Athens, a city of 12,800 residents located about 70 miles southeast of Dallas, is still proud of its rural roots. In the early 1900s, its rich soil supported a variety of crops, but the famous black-eyed peas grown here earned Athens the title "Black-Eyed Pea Capital of the World." That heritage is celebrated every fall at the Black-Eyed Pea Jamboree, where residents enjoy an antique tractor show, live music and a black-eyed pea cookoff.
"It's a very quaint, small town with really friendly folks," says local broker Julie Stewart, owner of Stewart and McGee Real Estate, who's sold homes in Athens for 30 years. "It's a great community for families and is becoming a popular retirement community. A lot of people come from out of state."
According to the Athens Economic Development Corporation, the city's major industries are manufacturing and health care. Leading employers include Biomeric, Argon Medical and UT Health East Texas. The Athens City Council approved the AEDC's 2025 Strategic Plan, which aims to attract new businesses, offer Business Assistance Grants to existing businesses and allocate new sites for housing development.
Athens' quiet, small-town feel is a welcome comfort for many residents.
Athens is touted as the "Black-Eyed Pea Capitol".
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Historic homes downtown and waterfront houses on Lake Athens
The median home price in Athens is $295,000, about $100,000 less than the national median. Most properties are single-family homes. The city's oldest houses, predominantly bungalows and cottages, are clustered in and around downtown and date from the early- to mid-1900s. Many houses in the city are ranch-style homes from the 1960s to the early '90s. Coveted waterfront property on Lake Athens, east of the city proper, tends to be far pricier. "We have all the different price points here," Stewart says. "We have affordable homes and multimillion-dollar waterfront houses on the lakes." Multiacre residential lots near Texas State Highway Loop 7 are also for sale.
Downtown Athens features historic cottages and bungalows, adding a charming touch of yesteryear.
The most coveted lots in Athens are the lakefront homes on Lake Athens.
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Lake Athens is the city's beating heart
Athens' surrounding lakes are its "claim-to-fame," according to Stewart. Lake Athens is the closest, about 8 miles away, and sprawls across nearly 1,800 acres; it's popular with anglers and boaters. Cedar Creek Reservoir and Lake Palestine, both about 25 miles from Athens, offer opportunities for swimming, fishing and boating. For golfing, there's the members-only Athens Country Club in town.
Athens has over 200 acres dedicated to public parks, including Cain Park, home of the Cain Center YMCA. According to the Trust for Public Land, 46% of residents live within a 10-minute walk of a park. The East Texas Arboretum and Botanical Society, a 104-acre site with trails and gardens, is north of downtown.
Lake Athens is the pride and joy of many residents in Athens.
At the East Texas Arboretum & Botanical Society, landscapes of nature are on display.
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A compact dining and arts scene, annual city events
Local restaurants in Athens are concentrated along Corsicana and Palestine Streets. East of downtown, along Tyler Street, are several fast-food spots and chain restaurants. The city has three big-box grocery stores — Piggly Wiggly, Brookshire's and Walmart Supercenter — each anchoring a small shopping center. One of the city's most popular restaurants, Boathouse, overlooks Lake Athens.
At downtown's 211 Gallery, local artists showcase and sell their work but it also functions as an art cooperative that hosts events like paint parties. The Charlie Bullock Art Studio and School is a gallery and offers art classes for people of all ages.
While the Black-Eyed Pea Jamboree, a three-day festival with live entertainment and food vendors, is Athens' most well-known celebration, the city hosts many other events. The Old Fiddlers Contest takes place downtown in spring and includes a car show and carnival in addition to live performances. The Henderson County Regional Fairpark Complex, located east of the city, puts on rodeos year-round.
Rounders' Pizza Buffet is the go-to spot on Fridays in Athens.
Throughout Athens, locals decorate sidewalks with artistic touches.
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Athens ISD offers a four-day instructional week
The Athens Independent School District scores an overall B-minus on Niche and serves just over 3,000 students. In 2019, Athens ISD began a three-year pilot program for a four-day instructional week. After receiving positive feedback from parents, staff and community members, the district officially enforced a Monday through Thursday schedule. Faith-based, private school options include the Athens Christian Preparatory Academy, which serves seventh through twelfth graders. Trinity Valley Community College offers post-secondary opportunities in the heart of the city.
Athens ISD is proud of their Hornet Nation.
Athens Christian Preparatory Academy is the only accredited K-12 christian school in Henderson County.
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Dallas is about 70 miles away
The Texas State Highway Loop 7 encircles the city, connecting with State Routes 31 and 19 and U.S. Route 175, which leads to Dallas. UT Health Athens is 3 miles south of downtown, and Tyler Pounds Regional Airport, about 30 miles away, offers flights to Dallas daily on American Airlines. Henderson County operates GoBus Transit, an on-demand bus with limited days and hours.
