Brownwood and its sister city, Early, transformed when the first local railroad tracks were laid down in the 1880s. The Brown County seat became a major trade center and manufacturing hub due to its position halfway between Dallas-Fort Worth and Austin. Brownwood’s rail lines are still active, but manufacturing plants for 3M and Superior Essex now account for most jobs in this city of 18,800 residents. In addition to local industries, proximity to the Pecan Bayou and Lake Brownwood attracts those looking to boat and fish, and century-old attractions are the backdrop to a growing retail and cultural district. “We’re seeing some growth from Dallas and Houston because people want to get out of those big metros and traffic jams and just enjoy life,” says Justin Riggan, a Realtor with Keller Williams and president of the Early Chamber of Commerce. “Why not live a high quality of life in a town that costs a lot less to live in but has infrastructure?”
Brownwood offers small-town charm with solid infrastructure and job opportunities.
Brownwood became a key trade and manufacturing hub due to its central location.
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Lake Brownwood and the Pecan Bayou
Lake Brownwood State Park, to the north of the city, is surrounded by hiking trails, campsites and boat docks. The water is open for fishing, swimming and even water skiing. “There’s not a lot of water in West Texas, and here you have a really pretty lake and tremendous views year-round,” Riggan says. Pecan Bayou Paddling Trail is halfway between Lake Brownwood and the city and is a slow-paced, 4-mile section of the bayou suited for canoeing and kayaking. Recreation facilities like Camp Bowie Soccer Complex and Camp Bowie Aquatic Center are named after the U.S. Army training camp that was built in Brownwood in the 1940s.
The Pecan Bayou in Brownwood draws nature lovers seeking outdoor recreation.
Lake Brownwood State Park is a top spot for camping and outdoor adventures.
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Over 120 years of history in downtown Brownwood
Brownwood’s rail history is a prominent part of the historic downtown, from the Martin and Frances Lehnis Railroad Museum to the Brownwood Harvey House, a former railroad outpost. Shaw’s Marketplace is downtown’s newest retail outpost. The building, reminiscent of a Wild West saloon, has over a dozen small businesses, from coffee shops to vintage clothing stores. Shaw’s Marketplace is next to long-standing buildings like the Brown County Museum of History, St. Mary Queen of Peace and St. John’s Church. The museum and churches are each over 120 years old.
Shaw’s Marketplace brings new retail to Brownwood’s historic downtown.
The Lehnis Railroad Museum showcases Brownwood’s train legacy.
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Christmas and Halloween at the Depot Plaza
The Depot Plaza and Lehnis Railroad Museum provide historic backdrops for annual holiday events, including the Trick or Treat Trail and the Christmas Under the Stars Festival. Every May, the Arts Council of Brownwood hosts the Cinco de Mayo Celebration, which fills downtown with colorful banners, food vendors and street performers. The three-day Brown County Rodeo arrives at the Brown County Fairgrounds every June, and the fairgrounds also hold the Brown County Youth Fair in January.
Pecan Bayou divides Brownwood and Early schools
Brownwood Independent School District covers the entire city, and Early Independent School District serves families living east of the Pecan Bayou. Brownwood ISD has a B grade from Niche, while Early ISD earns an A. Niche also named Early ISD the top school district in Brown County. Howard Payne University, a private four-year school, is based in Brownville.
Brownwood’s schools offer quality education and strong community support.
Howard Payne University is a private four-year college in Brownwood.
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Homes on Lake Brownwood sell fast
The median home price in Brownwood is $210,000. While the city’s price point rose by about 12% between the beginning of 2024 and 2025, it is still lower than the Texas median of $340,000. Most properties are single-family homes, with very few townhouses and condos available. Riggan notes that homes near Lake Brownwood attract the most buyers.
Brownwood’s median home price is $210,000, below the Texas median.
Most homes in Brownwood are single-family, with few townhouses or condos.
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State highways run between Dallas-Fort Worth and Austin
The city is well-connected with state and national highways. U.S. Highways 67, 84, 183 and 377 and Texas State Highway 279 all intersect Brownwood and Early. Neither city has a public transportation system, so these highways are the primary way to travel. Fort Worth Meacham International Airport and Austin-Bergstrom International Airport are within 150 miles.
Hot Texas summers and spring supercell storms
Brownwood experiences hot, humid summers and mild winters with less than an inch of snowfall. Tornadoes often occur in the spring, with tornado “supercells” popping up as recently as 2023 and 2024. The Brownwood Police Department reported a 25% decrease in all crimes from 2021 to 2022. In both 2021 and 2022, the reported violent crime rate was higher than property crime.
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