A growing hub in Central Texas for government jobs and travel sports
Gatesville, the government seat of Coryell County, is home to approximately 16,000 sporty residents with few degrees of separation from government. Although roughly 30 miles north of the nation's largest active-duty military base, the state government is actually Gatesville's largest employer due to several correctional facilities closer to town, not to mention public schools and Fort Cavazos (formerly Fort Hood), which each employ thousands of residents. With its well-insulated job market and relatively affordable home prices, Gatesville is poised to grow alongside its burgeoning travel sports tourism sector. "We're seeing the park traffic picking up," says Parks and Recreation Director Seth Phillips. "There's more people coming here. Businesses are wanting to come here. And just last night at the council meeting, they approved a 55-plus community that's going to come to our community soon. So, it's growing. It's definitely growing."
Traditional ranch homes can be found all throughout Gatesville.
The Linda Woodman State Jail employs many of Gatesvilles residents.
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Military, public sector and manufacturing jobs aplenty
Aside from public sector jobs, manufacturing jobs at Kalyn Seibert and Laerdal form the second-largest workforce in Gatesville, followed by healthcare jobs at Coryell Health. Some residents commute out of the city, either to Fort Cavazos or nearby hub cities like Waco. U.S. Highway 84 forms Gatesville's primary connection with Waco 38 miles east. State Highway 36 is the primary north-south route, connecting with Temple 35 miles southeast. Gatesville is actively investing in its infrastructure, including road improvements at low water crossings, bridge replacements and new signage, plus additional upgrades to city services. "One example is our planned resolution for increased sewer capacity on the south side of town," says city officials Holly Owens and Bradfort Hunt. "The main goal is to focus on sustainable development, both residential and commercial, to ensure long-term viability and to maintain the historical charm Gatesville has to offer."
Gatesville is just a few miles North of Fort Cavazos.
Highway 36 runs right through Gatesville, Texas.
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Downtown rehabs alongside newer and established subdivisions
Buyers coming from Waco and Temple are enticed by a comparably lower median single-family home price of $242,000. Development is occurring fast as established homes in the downtown area get renovated while new subdivisions keep cropping up all over town. Newer and established subdivisions alike, such as Cedar Bluff and Greenbrier Estates, tend to be outside of the city. Further out are numerous land plots typically ranging from $8,000 to $25,000 per acre.
Downtown beautification and park upgrades help attract travel sports tourism
In 2024, Gatesville leaders applied to make the city's downtown a state-recognized historic district – a major step in the ongoing revitalization process. Cleanups and beautification projects, like those done by Keep Gatesville Beautiful, have helped breathe some life back into the central square of businesses and museums surrounding a historic courthouse. East of that, Main Street continues with businesses like Mexican cantinas and thrift stores, as well as some supermarkets like H-E-B. The far east side of town has seen numerous hotels pop up in the last few years alongside improvements at the city's sports complex next door, which hosts many competitions throughout the year, attracting out-of-towners who come to visit downtown attractions between games.
Sports complex upgrades make rec sports more accessible
Upgrades to shading, sidewalks and lighting at Lions Club Park's sports complex have made the city's ever-popular rec sports matches a more comfortable experience. "We host a baseball and softball league that normally has around 600 kids," Phillips says. "We host youth soccer, and normally, it has around 500 kids. And we host youth flag football, which has around 200 kids." The city is also restoring Faunt Le Roy Park after a major flood in 2024. "It did some major damage to the banks, it messed up the electricity down there, it messed up the plumbing, the restroom facilities – all that was under water," Phillips says.
Lions Club Park offers 6 different baseball fields to pick from.
Enjoy the sunny days of Gatesville at one of the many parks.
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Community mixers and holiday Boozaar's
Small events and programs happen all throughout the week, including mystery book clubs at the local public library and community meet and greets. Larger events happen around major holidays like Halloween, when the city hosts its annual Boozaar downtown, featuring a trick-or-treating trail and costume contest. A Christmas tree lighting ceremony is also a popular annual tradition with downtown crowds.
