Five small-town squares north of Dallas worth a Saturday
Historic downtowns with local restaurants, events and real character, minutes from the suburbs.
Published 2026-10-15 · 4 min read · Source: Editorial (DREI).
One of the best-kept secrets of North Texas suburbs is how many have a real historic downtown. If walkability and local character matter to you, these are worth a visit, and worth living near.
- Historic Downtown McKinney: the region's best-known square, with locally owned shops and restaurants and a busy event calendar.
- Downtown Plano: a historic main street with DART rail access and Haggard Park.
- Downtown Carrollton: a classic square served by the DART Green Line.
- Celina's square: a small-town center in one of the fastest-growing areas in the region.
- Historic Downtown Wylie: a compact, walkable main street near Lake Lavon.
Living near a square
Homes within walking distance of a historic downtown are limited and often older. That adds character, but sometimes means updates. Ask Dallas AI or a local expert which streets fit your budget.
Event calendars change. Check each city's official site before you go.