” on 40- to 50-foot lots (about 1,600–3,000 sq ft), plus apartments and a commercial core.
Homes near Gateway VillageWaterloo Lake area
Near the parkHomes near Waterloo Lake Park, with its seven-mile hike-and-bike trail, dog park and pool. A new Waterloo Trails development is underway.
Homes near Waterloo Lake areaLake Texoma side
Lake areaLake-oriented homes in north Denison toward Denison Dam and Eisenhower State Park. Many well-known Texoma communities are in nearby Pottsboro.
Homes near Lake Texoma side04Market
Denison real estate market
Zillow’s typical Denison home value was about $226,500 in mid-2026, down about 6.7% from a year earlier. Inventory has built up, giving buyers time and negotiating room, while new construction in Gateway Village starts around the $420,000s.
Homes near downtown and with lake access hold their value best. Pricing well from day one matters for sellers in this market.
Denison homes today: live MLS numbers
309
Homes For Sale
$245,000
Median List Price
111
Average Days on Site
$249,450
Median Sold Price
66
Homes Sold
Live from the NTREIS MLS for homes in Denison (houses, townhomes and condos). Sold figures cover the last 60 days.
Monthly Denison market report with trends Compare Denison with nearby towns
Types of homes you’ll find
- Historic homesRailroad-era homes near downtown and Main Street.
- Mid-century neighborhoodsEstablished streets across central Denison.
- New constructionHighland Homes in Gateway Village.
- Lake-area propertiesHomes and acreage toward Lake Texoma and Pottsboro.
Thinking of selling in Denison?
Get a free, local Comparative Market Analysis — not an automated guess.
05Budget
Cost of living & property taxes in Denison
For the 2025 tax year, the City of Denison’s rate is $0.712034 per $100 (raised in 2024 and unchanged for 2025). Denison ISD, Grayson County and Grayson College bring the combined rate to about $2.32 per $100 before exemptions, the highest of the Grayson County cities we cover.
| Taxing unit | Rate per $100 of value |
|---|---|
| City of Denison (2025) | $0.712034 |
| Denison ISD (2025) | $1.155000 |
| Grayson County (2025) | $0.305100 |
| Grayson College (2025) | $0.145980 |
| Typical total | ≈ $2.32 |
At about 2.32% before exemptions, a $230,000 home would owe roughly $5,300 a year. Homestead and over-65 exemptions lower the bill.
Ask about MUDs & PIDs
Texas homeowners 65 and older can freeze their school taxes once they qualify, which matters for the many buyers who choose Denison for retirement near the lake.
Utilities
| Service | Provider |
|---|---|
| Electricity | Oncor area with retail choice; some rural edges are Grayson-Collin Electric Co-op |
| Water & sewer | City of Denison |
Tax rates are the adopted 2025 rates and change every year. Verify any address with the Grayson Central Appraisal District before you buy. Estimate your payment →
06Education
Schools in Denison
Denison ISD enrolled about 4,900 students in 2023–24 and posted a 95.8% graduation rate. TEA rated the district C for 2024–25, while Denison High School, on a campus opened in 2014, earned a B. A 2023 bond built the new B. McDaniel Intermediate school (grades 5–6), which opened in July 2026, and a 2025 bond bought land for future schools.
| School district | What to know |
|---|---|
| Denison ISD | All of Denison; C district-wide and B at Denison High for 2024–25; 95.8% graduation rate. |
High schools
Denison High School
Colleges nearby
- Grayson College (main campus, home of the T.V. Munson viticulture program)
- Austin College in Sherman
- Southeastern Oklahoma State University in Durant, OK
Always verify zoning
School boundaries change as districts grow. We confirm the assigned campuses for every home before you make an offer.
07Location
Commute & getting around Denison
US-75 and US-69 run through Denison, with SH-91 (Texoma Parkway) and Spur 503 connecting to Sherman and the lake. North Texas Regional Airport (general aviation) is just southwest of town.
| Destination | Distance | Typical drive |
|---|---|---|
| Sherman | ~10 mi | 15 min |
| McKinney | ~42 mi | About 47 min |
| Downtown Dallas | ~73 mi | About 1 hr 15 min |
| DFW Airport | ~77 mi | About 1 hr 20 min |
Drive times are typical off-peak estimates. Allow more time at rush hour.
