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
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Photography Contributed By
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Video By
Alex Finneran
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GreatSchools:
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Country Roads. Modern Vibes. Welcome Home. Experience the best of both worlds in this gorgeous 3-bedroom, 2-bath modern Craftsman, where peaceful country living meets everyday convenience. Featuring soaring ceilings with wood beams, an open-concept design, quartz countertops, custom cabinetry, a spa-like primary suite, designer finishes throughout, and all just minutes from town. Why choose
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
Welcome to your private East Texas escape! Nestled behind a gated entrance on 3.81 acres, this expansive 5-bedroom, 3 full bath, 2 half bath home with a 3-car garage offers space, functionality, and charm. A welcoming front porch sets the tone for this beautifully updated residence, with major improvements completed in 2022 and 2024. Inside, you're greeted by a flexible room on the right—perfect
4 BEDROOM 2 1/2 BATH BRICK WITH APPROX 2,350 SQUARE FEET OF LIVING SPACE ON NEARLY A HALF-ACRE WITH LOTS OF SHADE TREES. BUILT IN 1979, COVERED BACK PORCH OVERLOOKING PRIVACY FENCED BACK YARD. COVERED FRONT PORCH. LARGE OPEN DEN AND KITCHEN.
Prime opportunity in Jacksonville, Texas. This 0.10-acre level corner city lot is conveniently located just minutes from downtown Jacksonville and close to schools, shopping, and local restaurants. The lot offers excellent visibility and accessibility, making it suitable for a residential build or potential business use. With a level terrain and corner positioning, the possibilities are truly
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.
Welcome to your private lakefront retreat on Lake Jacksonville, where exceptional privacy meets pristine waterfront living on a rare double lot situated on a corner and spanning over an acre. Tucked away near the north end of the lake, this property offers a serene atmosphere and a quick commute to town! The thoughtfully renovated home features approximately 2,300 square feet of space, including
Charming and full of character, this 3 bedroom, 1.5 bath home in the heart of Jacksonville offers comfort, convenience, and a layout that truly feels like home. With 1,218 square feet, you’ll love the spacious kitchen, formal dining area. The entire interior was freshly painted in November 2025 including all ceilings, walls, doors, and baseboards. Complemented with brand-new flooring installed in
Don’t miss this rare opportunity to own a home built directly over the water on beautiful Lake Jacksonville. This two-story lakefront property, built in 2004, offers 2,844 square feet of comfortable living space and is priced $80,000 below the county’s appraised value. Inside, the home features two spacious living areas, four bedrooms upstairs, and a versatile flex room downstairs that can easily
PRICE REDUCED $33,300.00!!! An excellent, gently rolling piece of land with great pasture, scattered trees, and three ponds. The large tracts, east and west of this tract, have fine homes on them. Hay can be grown on the land, or cattle & horses can graze the land. This property is also a fantastic site for a potential home, given it is about 15 minutes from Jacksonville, Texas. The property does
This prime corner lot located at 250 Cedar Street in the heart of Jacksonville, Texas, offers an exceptional blank slate ready for immediate development. Situated within a mature, vibrant mixed-use neighborhood, the property boasts excellent visibility and unique accessibility thanks to its dual street frontage and convenient alley access. Whether you are an investor aiming to build an
Investor special in Jacksonville, TX! This 2-bedroom, 1-bath home on a spacious lot features a large backyard with plenty of potential. Perfect for rental income or a flip. Great opportunity for investors or buyers looking to renovate. Schedule your showing today.
Welcome to this beautifully designed, one-of-a-kind, like-new construction home, built in 2024 and nestled in the sought-after University Hills neighborhood of Jacksonville. Offering approximately 1,998 square feet, this thoughtfully crafted home features 4 bedrooms and 2.5 baths, providing an exceptional combination of style, comfort, and functionality. From the moment you step inside, you'll
Property Id: 44336 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 story floor plans to stretch out in. Located just a short distance from Wal-Mart, local restaurants, movie theaters and shopping.
Property Id: 67362 This 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 story
Property Id: 2830554 Welcome to your new home at 1513 Matthew St in Jacksonville! This cozy 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom unit is perfect for you and your furry friends. Enjoy amenities like on-site laundry, fitness center, and off-street parking. Don't miss out on this charming property for only $750/month!
Property Id: 2817907 ** Move-In Special** 1/2 off First Full Month! This 2-bed/1-bath apartment is an upstairs unit conveniently located just off Hwy 69/S Jackson St, within walking distance of Walmart and several restaurants! Enter the spacious living area with bright natural light and a window overlooking the kitchen. This unit features a fridge and stove in the kitchen, plus
Property Id: 2822899 Cute little brick house in a great area. Very close to the school. New roof. New paint throughout home. Lots of closets. Pics have been updated, previous pics were as work was being completed. The sweetest neighbors you will ever find. I plan on getting a new HVAC installed once I get the property rented. Want to get a 1 year lease. Prefer no smoking or outside only.
Welcome to this spacious 4-bedroom, 2-bathroom home that offers the perfect blend of rural tranquility and convenient access. Situated in a great location, you'll enjoy the peace and privacy of a country setting, while still being just 16 minutes sfrom Troup, 15 minutes from Jacksonville, and 26 minutes from Whitehouse. Inside, you'll find an efficient floor plan that maximizes every square foot
Come see this beautiful country home! Sits on half an acre for that relaxing country lifestyle. Large privacy fenced yard. Just a few minutes outside of town with a rural feeling.
Coming Soon, first of September. Come see this lovely 2/2 duplex in this quiet 55 and older community that's right in the heart of Jacksonville. This unit has brand new flooring, paint, and cabinets throughout. Parking right in front of your door for easy in and out access to your home. Shopping, dining, and convenience stores are close by, and your yard maintenance is included in monthly
Available Now in Jacksonville. Come see this lovely, updated 2/2 duplex in this quiet 55 and older community. It's right in the heart of Jacksonville, and Its super clean inside and out. You are going to LOVE your neighbors in this quaint, one of a kind property. Covered parking is right in front of your door for easy in, and out access to your home. Shopping, dining, and convenience stores
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