Mabank offers lakeside living within commuting distance of DFW
Mabank is known as the entrance to Cedar Creek Reservoir, which locals call Cedar Creek Lake. U.S. Route 175, the main thoroughfare leading to the 32,000-acre body of water, travels right into the small town, where locals spend their days boating and swimming. “The lake is a year-round retreat,” says associate broker of Ebby Halliday Realtors, Debbie French, who lives on the water. “A lot of people think it’s just a summer destination… but it’s a wonderful place to spend the holidays or enjoy time by the firepit in the fall.” Mabank attracts many folks who want to relocate from Dallas-Fort Worth while still living within commuting distance of the cities. “People from Dallas-Fort Worth may not want to invest in a second home, so they just move here,” French says. Plus, Mabank provides everyday amenities and a top-rated school system.
Housing ranges from starter cottages to million-dollar lake houses
Mabank’s homes sit on flat roads lined mature oak and pine trees. “There are all kinds of price ranges,” French says. “You can still enjoy the lake, whether you live on or off the water. The community caters to families, starter homes and second homes.” Toward Mabank’s core, small cottages and ranch-style houses range from $120,000 to $230,000, and single-story New Traditionals built in the past decade can cost $240,000 to $600,000. To the west, the manicured subdivisions of Oakmont and Cedar Creek Landing also offer single-story New Traditionals within the same price range. Buyers can also find contemporary farmhouses or two-story New Traditionals in these communities. They can cost $700,000 to $1.4 million. Despite its location, Mabank’s lakefront real estate is limited. Cedar Creek Landing, which also includes a clubhouse with a pool and access to Cedar Creek Country Club, is one of the only communities with properties directly on the water. Many homes here feature pools, fire pits and open-floor plans. Undeveloped plots of land are also available throughout Mabank.
What’s happening on Cedar Creek Lake and nearby community parks
Cedar Creek Lake is a recreation hub, offering boating, swimming and fishing. Because Mabank’s waterfront properties are limited compared to nearby communities, French says that many residents keep boats in storage facilities, rather than private docks. “There’s Lone Star Marina, Causeway Marina. Long Cove offers dry dock storage,” she says. “A lot of people will keep their boats in their driveways if the subdivision allows.” Folks can launch their boats at nearby Tom Finley Park, which also has a fishing pier, beach and ample parking.
Off the water, Veterans Memorial Park has Maybank Pavilion, which hosts community events, live performances, markets and fundraisers. The annual Mabank Jubilee includes a barbecue cook-off, tractor show, vendors, a cornhole tournament, live music and more. Around Halloween, trick-or-treaters collect candy, and in the summer, the rodeo fills the pavilion and the adjacent Andrew Gibbs Memorial Rodeo Arena. Nearby George Watts Memorial Park, a large recreation complex, hosts sports leagues, from soccer to softball and baseball. The park has a walking path and Senior Center at the Ball Park, which puts on activities for Mabank’s older residents. Across the street, First Missionary Baptist Church has a playground. Cedar Creek Country Club offers its members an 18-hole golf course, pool, tennis and pickleball courts and social events.
Students attend schools in Mabank Independent School District
Mabank Independent School District gets a B from Niche. Central Elementary, serving prekindergartners to fourth graders, earns a B-plus. For fifth and sixth graders, Mabank Intermediate gets a B. Niche deems Mabank Junior High the best public middle school in Kaufman County and grades it an A-minus. Mabank High receives a B and offers career and technical education courses in architecture and construction, law and public service, information technology and more.
Mabank’s small-town core offers everyday essentials
There’s a Brookshire’s grocery store, Dollar General and Tractor Supply Co. in town and a Walmart Supercenter a short drive away. Most of Mabank’s dining options are clustered in the center of town. Open for breakfast and lunch, Mabank Café serves American classics, while Ole’ West Bean and Burger dishes large portions of comfort food.
A sign on South Third Street points drivers toward East Market Street, a small strip of local businesses that resembles an old town square. Here, folks can dine at Jalisco’s Mexican Grill & Restaurant, shop for clothing and accessories at Seven Arrows Boutique or check out a book from the Tri-County Library. On Saturdays, the Mabank Farmers Market is held on the street.
U.S. Route 175 offers a direct commute to Dallas-Fort Worth
Mabank is car-dependent. U.S. Route 175, the community’s main thoroughfare, can lead about 60 miles toward Dallas-Fort Worth, with Dallas Fort Worth International Airport. “You get more for your money because of the proximity to Dallas,” French says. “It’s about an hour drive.” Texas state Highway 198 also runs through the community, leading toward Gun Barrel City, the next town over. UT Health Cedar Creek Lake- Emergency Center is also in Gun Barrel City.
![Adreanna DeMarino]()
Written By
Adreanna DeMarino
