Over a hundred years ago in Corsicana, Texas, drillers seeking water struck oil instead — the first oil strike west of the Mississippi. As the seat of Navarro County and home to nearly half its population, the city of 25,000 remains an industrial hub for east central Texas. “Our location is ideal for industry and for people to live,” says John Boswell, economic development director for the city of Corsicana and Navarro County. “It's close enough to the amenities of the major urban areas yet far enough away to have access to the lakes and the farms.” Though 50 miles from the the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, Corsicana offers more of a laid-back Texas lifestyle, including a handful of historic neighborhoods.
Corsicana is an industrail hub for Central Texas.
Despite its growing downtown, Corsicana remains a rural city with ranches on its outskirts.
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The original Collin Street Bakery
As oil production slowed, Corsicana’s job market shifted toward food manufacturing. Collin Street Bakery has been churning out its signature desserts since 1896 and it remains one of the city’s largest employers. Russell Stover Chocolates is another major industry player, though job opportunities at both companies can fluctuate seasonally. Corsicana Mattress and glass manufacturer Guardian Industries contribute hundreds of jobs to the market. Navarro Regional Hospital employs over 200 workers and maintains a strong community presence.
Interstate 45 swings around the city’s eastern side, leading about 50 miles northwest to Dallas. From there, travelers can catch a plane from Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport, one of the largest hubs in the country. No fixed-route public transit system is in place, but Community Transit Service provides residents with on-demand transportation.
Collin Street Bakery, known for its variety of fruitcakes, is a big part of Corsicana's legacy.
If you love sweets, Corsicana is home to the headquarters of the major chocolate brand Russell Stover.
Guardian is one of Corsicana's manufacturing plants as a hub for the glass industry.
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Median home prices lower than in Dallas
The median home price in Corsicana is $261,000, considerably lower than in Dallas, where the median price is $404,000. Starter homes can sell for $150,000 to $200,000, while larger or newly constructed builds might be priced at $250,000 to $350,000. On the rural outskirts of town, custom waterfront homes on Richland-Chambers Reservoir sell for $750,000 to $1.5 million. Corsicana also has two neighborhoods on the National Register of Historic Places. In the Carriage District, homes from the late 19th century include side entrances with shelters built for horse carriages. Mills Place showcases two-story residences from the 1920s and ’30s, with examples of Colonial, Tudor and Italian Renaissance architecture.
Custom homes along Richland-Chambers Resevoir makes a nice rural home setting for Corsicana locals.
Historic homes line the streets in Corsicana's Carriage District.
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Corsicana ISD and a Netflix documentary
Corsicana Independent School District earns a B-plus from Niche and recently introduced a new superintendent, six new principals and the district motto “Dare to Be Different.” The main campus of Navarro College, a two-year community college, enrolls about 6,000 full- and part-time students. The college is the setting for the Netflix series CHEER, which follows the Grand National Champion Bulldogs Cheer Team.
The Corsicana Independent School District.
Navarro College in Corsicana is home to the Bulldogs.
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Downtown with brick streets and bronze statues
Brick-paved streets in the downtown district lead to historic buildings repurposed as boutiques, breweries and coffeehouses. Bronze statues memorialize key points in the city’s history. The second floors of many buildings have been renovated into loft-style apartments, which are popular with younger residents who want to be within walking distance of the action. “Downtown has gone through cycles — we’re talking grass in the cracks of the sidewalks. We’re now experiencing that regeneration that people want to see,” Boswell says.
The Cook Education Center at Navarro College is the cultural heart of the city. The Pearce Museum displays Western art and Civil War memorabilia, and the planetarium is one of the largest in Texas. Local performers take the stage at the Warehouse Living Arts Center downtown. Visitors to Pioneer Village can explore reconstructed buildings from the city’s early days. The Lefty Frizzell Museum, an ode to the influential country singer, is another highlight of the art scene.
Downtown Corsicana with its vintage charm, is an alluring part of the city.
Corsicana locals stop at Brickstreet Brewery for a pint.
Locals can join the Pearce Museum at Navarro College and gaze through the unqiue art it holds.
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Fishing and boating on Lake Halbert
The fishing pier, boating ramp and campsites at Lake Halbert are minutes away from downtown. The city is also about 30 miles from Richland-Chambers Reservoir, another popular angling spot.
