Rich history and ongoing revitalization in historic Clarksville
Before it was the Red River County seat, Clarksville was the "Gateway to Texas," as the first stop for pioneers such as Davy Crockett and Jim Bowie crossing the state's northeast border. History remains essential to this community, though the modern appeal tends to be affordability and a small-town vibe. Victorian-era storefronts now contain a mix of small businesses in the town square, also a venue for community events. "The people that mainly come there and live there, they're looking for a low cost of living," says Ashley Kelsoe, a Realtor with Glass Land and Home. "Most of them are retired because there is not a lot of industry, so if you don't have money, you can't make money there."
Lower home prices and smaller styles support first-time buyers
Minimal Traditional, ranch-style and bungalow homes fill the city core. Properties on the outskirts of town, many of which are ranch-style, come with extra elbow room. The median single-family price is about $140,000, significantly below Paris and Mount Pleasant. "Most of our buyers that come in are USDA or FHA buyers," Kelsoe says. "It’s great for first-time homebuyers because the housing prices are so much cheaper."
Career and technical exploration through Clarksville schools
Clarksville Independent School District serves preschool through 12th-grade. Cheatham Elementary School earns an overall C from Niche, and Clarksville Middle High School earns a B-minus. The middle-high school offers pathways in welding technology and nursing science. In 2024, it unveiled a new career and technical education building with cutting-edge weight rooms, a floral design lab, a nursing lab and modern classrooms.
Green space and small businesses create a local-friendly town square
A video arcade, Italian restaurant, clothing boutique and a Radio Shack are among the town square storefronts. They surround a park with manicured landscaping, sidewalks and benches shaded by trees. Italian Bistro serves comfort food such as smoked mozzarella mezzelune, baked rice and clams and pasta. Local favorite Southern Soul Grill offers burgers and rotating lunch specials. Rehkopf's Foods fills grocery needs. The Hub Community Center offers support through food and clothing assistance and social programs.
Historic creek walk and old-growth forest highlight local nature
Fireman's Park is a central green space with a playground, picnic area and a six-block walkway along Delaware Creek and several historical sites. The town is also surrounded by natural areas, such as Langford Lake, a magnet for fishing and picnicking. Lennox Woods Preserve showcases some of Texas's last remaining old-growth forests, visible from the 1.5-mile interpretive trail. Clarksville Country Club is open to the public with a 9-hole course and a dining room along the water. Clarksville is a stop along the Northeast Texas Trail, stretching 133 miles across small towns and rural landscapes.
County fair, fall bazaar and wild hog hunt are favorite annual events
The Red River County Historical Society brings the annual Fall Bazaar, a longstanding tradition in October. It features around 60 vendors, live music and a fish fry. The Red River County Fair celebrated its 75th year in 2025. It brings carnival rides, live music and livestock shows. The annual Wade T. Witmer Memorial Wild Hog Hunt draws competitors from across the region in March. Locals celebrate the holiday season with a Christmas parade.
Clarksville is car-dependent but offers highway connections
Due to its rural location, Clarksville is mainly car-dependent. The Ark-Tex Council of Government's Rural Transportation District provides critical transportation services for Red River and surrounding counties. Clarksville sits between Paris, about 30 miles west, and Texarkana, about 60 miles east, with U.S. Route 82 serving as the main artery. Paris Regional Health provides comprehensive medical care, including emergency care, about 30 miles west. Dallas Fort Worth International Airport is about 140 miles southwest.
Tornado and wildfire protections are in place
Red River County pays attention to tornadoes, says Kelsoe, especially on the heels of a major event in 2022. She says many homes have tornado shelters. "A lot of people moving to the area want those, for sure, because they're so scared of tornadoes," Kelsoe says. "We're not really scared of them because we've lived with them our whole lives." She adds that the 13 volunteer fire departments operate throughout the county, in addition to Clarksville's municipal fire department. "With 13 departments and everybody knowing everybody, we've got a significant amount of help if there's a brush fire."