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.
1/2
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.
1/3
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.
1/2
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.
1/2
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.
1/3
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.
1/3
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.
1/2
Written By
Adrienne Ryan
Photography Contributed By
Stacey Callaway
Video By
Anthony Pesa
Was this overview helpful?
Corsicana by the Numbers
28,280
Population
74
Average Days on Market
Home Trends
Median Price (12 Mo)$261,745
Median Single Family Price$269,999
Average Price Per Sq Ft$179
Months Of Supply6
Demographics and Finance
Median Household Income$46K
Lower than National Average$71K
% Owners57%
Lower than National Average63%
College Graduates16%
Lower than National Average34%
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Top Schools in Corsicana, TX
Source:
Best Public Elementary Schools
#1 Sam Houston Elementary School
A-
Niche
7
GreatSchools
#2 Mildred Elementary School
B
Niche
6
GreatSchools
#3 Bowie Elementary School
B+
Niche
5
GreatSchools
#4 Kerens Independent School District
B+
Niche
4
GreatSchools
#5 Jose Antonio Navarro Elementary School
B-
Niche
2
GreatSchools
#6 Carroll Elementary School
B-
Niche
2
GreatSchools
#7 Fannin Elementary School
B-
Niche
2
GreatSchools
#8 Carroll Elementary School
#9 Fannin Elementary
Best Public Middle Schools
#1 Mildred High School
B+
Niche
6
GreatSchools
#2 Kerens Independent School District
B+
Niche
4
GreatSchools
#3 Collins Intermediate School
B
Niche
3
GreatSchools
#4 Corsicana Middle School
B
Niche
3
GreatSchools
#5 Dawson Daep
#6 Navarro County Aep/Abc
#7 Navarro County Disciplinary Alternative Education Program (Deap)/ABC
Best Public High Schools
#1 Mildred High School
B+
Niche
6
GreatSchools
#2 Kerens Independent School District
B+
Niche
4
GreatSchools
#3 Corsicana High School
B
Niche
2
GreatSchools
#4 Dawson Daep
#5 Navarro County Aep/Abc
#6 Navarro County Disciplinary Alternative Education Program (Deap)/ABC
Patrick is originally from Greenville Alabama. He is married to his high school sweetheart Tosha Fails-Purifoy. They have two children, a son, and a daughter. Patrick retired from the US Army as a Sergeant First Class (SFC) in 2010 after serving 22 years. After arriving to Killeen/Ft. Hood from Korea in 2000, Patrick and Tosha decided to purchase a home. Some friends recommended their agent. Not knowing anything about buying a home, they were relying heavily on the agent to guide them through the process. They met with the agent. They remember him sitting in his big chair pointing to all his awards displayed around the room. He talked about himself a lot. He never really attempted to connect or learn about them. They thought this was odd but hey, their friends had recommended him, so they went along. Ironically, the agent showed them the same three houses that they had found on their own. They chose one of the houses, which happened to still be under construction, signed the contract and left with the anticipation and excitement of moving into their new home in three weeks! When they returned in three weeks, the house was nowhere near being completed! They immediately went to the agent’s office to speak with him. He refused to meet with them or take their calls. After sleeping on their friend floor for another month all while Tosha was seven months pregnant, the house was finally completed! The agent’s assistant called and informed Patrick and Tosha where the closing would be held. They went with excitement only to find out they needed money to close on their new house. They had no money and had not been told about this by the agent. The nice lady at the title company made two phone calls, one to the agent who had not accompanied them and another to the Builder. The Builder graciously forgave the amount they owed to close. A few minutes later, the agent walked into the room, talking on his cell phone. He did not look at or acknowledge Patrick or Tosha. He signed a paper for his commission, turned and walked out of the room. For three years after they closed on their house, they would always end up talking about their home buying experience. It frustrated them that someone in such a crucial role could treat a vulnerable young couple with such disregard. One day Tosha said to Patrick, Baby, I know you would treat people much better than he treated us, then asked do you think you could get your Real Estate license? And as they say, the rest is history! Welcome to Blessed Properties, where “Our Service is As Ministry unto Our Community.”
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
