Mabank offers lakeside life within commuting distance of DFW
Mabank is known as the entrance to Cedar Creek Reservoir, which locals call Cedar Creek Lake. The reservoir was constructed in 1969, and residential infill followed, subsequently bringing shops and restaurants to the area. 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 community attracts many Dallas-Fort Worth residents, either permanently relocating or purchasing a second home on the water.
What homes cost on and off Cedar Creek Lake
“Homes are available across a range of price points,” says Debbie French , an associate broker with Ebby Halliday Realtors who lives on the lake. “You can still enjoy the lake, whether you live on or off the water. The community caters to families, starter homes and second homes.”
Away from the water, prices generally start in the $100,000s for small cottages, ranch-style houses and mobile homes. Larger single-story homes, including newer builds with traditional designs, typically run from the low $200,000s to the mid $400,000s. Two-story Colonial Revival and New Traditional homes often range from the low $500,000s to the low $800,000s.
Waterfront properties also span a wide range. “Waterfront living can be expensive,” French says. “But, here, just because it’s waterfront doesn’t mean it has to be expensive.” Lakefront properties typically begin in the low $500,000s for a modest single-story home and can reach the mid-$3 million range for large houses with luxury features like pools, expansive patios and fire pits.
What’s happening on Cedar Creek Lake
Life revolves around Cedar Creek Lake, a hub for boating, swimming and fishing. “Cedar Creek Lake is a huge swimming pool,” French says. Many residents own boats and keep them on private docks, in nearby marinas or at boat-storage facilities. “You can have your own private boathouse with a permit from the water district,” French says, referring to the Tarrant Regional Water District, which owns and operates the lake. “You don’t get that on every lake.” Those who do not live directly on the water use the area’s public boat launches, including Tom Finley Park near the causeway bridge. The park also has a fishing pier, swimming area and ample parking.
Outdoor spaces host rodeos, concerts and summer fireworks
Mabank offers plenty to do off the water, too. At Veterans Memorial Park, the Maybank Pavilion anchors the community calendar with events ranging from live performances and markets to local fundraisers. It’s also home to the annual Mabank Jubilee, a hometown celebration that pairs a barbecue cook-off and tractor show with music, games and vendors. The pavilion stays busy as the seasons change, welcoming trick-or-treaters in the fall and drawing summer crowds for rodeo nights next door at the Andrew Gibbs Memorial Rodeo Arena.
Gun Barrel City Park is another favorite outdoor area. Visitors can spend the day moving between trails and playgrounds, playing sports games on the athletic fields or hanging out near the amphitheater. The park also offers options for casual recreation, including disc golf, a dog park and a catch-and-release fishing pond. It's most crowded during July Fest, when families claim patches of grass with chairs and blankets, kids with painted faces jump in bounce houses and fireworks close out the night.
Mabank mixes small-town businesses with big-name retailers
A sign on South Third Street points drivers to East Market Street, a small strip of local businesses that resembles an old town square. There, you can dine at Jalisco’s Mexican Grill & Restaurant, shop for clothing and accessories at Seven Arrows Boutique or check out a book at the Tri-County Library. On Saturdays, the Mabank Farmers Market is held on the street.
Daily essentials are in town, including Walmart, Brookshire’s, Tractor Supply Co. and Lowe’s Home Improvement. National chains such as Dairy Queen, Denny’s and Chili’s Grill & Bar are in Mabank.
Mabank ISD serves local families with multiple campuses
Mabank Independent School District serves the community. The district has three elementary schools, with assignments based on home address. They all feed into Mabank Intermediate School, Mabank Junior High School and Mabank High School.
1 hour from Dallas-Fort Worth
Mabank is mostly car-dependent. “Proximity to Dallas-Fort Worth is a huge draw,” French says. “You can get there in about an hour.” Here’s what to know about transportation:
- U.S. Route 175, the community’s main thoroughfare, can lead about 60 miles toward Dallas-Fort Worth, with Dallas Fort Worth International Airport.
- A Greyhound bus that travels to Dallas and Houston, about 215 miles away, stops on Texas state Highway 334, which runs east-west through the community.
- The UT Health Cedar Creek Lake Emergency Center is in the community.
![Adreanna DeMarino]()
Written By
Adreanna DeMarino