Welcome to the central Texas city of Gatesville.
The City of Gatesville City Hall and Municipal Court is located right on East Main Street.
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Career and technical education available at Gatesville ISD
The city is zoned for Gatesville ISD, which has a B-minus Niche rating and serves roughly 2,700 students across 5 schools. The district runs a number of specialty programs, including individual and specialized instruction, and a career and technical education program offering industry certifications in welding, veterinary sciences, agriculture and more.
Gatesville Elementary School is highly rated.
The Hornets represent the Gatesville High School.
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Riverine flooding and water conservation
Gatesville's climate is prone to occasional tornados and summer heat that frequently exceeds 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Hot, dry summers commonly lead to droughts, which elevate the likelihood of other hazards like wildfires and flash floods on the Leon River. Thus, water conservation is a central part of life in Gatesville, but according to Owens and Hunt, the city retains "enough water rights to allow for many sustainable years of growth in housing and commercial development. That said, we are always cautious with the water supply, and we consider potential impacts with each submission for development."
FBI data shows declining rates of property and violent crime in Gatesville. Although there was a recent spike in robberies in 2023, the rate has since declined back below state and national figures.
Written By
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Country living just minuets from town. This beautiful home is nestled on 3.74 acres in the Cedar Ridge subdivision. The home feature 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and an office. The living room is large with lots of natural light. The kitchen has an island, granite counter tops and stainless steel appliances. There is a formal dinning room off the kitchen. The office is a good size and could double as
Step into timeless character with modern updates in this beautifully renovated 2-bedroom, 1-bath split-level home offering 1,317 square feet of cozy living space. Built in 1940, this Spanish-inspired property blends historic charm with today’s conveniences. Inside, you’ll love the interior arched doorways, warm wood-burning fireplace, and fresh new flooring throughout. The fully updated kitchen
Welcome to this beautiful 1,967-square-foot home offering the perfect blend of comfort, functionality, and country living. This 3-bedroom, 2-bath home features an inviting open-concept floor plan with a spacious living area that flows seamlessly into the large kitchen, complete with custom cabinetry, abundant counter space, and ample storage.The spacious primary suite is designed for
Located on the greens of the Gatesville Country Club, this 3-bedroom, 3-bath home offers over 3,000 square feet of living space and exceptional potential. The spacious layout features an open-concept kitchen that flows seamlessly into the living area, complete with a wood-burning stove that adds warmth and character. Generous square footage provides flexibility for a variety of living and
This is a great place to build a great subdivision or have a large piece of land in town to build a great place. The property can hold 7 lots. Owner finance options available.
Welcome to this versatile 42-acre ranch in Coryell County, offering the perfect combination of agricultural functionality, recreational opportunities, and comfortable country living. Conveniently accessed from FM 2412 and Preston Road, this property is well-suited for livestock, farming, hunting, or a peaceful rural homestead. The property features a 3-bedroom, 1-bath farmhouse with a welcoming
Looking for a home that’s anything but ordinary? Situated on approximately one fully fenced acre, this unique barndominium offers the space and versatility to complement your lifestyle. The living quarters include a kitchen, spacious living area, bedroom, and bath, along with flexible space that could serve as a home office, gym, studio, hobby room, or additional storage. A generous
Escape the city lights with this peaceful 7.210-acre lot outside of city limits! This property sits at the end of a cul-de-sac, has a beautiful view, and is halfway between Copperas Cove and Gatesville. Whether you are looking to build a custom home, create a private weekend retreat, or simply invest in land, this property offers endless possibilities with no restrictions! Mobile homes are ok.
