Growing Texas bedroom community near Tyler and Athens
Chandler is a small but growing east Texas city known for its laidback atmosphere. The population of approximately 3,800 represents about a 15 percent increase since 2020. New and ongoing construction illustrates the growth of this bedroom community, which is cradled by Lake Palestine between Tyler and Athens.
Access to jobs in oil and gas, health care and industry
Chandler’s modern-day economy benefits from its location on the edge of the East Texas Oilfield. Oil and gas exploration is a significant driver of the regional economy. Health care is also a major regional employer. CHRISTUS Mother Frances and UT Health hospitals anchor the medical industry in Tyler, while the UT Health hospital in Athens is that city’s largest employer. Chandler is well-positioned between both cities and offers access to other regional job centers. “Athens has a lot of industry on the [Texas State Highway] 31 corridor,” says Gina Russell of Miller Homes Group, who sells homes throughout the region. “Also, they’re expanding industry farther down [U.S. Highway] 175 in Jacksonville south of Tyler.” Closer to home, the Brownsboro Independent School District is a major employer, with two of its schools in Chandler.
New homes by D.R. Horton, lakefront upgrades highlight housing options
D.R. Horton, the largest homebuilder in the U.S., is among the companies with a footprint in Chandler. River Oaks at Sawmill is a new home community by D.R. Horton. More new homes can be found in planned subdivision settings elsewhere. An appealing collection of contemporary homes in similar settings is also available. A mix of older homes and midcentury ranch-style homes on spacious lots can be found on quiet, tree-shaded streets in the heart of the community. Manufactured homes can also be found. Prices typically range from the mid-$100,000s to about $600,000. “Because the cost of living is slow, people are moving this way to get out of the big cities,” Russell says. Manufactured homes are prominent on the lake, especially south of the city limits. But Chandler’s waterfront is changing. “A lot of the homes on the water have been there a while,” Russell says, “but a lot has been done to upgrade the lakefront community and draw more people there.” Four-bedroom homes on Lake Palestine south of the city can list for nearly $1 million, and estate-style homes can list for more than $4 million. Regardless of the property type, residents enjoy a safe community. Chandler’s CAP Index Crime Score of 2-out-of-10 is lower than the national average of 4.
Fishing, skiing and more on Lake Palestine
Lake Palestine supports an array of activities. “It is one of the top fishing lakes in Texas. They hold bass tournaments on it,” Russell says. “But it’s also big enough that you can do skiing and sail boating on it.” The nearby Waterpark at The Villages is a massive facility for family fun. It is adjacent to the lakefront, which offers popular destinations, from marinas to golf courses. Residents also have access to the Neches River and a community park along its shores. Winchester Park features ballfields for organized youth play and a playground. McCain Park is an attractive green space that is home to the Chandler Museum & Visitor Center.
City schools are part of highly rated school district
The highly rated Brownsboro Independent School District consists of four schools. They are:
- Chandler Elementary, for pre-K through third grade
- Chandler Intermediate, for fourth through sixth grades
- Brownsboro Junior High, for seventh and eighth grades
- Brownsboro High, known for its large FFA chapter Eligible students can apply for transfers within the district or outside of it. Out-of-district transfers must attend the schools closest to home.
"There are some nice little restaurants in Downtown Chandler"
Brookshire’s grocery store is conveniently located along SH 31 in the heart of town, and an eclectic mix of popular dining destinations can be found on and around the city’s main thoroughfare. “There are some nice little restaurants in Downtown Chandler,” Russell says. “They have one of the best Italian places, Val’s, and some good Mexican restaurants. Oh, and Wade’s Place. They have a wait like you wouldn’t believe. They open at 5 and you better be in line if you want to get a table. They have really good seafood and burgers and steaks. You can get anything in Chandler.” Additional options can be found in Tyler, where boutiques and breweries are highlights of the city’s historic downtown district.
Easy access to Tyler, Athens; 100 miles from Dallas
SH 31 provides a direct route to the heart of Tyler, a little over 10 miles from Chandler. The regional roadway also connects residents to Athens, about 25 miles away. Jacksonville is about 35 miles from Downtown Chandler but is much closer for those with a Chandler address south of the city. Dallas is about 100 miles away via U.S. 175. Tyler Pounds Regional Airport is only 8 miles away. It provides jet service to Dallas Fort Worth International Airport.
Written By
Matt Pallister