Cisco often draws visitors who fall in love and stay
The tiny Eastland County city of Cisco has always attracted visitors. Workers originally came here in the early 1900s to work the oil fields. In fact, Hotel Magnate Conrad Hilton got his start in Cisco, buying his first hotel and renting the rooms in eight-hour shifts to these workers. But today the out-of-towners come to this community of 4,000 in search of a slower pace and nice homes. “A lot of people find they like our town when they visit,” says Misty Bussell, a Realtor with Keller Williams Brazos West who has lived in Cisco most of her life. “We have older houses from the 1920s with a lot of character, charming brick roads, and you can walk downtown. But we’re not that far from the big cities.”
Single-family homes and acres of land are available
Most homes in Cisco have two or three bedrooms and sit on nicely landscaped yards. Some lots run large, and some houses are flanked by undeveloped land, giving residents extra privacy. Architectural styles include fully renovated cottages built between 1920 and 1950, and brick ranch-style houses from the 1970s. Prices range from $110,000 to $300,000. Land is also available for building new homes or hunting. Most available lots are between a half-acre and 2 acres, priced between $24,000 and $90,000.
Kids attend A-minus and A-rated schools
Cisco Elementary, Cisco Junior High, and Cisco High serve the city. The elementary and junior high schools have A-minus ratings on Niche, and the high school has an A rating. The schools are within the Cisco Independent School District, which has an A rating from Niche. Cisco College is on the city’s north side and offers associate's degrees, continuing education courses and dual credit programs for local high schoolers.
Lake Cisco and Legacy Park offer outdoor recreation
Nearby Lake Cisco is one of the most popular spots for outdoor recreation, drawing boaters and anglers. In June 2025, city officials cut the ribbon at Legacy Park, a compact green space across the street from the Conrad Hilton Center downtown. The new park features a splashpad, playground, amphitheater and football field.
Shopping and dining in the city, big box stores in nearby Abilene
Residents pick up groceries at Brookshire’s and prescriptions at Walgreens, both located on Conrad Hilton Boulevard, the city’s main roadway. Residents head downtown when dining out. La Finca is a casual local spot loved for its authentic Mexican dishes. Muddy Mike’s also serves Mexican cuisine, along with American classics like burgers, salads and sandwiches. Broken x Winery is a popular spot for drinks and live music. For more shopping and dining options, including big box stores and national chains, residents head to Abilene, about 45 miles away. “It’s a straight shot west on the interstate,” Bussell says. “It’s an easy drive.”
Annual events include Halloween and Christmas celebrations
The Cisco Chamber of Commerce hosts annual events, including October’s Pie Fest, where residents gather for a pie-eating contest, a pie auction and a chicken pot pie dinner and the Holly Jolly Christmas Parade, which includes a visit from Santa.
Residents get around on I-20 and East 8th Street
Interstate 20 runs along the city’s south side and connects to Abilene and Eastland. East 8th Street also connects to Eastland and the closest hospital, Eastland Memorial, about 10 miles away. Public transportation is limited, but the City and Rural Rides transit service offers scheduled rides for elderly and disabled residents in Eastland County.
Cisco’s environmental considerations
Tornadoes are possible in Cisco. The Texas General Land Office’s website has tips to help residents stay prepared for them. Hail is also possible.
