Hillsboro boomed between 1890 and 1910 thanks to its newly built railroad, and traces of this period can still be seen around town. Investors renovate century-old Queen Anne homes, and the Hillsboro Historic Preservation Commission maintains 19th-century-era businesses in the downtown district. Just over 8,200 people live in Hillsboro, and the population has remained steady for decades thanks to education, construction and manufacturing jobs. A cultural district filled with museums and restaurants and waterfront recreation on Lake Whitney adds to daily life in Hill County’s largest city. “We’re a city with low crime, job opportunities, good quality of life and limited traffic, and we’re excited when people are looking to get involved in the community,” says Jamie Siddons, a Realtor with Julie Siddons Realtors who has lived in Hillsboro for 39 years. “There’s a lot that makes people look at Hillsboro because it’s just a nice, easy life with no big-city stress.”
Hillsboro boomed between 1890 and 1910 largely due in part to the newly built railroad.
The Hillsboro Historic Preservation Commission maintains the 19th-century era businesses in downtown.
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Historic renovations and new subdivisions outside Hillsboro
New construction and plots of land are frequently on the Hillsboro market, and some of the city’s historic homes are sold as fixer-uppers and investment properties. “We have beautiful historic homes that have been remodeled, and we have a couple of new subdivisions outside the city,” Siddons says. “People like to live on more than just a lot in town; they want to live outside city limits on an acre or more.” The median home price is $260,000, less than the median prices in Waco, Fort Worth and Dallas.
You can find many restored historic homes while driving around Hillsboro.
Many families of Hillsboro opt for new subdivisions just outside of the city.
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Restaurants and museums in the Hillsboro Historic District
R&K Café II, Overflow Coffee and Hillsboro Antique Mall are just a few modern businesses neighboring pre-1900 banks, saloons and railroad stations in the downtown Hillsboro Residential Historic District. The century-old Grime’s Garage building now hosts Texas Through Time, a science museum dedicated to fossils discovered throughout the state. A few blocks away, The Roadside America Museum focuses on a different kind of history. All things nostalgic and kitschy fill the museum, from vintage cars and jukeboxes to neon signs and 50-year-old soda bottles.
Texas Through Time is a popular fossil museum many Hillsboro families enjoy.
R&K Cafe is a popular restaurant during all hours in downtown Hillsboro.
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From Fire and Ice to the Cider Crawl
The Historic District hosts celebrations nearly every month. The Fire and Ice dinner and whiskey tasting draws in crowds every February, while spring and summer bring monthly art walks and concerts. The year ends with an autumnal “Cider Crawl” and a holiday tree lighting in front of the courthouse.
Fishing and scuba diving at Lake Whitney
Of Hillsboro’s four public parks, Hillsboro City Park is the largest. It has tennis courts and a children’s musical installation with a xylophone and drums. The park is next to the Hillsboro Country Club, which has a private golf course, pool and clubhouse. Hillsboro is 14 miles from where the Brazos River meets Lake Whitney. Lake Whitney State Park has some of the best catfish and bass fishing in the region, and visitors can also scuba dive in the lake.
Hillsboro locals enjoy going fishing at Lake Whitney.
Hillsboro Country Club is close to many residents homes.
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Hillsboro ISD and Hill College
The Hillsboro Independent School District has over 2,000 students across four schools and earns a B on Niche. Hillsboro is also home to Hill College, which has operated since 1923. The college owns the Texas Heritage Museum, which has one of the country's largest collections of books on the Civil War and an artifact gallery dedicated to Texas’ military history.
Hillsboro Intermediate School continues to empower tomorrow's leaders.
Niche gives Hillsboro High School a 13:1 student-to-teacher ratio.
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Halfway between Austin, Fort Worth and Dallas
Interstate 35 cuts through the east side of Hillsboro and is a direct route to Austin and the Dallas-Fort Worth metro. Texas Routes 22 and 171 also go through the city. While the city has no permanent bus or train routes, Hillsboro receives on-demand transportation services from the Hill Country Transit District and the Heart of Texas Rural Transportation District. Hillsboro is 36 miles from the Waco Regional Airport and within 80 miles of both the Fort Worth Meacham and Dallas Fort Worth international airports.
Hot, dry Texas summers
The region has very hot summers and generally mild winters, with occasional wintertime cold fronts and sudden freezes. Spring and fall tend to be rainy, while summer and winter are dry.
According to the Texas Department of Public Safety, Hillsboro's crime rate increased by 30% between 2022 and 2023. In 2023, Hillsboro accounted for 40% of all crimes reported in Hill County.
Written By
Delaney Murray
Photography Contributed By
Debbie Giesbrecht
Video By
Chris Norton
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View this beautifully maintained home that blends modern features with classic comfort. The property boasts a newly installed roof and gutters plus 2 tankless water heaters, ensuring warm water and durability. Are you needing parking? The convenience of a circle drive with pebble rock, providing ample parking for up to 10 or more vehicles. The home is thoughtfully designed. Experience the joy of
This custom-built Austin limestone - Hardie board home sits on 23.85 acres with two ponds and was built in 2004. The home offers just over 4,000 square feet with 4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, and an oversized two car garage. The living room features a wood-burning fireplace with built-ins and opens to the kitchen and breakfast area. The kitchen is well appointed with a Jenn-Air cooktop, double oven,
Experience the best of country living with all the modern comforts in this BEAUTIFULLY RENOVATED all-brick home, nestled on 1.386 peaceful acres. Featuring 4 spacious bedrooms and 3 full bathrooms, this home offers an ideal layout for families, guests, or multigenerational living. Inside, you’ll love the fresh, stylish updates throughout—all-new textured walls, modern light fixtures, updated
Charming traditional 3-bedroom, 4-bathroom home in Hillsboro, Texas! This 2,058 square foot home sits on 0.4 acres in the Hillsboro School District and features beautiful original hardwood floors throughout. The home showcases 5 gas working fireplaces, adding warmth and character to multiple rooms. The impressive 14-foot ceilings create a grand, open feel throughout the home. The formal dining
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This 10 acre tract in Hillsboro, Texas offers a solid agricultural opportunity with frontage on State Highway 22. Conveniently located between Hillsboro and Corsicana, the open land is well suited for crops, livestock, a new home, or a business venture. With no restrictions, the possibilities are wide open. A water meter is available through Brandon Irene Water. Buyers are encouraged to verify
Experience the best of country living with all the modern comforts in this BEAUTIFULLY RENOVATED all-brick home, nestled on 1.386 peaceful acres. Featuring 4 spacious bedrooms and 3 full bathrooms, this home offers an ideal layout for families, guests, or multigenerational living. Inside, you’ll love the fresh, stylish updates throughout—all-new textured walls, modern light fixtures, updated
This well-maintained duplex in Hillsboro offers a solid investment opportunity, with both units currently occupied and generating $1,100 per month per unit in rental income. Located in the desirable Hillsboro Country Club subdivision, the property is within walking distance of the nine-hole golf course and the country club. Built around 1990, each unit features approximately 1,156 square feet of
You have to see this exceptional residential lot on the brand new Electra St, offering a prime canvas for your dream home. The city street has just been completed. If you love to play golf, this and several more are located in the Country Club subdivision and within walking distance to the Hillsboro Country Club golf course. If you become a member of the Hillsboro Country Club, you will have
You have to see this exceptional residential lot on the brand new Electra St, offering a prime canvas for your dream home. The city street will be completed very soon. If you love to play golf, this lot and several more are located in the Country Club subdivision and within walking distance to the Hillsboro Country Club golf course. Become a member of the Hillsboro Country Club and you will have
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