Lake Jackson still benefits from the work of Alden B. Dow
Lake Jackson is known for its abundance of trees and quirky, sometimes confusing street names from “This Way” to “That Way” and “Any Way.” All of these “way” streets lead to its midcentury-modern downtown offering a selection of tried-and-true local eateries and boutiques. Though Lake Jackson has “lake” in its name, it’s formed around an oxbow-shaped tributary of the Brazos River. Fishing is naturally a pastime here and the city's Sea Center of Texas actively restocks surrounding waterways by producing over 20 million fish annually. Other cultural highlights of the city are the Lake Jackson Historical Museum and Brazosport College.
The Dow Chemical Company has a corporate office off Abner Jackson Parkway, serving not only as a major employer in the area, but also as a catalyst for the town's development in the early 1940s. Alden B. Dow, the son of the company’s founder, was the principal architect of the city. "[His father] started doing research and development on taking sea water and cleaning it out so people could drink it," says Lake Jackson Public Information Officer Lora-Marie Bernard, who has written several books about the town. "After that, that's when [they] started building the town."
Home to around 30,000 people, many have lived in Lake Jackson their entire lives. “Everybody knows everybody,” says Donna Mitchell, a Realtor with Birdsong Realty who’s sold homes in the area for four years. She says a big draw to the city is the natural beauty brought to life by a robust park system. Another perk of living in Lake Jackson is that the beach is just 12 miles away in Freeport.
Lake Jackson is situated right alongside a major highway, highway 288.
A man casts a line for the big one in one of Lake Jackson's many area ponds.
Dow is one of Lake Jackson's largest employers.
Sea Center Texas is one of Lake Jackson's biggest draws.
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Midcentury homes are plentiful in Lake Jackson
Lake Jackson is known for its '40s to '60s-era midcentury modern homes, though there are some custom builds from the '80s and '90s and a handful of new communities. "You can't find these kinds of original midcentury homes in a lot of places anymore," Bernard says. "It's not uncommon to see homes with old oak trees that are 100, 200 years old." The northwestern section of Lake Jackson, near the oxbow waterway, has some of the area’s most high-end neighborhoods, including Lake Jackson Farms. Mitchell says that subdivision was the city’s first residential area and was once occupied by the higher-ups at Dow Chemical. Buyers are mostly drawn there for the large lot sizes less common further south. Development, though sparse, is happening out east in Lake Jackson. Creekside is one of the city’s newest subdivisions and brings a modern farmhouse look to the area. There’s a singular master-planned community in the city called Woodshore and it's still under construction.
The median home listing for Lake Jackson is around $300,000, which is 26% lower than the state average and 43% lower than the national average. But compared to Clute and Richwood – cities just next door – this median listing is 10% to 25% higher. As of August 2024, prices were up by 24% from the following year in Lake Jackson. Homes sell a bit faster than the national average, in 39 days versus 44.
Lake Jackson's location was chosen for its protective elevation. However, it has still seen its share of flooding. "We flooded really badly twice in the past two years, so flood insurance is very high," Mitchell says. "That was extremely rare for it to happen within two years of each other." These floods were caused by Hurricane Ian in 2022 and Beryl in 2024. The city's hurricane preparedness practices include keeping citizens up to date through the Emergency Response App and offering evacuation transportation services to those in need. Temperatures tend stay between 47F to 91F, with lows around 34F and highs around 94F. They are highest from May to September and coolest from December to February. On average, the city tends to get 52 inches of rain annually.
Single story ranch style homes are a common style found in Lake Jackson, Texas.
A row of ranch style homes sit underneath mature oak trees in Lake Jackson, Texas.
A newly built home sits along a cul-de-sac street in the Lake Jackson area.
Well manicured lawns are a great feature of many homes in the Lake Jackson neighborhood.
