Cameron has small-town charm with a growing population and family root
Cameron is on the cusp of growth in Milam County. The community of 5,500 has spent the last few years refurbishing the area's downtown, according to Realtor Gary Thweatt with Thweatt Real Estate. "Everything is being renovated here; the entire downtown area," he says. This revitalization has attracted new buyers and visitors to the small town about an hour east of Austin. Even with the growth, Cameron remains a peaceful small town with well-rated schools and a family-centric vibe. "I've found that many people grew up here and when they got older, they came back to raise their families," Thweatt says.
Larger properties offer privacy, homesteading and scenic views
Cameron offers a rural, small-town feel. Older 20th-century homes surround downtown, lined with mature oak and elm trees. These are typically Craftsman-style, Tudor Revival, Cape Cod and ranch-style. "We don't have a ton of new construction, so most of these houses are being renovated for buyers," Thweatt says. As homes move outward, there are increasing amounts of lush, green crop fields, pockets of mesquite trees, creeks, ponds and meadows that bloom with yellow black-eyed susans and pink wild phlox. These homes are usually ranch-style, farmhouse-style or New Traditional, usually set on dirt roads off the main streets. There are even expansive, million-dollar properties for homesteading and ranching. These larger homes bring Cameron's median sale price up to $885,000.
According to FEMA's National Risk Index, Cameron has a moderate risk of tornado damage. Buyers should consider adequate homeowner's insurance and ensure they have a shelter location nearby
Education through Cameron Independent School District
Cameron Independent School District serves just over 1,500 students and earns a B-plus rating from Niche. Ben Milan Elementary earns a B-plus and serves pre-kindergarten to second grade. Cameron Elementary earns a B-minus and serves third through fifth grade. Cameron Middle earns a B, and C.H. Yoe High earns a B-plus. High schoolers can choose from 14 career and technical education pathways, including animal science, accounting and cybersecurity.
Nature and sports amenities spread across multiple parks
Cameron offers residents a variety of outdoor recreation areas. Cameron Park includes sports courts, horseshoe pits, picnic tables and a seasonal public pool with a splash pad. The park is also connected to the town's nearly 3-mile Hike and Bike Trail. It's adjacent to the Airport Park Complex, which hosts Little League games. Wilson-Ledbetter Park is over 25 acres, including green fields, live oaks and a bird sanctuary. There's a small pond for fishing, and a paved walking trail connecting to the historical Brushy Creek Bridge. Orchard Park provides a dog-friendly walking trail, and Lions Centennial Park is a recent addition, offering pickleball courts and a playground.
Renovated downtown has shops, museums and seasonal events
In 2022, Cameron began revitalizing its downtown area, refurbishing older buildings and promoting new businesses and events. Downtown, between West Fourth Street and West Gillis Avenue, has churches, municipal buildings, restaurants and boutique. It's all centered around the historic Milam County Courthouse. The Milam County Railroad Museum and the Milam County Historical Museum offer residents and visitors the opportunity to learn more about Cameron's past. Shirley Mae's Bakery offers homemade desserts, coffee and a playroom for kids. Ginno's offers classic Italian American dishes, Juanes has tacos and other Mexican dishes, and Tex Miller is a hamburger joint with a retro feel. Tex Miller doesn't have much seating, so some diners head to local parks to eat. Grocery options include Brookshire Brothers, Dollar General and Family Dollar, with more offerings in nearby Temple. Farmers can visit Cameron Farm and Ranch Company, an animal feed and farm supply store.
"They have quite a few events throughout the year that bring many people to the area," Thweatt says. The Spring Market and Artisan Fair pairs with the Cameron Train Show to offer handmade goods, model trains, antiques and art. Every other Independence Day, the town hosts a family-friendly Fourth of July Celebration, with food, activities and fireworks. Each autumn, the Steak, Stein and Wine Fest showcases local artists, wines and antique vendors on the downtown square. There's a Warehouse of Horrors each Halloween, and the Cameron Christmas Parade brings the town together downtown to celebrate the season and take pictures with Santa.
Highways connect Cameron to hospitals and nearby cities
Cameron sits at an intersection of U.S. Highways 190 and 77. The community doesn't have public transportation. Main thoroughfares like 190 lead to larger towns like Temple, 30 miles away. Temple is also home to the closest hospitals: Baylor Scott and White Medical Center-Temple and Olin E. Teague Veterans' Center. Interstate 35 is about 35 miles away from Cameron. The community sits in the southeast portion of the "Texas Triangle." It's about 70 miles from Austin and 150 miles from Houston, Dallas and San Antonio. The closest airports include Killeen Regional, 60 miles from Cameron, and Austin-Bergstrom International, 75 miles away.
