Van Alstyne is a small city in North Texas, located primarily in Grayson County with a portion extending into Collin County. It sits along U.S. Highway 75, about 45 minutes north of Dallas and between the larger cities of McKinney and Sherman, with a population of roughly 4,400 at the 2020 census. The town's origins are tied to the railroad. When the Houston and Texas Central Railway passed through the area in the late 19th century, the new town of Van Alstyne was established, and residents and businesses from the nearby community of Mantua relocated for the railroad's opportunities. The 1873-era depot remains a focal point of the historic downtown, along with murals and preserved storefronts that reflect the city's heritage. Van Alstyne has transitioned from a quiet agricultural crossroads into a growing residential community as the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex expands northward. The Van Alstyne Independent School District, which has earned an A rating from the Texas Education Agency, is a central draw for families, and new subdivisions have spread across the city's edges while the historic core endures. In 2022, residents adopted a city charter, formalizing the town's home-rule governance as it grows. The city's location along U.S. Highway 75 provides direct access to McKinney, Sherman, and the broader metro, with nearby Anna and Melissa offering additional retail and services. Van Alstyne suits households seeking a small-town atmosphere, strong schools, and room to grow within commuting distance of Dallas, and it has become an increasingly popular choice for families moving north from the metro's more crowded suburbs.