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.
Written By
Tom Jakob
Photography Contributed By
Aylin Reyna
Video By
Jason Jacot
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
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On average, homes in Kilgore, TX sell after 71 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Kilgore, TX over the last 12 months is $245,000, down 17% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
61+/- ACRES IDEAL FOR DEVELOPMENT LOCATED IN KILGORE INDUSTRIAL PARK. FRONTAGE ON COX RD AND POST OAK. SABINE ISD. 1 BLOCK FROM INTERSTATE 20 AT HWY 42 EXIT.
Discover 65 Acres of East Texas Opportunity!Just outside of Kilgore, this beautiful 65± acre tract offers the perfect blend of privacy, accessibility, and natural East Texas beauty. The land is wooded with well-maintained trails, making it ideal for hunting, recreation, or a private homesite.Approximately 20% of the property is bottomland, offering a perfect spot to dig a large pond
Charming and cozy three bedroom two bath home in the heart of Kilgore offering comfort, value, and thoughtful updates. This inviting property features a covered back porch ideal for relaxing or entertaining, along with covered carport parking for up to three vehicles. Inside, the kitchen shares space with the dining area and washer and dryer, featuring white cabinets with black countertops for a
Welcome to your East Texas retreat! This well-maintained 3-bedroom, 2-bath home sits on 3 peaceful acres inside Kilgore city limits, offering the perfect blend of country charm and in-town convenience. The property features a serene private pond, ideal for quiet mornings or evening relaxation, and a large metal storage building perfect for equipment, hobbies, or additional storage needs. Step
Estimated 1 Acre for sale. Sabine ISD. Feet displayed on the boundary lines of the GCAD photo are estimates drawn inside the GCAD software with the measure tool. They are estimates and for information purposesonly. They are not to be taken as factual.
1.5 to 50+ acre industrial/ commercial sites available in Independence Industrial Park in Kilgore, TX. Kilgore has been the premier industrial hub of East Texas dating back to the 1930s. With multiple major thoroughfares traversing the city, Independence Industrial Parks location offers businesses a logistical advantage with a centralized position between Texass largest cities as well as
Set on 100 scenic acres in the East Texas piney woods, The Landing Event Center offers a rare opportunity to purchase both expansive land and a thriving event venue. The 8,228 sq. ft. commercial building is centrally located between Longview, Kilgore, and Henderson, just minutes from Gregg County Airport and less than a mile from Lake Cherokee. Built in 2015, this fully furnished, turnkey
Lake Springs Ranch is the epitome of a true East Texas live-water ranch. The property has 2 main creeks, several seep-springs, a 10 +/- acre spring-fed lake, 13,116 sqft luxury home with an infinity edge pool, fully high-fenced with exotics, and a perfectly balanced landscape with open pasture for grazing and densely wooded areas for cover. This versatile ranch is perfectly set up for living,
Great Development Opportunity on this Amazing 136+/- acre tract near Kilgore, TX. This is prime for a "ranchette" residential subdivision that will fill a massive gap in the area housing market! The Subdivision Concept Aerial shows approximately 90 lots overlaid. It certainly will make a great farm & ranch to homestead or a recreational/ hunting tract as well. The serene
This charming Southern home sits on approximately 55 acres and has been impeccably maintained with heart & history! A classic home ready for a new story! This 3 bedroom, 2 bath home offers a warm & welcoming atmosphere, with an eating nook, breakfast bar & a formal dining room along with a large living area with a wood burning fireplace. Let me just say, you will not lack for closet space in this
Kelly HaleTexas Real Estate Executives, The Daniels Group - Gladewater
Discover your own East Texas retreat on this beautiful 20.4-acre wooded tract located at 8441 W Go Forth Rd, Kilgore, TX, within highly sought-after Sabine ISD. Tucked away in the peaceful countryside yet just a short drive to Sabine schools, Hwy 31, and I-20, this property offers the perfect blend of privacy and convenience. Gently rolling terrain, mature hardwoods, and striking sycamore trees
Unique land ownership opportunity. One co-owner is SELLING INTEREST in over 330 acres of land. Beautiful heavily treed property along either side of South County Road 245 in the piney woods of East Texas. Wonderful get-away, vineyard, bed and breakfast, retreat or event center, recreational development or residential development represent a few of numerous possibilities for the land in this
Glen Hollow offers residents of Kilgore apartment living to fit any need. Neatly manicured grounds, superior service, affordable pricing, and spacious, uniquely designed 1, 2 & 3 bedroom floor plans. Glen Hollow truly offers something for everyone. Minutes from Kilgore College, restaurants, and shopping, once you are here you will not want to leave. Unlike other apartment communities, at Glen
*Kilgore home for lease* 2384 sq ft brick home at 2227 Danville Rd with 4 beds, 2.5 baths, plus 2 bonus rooms with abundant closet space and storage. Nestled just outside Kilgore city limits, this home is featuring a ~300 sq ft sunroom overlooking a new 350-ft privacy fence and a large pet-friendly backyard with pasture views next to historic Danville Farms. Recently updated with new paint
Rocky Creek Townhomes are centrally located between Tyler & Longview in the highly sought after Sabine Independent School District. Each unit has it's own fenced in back yard & extra concrete parking is available. It is across the street from the city park & centrally located between the elementary & junior/high schools. Trash & lawn care is included with the rent. 1 pet under 20 lbs. is
This charming 2 bedroom, 2 bath single family home with large deck and front porch is located on Modisette Circle off of River Road. The property is close to Kilgore and Liberty City areas and quick access to Interstate 20. Refrigerator, stove and microwave are included. We will allow 1 small pet (under 20 lbs. fully grown) with a $450.00 non refundable pet deposit and a $25.00 per
Rocky Creek Townhomes are centrally located between Tyler & Longview in the highly sought after Sabine Independent School District. Each unit has it's own fenced in back yard & extra concrete parking is available. It is across the street from the city park & centrally located between the elementary & junior/high schools. Trash & lawn care is included with the rent. 1 pet under 20 lbs. is
Rocky Creek Townhomes are centrally located between Tyler & Longview in the highly sought after Sabine Independent School District. Each unit has it's own fenced in back yard & extra concrete parking is available. It is across the street from the city park & centrally located between the elementary & junior/high schools. Trash & lawn care is included with the rent. 1 pet under 20 lbs. is
? Now Available: Modern Studio Apartment Near Kilgore College! ?Looking for a cozy and convenient place to call home in Kilgore? This 400 sq. ft. studio apartment is move-in ready and full of charm. Located in a like new build, it offers comfort, style, and a great location!?? Key Features:?? Open layout ?? Washer and dryer connections for hassle-free laundry days?? Just 3
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