Locals in Corsicana head to Lake Halbert to cast a line in the water.
Corsicana locals love to get on the water at Lake Halbert for the afternoon.
Richland Chamber Reservoir seems to go on forever, making it a picturesque place to be.
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Crime rates and weather warnings
Texas has higher-than-average levels of crime compared to other states. However, Corsicana’s crime rates are low in comparison to larger cities like Dallas and Houston. The city experiences the hot, oppressive summers characteristic of east central Texas.
A congregation of churches
Corsicana’s Bible Belt location contributes to a heavy Christian population. Many religious organizations, such as the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, the First Independent Baptist Church and the Fifth Avenue Church of Christ, have roots stretching back to the 1800s.
Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Corsicana was established in 1871.
Still standing in Corsicana is the First Independent Baptist Church, erected in 1918.
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Written By
Adrienne Ryan
Photography Contributed By
Stacey Callaway
Video By
Anthony Pesa
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Eric Enge,
an experienced agent in this area.
On average, homes in Corsicana, TX sell after 74 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Corsicana, TX over the last 12 months is $274,490, down 10% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
This brand-new 3-bedroom, 2-bath doublewide sits on a full acre in highly sought-after Mildred ISD and just minutes from Richland Chambers Lake. The home offers an open floor plan filled with natural light, a spacious living area, and a modern kitchen with plenty of cabinet space. Enjoy peaceful country living with a large front porch for your morning coffee and a back porch overlooking the
Welcome to a unique opportunity to own 22.5 AG EXEMPT acres with breathtaking views of Richland Chambers Lake.This versatile property blends ranch living with modern comfort and is designed for those who love the outdoors,livestock,and the lake lifestyle.The centerpiece is a spacious 5,000 sq ft barn that includes comfortable living quarters,thoughtfully designed with both functionality and
Welcome to a unique opportunity to own 22.5 AG EXEMPT acres with breathtaking views of Richland Chambers Lake.This versatile property blends ranch living with modern comfort and is designed for those who love the outdoors,livestock,and the lake lifestyle.The centerpiece is a spacious 5,000 sq ft barn that includes comfortable living quarters,thoughtfully designed with both functionality and
Come out and see LOT 34!!! This 1.4 acre lot nestled in a private lakeside community, provides the perfect location to build your ideal dream home! Watch the sun rise and set over the water in this lakeside neighborhood. Imagine coming home to a resort style community every day! Once completed, this community will provide amenities including: a fitness center, access to a luxury clubhouse, a
This beautifully remodeled home features 3 bedrooms and 1 bathroom with an open concept layout that’s perfect for modern living. The updated kitchen boasts quartz countertops, an island, and brand-new appliances, ideal for cooking and entertaining.Throughout the home, you’ll find new doors, laminate flooring, and plush carpet in the bedrooms, offering both style and comfort. Major updates
Lakefront Living at Its Best! Don’t miss this rare chance to own 1.68 acres with over 251 feet of pristine shoreline on the stunning Richland Chambers Reservoir—one of the largest lakes in Texas. Build your dream home and wake up to breathtaking 180 panoramic lake views every day. Located in the desirable, gated community of Richland Park, residents enjoy first-class amenities including: Private
WestonApartment Homes, rebranded from Villa of Corsicana, is located on the west endof 7th avenue here inCorsicana. We would love to be your next home! Come see our brand-newrenovations, including the freshly painted exteriors as well as recentlyrenovated interiors. Outdoor amenities include a playground, new washers anddryers in the laundry room, and a swimming pool. We
This cozy duplex has been freshly renovated and sits on a corner lot of a quiet established neighborhood. No neighbors behind you just open space with a country feel. Open layout with plenty of light just minutes from historic Downtown Corsicana. Plenty of conveniences close by like HEB, CVS, restaurants and many more. Enjoy summer days fishing at Lake Halbert just minutes away.Tenant
Welcome to Northwood Village Apartments in Corsicana, Texas, your home for exclusive contemporary living at a comfortable price. Our pet-friendly one and two-bedroom apartment homes are expertly and elegantly crafted with high-end features, generous living space and contemporary accents.We provide residents with a variety of alluring amenities including two refreshing pools, a BBQ picnic
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