Weather and crime in Athens
Athens's summers are hot, while winters are mild, and temperatures rarely go below freezing. Steritec, Inc. is a medical facility in the city that emits ethylene oxide (EtO) when sterilizing equipment, potentially disrupting the city's air quality. In the summer of 2024, the facility was granted a loan to install abatement equipment to comply with state and federal regulations.
Crime statistics for Athens are not readily available.
Written By
Brennen Martin
Photography Contributed By
Stacey Callaway
Video By
Rebecca Askin
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Lucinda Gadson,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Athens, TX sell after 84 days on the market compared to the national average of 56 days. The median sale price for homes in Athens, TX over the last 12 months is $275,000, down 4% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
If you’ve been searching for shade, space, and serenity—this could be the one! Located in Cedar Bend Estates, this 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath home offers inviting living space filled with warmth and character. The circular driveway, lush landscaping, and classic brick exterior create standout curb appeal.Inside, you’ll find a spacious living area featuring rich wood floors, built-in cabinetry, and a
Beautifully Updated Home in an Established Neighborhood! This spacious 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath home with 3 car garage offers the perfect combination of comfort, charm, and functionality. With flexible living spaces and thoughtful upgrades throughout, it’s designed to accommodate both relaxed everyday living and elegant entertaining. Inside, you’ll find formal dining, a living room with a cozy
Julie StewartStewart & McGee Real Estate
Sunday, May 3
Open Sun 2PM - 4PM
$474,500
3 Beds
2.5 Baths
2,993 Sq Ft
Beautifully Updated Home in an Established Neighborhood! This spacious 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath, 3 Car Garage home offers the perfect combination of comfort, charm, and functionality. With flexible living spaces and thoughtful upgrades throughout, it’s designed to accommodate both relaxed everyday living and elegant entertaining. Inside, you’ll find formal dining, a living room with a cozy fireplace,
Prime residential lot with water views available located in sought-after Athens ISD. This build-ready homesite offers an excellent opportunity to construct your custom home in a scenic setting near Lake Athens, known for boating, bass and crappie fishing, and a beautiful public park. Enjoy peaceful surroundings with convenient access to local amenities including the East Texas Arboretum &
Located in the highly sought-after Bel Air subdivision, this spacious 3-bedroom, 2-bath home offers a functional layout with multiple living and entertaining spaces. The main living area features built-ins and flows into an open kitchen with a peninsula ideal for casual dining and gathering. Just off the living room is a formal dining area, perfect for hosting. The home also includes an
Charming, move-in ready remodeled cottage on a half-acre with dream shop and tons of extras in desirable Cross Roads ISD. No deed restrictions, and no water bill thanks to well water and a water softener. This very well-maintained home features an open floor plan with nine-foot ceilings, Country French kitchen, and a breezeway with rustic knotty pine ceiling connecting the house to an incredible
Great opportunity to build just inside the Athens Loop! This 0.53-acre lot offers a ready-to-go homesite where a previous residence once stood, making it an ideal location for your new construction plans. The property features city water available and electric at the road for easy utility access. Mostly cleared with a nice level building area, this lot provides a convenient and manageable space
Discover the perfect blend of space, convenience, and country charm with this solidly built 1967 ranch-style brick home situated on 13 acres, with approximately 12 acres fully fenced with a cattleguard gated entrance. Located just 2 miles outside Frankston and set right off Hwy 175, this property offers easy access while maintaining a peaceful rural feel. The home features 3 bedrooms, or 2
Nestled in the peaceful, rural community of Martins Mill, Texas, this 5-acre heavily treed parcel offers a rare opportunity to build your dream home or private retreat in the highly regarded Martins Mill ISD.The property features mature trees providing abundant privacy and natural beauty, creating a serene East Texas setting perfect for country living. A 1957 single-family home currently sits on
Great opportunity to build just inside the Athens Loop! This 0.53-acre lot offers a ready-to-go homesite where a previous residence once stood, making it an ideal location for your new construction plans. The property features city water available and electric at the road for easy utility access. Mostly cleared with a nice level building area, this lot provides a convenient and manageable space
Looking for the perfect spot to make big dreams happen? This 3.7-acre tract offers endless potential—whether you’re ready to launch your next commercial venture or build the home you’ve always wanted. With road frontage on both the Loop and Sand Bog Lane, you’ll have easy access and high visibility for business, while still enjoying the privacy and natural beauty of the land. The property is
Prime residential lot with water views available on TBD Wofford, located in sought-after Athens ISD. This build-ready homesite offers an excellent opportunity to construct your custom home in a scenic setting near Lake Athens, known for boating, bass and crappie fishing, and a beautiful public park. Enjoy peaceful surroundings with convenient access to local amenities including the East Texas
Beautiful 20-acre tract in Van Zandt County near the Martins Mill community, located in Athens ISD. This property offers a great balance of open pasture and scattered trees, with approximately 75% open land and 25% wooded—ideal for building, livestock, or recreational use. A new entryway provides easy access and a strong first impression as you enter the property. A pond is already in place,
Waterfront lot located on beautiful open water. This view is spectacular. Are you looking to build? This is a private gated neighborhood designed with a pool, boat ramp, fishing pier, RV area, horse stables, and walking trails. There are many exotic and wildlife animals that can be seen throughout the neighborhood. Nature abounds throughout this ideal neighborhood.....if you love the outdoors,
Spacious and versatile, this approximately 9,000 sq ft home offers 8 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, and room for everyone! Perfect for large or multi-generational families, this property features multiple bonus spaces that can easily serve as additional bedrooms, offices, or extra living areas. The heart of the home is the expansive kitchen, complete with a large island, walk-in pantry, eat-in bar, and
Experience comfort and convenience in the heart of Athens. Flat Creek Apartments offers spacious 1 and 2 bedroom homes surrounded by nature and close to everything you need. Your new home is waiting.
