Main Street oil town in East Texas, transitioning with new jobs
Twelve retired oil derricks loom over Kilgore's redeveloping downtown, serving as reminders and quasi-mascots for the Main Street city in East Texas. Even after a major Halliburton plant closed for good in 2020, Kilgore and its industrial economy continue to grow as new employers bring more jobs to the city of 13,000. "Our golden age was during the oil boom, so a lot of our buildings and homes were built during that time in the 1930s and ’40s," says Stacey Cole, director of the Kilgore Public Library. "We do try, when we can, to renovate and restore. But sometimes it's just not possible, so we kind of get a mix. But the citizens love the history and the nostalgia."
Kilgore honors its oil history with a small replica of the World's Richest Acre.
An aerial view of Kilgore reveals the vibrant cityscape surrounded by green landscape.
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A diversifying industrial job market and connections with major cities
Today in Kilgore, oil and natural gas companies only claim a portion of the job market, which now leans toward major manufacturers like Yamaha and Wagner Tuning. "We have a very good economic development corporation that is excellent at bringing in new businesses," Cole says. Several major employers, like Orgill and UTZ Chips, sit in Synergy Business Park. "That's another one of our quality-of-life resources because it's got a nice walking trail around a lake," Cole says. Other employers in the area include the school district and Roy H. Laird Memorial Hospital.
Roy Laird Memorial Hospital serves as a vital healthcare resource for the Kilgore community.
Oil jobs remain a key industry driving Kilgore's economy and growth.
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Downtown redevelopment includes rehabs and new builds
The median price for a single-family home in Kilgore is around $267,500, below the median price in the larger city of Longview, about 12 miles away. Options include new builds, rehabs of oil boom-era properties, slab homes and a number of empty lots. Kilgore is seeing historical preservation alongside real estate development, thanks largely to the Texas Main Street City program. Downtown redevelopment leaves some established homes to renovate and empty spaces to build on within the city core. Meanwhile, land buyers typically pay between $15,000 and $50,000 per acre.
Downtown Kilgore shines under a breathtaking sunset.
Ranch-style homes on acreage offer peaceful country living in Kilgore.
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A nostalgic and mural-heavy Texas Main Street City
New and restored murals have helped enliven the exteriors of repurposed spaces like the old post office, now an event center. Downtown attractions include game stores, cafes, cantinas, museums and two historic theaters. Supermarkets and big-box stores are scattered throughout Kilgore to help with weekly errands.
Shopping and dining downtown Kilgore offers a mix of charm and convenience.
Walmart in Kilgore provides a go-to spot for all your shopping needs.
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Much ado at the Texas Shakespeare Festival
Local events include NASA-themed programs at the Kilgore Public Library and a Christmas parade. The city also hosts popular regional events, including a free Oktoberfest featuring oom-pah bands, a beer garden and even a nonalcoholic root beer garden. Plus, the Texas Shakespeare Festival takes the stage every summer. "We have world-class actors come and perform Shakespeare plays, a musical and a children's play," Cole says. "The library gives away lots of tickets to the children's performance so that everyone can be exposed to those. They're world-class actors who come here, which is pretty amazing."
A new high school planned for Kilgore ISD
Although Kilgore is split between Gregg and Rusk counties, all students are zoned for the Kilgore Independent School District, rated B-minus by Niche. The district oversees roughly 3,800 students across five schools, although a new high school is under construction as the population increases. "Our old high school is also from the oil boom in the 1930s, so we desperately need a new high school," Cole says. The district also has several partnerships with Kilgore College, the local community college, including a dual-enrollment program. According to Chris Craddock, associate director of communications and public relations for Kilgore College, the program saw a 36.5% rise in participation during the last academic year.
Kilgore ISD supports students with execellent teachers and resources.
Kilgore Primary School provides quality education to the community.
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Public pools for escaping summer heat
Mountain biking is among the region's most popular outdoor activities, and Kilgore is home to trails along Big Head Creek, plus more in outer areas. Meadowbrook Golf Course's nine holes are another popular fixture. Kilgore City Park's splash pad and public pool are assets in a city where temperatures can reach triple digits in the summer months. "The pool house recently got renovated. And the pool is a big, big draw in the summer. We have people that come from all over to swim in our pool because a lot of nearby cities don't have pools anymore," Cole says. City facilities also include athletic complexes, community centers, playgrounds and skate parks.
Kilgore locals tee of at Meadowbrook Golf Course.
The trail offers the perfect spot for Kilgore locals to enjoy a leisurely walk.
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Piney Woods environs and declining crime rates
Kilgore is in the Texas Piney Woods, a densely forested region where wildlife sightings range from skunks under parked cars to coyotes in chicken coops. The city also faces tornado risks as well as riverine flooding along its many creeks, although few residential areas are affected. Interstate 20 grazes the north edge of town, connecting with Shreveport and Dallas-Fort Worth. Three major roads offer direct access to I-20, including U.S. Highway 259, Kilgore's primary connection with Nacogdoches. Kilgore is also home to the East Texas Regional Airport, offering connecting flights to major airports on American Airlines.
According to FBI data, violent crime rates are declining in Kilgore and remain below state and national figures. Property crime, meanwhile, has been on the rise since 2022. Motor vehicle thefts and petty larceny now sit above state and national figures. In 2024, Kilgore received almost $1 million in federal grants to help improve safety with new crisis intervention programs and enhanced officer training.
Melissa Sanches is a full time, full service real estate professional in North Texas, DFW and East Texas. She's an Honors Graduate of The University of North Texas with a bachelor's degree in psychology with a strong working knowledge of the local housing market. She has been blessed with being named a top listing agent for multiple years and invited to be a member of the prestigious rising professionals' network as well as inducted into NAHREP's National Top 250 Realtors. Her daughter, Preciosa Esperanza Lua-Sanches, is her "WHY" for being such a determined and ambitious REALTOR. She enjoys volunteering with her daughter's school, the local PTA, church and fundraising for multiple charities. She feels that her strongest asset is her willingness to listen to her client's needs whether it is in buying, selling, or leasing. Her goal is to have clients who feel confident referring her to friends and family. She specializes in residential listings, first time buyers, new construction, relocation, farm and ranch, commercial, and luxury transactions. So, give her a call and let her be your full-time real estate professional!
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