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?
Reach out to
Mark Coleman,
an experienced agent in this area.
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On average, homes in Kilgore, TX sell after 67 days on the market compared to the national average of 56 days. The median sale price for homes in Kilgore, TX over the last 12 months is $300,000, up 12% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome to this beautifully maintained 3-bedroom 2-bath home nestled in a lovely, well-established neighborhood. As soon as you step inside you will enjoy the comfortable and stylish space. The kitchen has new custom cabinets with plenty of butcher block countertop space, with absolutely gorgeous backsplash. The two bathrooms have been updated. Take a walk into the back yard large enough for
Welcome home to charm, space, and character—all perfectly positioned on a generous half-acre corner lot in the heart of Kilgore! With 2,454 square feet of thoughtfully designed living space and expansive front and back yards, this property offers the room and flexibility today’s buyers are searching for. Step inside to discover two oversized living areas, each featuring its own cozy
Welcome home to charm, space, and character—all perfectly positioned on a generous half-acre corner lot in the heart of Kilgore! With 2,454 square feet of thoughtfully designed living space and expansive front and back yards, this property offers the room and flexibility today’s buyers are searching for. Step inside to discover two oversized living areas, each featuring its own cozy
Welcome to this exceptional 6-bedroom, 5-bathroom home offering 3,716 square feet of thoughtfully designed living space, situated on 3.63 beautifully treed acres. This stunning property also features a private attached apartment with 1 bedroom and 1 bathroom—perfect for guests, extended family, or rental potential. Step inside to soaring ceilings and a spacious living room anchored by a gorgeous
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.
Welcome to 2509 Broadway, a well-maintained residence offering comfort, space, and a central location in the heart of Kilgore. This inviting home features three bedrooms and two bathrooms, a functional floor plan, and plenty of natural light throughout. The spacious living area provides a warm and welcoming atmosphere, while the kitchen is equipped with ample cabinetry and countertop space,
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.
Come see this beautiful custom home situated on 1.468 acres outside the city limits! Conveniently located between Kilgore, Longview and Henderson, this gorgeous home has a fabulous open/split primary sutie floor plan and is a true showstopper! This home is a 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath with a large 2 car garage AND has a bonus closet for ample storage. The kitchen is a beauty with gorgeous granite
HOME ONLY Brand new 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom home located in Kilgore ISD on a desirable corner lot. This home has never been lived in and offers a fresh, modern feel throughout. It includes a 5-year home warranty for added peace of mind. Buyers have the option to purchase the home and move it to a new location, or lease the current lot for $375 per month, which includes water, sewer, and trash
1 acre for sale in Kilgore, TX! 3108 Dudley Road offers easy access to Highway 259, electric pole, septic system, and water meter. This lot is inside the city limits. Zoning to be confirmed, but it appears to be zoned for duplex. New owner will have options with this property, though no mobile homes are allowed. Survey available. Come see this lot today!
Clean, well maintained 3 bedroom 2 bathroom mobile home on an expansive 23 acre tract offering privacy, space and endless potential. The home features an eat-in kitchen, comfortable living areas and thoughtful updates throughout making it move-in ready, and ideal as a primary residence, weekend retreat, or investment opportunity. The property is completely fenced and features a mix of open land,
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
GREAT LOCATION ON ALMOST 39 ACRES JUST 10 MINUTES FROM LOOP ON HWY 259 IN JUDSON AREA. EXCELLENT COMMERCIAL LOCATION IN AREA OF CONTINUED GROWTH IN THE NORTH LONGVIEW AREA. ALMOST 700 FEET OF ROAD FRONTAGE ON HIGHWAY 259 NORTH. EXCELLENT FOR DEVELOPMENT. NO RESTRICTIONS. HIGHWAY HAS TURNAROUND / CROSSING IN FRONT OF THE PROPERTY. PROPERTY HAS OLDER WELL BUILT FARM HOUSE THAT WOULD MAKE EXCELLENT
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
Property Id: 2398139This 1-bed, 1-bath duplex is looking for a new resident! This unit has a good sized living room and an adorable kitchen. The backyard is fully fenced and has a covered patio!Pets welcome with some breed restrictions for just a one time fee/deposit. No monthly pet rent!Reach out today to learn more and to schedule your own private tour!
225 N. Pine Street: This beautiful 2 bed, 1 bath duplex is located in Sabine ISD, Liberty City area. Appliances are furnished except for washer and dryer. The back yard is fully fenced. This unit also includes a 1 car garage. 1 pet under 20 pounds fully grown is allowed with prior approval from management. There is a $450.00 non-refundable pet deposit and a $25.00 per month pet fee. We
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
Explore the charming simplicity of 127 Loblolly Lane in Kilgore, TX, where this delightful tiny home offers a serene escape in the heart of East Texas. Nestled among the towering pines, this cozy retreat features one inviting bedroom and a well-appointed full bathroom, providing all the essentials for comfortable living. Imagine waking up each morning to the soft rustle of leaves, as natural
Welcome to Sugar Maple Estates in the heart of Kilgore, Texas. This community features brand new, never before lived-in homes with three spacious bedrooms and two full bathrooms. Each home has an open floor plan and ample kitchen space, as well as a good-sized front porch to relax on after a long day.
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