Little River-Academy offers quiet living with easy access to the necessities in nearby Temple. This small city of around 2,000 is rooted by families of multiple generations and a strong school system, with residents showing up to support the local sports teams. Lower home prices and job availability in Temple are also drawing new buyers. Locals regularly make the 15-minute drive to the city for work, healthcare and groceries.
Academy Independent School District is well regarded. The small district includes Academy Elementary School, Academy Intermediate School, Academy Middle School and Academy High School, along with an early childhood center and an alternative school. "The schools are a big deal because many of the teachers are actually products of the school district themselves," says Jimmy Ashby , a Realtor with Ashby Real Estate Group, which is led by his son. Ashby is a native of over 60 years who raised his own family here. "Many times their grandkids are coming through the school system as well. So again, it turns back into generational because many of the teachers are from the same town, and they just kind of seem to maybe put more heart into it." Kids can participate in 4-H and Future Farmers of America programs, and school sports are a community affair, with residents enjoying football, basketball, baseball and volleyball games.
The median single-family price here is about $220,000, roughly two times cheaper than the national price. Ashby says homes are a good investment with steady appreciation year over year. The city sits along the Interstate 35 corridor, a hub for growth in Texas. Homes include many older, midcentury ranch-styles in established neighborhoods. "I would say most of them would be your low to mid [price] range. You have first-time homebuyers blending in with home buyers that are looking for, should I say, probably like their last home, or more established neighborhoods." Some of the newest homes — brick, New Traditional properties from around the early 2000s, can be found in the River Springs subdivision in the heart of town.
Residents rely on cars as there is no fixed bus route to Temple. The city is about 11 miles north via State Highway 95, with commutes taking about 15 minutes. The HOP service through the Hill Country Transit District provides on-demand rides within the county.
Amenities are limited and include a Dollar General and a few restaurants on State Highway 95. Tacos El Encanto and El Sarape serve Mexican, while Academy Donuts is a favorite for drive-through donuts and kolaches. For everything else, locals head to Temple. Temple highlights include:
Residents have access to city sewer services, internet and a selection of electric providers. "That's all very well provided for," Ashby says. "The state of Texas as a whole has what I would call lower utility bills than most states, anyway. That’s a win-win no matter where you are in Texas. They deregulated the electricity like 30 years ago, so you have the right to choose your electrical plans, pricing, all of that." Central Texas living does come with the possibility of tornadoes, and residents can stay informed through multiple alert systems. The county recommends sheltering in basements or interior rooms without windows.
Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to , an experienced agent in this area.
Blake Lufburrow
Two Lakes Real Estate
(254) 978-7672
97 Total Sales
1 in Little River Academy
$400,000 Price
Cate Marmonti
Truss Team, Bridge Realty
(254) 523-4740
159 Total Sales
1 in Little River Academy
$45,000 Price
Jimmy Torres
Compass RE Texas, LLC
(254) 978-8252
199 Total Sales
2 in Little River Academy
$230K - $275K Price Range
Hank Marsh
JBGoodwin REALTORS WC
(888) 691-7282
25 Total Sales
1 in Little River Academy
$248,000 Price
Christie Minalga
Keeping It Realty
(254) 410-6007
48 Total Sales
1 in Little River Academy
$115,000 Price
Karen Stewart
Magnolia Realty Temple Belton
(254) 500-3061
25 Total Sales
2 in Little River Academy
$180K - $220K Price Range
On average, homes in Little River Academy, TX sell after 75 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Little River Academy, TX over the last 12 months is $222,000, down 11% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
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