New homes, school and city buildings show growth in Hallsville
Hallsville has emerged as a city fueled by growth, anchored by a sought-after school district in Harrison County. "I would describe Hallsville as a small, tight-knit community. A lot of what they do centers around the school district," says Jay Terry, an East Texas resident and seasoned Realtor with United Country - H5 Auction & Realty. Recent years have brought a wave of development as Hallsville embraces progress. The area contains a recently built elementary school, and new homes are entering the market. A ribbon-cutting was held in the summer of 2025 to commemorate the new City Hall building. Current projects include demolishing a Southwestern Electric Power Company plant to erect a natural gas facility. As the area changes, residents stay connected through events and the central school system.
Hallsville schools earn solid ratings and anchor the community
The heart of Hallsville beats the strongest around its schools, which also draw students from the neighboring Longview. Hallsville North Elementary receives a B-plus rating from Niche, while Hallsville East Elementary has a B. Hallsville West Elementary opened in 2023 to relieve overcrowding issues; the school is unrated on Niche. The A-minus-rated Hallsville Intermediate accepts students in fifth to sixth grade. Hallsville Junior High earns an A-minus, and Hallsville High has an A. Residents enjoy visiting Bobcat Stadium for high school football games. The district has plans to upgrade the Hallsville ISD Baseball Complex, including parking lot expansions. Many teens graduate from the school system and move on to Kilgore College, about 20 miles away.
Hallsville’s population has increased alongside new home construction
Hallsville contains wooded lots with secluded homes and custom-built houses inside subdivisions. According to the U.S. Census, the community's population jumped by over 50% between 2000 and 2020, demonstrating significant growth. "There have been a lot of newly built homes that can be on smaller acreage or larger tracts of land with 20 to 100 acres," Terry says. Saddle Brook and Tealwood subdivisions contain some of Hallsville's newest homes. New Traditional houses, barndominiums showing metal exteriors and ranch-style homes are throughout the area. Smaller houses usually cost around $135,000 to $370,000, depending on the build year. Residences over 2,250 square feet generally start from $300,000 to $600,000. However, larger properties on several acres can sell for more.
Western Days features a cook-off, pageant and a 5K race
The city and local organizations host multiple community events throughout the year, but one stands out among the rest. "They have Hallsville Western Days and a chili cook-off. It's one of those things where people come out and support the community," Terry says. The two-day gathering began as a fundraiser for the local park and evolved into a 50-year tradition. The event features a parade and a beauty pageant. A 5K fun run takes place on a trail behind Hallsville High, and children wear western-themed attire to school.
Visiting Hallsville City Park and Lake O' the Pine
Hallsville City Park, which spans a city block, is the main community green space. The park includes a paved path, basketball courts and colorful play equipment. There are also covered pavilions for picnics and private birthday parties. Christmas lights illuminate the space for the Park Celebration in winter. Lake O' the Pines, roughly 30 miles north, is a popular destination for camping and water sports. Several public parks and boat ramps are sprinkled around the large body of water. The lake is home to catfish, sunfish and multiple bass species.
Businesses are down Highway 80
Most retail and restaurant spaces are off Highway 80. Locals pick up groceries at Brookshire's and order a meal at a chain or local eatery. Popular dining options include casual spots like Milano's Pizza, Bodacious Bar-B-Q and Miss Minnie's Place. The Hallsville Chamber of Commerce actively supports local shops and storefronts. The Chamber often hosts grand opening ceremonies for new businesses. The group recently held the first Annual Shop Hallsville event, which turns City Park into an open market space with live music.
Highway 80 and I-20 connect to nearby cities
Hallsville contains multiple houses of worship, including Trails End Cowboy Church and Mulberry Springs Baptist Church. Public transit in the region is limited, so most travel by car. "Highway 80 and Interstate 20 have made it very convenient for people to move out of Longview to go to a smaller community with an excellent school district, but still come back to Longview to work," Terry says. The highway leads to Longview in roughly 10 miles, while Marshall is about 12 miles in the opposite direction.
Severe weather is likely in Harrison County
The county is prone to heavy rain, which can lead to flash floods. During severe weather, there is also a risk of high winds and tornadoes.
Written By
Ashley Kennedy
