Located over 100 miles from the closest metropolitan area, Jacksonville has been a small agricultural community since its founding. For almost 40 years, it was the state’s largest producer of tomatoes, earning the title "tomato capital of the world.” Agriculture and livestock continued to be significant industries through the 20th century, and manufacturing and healthcare now also support the city. A steady stream of jobs and the promise of days spent boating on Lake Jacksonville have drawn in new people from as far as the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, bringing the population to just over 14,000 people. “Many people work at the area hospitals or schools. Others work in the oil field and travel to support their families,” says Julie Robinson, a Realtor with Century 21 Action Team and a local Chamber of Commerce board member. “We are seeing more and more remote workers move into our rural community as well to search for a more laid-back way of life.”
Jacksonville, TX has a lively and charming downtown.
Jacksonville, Texas is a Historic town located in East Texas and is know for its tomatos.
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Lakefront homes half the price of Dallas properties
The median home price in Jacksonville is $209,500, less than half the Dallas median. Ranch-style homes, custom builds and open tracts of land are all available. Properties along Lake Jacksonville are some of the most in-demand offerings. On average, homes in Jacksonville sell after 76 days compared to the national average of 45 days.
Find Ranch homes throughout Jacksonville neighborhoods.
Find Contemporary home builds along Lake Jacksonville in Jacksonville, Texas.
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Days on the water at Lake Jacksonville
As more people have come to Jacksonville, the city has focused on updating its recreation offerings. “The parks, nature trails and Lake Jacksonville have all gotten improvements to appeal to people looking for a rural life with access to nature,” Robinson says. Lake Jacksonville shapes the city's west side, and the 1,000-acre reservoir is open for camping, boating and swimming. Less than 5 miles from the lake, Nichols’ Green Park has enough space for a disc golf course, and tennis and basketball courts. Across town, Cherokee Ranch Golf Club has offered public tee time since 1936. River Run Park has off-roading ATV courses along the Neches River just outside city limits.
Jacksonville locals love spending the weekend at Lake Jacksonville.
Spend time playing with the family at Nichol's Green Park in Jacksonville.
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Jacksonville ISD athletes play at the Tomato Bowl
Jacksonville Independent School District receives a B rating on Niche. Jacksonville ISD’s football and soccer teams play in the historic, rock-lined Tomato Bowl, which has been here since the 1930s. The city has its own college — Jacksonville College, a two-year private school. The college is operated by the Baptist Missionary Association of America, which also runs a seminary school and over 20 local churches.
Jacksonville College in Jacksonville is the provides its students a faith-based education.
Jacksonville High School now utilizes the historic Tomato Bowl Stadium Downtown.
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East Rusk Street shapes downtown Jacksonville
Jackson Street has grocery stores and chain restaurants, while Jacksonville’s downtown district is concentrated on East Rusk Street. Downtown has museums, boutique shopping and standout restaurants. Ritual Laboratorium was featured in East Texas Weekend magazine for its unique concept, which combines a 1920s soda fountain with a yoga studio and med spa. A block away, Sadler’s Kitchen has been in Jacksonville for 30 years and is known for made-from-scratch pies. Vanishing Texana Museum displays curiosities and artifacts worldwide, from a Mastodon tooth to Roman coins.
The historic buildings of Jacksonville have undergone renovations, revitalizing the area.
Get your hair done at any one of Jacksonvilles many friendly hair salons.
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Tomato Fest in the Tomato Capital
Jacksonville’s legacy as the “tomato capital of the world” is celebrated every year at the summertime Tomato Fest. The event features tomato eating contests, classic car shows, live music and an open-air market with food and art vendors. Some smaller events also nod to the city’s agricultural history, including the charity Tomato Run 5K events.
National highways and the Texas State Railroad
U.S. Highways 69, 79 and 175 and State Highway 135 bisect the city and connect to the rest of the region. The primary public transit option is the GoBus, an on-demand bus service. A still-active section of the Texas State Railroad runs through Jacksonville and is used for scenic tours throughout East Texas. The closest full-service commercial airport is Dallas Love Field, 120 miles away.
