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.
1/2
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.
1/2
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.
1/2
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.
1/2
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.
1/2
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
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Julie Joy,
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
Prime opportunity in Jacksonville, Texas. This 0.10-acre level corner city lot is conveniently located just minutes fromdowntown Jacksonville and close to schools, shopping, and local restaurants. The lot offers excellent visibility andaccessibility, making it suitable for a residential build or potential business use. With a level terrain and corner positioning,the possibilities are
Just minutes from Lake Jacksonville, this beautifully renovated home offers the perfect blend of peaceful country living and everyday convenience. Nestled behind a gated entry on nearly 7 fully fenced acres, this Luxury East Texas Homestead Retreat is surrounded by mature trees, open pasture, and thoughtfully designed outdoor spaces that create both privacy and charm. Completely remodeled in 2021
Experience the perfect blend of modern comfort and serene country living with this stunning custom built home, completed in 2022 and nestled on 35 unrestricted acres in the heart of East Texas. This 1.5 story residence offers 4 bedrooms, 3 full bathrooms, and a thoughtfully designed layout ideal for both family living and entertaining. The open concept living area features a seamless flow into
Secluded place to build a home or possibly duplexes inside the city limits. Completely wooded but not heavily. Property has approximately 225 feet of road frontage on Myrtle Drive and about 164 feet of road frontage on Phillip Avenue. Water and electricity are available.
Turn this dwelling into your first home. It needs a bunch of fixup and could be made into a great rental property. The size of this fenced home will give you low utility bills. Drew Heights is a very quiet neighborhood. and close to Downtown Jacksonville.
2 acres outside the city limits between Rusk and Jacksonville. The land features quality timber, road frontage on County Road 3109, and is only a few miles from Lake Jacksonville. Making it a great spot for your next build or weekend retreat.
Whether you’re dreaming of building a custom home or cabin in a peaceful, wooded setting, or simply seeking recreational or hobby land for hunting, walking trails, or enjoying nature—this is the property for you! This beautiful 7.090-acre tract offers the perfect blend of privacy and convenience, located right off US Hwy 175 and just minutes from local shopping, dining, and schools in
Discover 10 sprawling acres in the highly desirable Bullard area—an exceptional opportunity for investors, farmers, ranchers, or anyone seeking a large, versatile piece of land in a prime East Texas location. This expansive property offers endless possibilities. Whether you're looking to develop, farm, raise livestock, hunt, or simply enjoy wide-open space, this acreage can accommodate it all.
QUIET COUNTRY SECLUSION This dwelling sits a third of a mile off the road and it is peaceful. The land consists of pasture and areas of scattered trees. It has a nice pond. There are storage buildings on the property. The home has appeal and does need maintenance that can be taken care of. A great place for a small family. The land has a gentle roll. About 15 minutes from Jacksonville.
Discover 23 sprawling acres in the highly desirable Bullard area—an exceptional opportunity for investors, farmers, ranchers, or anyone seeking a large, versatile piece of land in a prime East Texas location. This expansive property offers endless possibilities. Whether you're looking to develop, farm, raise livestock, hunt, or simply enjoy wide-open space, this acreage can accommodate it all.
Step into timeless character and lakeside charm with this unique 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom, 2-story home offering 2,440 square feet of living space. From the moment you enter, you’re greeted by rich wood panel walls, a stunning stone fireplace, and a dramatic spiral staircase that leads to a spacious second floor. The large, carpeted living room is perfect for relaxing or entertaining, while the
This brand-new investment property, located on a premium lot in Jacksonville, Texas, offers an exceptional opportunity. Newly constructed duplex - a total of two fully leased units secured with long-term tenants. Each unit is thoughtfully designed to provide modern comfort and convenience, featuring granite countertops throughout, shower/tub with tile surround, and a complete appliance package,
Charming 3 bedroom, 1.5 bath home for lease featuring a one-car garage and a fenced backyard perfect for relaxing, entertaining, or get togethers. Conveniently located near shopping, dining, hospitals, and parks, this home offers comfort and accessibility in a great location. Enjoy easy access to everyday amenities while having a cozy place to call home.
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.