625 York St #B, Athens, TX 75751 This spacious 2-bedroom, 1-bathroom unit offers comfortable living with a functional layout and great features throughout. Enjoy a covered front porch, a large laundry room, and a brand-new stove&oven, making this home both convenient and inviting. Home Features:– Two spacious bedrooms and one full bathroom– Open living and dining area with updated
WATER/SEWER & TRASH INCLUDED IN RENT! North Loop Apartments offers state of the art apartments in Athens, TX designed with your comfort, convenience, and lifestyle in mind. Whether you’re a student, healthcare worker, or simply looking for a cozy and modern living space, our pet-friendly apartments are tailored to meet your needs.
Beautifully Updated Home Near Lake Athens. Pre-leasing for early May 2026 occupancyStep into this thoughtfully renovated home where nearly every detail has been refreshed for modern comfort and style. From the moment you enter, you’ll notice the upgraded finishes, including luxury vinyl plank flooring, custom paint, new doors new vanities and sleek quartz countertops that bring a clean,
Welcome to low-cost luxury at Athens Reserve, where you don’t have to sacrifice sophistication for affordable accommodations.Our studio apartment community is conveniently located on Highway 31, northeast of Athens, TX, just minutes away from Trinity Valley Community College, UT Health Athens, and all the best restaurants, shopping, and activities Athens has to offer.Cool off in
Step into this inviting 3-bedroom, 1-bath home that blends classic charm with thoughtful updates. The living area features beautiful original hardwood floors, creating a warm and timeless first impression, while each bedroom offers brand-new carpet for added comfort. A charming kitchen anchors the heart of the home, and a spacious den provides the perfect spot for relaxing, entertaining, or
Nestled back with the walnut trees and wild deer, this four-unit beautiful all-brick townhome has all the finest amenities with the country living appeal. 2 bedroom, 2 1/2 Bath, 1 year lease is $1800/month. Please note that a credit application will be requested for each prospective resident. Prior pet approval required; no cats.
Welcome to this well maintained 4-bedroom, 2-bathroom home offering the perfect blend of comfort and style. Step inside to discover a spacious and inviting layout, ideal for both relaxing and entertaining.The updated kitchen is a standout feature, complete with sleek granite countertops, modern finishes, and plenty of cabinet space—perfect for preparing meals and gathering with loved ones.
Welcome to Townview Apartment Homes where relaxation takes on a new meaning. Enjoy luxurious amenities that bring ease to your day-to-day life. Kick your feet up and enjoy spacious living enviorment. If you are searching for a recently remodeled two-bedroom home, Townview Apartments has what you are looking for. Many of our units have been recently upgraded to include faux hardwood floors, faux
Charming 3-bedroom, 2 bath brick home located in the quiet countryside with a view of the neighbor's pond. Appliances that come with the home are an electric cooktop, electric wall oven, built-in microwave, and a refrigerator. The water heater and heat are propane. Everything else is electric.
Beautifully remodeled in 2025 and placed for rent just now, this house features 2 bedrooms, 1 bath with shower and tub, living rm and dining rm. Has hook-ups for washer & drier. Has an enormous yard for BBQs and for children to play if you have them. New everything: flooring, walls and light fixtures. Bring your family to enjoy living in this peaceful neighborhood and take advantage of the
Newly updated 2 bedroom 1 bath apartment. Full size washer and dryer hookups available in attached utility room. This beautiful apartment is located on a quiet street, and is close to the town square, shops, grocery stores, and restaurants.
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