On the eastern end of Texas, close to the Louisiana border, Henderson offers affordable homes and a strong sense of community. The city was founded in 1843, before the state of Texas was founded, and named after the first governor of Texas. In present day, the city of about 13,000 is the county seat of Rusk County. “We’ve still got the small-town feel. There’s a lot of people helping people. If someone in our area needs help, the community steps up. That’s important to a lot of people,” says Martha McDougal, an associate broker with Century 21 Heritage Realty and Henderson resident. McDougal notes that because of that, the city has a lot of longtime residents. The job market in Henderson is slow but steady, with education, Bradshaw State Jail and law enforcement bringing in most of the employment.
A vibrant oil mural brings color and life to downtown Henderson.
Henderson city's heartbeat shines through from the sky, showcasing its vibrancy.
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Homes priced lower than the national median
The median single-family home price in Henderson is around $255,000, well below the national median. Many homes in the city were built between the 1960s and ’80s, though it’s not uncommon to find a home built around the 1920s. Ranch homes are common, though there are some bungalows and Victorian homes as well. Plenty of land is still available on the outskirts of the city in neighborhoods like the Terra Nova subdivision. “Mostly people here buy a lot and custom build,” McDougal says. “We would love to have someone come in and build new subdivisions, though.”
In Henderson, charming single-family homes in the area priced around $255k.
Victorian-style homes add charm to the neighborhood in Henderson.
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Downtown Henderson has local shops and restaurants
Downtown Henderson is the city’s hub for local shops, businesses and restaurants. The downtown area has everything from government buildings to boutique shops and antique stores. Much of the city’s dining options are along US-79, ranging from fast-food spots to local sit-down restaurants.
Campfire Coffee serves Henderson locals with brews in a cozy setting.
Henderson offers a variety of antique shops for treasure hunters to explore.
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Old fashioned cane syrup at the Heritage Syrup Festival
Henderson’s downtown area is also home to several city events throughout the year, including Main Street Mardi Gras and one of Henderson’s longest-running events, the Heritage Syrup Festival. Known by locals as “the sweetest festival in Texas,” the popular event features live music, local vendors and a petting zoo, plus old-fashioned cane syrup made using mule-powered equipment. Part of the festival takes place at the Depot Museum, home to the Rusk County History Museum and Children’s Discovery Center.
Locals enjoy performances at Henderson Civic Theater inside the historic Opera House.
The Museum Depot in Henderson showcases the town's rich history and local heritage.
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State Highway 64 makes an easy route to Tyler
Many residents in Henderson drive to get around due to a lack of public transportation. However, the city’s proximity to State Highway 64 makes it easy for residents to get to Tyler, the nearest major city, which is about 34 miles away. The closest regional airport is the Tyler Pounds Regional Airport, which is about 41 miles away. The airport flies commercial service to the Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport.
Henderson Independent School District
The Henderson Independent School District receives a B-minus from Niche. The district has a student body of about 3,400 spread across its six schools, making it the biggest school district in Rusk County. Henderson is also home to the Full Armor Christian Academy, a faith-based private school teaching students from kindergarten through 12th grade.
The Trammell Schoolhouse preserves a piece of Henderson's educational history.
Henderson High School is a key educational institution in the heart of the community.
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Waterside activities at Lake Martin
Most Henderson residents are a walk or short drive away from one of the city’s five parks. Dog owners can take their pups to the Fair Paws Dog Park, which has two sections, one each for small or large dogs. Parks with pavilions can be rented out by residents for birthday parties or other celebrations. The Henderson Sports Complex, on the outskirts of the city, has several ball fields often used for Little League games. For a day on the water, Henderson is about 17 miles from Lake Martin. For the most part, Henderson has hot and humid summers, while winters are typically short and mild.
Henderson locals enjoy fishing at the lake at Forest Lake Park.
Henderson families gather and enjoy quality time at Fair Park.
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A higher crime rate than the national median
According to the Henderson Police Department, the city saw an overall rise in property and violent crimes from 2022 to 2023. The city reported a crime rate higher than the national figure.
Written By
Robert Breckenridge
Photography Contributed By
Aylin Reyna
Video By
Sara Warthen
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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.
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On average, homes in Henderson, TX sell after 80 days on the market compared to the national average of 49 days. The median sale price for homes in Henderson, TX over the last 12 months is $220,000, consistent with the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
PARTIALLY WOODED AND FRESHLY MULCHED NEW LISTING ON OVER 10 AC LESS THAN 1 MINUTES FROM HENDERSON STAR INTERSECTION. LOTS OF ROAD FRONTAGE ON 43 AND HUBBARD WITH EASY ACCESS. GREAT DEVELOPMENT, COMMERCIAL TRACT OR SEVERAL BUILDING SITES.
Welcome to 702 Slaydon St. This beautiful 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home is located in a desirable Henderson neighborhood! Featuring an updated kitchen with stunning granite countertops, new fixtures, modern appliances, and updated lighting, this home is move-in ready. The spacious living area is perfect for relaxing or entertaining, complete with a cozy fireplace, elegant built-ins, and large
Discover the perfect blend of traditional charm and modern convenience in this beautifully updated 3-bedroom, 2-bath residence in Henderson, TX. With attention to detail in every upgrade, this home radiates warmth and style from top to bottom.Step inside to appreciate the farmhouse aesthetic highlighted by wood beams in the great room ceiling along with shiplap walls in every room and hallway,
Welcome to the charm and comfort of this 2-bedroom, 1-bathroom gem situated in the friendly and vibrant district of Henderson, Texas. Cherished for its spacious layout and certainly a bright and cheerful atmosphere, this single-family home is the epitome of easy living. Large windows invite abundant natural light, illuminating the luxury vinyl plank flooring that runs throughout the property.
Newly Remodeled, Unique Flats and TownhomesOur comunity offers numerous amenities like a resident center with billiards, foosball and Wi-Fi to our resort-style pools. Our floorplans are unique. As a resident, your spacious flat or townhome will feature hardwood-style flooring, granite-style countertops, dark wood cabinets and brushed-nickel finishes.Featuring one and two bedroom
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