$188,533Average Value$158Average Price per Sq Ft35Homes For Sale
Merkel is a former windmill town with deep roots in Abilene
Originally founded as Windmill Town in the early 1880s, Merkel was primarily an agricultural community that shipped livestock and cotton via the Texas and Pacific Railway. After Dyess Air Force Base was established in the early 1940s, more military families began moving to town for a slower-paced life away from the city of Abilene to the east. Today, with nearby ranches, a well-rated school district and historic churches that have been with Merkel since its founding, this rural bedroom community of over 2,000 residents has deep roots in Taylor County. “People are nice, friendly and welcoming,” says Joshua Smith, a resident and senior pastor for First Baptist Church Merkel. “It’s a tight-knit community where you know your neighbors. There’s a sense of belonging here that you just don’t get in a bigger city.”
Sidewalks connect rows of homes in central Merkel blocks.
Merkel offers small-town living with nearby amenities.
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Ranch-style homes and modern farmhouses
Much of Merkel's real estate is found on city blocks south of Interstate 20. Bungalows can date back to the 1930s, though traditional and ranch-style homes are more typical. Buyers can also find barndominiums and modern farmhouses built on acreage north of the highway in the last few years. Older homes can have wood siding, and gravel or dirt driveways are common across the community. Wooden and chain link fences often divide properties, and sidewalks connect them. The median sale price is about $212,500, lower than the state's median of around $308,000.
Merkel homes vary in price with options for every buyer.
Barndominiums and modern farmhouses sit on acreage near Merkel.
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Merkel ISD’s four-day school week
Merkel Independent School District earns a B on Niche and moved to a four-day instructional week in 2022 to accommodate a teacher shortage, allowing educators an extra day for planning and prep work. The B-rated Merkel Elementary teaches kindergarten through fifth grade, while Merkel Middle has sixth through eighth grade and earns a B-minus. Merkel High School also scores a B and has a 10-to-1 student-teacher ratio.
Merkel Elementary serves grades K through 5 in a four-day week in Merkel.
Merkel Middle School teaches grades 6 through 8 with B rating in Merkel.
Merkel High School offers a 10-to-1 student-teacher ratio in Merkel.
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An interstate to Abilene’s hospitals and regional airport
Abilene is less than 20 miles east when taking Interstate 20. “A lot of people go to Abilene for movie theaters and restaurants," Smith says. City and Rural Rides provides public transportation from Merkel to Abilene, where CityLink transit has even more routes that run throughout the bigger city. The closest hospitals are in Abilene, including the 24-hour Hendrick Medical Center. Abilene Regional Airport offers daily nonstop flights to Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, which has connecting flights to over 200 destinations worldwide.
Breakfast burritos, boutique finds and baby clothes
Old red brick roads run through the center of downtown. While there are vacant storefronts, a handful of shops and restaurants can be found here and on adjoining streets. Blue Burro is a small Mexican eatery that offers breakfast burritos and iced coffee, while Merkel Donuts offers old-fashioned glazed doughnuts, apple fritters and sausage kolaches. Cowpuncher Babe offers trendy clothes for baby boys and girls, and The Western Wildflower Flowers & Gifts has bouquets for any occasion. Skeet's Texas Grill by Interstate 20 is popular for its hand-breaded chicken-fried steaks and taco bowls, and Prickly Pear TX is a local boutique that sells graphic tees, sweatshirts and apparel. Groceries are available at Spring Market, which also features a 24-hour fuel center.
Spring Market offers groceries and fuel near downtown Merkel.
The Western Wildflower in Merkel sells gifts and seasonal arrangements.
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Historic attractions and a park with pickleball and a playground
The city park on the northwestern end of town has a playground with a climbing dome, walking loops and four pickleball courts. The First United Methodist Church is a historic house of worship founded in the early 1880s, and the Merkel Area Historical Museum features exhibits from the community's pioneer days and the Civil War.
First United Methodist Church in Merkel dates back to the early 1880s.
City Park South features playgrounds and shaded areas.
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Country music festivals and a Christmas market
The Gateway to the West Music Fest is held downtown annually and features country music performances and karaoke contests. The Merkel Youth Football & Cheer Association hosts a fall festival with food, games and live music, and the Christmas Market comes to Mulberry Creek Square every winter.