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Brazosport College is in Lake Jackson
Students attend the Brazosport Independent School District, which earns a B plus rating on Niche. Mitchell says there are several popular private options nearby, including Our Lady Queen of Peace and Brazos Port Christian School. The local community college, Brazosport College, scores an A minus and costs just over $4,200 annually after aid. The University of Houston is within 60 miles, earning the same Niche rating and costing nearly $14,000 after aid. The university has a 66% acceptance rate and, according to its data, 84 percent of graduates score their first career-track job within 3 months of graduating.
Elizabet Ney Elementary School is a public school serving grades K-5 in Lake Jackson.
Our Lady Queen of Peace has a student-teacher ratio of 8:1.
Brazosport Christian School boasts a student population of 220.
Brazosport College is Lake Jackson's local community college.
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The city has tons of parks and McLean Park is the most popular
Around 75% of residents can walk to a city park in 10 minutes. “You'll find parks just off the side of the road where people take their kids to play, walk and hang out,” Mitchell says. "We have the big parks and these little bitty parks all over the place.” Many of these parks are too small for playgrounds but the city intends to make better use of the space by installing fitness stations. However, wide scale planning and development is stalled due to a string of events from Covid to Hurricane Beryl. Hyde says the parks and rec department is gauging community feedback, but they anticipate more outdoor basketball courts as currently there is only one. “And I can tell you now, Pickleball courts will be a big deal,” she says.
The last parks and recreation plan was proposed in 2017 and responsible for bringing the community dog park. Locals can access Lake Jackson’s residential sidewalks and the main paved trail that passes along Oyster Creek Drive, which also connects residents to downtown Lake Jackson. Currently, Hyde says the city’s most popular large park is McLean Park for its skate park, ball fields, playground and pavilion.
Maclean Park offers tennis courts, walking trails, and a dog park, all located in Lake Jackson.
Those that enjoy to skate can access the public skatepark at Maclean Park in Lake Jackson.
Friends chat at one of Maclean Park's many picnic areas in Lake Jackson.
A resident of Lake Jackson takes a morning run along one of the neighborhood's many trails.
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Lake Jackson is known as “The City of Enchantment”
One of the first residents of Lake Jackson, Johnny Suggs, nicknamed it “The City of Enchantment” at the first community dance in 1943. The moniker stuck and is now featured on the city’s welcome sign. Today, Lake Jackson's most popular events revolve around the holidays. Yuletide celebrations begin the week before Thanksgiving with the city’s Festival of Lights and Annual Parade of Lights. Light Up Lake Jackson, a Christmas decoration contest, keeps the holiday momentum going after Festival of Lights concludes. Dunbar Park hosts the annual Fourth of July fireworks event. “Each year, we do adult and kids flashlight easter egg hunts,” says Lake Jackson’s Director of Parks and Recreation, Robyn Hyde. Hyde also highlights the summer concert series at Lake Jackson’s Doris Williams Civic Center.
Lake Jackson is home to about 27,768 full time residents.
A family feeds ducks at a neighborhood pond, located in central Lake Jackson.
A fire truck comes along the parade route at the Festival of Lights.
A child waves to crowds of over two thousand people at Festival of Lights.
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It's "This Way and That Way" to downtown Lake Jackson
Downtown Lake Jackson is a hub of local shopping and dining at the intersection of This Way and That Way. “When I was younger, they didn’t have much in our downtown area. But over the years, they’ve put up some bars and restaurants, and it’s a wee bit walkable. If you wanted to go bar hopping you could,” says Janickia Centeno, a lifelong resident. “There’s a mom-and-pop smoothie shop called Lovebirds. I think it sells vegan stuff. People love it and it’s also been voted as a top smoothie place around here!” Bernard says most big-box stores are on the other side of the freeway so as not to encroach on downtown. The Brazos Mall is a hub for them, with over 70 stores, including well-known chains from Dillard's to JCPenney and a movie theater.
Residents can stop by Redefined Coffee Shop in Lake Jackson for a coffee or pastry.
A jeweler assists a customer at Brazos Mall in Lake Jackson.
Brazos Mall boasts over fifty stores for residents in Lake Jackson.
