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.
Written By
Delaney Murray
Photography Contributed By
Saeid Zare
Video By
Dan Mack
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Reach out to
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On average, homes in Brownwood, TX sell after 106 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Brownwood, TX over the last 12 months is $197,000, down 47% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Step into a home that perfectly balances fresh updates with room to breathe. This 4 bedroom, 3 bathroom brick home has been meticulously refreshed to offer a new feel in an established, sought after neighborhood. From the moment you pull up to the generous sized lot with plenty of oak trees and a walking path to the front door, you’ll realize this isn't your standard suburban footprint it is a
Discover your slice of Texas paradise with Lot 2 of 4! This stunning 11-acre property offers endless possibilities whether you’re dreaming of building your perfect home, starting a small ranch, or creating a private weekend retreat this lot is perfect. Located just minutes from Cross Plains, Brownwood, and Lake Brownwood, you’ll enjoy the peace of country living while staying close to shopping,
This charming one-bedroom bungalow sits on a spacious corner lot, offering plenty of outdoor space and future potential. In June, the seller completed several updates, including fresh interior and exterior paint and new flooring, giving the home a clean and inviting feel. The bathroom has been completely remodeled with a modern stand-up shower and convenient washer and dryer hookups. The generous
Welcome to your slice of Texas countryside! This 3-bedroom, 2-bath home with a dedicated office or flex room offers the perfect blend of modern comfort and rural privacy, sitting on 9 fenced acres that are cross-fenced for versatile usewhether for horses, livestock, gardening, or simply enjoying wide-open space. Spanning approximately 1,950 sq ft, the home has been thoughtfully updated since May
Experience the best of Texas country living with Lot 3 of 4, the largest lot in this parcel, offering 11.91± acres of endless potential. Whether you’re planning to build your forever home, start a small ranch, or create a peaceful private retreat, this property has it all. Perfectly located with easy access to Cross Plains, Brownwood, and Lake Brownwood, you’ll enjoy the serenity of the
Own your piece of the Texas dream with Lot 1 of 4. This is a beautiful 11-acre property, perfectly situated for anyone looking to build a dream home, start a small ranch, or create a private country retreat. Conveniently located with easy access to Cross Plains, Brownwood, and Lake Brownwood, this property offers peaceful country living while keeping you close to nearby towns and recreational
Discover this .33-acre lot near Lake Brownwood and The Hideout Golf Club & Resort, perfect for building your dream home or second vacation home, offering you a blend of outdoor adventure and luxurious living. Enjoy an 18-hole championship golf course, farm-to-table dining, and serene surroundings. The nearby 537-acre Lake Brownwood State Park provides activities like hiking, geocaching, boating,
Welcome to your private sanctuary, perfectly set on 11 serene acres that create an inviting outdoor oasis. A grand wrap-around porch and impressive 10-foot doors set the tone as you step inside. The entryway opens into a stunning living space highlighted by soaring 25-foot ceilings and rich hardwood floors that flow seamlessly throughout the open-concept layout. The living room connects
Effortless Living, Elevated Style – A One-Level Stunner with Room to Breathe Step into relaxed luxury with this beautifully designed 4-bedroom, 2.5-bath single-story home that checks every box – and then some. From its welcoming circle drive to its sun-filled interior and spacious layout, this is the kind of home that feels like a forever fit the moment you arrive. Inside, an airy open-concept
Step into a home that perfectly balances fresh updates with room to breathe. This 4 bedroom, 3 bathroom brick home has been meticulously refreshed to offer a new feel in an established, sought after neighborhood. From the moment you pull up to the generous sized lot with plenty of oak trees and a walking path to the front door, you’ll realize this isn't your standard suburban footprint it is a
Discover this .33-acre lot near Lake Brownwood and The Hideout Golf Club & Resort, offering the perfect opportunity to build now or hold for future growth. This side of the lake has not yet been developed, making it a prime investment as values are expected to rise once development begins.The property is ideally located near an 18-hole championship golf course, farm-to-table dining, and
Hunters and outdoor enthusiasts from across the country have long enjoyed this fully equipped 44.8-acre retreat, and now it could be yours! Gently sloped with majestic oaks and mesquite, fully fenced, and carefully managed, the property offers abundant wildlife, including whitetail deer, hogs, turkey, dove, and quail. It is supported by 12 heavy-duty blinds (6 ground, 6 elevated), 6 feeders,
Nestled under beautiful Texas Oaks, this 22 unit apartment community is in a quiet corner of central Brownwood. These two story buildings, complete with laundry facilities and assigned parking spaces, have large 1 bedroom and 2 bedroom residences. Newly updated with the utmost care, these charming and comfortable spaces are the best in town with our middle of the road pricing. Heritage Oaks, like
This is a three bedroom one bath house with large living area and separate dining room with utility hookups. Water, sewer, and trash is paid by landlord. Tenant is responsible for gas, electric, and internet. Note: Garage apartment is leased by a separate tenant.