Seasonal flooding on Gum Creek
Jacksonville has hot summers and mild winters that rarely dip below-freezing temperatures. The community has some chances of flooding, and the flood risk is higher around Gum and Ragsdale creeks than Lake Jacksonville. According to the Jacksonville Police Department, crime decreased 16% between January 2023 and January 2024. This included a decrease in violent crime but an increase in property crimes like burglary and car theft.
Written By
Delaney Murray
Photography Contributed By
Clayton Hurst
Video By
Alex Finneran
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Reach out to
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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 Jacksonville, TX sell after 80 days on the market compared to the national average of 49 days. The median sale price for homes in Jacksonville, TX over the last 12 months is $200,000, down 12% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome to Your Dream Home in Cherokee Club Estates! Nestled in the heart of a desirable golf course community, this beautifully maintained 4-bedroom, 3-bath home offers 3,311 sq ft of spacious living. Located in the sought-after Cherokee Club Estates, this two-story residence blends timeless charm with modern updates, making it truly move-in ready. Step inside to find fresh interior paint
Welcome to this beautifully renovated 4-bedroom, 2-bath home, offering 1,678 sqft of modern living space. With a spacious open layout, this home has been thoughtfully updated with stylish finishes, creating a comfortable and inviting atmosphere for everyday living. Whether you're entertaining or relaxing, this home provides the perfect balance of function and elegance. Outside, you'll find a
Come see this tranquil country estate, nestled on 13.827 sprawling acres near beautiful Lake Jacksonville! A paved, fence-lined driveway welcomes you to a stunning 4-bedroom, 4.5-bathroom home with a detached guest house. Inside, wood floors, vaulted ceilings, and abundant natural light create a warm and inviting ambiance. A designated entryway leads to the living room, where a striking
Welcome to your new sanctuary at 188 Lakeside Dr.! This charming 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom lake cabin has been completely remodeled and is just waiting for you to call it home. Picture yourself relaxing on the spacious front porch, soaking in the serene beauty of the surrounding countryside. Nestled in a peaceful and exclusive community, you'll enjoy access to Pine Crest Lake, a stunning 200-acre
Escape to peace and quiet just outside of Jacksonville, Texas! This 1993 manufactured home offers 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and sits on a spacious 1.23-acre lot—perfect for those looking for a bit of elbow room. Close to town amenities and extra storage for vehicles.
2.57 Acres with Live Creek, Utilities, and Building Pads – Prime Location! Unrestricted land!!! Explore the potential of this 2.57-acre property, offering a beautiful natural setting with mature trees around perimeter, a small creek. Fenced on three sides, the land is ready for your next project—whether you're building a home, starting a homestead, or investing in future development. Included
Property Id: 67362This newly renovated "Oasis" unit features granite countertops, designer lighting, custom paint and flooring upgrades.Quiet and comfortable townhome living. Live Oaks offers its residents the finest in community living. Featuring the perfect combination of conveniences, comfort and commitment to quality. At Live Oaks you will find newly renovated one and two
Come lease this adorable 3 bedroom 2 bathroom home located in Jacksonville! Features a open living room, dining and kitchen. Vinyl plank flooring and blinds. Galley kitchen boasts ample cabinet space and a pantry and vinyl floors. Refrigerator, microwave and stove included. Well appointed bedrooms are comfortable with sizeable closets. Primary bathroom hosts: tub/shower, vanity with single sink,
Property Id: 42893Quiet and comfortable townhome living. Live Oaks offers its residents the finest in community living. Featuring the perfect combination of conveniences, comfort and commitment to quality. At Live Oaks you will find newly renovated one and two story floor plans to stretch out in. Located just a short distance from Wal-Mart, local restaurants, movie theaters and shopping.
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