Stop by Love Birds in Lake Jackson for a healthy smoothie or fruit bowl.
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Highway 288 takes locals to Freeport in 12 miles
Sidewalks and trails in Lake Jackson make it pedestrian-friendly. Public transportation is run through three branches: Gulf Coast Transit District (GCTD), Southern Brazoria County Transit System, and Ride The Wave. Ride The Wave has on-demand services, while the rest offer fixed-route transit. St. Luke's Health - Brazosport Hospital is in Lake Jackson with over 150 beds and 100 board-certified physicians. Texas State Highway 288 passes through the city, connecting locals to the broader region, including Freeport's beaches in 12 miles, Houston in around 50 miles and George Bush Intercontinental Airport in around 70 miles. Served by over a dozen major airlines with non-stop flights to more than 180 international and domestic locations, this airport is known for being the busiest in Texas.
The city prevents crime through its Citizen Police Academy
Lake Jackson Police Department’s 2022 data shows crime incidents totaled 1,282. The highest category was assault, at 475. The second highest was theft offenses, at 386. Homicide was one of the lowest, at one reported incidence. Crime tends to concentrate around the center of the city, around major shopping areas and apartment complexes. One of Lake Jackson’s crime prevention initiatives is its eight-week Citizen Police Academy. The training not only familiarizes the community with police work and what it involves, it also forges a personal connection between citizens and officers.
Written By
Kathryn Ashworth
Photography Contributed By
Brandon Fox
Video By
Scott Wiggins
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Rory Higgins,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Lake Jackson, TX sell after 56 days on the market compared to the national average of 56 days. The median sale price for homes in Lake Jackson, TX over the last 12 months is $274,950, up 1% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Beautifully renovated 4BR/2.5BA home with soaring ceilings and a brand-new chef’s kitchen featuring custom cabinetry, quartz countertops, SS appliances, custom wood vent hood, abundant storage & oversized island. Spacious family room with custom built-ins & painted brick fireplace. 1st-floor primary suite with large, versatile sitting area & beautiful backyard. Recent updates include new LVP
Beautifully maintained custom home on a large corner lot with the backyard buyers dream about! This impressive home offers wonderful curb appeal, a porte cochere, and a 3+ car oversized garage. Inside, the spacious family room is filled with natural light from large picture windows that frame beautiful views of the recent pool, backyard, and landscaping, plus a cozy fireplace that anchors the
Gena Van Tries
Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Gary Greene - Bay Area
Beautiful 2-story home featuring 5 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, formal dining, formal living, family room, and a large multipurpose room. Renovated kitchen by Mastertouch showcases custom soft-close cabinetry, quartz countertops, deep apron-front sink, corner cabinet storage, and a 5-burner range. Impact-resistant windows provide peace of mind and energy efficiency. Family room features an updated
Beautifully renovated 4BR/2.5BA home with soaring ceilings and a brand-new chef’s kitchen featuring custom cabinetry, quartz countertops, SS appliances, custom wood vent hood, abundant storage & oversized island. Spacious family room with custom built-ins & painted brick fireplace. 1st-floor primary suite with large, versatile sitting area & beautiful backyard. Recent updates include new LVP
This warm and inviting home offers a very versatile floor plan. The living dining room combo features A large wall mirror giving the room light and dimension. The very spacious den features a real wood-burning fireplace, vaulted ceiling, a built-in library, and storage cabinets. The custom-designed kitchen has beautiful hardwood cabinets, sparkling granite countertops, and lots of storage. Check
