Crockett is a historic community with a quaint town center
Houston County is the oldest in Texas and home of the state's fifth-oldest city, Crockett. Founded in 1837, the historic community is named in honor of frontiersman and politician Davy Crockett, who briefly stayed in the area before continuing his journey to the Alamo. Today, about 6,300 people enjoy the small businesses and events in Crockett's quaint downtown, as well as nearby natural amenities. Residents like Connie Strban particularly enjoy how community members take the time to get to know one another. "I've lived in a lot of small towns in Texas," the broker says. "They are not all as warm and inviting as Crockett is." She owns Crockett Springs Real Estate and has served East Texas homebuyers for over 30 years. "Quite often, if my husband is out working in the yard, it's not uncommon for someone to pull in the driveway and say, 'Hey, let me help you with that.'"
A variety of homes on large lots
Housing styles and property sizes vary in Crockett. "We kind of have everything," Strban says. "We have an abundance of historic homes, many of which are being carefully preserved, to brand new ranch-styles or cottages in town." Buyers will also find a mix of 20th-century ranch styles and colonial homes. Strban says that many people are moving to Crockett for the land. "We have houses on some land," Strban says, "whether an acre or two or 100 or more." The median sale price for a home in Crockett is around $155,000, but a house on a 174-acre tract of land recently sold for $1.8 million.
Crockett ISD offers several Career and Technical Education programs
The Crockett Independent School District scores an overall C on Niche and serves over 1,100 students. Crockett ISD offers several Career and Technical Education programs, including Applied Agricultural Engineering, Graphic Design and Multimedia Arts and Nursing Science. Crockett Elementary School has a C-minus, Crockett Junior High receives a C and Crockett High has a B-minus.
Locals enjoy having several businesses in downtown Crockett
The Houston County Courthouse, in the heart of downtown Crockett, is surrounded by a square of locally owned boutiques and restaurants. Moosehead Café offers breakfast staples and stays busy until it closes at 2:30 p.m., Betty Boop's offers soups and sandwiches at lunchtime, and Lee's China Inn is a popular spot for dinner. Shops include Bella, which sells clothes, books and jewelry, and Mercantile Antiques has rare finds and collectibles. Additional restaurants and stores line Loop 304 east of downtown, including Walmart and HEB, the community's primary grocery stores.
Christmas in Crockett
Downtown Crockett is a hub of local events, and Christmas in Crockett is arguably one of the town's biggest celebrations. "Even though we're a small community, on that day, authorities estimate we have 18,000 to 20,000 people," Strban says. The annual event includes several activities, vendors and a car show. "We have 300-plus booths where you could buy everything under the sun, and we have little train rides for the kiddos."
Crockett has a local park with hiking and fishing nearby
Crockett offers plenty of space for outdoor recreation. "There are a number of outdoor activities available," Strban says. Davy Crockett Memorial Park is the community's recreation hub, with soccer fields, basketball courts and baseball diamonds. The park also has a network of paved walking trails and frequently hosts live musicians. "They have free concerts in the park throughout June," Strban says. "People come and bring blankets and lawn chairs and enjoy the concert." Crockett is about 10 miles from Houston County Lake, which Strban says is a huge draw. "It's a large lake excellent for all kinds of water activities, like swimming, boating and skiing, and fishing on the far end is excellent," Strban says. The community is also just west of Davy Crockett National Forest, which is popular for hunting and hiking.
Navigating Houston County
Without public transit, locals depend on cars to get around Crockett. The community is circled by Loop 304, which has several branching highways. Commuters can access U.S. Route 287 and State Highways 21, 19 and 7. The Mid Coast Medical Center – Crockett is the community's primary medical facility. Easterwood Airport, about 83 miles away in College Station, offers daily nonstop flights to Dallas Fort Worth International Airport.
Written By
Brennen Martin