94.8 Acres of Scenic Central Texas Ranch Land with Leon River Frontage – Outside Gatesville City LimitsIf you are searching for scenic Central Texas property with live water, beautiful terrain, and endless possibilities, this impressive 94.8-acre ranch deserves a look. Conveniently located near Waco, Temple, Fort Hood, Killeen, Copperas Cove, and only about an hour from Austin, this
Welcome to 2311 Bridge St right in the heart of Gatesville! This updated 2-bedroom, 1-bath home offers 898 sq. ft. of comfortable, efficient living designed to maximize every inch. Inside, enjoy a cozy living space, an eat-in kitchen with solid countertops and oak cabinetry, and an oversized utility room with plenty of storage. Step outside into your private haven! Sitting on nearly 0.37 acres,
Well-maintained quadplex located at 106 Bluebonnet Street in Gatesville, Texas. This fully occupied multifamily property features four spacious units, each offering approximately 1,088 square feet with a 3-bedroom, 2-bath floor plan, full kitchen, comfortable living area, and a convenient first-floor bedroom. Designed with tenant comfort in mind, each unit includes a private fenced backyard and
Over 18 acres with great views on this amazing property. There is so much potential for this property to include building or grazing. Only 15 minutes from Gatesville, 20 minutes from Copperas Cove and 40 minutes from Waco, Temple and Killeen. Owner financing available.
Well-maintained quadplex located at 106 Bluebonnet Street in Gatesville, Texas. This fully occupied multifamily property features four spacious units, each offering approximately 1,088 square feet with a 3-bedroom, 2-bath floor plan, full kitchen, comfortable living area, and a convenient first-floor bedroom. Designed with tenant comfort in mind, each unit includes a private fenced backyard and
A welcoming 3 bed 2 bath home with pleasant surroundings. This property is fenced with security gate. 2 Acres of open space next to the property to enjoy your morning walk or play with your pet.
This is more than a rental it's the place where your family can finally settle in and feel at home.Recently renovated, this inviting 3-bedroom home features fresh paint inside and out, a brand-new roof, new central heating and air, updated fixtures, and a fully remodeled bathroom.You'll love the practical extras that make family living easier: a garage for parking or storage, a
Enjoy the best of space, privacy, and convenience with this beautifully remodeled 4-bedroom, 2-bath home situated on approximately 4.5 acres in Gatesville. Thoughtfully updated throughout, the home offers a fresh, modern feel with inviting living spaces, generously sized bedrooms, and beautifully updated bathrooms. Outside, the acreage provides plenty of room to spread out, entertain, garden, or
Available For Move-In: 11/25/2026Call/Text 24/7 to Schedule Tour: Welcome to 200 Meadow View Lane, Unit D, a spacious 3-bedroom, 2-bath townhome offering approximately 1,217 square feet of comfortable living space. The convenient two-story layout features the primary bedroom and bathroom downstairs, while two additional bedrooms and a full bathroom are located upstairs, providing
Canyon Crossing Duplex Homes3 Bedroom2 Bath2 Car garagePrivacy Fenced backyardEnergy Efficient with Spray Foam insulation in the Attic for lower utility billsScored and Stained Concrete Floors throughout – no carpetLarge Kitchen includes: Granite Counter tops, Custom cabinets, Refrigerator with ice-maker, Dishwasher, Microwave, Oven/Stove, Garbage Disposal,
2507 Mears Dr. in Gatesville, TX is a well-maintained 3-bedroom, 2-bath home offering practical living space and everyday conveniences. The property includes an attached garage for secure parking and storage, equipped kitchen appliances, and a fenced backyard that provides privacy and an outdoor area for leisure. Thoughtful layout and functional features make this residence a comfortable option
Lovely 2 Bedroom, 1 Bathroom cottage home with quick easy access to Gatesville, Temple, and Lake Belton. Cozy living throughout with living room, dining room, and kitchen with fridge, dishwasher, and stove. Separate dining room, laundry room with pantry cabinet and washer and dryer hook-ups. Nice wooden deck overlooking a large open yard.
Discover an exceptional opportunity in Gatesville, TX, with this versatile 850 square foot property that seamlessly combines residential comfort with commercial potential. Featuring two spacious bedrooms and a well-appointed shared bathroom, this unique space offers a private entrance for added convenience. The property includes a kitchen area, making it perfect for those looking to blend living
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