Welcome home to this beautifully updated 3-bedroom, 1-bath home tucked away on a quiet cul-de-sac beneath mature shade trees. From the moment you arrive, you'll appreciate the inviting curb appeal, spacious lot, and peaceful setting. Inside, you'll find a bright and welcoming layout featuring updated flooring, neutral paint colors, and abundant natural light throughout. The kitchen offers
Beautifully maintained custom home on a large corner lot with the backyard buyers dream about! This impressive home offers wonderful curb appeal, a porte cochere, and a 3+ car oversized garage. Inside, the spacious family room is filled with natural light from large picture windows that frame beautiful views of the recent pool, backyard, and landscaping, plus a cozy fireplace that anchors the
Gena Van Tries
Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Gary Greene - Bay Area
Warning: You may suddenly find yourself volunteering to host every holiday, game night, and backyard barbecue because this house makes it look easy.Completely remodeled from top to bottom, this stunning 4-bedroom ranch-style home is filled with natural light and designed for the way people actually live. Need a home office? Playroom? Craft space? The versatile flex room is ready to become
Don't miss out on this stunning Waterfront Property! Build your custom dream home on this breathtaking lot, perfectly situated to offer serene water views and tranquil living. This beautiful piece of land provides the ideal canvas for creating a custom retreat where you can relax and enjoy nature’s beauty every day. All utilities are available on site. This is the last available Creekside lot
Welcome to this centrally located 3-bedroom, 1-bath, 1-car garage home just minutes from Ney Elementary. Offering two inviting living spaces, this property provides flexibility for entertaining, relaxing, or creating a home office. The exterior boasts a beautiful mature tree in the front yard, adding shade and curb appeal. Step into the backyard and enjoy a fully fenced space with a patio—perfect
GREAT LOCATION!!!NO FLOOD PLAIN!! WALKING DISTANCE TO SCHOOLS!! EASY LIVING!! MOTIVATED!! LOW MAINTENANCE!!! 3/2/1 WITH A LARGE TWO CAR GARAGE CLOSE TO EVERYTHING!!! THIS HOME HAS TWO LIVING ROOMS AND A HUGE DINING ROOM!!! PRIMARY BEDROOM IS MASSIVE WITH VAULTED CEILINGS AND PLENTY OF BATHROOM AND CLOSET SPACE!! LARGE GUEST BEDROOMS AND A CONVENIENT BACK PATIO SPACE FOR GARDENING AND RELAXING IN
Charming 3-bedroom, 2-bath home with a 2-car garage, built in 1984 and thoughtfully updated for modern living. This well-maintained property features stylish quartz countertops that enhance both functionality and appeal in the kitchen, complemented by durable tile flooring in the kitchen. The spacious living area offers a warm and inviting atmosphere with a classic brick fireplace, perfect for
Spacious 3,000 sq ft home featuring 5 bedrooms and 3 full bathrooms situated on a large 0.68-acre corner lot. This home offers generously sized rooms, a formal living area, and both a downstairs primary suite and an upstairs primary suite, providing flexible living arrangements for a variety of needs. A large enclosed patio adds additional space for relaxing, entertaining, or enjoying year-round
Located in a sought-after area, this property offers both charm and opportunity. This inviting home is located in a well-established neighborhood known for its mature landscaping and timeless appeal. Towering oak trees frame the property, creating beautiful curb appeal and natural shade. Inside, you'll find a spacious living area with wood floors and an open layout, along with a bright sunroom
Discover creekside living in this well maintained brick home offering 2350 SF of inviting charm. Hardwood floors flow through the main living areas, carpet adds warmth to the bedrooms.The spacious primary suite is a peaceful retreat featuring a large walk-in closet with serene backyard views, double vanities, a classic clawfoot tub & a separate walk-in shower.The bay window in the breakfast nook
UPDATED 5 BEDROOM HOME ON OVER AN ACRE!! GREAT SIZE LIVING ROOM AND PRIMARY BEDROOM WITH OVERSIZED BATHROOM AND PLENTY OF STORAGE SPACE!!! 2 CAR GARAGE HAS A WORKSHOP ATTACHED. THIS HOME HAS ALL THE SPACE YOU WILL NEED!! EXTRA PARKING FOR A BOAT OR TRAILER AND MORE!!
