If you want a truly small town, not a growing suburb, put Royse City at the top of your list. The city's mission statement is "To preserve our hometown atmosphere with a spirit of cooperation between business, local government, schools, churches, and residents. To develop an ideal mix of industry, business, cultural, educational, and recreational facilities to help support the economic growth and development of the community." With a population of 3,000 and only 30 miles out of Dallas, this town can offer it all—the perfect hometown lifestyle with the urban amenities just a short drive away.

The town was founded by Garrett Burgess Griffin Royse, better known as Byrd Royse. Around 1850, Mr. Royse's future grandmother-in-law and her sons bought several tracts of land that were later to be known as Royse City. Around 1886, Mr. Royse platted the townsite and sold the first lot to Alf Reese and his nephew Albert Royse. The town was incorporated in 1892.

Royse City was originally an agricultural community, with cotton as the cash crop. Today, it maintains its agricultural base, but the town is trying to attract industry as well.

Residents enjoy the outdoors at Lake Tawakoni, Lake Ray Hubbard and Lake Lavon, which are all close by

In a state where big is good, Royse City lays claim to having the biggest gas station in Texas. The city also had the first Boy Scout troop in Texas.