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.
1/2
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.
1/2
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.
1/2
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.
1/2
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.
1/2
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
Tom Jakob
Photography Contributed By
Wyatt Stueve
Video By
Logan Cox
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Robert Barben,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
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 comfort and
Charming single-level brick home offering low-maintenance living on the edge of the Gatesville city limits! This adorable 2-bedroom, 1-bathroom residence in the desirable Eastview Addition combines solid 1985 masonry construction with smart, practical updates, making it an excellent opportunity for first-time buyers, downsizers, or investors.Property Highlights:Move-In Ready Comfort:
Charming 2-bedroom, 1-bath farm-style home situated on 4.74 acres, just 6 miles from Gatesville and approximately 45 minutes from Waco. This inviting property offers an open-concept layout with beautiful pine ceilings throughout, creating a warm and cozy country feel. The spacious living area provides plenty of room to gather and could easily be converted into a third bedroom, if desired. The
96± acres of Central Texas land where rolling hills, mature hardwoods, and open pasture come together in one of the region's most versatile tracts. With approximately 1,300 feet of county road frontage and infrastructure already in place, this property is ready to work for you from day one, whether as a private recreational escape, a working ranch, or a strategic 1031 exchange investment. LAND
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
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.
A rare Central Texas property combining natural beauty, utility, and endless potential. This 96± acre tract features approximately 1,300 feet of county road frontage and a striking mix of rolling hills, mature hardwoods, and open pasture-ideal for ranching, recreation, or your dream homesite. Three large stock tanks provide fishing, duck hunting, and reliable water for livestock and wildlife,
Discover your own Texas paradise on this stunning 29.692± acre property, ideally located at the prominent corner of Hwy 36 and CR 360 in Gatesville. Can subdivide! Enjoy the perfect blend of serene country living with unbeatable convenience, only 20 minutes from Temple, about 1.5 hours from Fort Worth, just an hour from Austin. Utilities are already in place or easily accessible, making the
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
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
Welcome to our 2-bedrooms/1.5 bath townhome in Gatesville, TX! This charming apartment offers a comfortable and convenient living experience in a prime location. With two bedrooms and one and a half bathrooms, this townhome provides ample space for you to relax and unwind. The kitchen is equipped with modern appliances including a refrigerator, dishwasher, electric range, and microwave, making
Looking for a peaceful and clean living environment? Look no further than this beautiful house that is now available for rent. This house is perfect for those who value a smoke-free atmosphere, as smoking is strictly prohibited on the premises. The house features a spacious large living room with plenty of natural light, creating a warm and inviting space for relaxation and entertainment.
Step inside to discover a warm and welcoming interior, complete with ample natural light and thoughtful details. The layout allows for easy movement between rooms, making it a breeze to entertain or simply enjoy your own space. Don\'t miss this opportunity to own a delightful home in Gatesville, where comfort meets convenience. Schedule your viewing today and experience the charm of this lovely
Discover your new sanctuary in the charming town of Gatesville, TX! This beautifully maintained 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home offers a perfect blend of comfort and modern living. Step inside to find a spacious open floor plan that invites natural light, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere. The well-appointed kitchen features sleek countertops and ample storage, making it an ideal space for
ALL UTILITIES INCLUDED!Looking for simple, hassle-free living? This cozy 1-bedroom, 1-bath Lakota Cabin includes electricity, water, sewer, trash and lawn care in your monthly rent- no utility deposit, no surprise bills and only one payment each month. This s340-square-foot cabin offers an efficient layout that's perfect for one person who values convenience and affordability. Enjoy a quiet
Located in the heart of Gatesville, this charming rental home features three bedrooms and two bathrooms. The property includes a storage building and a covered back patio. The kitchen is equipped with a refrigerator, a standalone electric range, and a dishwasher. Central heating and air maintain a comfortable climate. The house has an indoor laundry room with hookups for a washer and dryer. The
Are you in search of a charming abode that offers both comfort and convenience? Look no further than this delightful 1200-square-foot house in Gatesville, TX. Built in 1970, this well-maintained property boasts three spacious bedrooms and two bathrooms, providing ample space for all your needs. Equipped with modern amenities, this house ensures a hassle-free living experience. The fully
COMMERICIAL RENT OFFICE STORE FRONTAGE all utilities included. Shared bathroom 2 rooms with your own private entrance. also inlcudes kitchen area and store/office frontage on hwy 36, PRIVATE ENTRANCE
Local Logic measures the walkability, access to public transit and bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
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.