Urban Crest Apartments is the premier luxury residential community in Lake Jackson, Texas. We feature elegant and sophisticated apartment living in the immediate vicinity of major employers, such as DOW Chemical, Freeport LNG, BASF and Fluor. Lake Jackson offers outdoor recreation, shopping, and Brazosport College. Our convenient location and upscale amenities ensure your comfort in the number
Welcome home to Pearl at Oyster Creek Apartments! Our community offers inviting two and three bedroom apartments, featuring spacious living areas, fully-equipped kitchens, generous storage space, creating the ideal space for both relaxing and entertaining.Enjoy our many outdoor amenities including a picnic area with BBQ grills, children's playground, and on-site dog park! Residents can
Spacious tree-lined residential community, 2 sparkling swimming pools, Dog Park, Tennis Courts, 2 Laundry Care Centers 24 Hour Maintenance. Conveniently located on minutes from shopping, dining, and entertainment.
Discover a new level of comfort at Residence at Lake Jackson in Lake Jackson, Texas, where thoughtfully designed apartment homes meet everyday convenience for a truly well-rounded lifestyle. Enjoy resort-style community amenities including a sparkling pool, resident clubhouse, game room with pool table and shuffleboard, media lounge, and a 24/7 fitness center, along with family-friendly features
Set your own pace at Plantation Park Apartments in Lake Jackson, Texas, where modern comfort meets relaxed Gulf Coast living in thoughtfully designed apartment homes. Our community offers an elevated lifestyle with resort-inspired amenities including a sparkling pool with tanning ledge, covered pavilion with TV and BBQ grill, resident clubhouse, state-of-the-art fitness center, and a game room
At Edgewater at Lake Jackson, we present an impressive selection of expansive one and two bedroom apartments for rent adorned with modern interior features that exceed your expectations. We aim to introduce you to a community that will become your source of pride and comfort. With various offerings, such as full-size washer and dryer units, indulgent garden tubs, and high ceilings, your daily
NOW LEASING! Located in the heart of Lake Jackson, Lakewood Manor offers luxury, brand new homes for lease. Come enjoy community style living with perks of a single-family home. Each unit features modern finishes such as granite countertops, luxury vinyl plank flooring, and stainless-steel appliances. Each home comes with a private 2 car garage. Conveniently located for quick access to 288, near
Raintree offers immaculate one- and two-bedroom apartments with a variety of floor plans to fit your needs. Our pet-friendly apartments are cable-ready and come complete with full-size washer and dryer connections. Each apartment has a private balcony or patio and huge walk-in closets. Curl up in front of your cozy fireplace (select units) on chilly winter nights and enjoy airy vaulted ceilings.
Welcome to Reserve at Lake JacksonReserve at Lake Jackson apartments in Lake Jackson, TX, is ideal for those looking for a world of relaxation and comfort. Centrally located south of Houston, our newly built apartment home community offers an irresistible combination of residential convenience and a contemporary living environment. Our ideal location provides easy access to the local beaches and
The Palms of Lake Jackson offer one, two and three bedroom apartment homes beautifully detailed with the amenities you expect and deserve. With an endless list of interior features and designer finishes, these custom-quality residences are sure to please and inspire. The Palms of Lake Jackson Apartments come standard with a fully-equipped gourmet kitchen with pantry, quality carpeting and tile
Texas lore is full of characters, perhaps none more colorful than Brit Bailey, a veteran of the War of 1812, Texas pioneer and the original settler of Bailey’s Prairie, Texas. Ever the rowdy rancher, Brit was notorious for his legendary humor, quick temper and ubiquitous jug of whiskey; so it came as little surprise to friends and family when, prior to his death in 1832, Bailey dictated that he wanted to be buried standing up, with his rifle over his shoulder and his jug of whiskey in his hand. That way, none could ever pass his headstone and say, “There lies Brit Bailey.” Bailey’s widow followed his instructions, objecting only to the jug of whiskey, claiming he had already enjoyed enough to last two lifetimes. According to legend, old Bailey emerges on cold nights to search for his lost