Indian Creek Townhomes feature unique 1, 2, and 3 bedroom floor plans designed to complement your lifestyle. We have a 24-hour laundry facility and fitness center on-site. Bring your furry friends and let them enjoy our dog park. Live at the peak of convenience and in style located in Brownwood, Texas.
Freshly remodeled and available now, this spacious 4-bedroom, 2-bath home offers a clean, modern feel with granite countertops and wood flooring throughout—no carpet. The layout features generous living areas, well-sized bedrooms, and convenient washer & dryer connections. A large backyard provides plenty of room for outdoor enjoyment, and pets are welcome with applicable fees. Verifiable proof
Charming Lake Brownwood Retreat – 3 Bed, 2 BathWelcome to this inviting 3-bedroom, 2-bath home offering over 1,600 square feet of comfortable living space. Step inside to an open-concept floor plan where the living, dining, and kitchen areas flow seamlessly together. Freshly painted interiors create a bright and welcoming atmosphere, perfect for everyday living or entertaining guests.From
Magnolia on 4th is a community inspired by service, quality, and modern luxury. Our kitchens and bathrooms have beautiful granite and custom tile accents. Conveniently located less than 2 miles form 3M, Superior Essex, Kohler, Canidae, Hendrick Hospital, and Howard Payne University. When you call Magnolia on 4th home you can enjoy all that the city of Brownwood has to offer in less than a 5
This exceptional corner lot home is designed to accommodate various lifestyles, whether for a large family, multi generational living, or a group of friends such as the Golden Girls. The house features four spacious bedrooms, three of which have an ensuite bath. The largest bedroom provides the flexibility to create a fifth bedroom or home office if desired. Each bedroom boasts generous closets
Come home to the Camelot Apartments in Brownwood, TX! Experience a quiet, boutique community offering one, two, and three-bedroom apartment and townhome layouts. At Camelot Apartments, you will find desirable features such as faux granite countertops, spacious closets, plush carpet, and central air and heat. Select homes also feature designer backsplash, breakfast bar, and either a private
Great apartment complex with multiple units. We have 2 bedrooms and one bedrooms in the complex. Rent includes water and trash. Tenant pays electricity and internet. Pets are not permitted. There is laundry on site. Lease terms are flexible. All appliances are provided.
Indian Creek Community is Brownwood's premier choice for luxury living. Located at 2400 Mustang Drive, our community offers 2 and 3 bedroom townhomes with upgrades such as washer/dryer connections and a garage, as well as spacious private yards, granite countertops, stainless appliances, and luxury amenities.
Great 2 bed 2 bath duplex with a huge open concept living room kitchen area. Located just outside of city limits on a quiet, dead end street, this house is in the perfect location for someone wanting to live away from all the noise of town, and only have a short drive back and forth. With modern upgrades to the flooring and paint you can feel right at home. Each duplex has its own yard so you
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