08Lifestyle
Things to do in Denison
Lake Texoma
About 89,000 acres managed by the Corps of Engineers, famous for striped bass.
Eisenhower State Park
Swim cove, fishing piers, four-plus miles of trails and a marina on the lake.
Eisenhower Birthplace
The 1870s house where the 34th president was born, now a state historic site.
Main Street
Galleries, antiques, restaurants and craft breweries in “Brew City, TX.”
Downtown events
Día de los Muertos at Heritage Park, Monsters on Main and seasonal street events.
Waterloo Lake Park
A seven-mile hike-and-bike trail around the lake, with a dog park and pool.
09Everyday life
Jobs, shopping & healthcare near Denison
Denison’s employers include Texoma Medical Center, Grayson College and manufacturers like Ruiz Foods and Caterpillar. New investment is arriving at the North Texas Logistics Park, and the TI and GlobalWafers plants are about 15 minutes away in Sherman.
What’s being built in Denison
- North Texas Logistics Park on the former Johns Manville site (dedicated July 2026)
- Gateway Village homes, apartments and commercial core along US-75
- Waterloo Trails apartments and commercial development
- New Denison ISD schools under the 2023 and 2025 bonds
Major employers nearby
- Texoma Medical Center
- Denison ISD and Grayson College
- Ruiz Foods, Caterpillar and Spectrum Brands
- Cigna
Hospitals & healthcare
- Texoma Medical Center (414 beds)
- Wilson N. Jones Regional Medical Center in Sherman
10Quick answers
Denison, TX FAQ
Is Denison, TX a good place to live?
Denison offers lake recreation, a walkable restored downtown, a full hospital and lower home prices than Collin County. The main trade-offs are a higher tax rate and the distance to Dallas.
Was Eisenhower born in Denison, TX?
Yes. Dwight D. Eisenhower was born in Denison on Oct. 14, 1890. His birthplace is now a Texas Historical Commission state historic site on South Lamar Avenue.
How close is Denison to Lake Texoma?
Denison Dam and the lake are about five miles north of town, and Eisenhower State Park sits on the lake just northwest of the city.
Can I have a boat dock on Lake Texoma?
Only in shoreline areas the Corps of Engineers designates for private docks, and only with a Corps permit. Owning lake-adjacent land does not by itself give dock rights, so we verify shoreline status before you buy.
How far is Denison from Dallas?
About 73 miles by US-75, roughly an hour and 15 minutes without traffic. McKinney is about 42 miles (47 minutes).
What is the property tax rate in Denison, TX?
For 2025, the city ($0.712034), Denison ISD ($1.155), Grayson County ($0.3051) and Grayson College ($0.14598) add up to about 2.32% before exemptions.
How much are homes in Denison?
Zillow’s typical home value was about $226,500 in mid-2026, down about 7% from a year earlier. New construction in Gateway Village starts around the $420,000s.
Is Denison a good place to retire?
Many retirees choose Denison for the lake, the walkable downtown and Texoma Medical Center. Texas also freezes school taxes for qualifying homeowners 65 and older.
Is Denison, TX safe?
Crime statistics are published by the Denison Police Department. We encourage every buyer to review the data for the specific area they are considering and to visit at different times of day. As agents, we share data sources rather than opinions about which neighborhoods are “safe.”
About this guide. Written by Shayla Eadler, Licensed Broker & Owner of Ten Twenty Realty (TREC #0747934), and reviewed October 2026. Facts come from public sources, including: U.S. Census Bureau (Vintage 2025), Grayson CAD tax rates (2025), Texas Historical Commission, Discover Denison, Denison Development Alliance.
Your Denison expert
Talk to Holly about Denison
Holly serves buyers and sellers across Grayson County, from Pottsboro and Lake Texoma to Sherman and Denison.
- Neighborhood and school-zone answers for specific addresses
- Early access to Coming Soon and off-market homes
- Builder, MUD/PID and tax-rate comparisons before you commit
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