jug, the floating orange glow of his lantern bobbing across the Texas prairies. “My five-year-old son saw him,” says Tammie Bell, a resident and the owner/broker of TBT Real Estate. “It was probably just some hunter spotlighting deer, but to this day, he’s convinced it was Brit Bailey.” <br><br>Bailey’s Prairie has retained its Texas ranch roots; even two hundred years after the death of Brit Bailey, the landscape is defined by prairie lands and horse ranches under vast open Texas skies. The homes – nearly all of which rest on the southern corner of the neighborhood – fall into two primary categories: traditional ranch homes built in the 1970s on huge rural lots behind the cascading leaves of Spanish moss and pecan trees; and newer custom-designed Farmhouse homes with manicured lawns in sepia colored suburban cul-de-sacs. “The newer areas are more suburban, though I wouldn’t describe them as subdivisions,” says Bell. “All the other homes are on several acres of land. It could be 2 acres or 20.” Prices typically range from $300,000 to $700,000, though waterfront properties on Lake Jackson and sprawling ranch estates can catch up to $800,000. <br><br>Bailey’s Prairie is located less than one hour south of Houston, neatly tucked above the mouth of the Brazos River as it fans out into the Gulf of Mexico. It’s a rural Texas town, so residents rely on their vehicles, but the nearby city of Lake Jackson provides a full array of dining, retail and entertainment. The Brazos Mall is anchored by Dillard’s, TJ Maxx and HomeGoods, and features a large AMC theater perfect for rainy days and date nights. Surrounding the Brazos Mall are various retail stores, including Target, Home Depot and Academy Sports & Outdoors, as well as grocery stores like H-E-B and Walmart Supercenter. Nearby dining options are limited to familiar chain restaurants – Texas Roadhouse, Chick-fil-A, Olive Garden and Whataburger – so many locals prefer to make the 30-minute drive to Freeport, where locally owned establishments like Taqueria Daisy and On The River line the banks of the Brazos River. <br><br>Bailey’s Prairie may be best known for its immediate access to the great outdoors. Neighborhood parks like TJ Dunbar Junior Park and Buffalo Camp Park are great spots for evening playdates and weekend sandlot-style baseball games, all within walking distance of the southern part of Bailey’s Prairie. Book a tee time at the Wilderness Golf Course, bring your binoculars to the Gulf Coast Bird Observatory, or take the boat out on Brazoria Reservoir for world-class bass fishing. The beaches in nearby Freeport are far less crowded than in Galveston; buy a beach parking pass for $12, and you can back the truck onto the beach, stake out a spot and spend the entire day soaking in the sun. The Urban Air Trampoline Park is perfect for birthday parties and rainy days, featuring trapeze courses, climbing walls, arcade games and plenty of trampolines. <br><br>Students in Bailey Prairie begin their education at Westside Elementary School – a large school with small class sizes and an overall B-plus-rating on Niche – before graduating to Lake Jackson Intermediate School, which boasts an overall B-plus-rating on Niche. The town gathers on Friday nights to cheer on the Wildcats of Angleton High School, a B-rated school on Niche with deep traditions and close ties to the local community.
Property Mix - Square Feet
Lake Jackson Has More Owners
Rental Home Trends
Number of Homes for Rent
43
Median Rent
$1,975
Median Single Family Home Rent
$1,825
Median 4 Bedroom Single Family Home Rent
$1,920
Median Condo Rent
$799
Median 2 Bedroom Condo Rent
$925
Demographics
Total Population
29,789
Median Age
38
Population under 18
25.5%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
16.7%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$83,209
On par with the national average
$79,597
Average Household Income
$110,368
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
93.8%
On par with the national average
89%
College Graduates
33.1%
Advanced Degrees
9%
On par with the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
67.5%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
46''
Average Winter Low Temperature
45°F
Average Summer High Temperature
93°F
Annual Snowfall
0''
Area Factors
Fairly bikeable
Bikeability®
40/ 100
Fairly walkable
Walkability®
40/ 100
Minimal public transit
Transit®
10/ 100
Source: Local Logic
Sources: Local Logic
Local Logic measures the walkability, access to public transit and bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
