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
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On average, homes in Kilgore, TX sell after 92 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in Kilgore, TX over the last 12 months is $294,950, down 9% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
COUNTRY SETTING ON ALMOST 1 ACRE, 3 BEDROOM, 2 BATH MH WITH LARGE YARD, REAR DECK OVERLOOKS WOODED AREA. 2 SHOP BUILDINGS OR WORKSHOPS WITH 2 CAR COVERED PARKING. EASY ACCESS TO KILGORE OR LONGVIEW LOCATED HALFWAY BETWEEN KILGORE AND GREGG COUNTY AIRPORT.
Discover the possibilities with this completely remodeled 4-bedroom, 2-bath property in Kilgore, Texas. Offering a versatile combination of comfortable residential living and potential commercial use, this property is an excellent opportunity for a homeowner, entrepreneur, or investor. Inside, you'll find a spacious open-concept layout with a beautifully upgraded kitchen featuring incredible
4 BR 2 BATH ON LARGE CORNER LOT. HAS SEPERATE COMMERCIAL BUILDING WITH FRONTAGE ON HWY 31. This property is now active in an online auction. All offers must be submitted through the property's listing page on www.auction.com. The sale will be subject to a 5% buyer's fee premium pursuant to the Auction Terms and Conditions (minimums may apply). All auction bids will be processed subject to seller
$8,000.00 Buyer's Closing Cost Credit from Seller with this new asking price makes for building home equity at 2801 Royal Dr., Kilgore, Texas, a WIN-WIN! This lovely, established neighborhood is very convenient and desirable. The composition shingles are approximately five years old. The additional living room, with a corner fireplace and beam ceiling, has its own central HVAC and an attached
Great opportunity to own 2+ acres of land in Kilgore City Limits with endless potential! Located on Brown Street, this spacious tract offers the perfect setting for your custom home, investment property, or future development. Enjoy the convenience of being just minutes from downtown Kilgore, schools, shopping, dining, and major highways while still having plenty of room to spread out. Whether
Own your own piece of East Texas. Conveniently located between the historic communities of Kilgore and Henderson, this approximately 17.835-acre, unrestricted, wooded tract offers privacy, space, and the opportunity to enjoy the East Texas lifestyle. Just minutes from Interstate 20 and U.S. Highways 79 and 59, the property provides easy access to Dallas, Houston, Longview, Tyler, and regional air
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 or create a
7.721 acres of rural East Texas land ready for your vision. Located in Rusk County within Leveretts Chapel ISD, this tract offers privacy, flexibility, and room to build, place a manufactured home. or hold as an investment. It is also conveniently located near Kilogre! No improvements means a true blank canvas. Whether you’re planning a homesite, weekend retreat, or long-term investment, this
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Experience the perfect blend of modern comfort and peaceful country living in this beautifully upgraded 2022 home in Kilgore, Texas. Situated on nearly one acre, this 4-bedroom, 2-bathroom home offers 2,250 square feet of thoughtfully designed living space with picturesque views of the beautiful farm just across the road. Inside, you'll appreciate the attention to detail, including an upgraded
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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
? Fully Renovated 2-Bedroom, 2-Bath Duplex in KilgoreMove-in Ready October 1st!Looking for a spacious, beautifully updated rental? This nearly 1,500 sq. ft. 2-bedroom, 2-bath duplex has been fully renovated and is ready for its next resident!?? Property Highlights • 2 spacious bedrooms • 2 full bathrooms • Nearly 1,500 sq. ft. • Fully
Property Id: 2825093 Spacious, fully furnished 3-bedroom, 2-bath home in Kilgore with 11 beds and room for up to 14 people. Great for work crews, corporate stays, traveling professionals, relocating families, or temporary insurance housing. The home features a fully equipped kitchen, large dining and living areas, a beautiful stone fireplace, washer and dryer, Wi-Fi, and plenty of
Property Id: 2015636 Charming 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom home available for rent in Kilgore! This cozy unit is ready for a new tenant looking for comfortable, low-maintenance living in a convenient location. Details: 1 Bedroom / 1 Bathroom Rent: $850/month Deposit: $850 (equal to one month's rent) Address: 714 Crim St, Kilgore, TX Application Requirements: Proof
1 bedroom1 bathNew construction available for immediate move in. Granite, stainless, tile showers... all the extras! Water, trash, electric, yard care and HIGH SPEED INTERNET is provided! Washer dryer connections, central heat and air, designated parking.$1375/mth$750 dep12353 FM 2276 N #2, Kilgore, TXtext or call Pristine Property
Delight in this 4-bedroom, 2-bathroom house offering spacious areas. With 2300 sqft, it features a large backyard, carport, and sunroom. Ample amenities enrich the living experience, from hardwood and tile flooring, a fireplace, and ceiling fans, to a fully equipped kitchen that includes a dishwasher, microwave, and attractive hard surface countertops. The property features additional storage
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