Written By
David Dunn
Photography Contributed By
Houston Knight
Video By
Dan Mack
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Monya Barton,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Merkel, TX sell after 62 days on the market compared to the national average of 56 days. The median sale price for homes in Merkel, TX over the last 12 months is $227,500, up 14% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome to peaceful country living with this 2023 manufactured home situated on 10.05 acres of wide-open land, ready for you to make it your own. Offering 1,680 square feet, this 3-bedroom, 2-bath home features a spacious open-concept layout with a large living area, dining space, and an electric fireplace that creates a warm focal point. The kitchen is designed for both function and style,
Discover the charm of quiet country living with endless possibilities on this beautiful 2.5-acre property in Merkel, Texas. This spacious property offers the perfect blend of peaceful surroundings and functional space, making it ideal for anyone looking to enjoy life outside the city limits while still being conveniently located near Abilene. The home features 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms with a
If these four walls could talk, they'd tell the story of a home that has been exceptionally loved, meticulously cared for, and filled with years of cherished memories. Now it's ready to welcome its next chapter! This spacious 3 bedroom, 2 bath home offers a versatile floor plan with two living areas and a dedicated office, providing plenty of room for both everyday living and entertaining. Enjoy
This 64.52-acre property truly checks all the boxes for a hunting retreat, recreational getaway, or working piece of land. The area is well known for excellent hunting, with abundant deer, turkey, dove, and hogs. Several blinds and feeders are already in place, making it ready to enjoy right away. The property is fenced and suitable for grazing cattle, with a good barn and working pens already on
Reduced! Amazing Grace Ranch. This property is the ultimate retreat. An improved road leads you to a well built barndominium style cabin. There is a porch on the east side of the cabin that is great for watching wildlife in the evenings. There is an additional living space for guests in the open shop located next to the cabin with its own full bathroom. The covered shop area also has a stainless
This 180 acre Mulberry Canyon ranch is located just 30 minutes from downtown Abilene. As a hunter's paradise,Mulberry Creek meanders throughout the property enhancing the wildlife habitat and natural beauty of the West Texasterrain. It features county road access and is ideally suited for hunting, ranching, or recreational activities. With twostock tanks, the tract provides the necessary water
An amazing 207 acres with its own mountain in the center. This ranch is a one of a kind. Thecenter of the mountain also has a crater on top that is said to have formed from a collapsed sinkhole. Lots of other local lore surrounds this mountain. The ranch also features a custom builtlimestone house, loads of wildlife, and beautiful views.Improvements:1856 sq ft, 3 bedroom 2
This 128.086 acre property, situated in both Jones and Taylor County, offers a unique opportunity for development, residential living, or agricultural use. Conveniently located near Abilene and Merkel, the property has rural water and electricity availability further enhancing its appeal. The property has frontage on both CR 416 and CR 409 with one parcel within Taylor County and another in Jones
West Texas ranch retreat! Custom built rock home with exceptional details. Walls of windows frame the ever-changing views of Mulberry Canyon. Spacious home features 200-year-old barn wood interior structure; barn was reclaimed, restored, and erected by Heritage Barns of Waco TX. Kitchen includes elements of hand-painted tile, granite countertops, copper farm sink, custom cabinetry, and
This 58 acre Mulberry Canyon ranch is located just 30 minutes from downtown Abilene. Almost a half mile of MulberryCreek meanders throughout the property creating exceptional wildlife habitat and natural beauty in this West Texasterrain. It features county road access and is ideally suited for hunting, ranching, or recreational activities. Abundantdeer and hog signs were seen on the ranch during
Proposed new construction Barndominium by Red Oak Custom Builders, conveniently located right across from Merkel schools. Wonderful open floorplan with 3 Bedrooms & 2 Bathrooms built on a 9ft plate. Builder's plans for the home - Electric FP in living room, kitchen to have painted cabinetry, granite on counters, gorgeous walnut butcher block on island, & SS appliances (range, microwave,
Looking for the perfect place to build your dream home in West Texas? This 10-acre tract offers wide open views and plenty of space to bring your vision to life. With minimal deed restrictions, you will have the flexibility to create the property you have always wanted, whether that is a custom home, barndominium, shop, or room for animals. Manufactured homes are also allowed. Conveniently
Spacious 3 bedroom home in Merkel!Member, Agent. Adorable 3 bedroom 2 bath mobile home in Merkel! Plenty of space for your family! This is a must see! Beware of scammers. This property is leased and managed by Augusta Realtors only. All applications & leases are completed through Appfolio. We will not ask for funds through Venmo, CashApp, etc. All funds are paid to our office or through our
Three bedrooms, one bath, 2 living spaces- this home offers an ideal blend of comfort and functionality. It features two distinct living areas, fostering versatility and ample room for relaxation or entertainment.Nestled within the heart of the home, the kitchen stands as a focal point, adorned with a spacious counter area and expansive backyard. Don’t wait, call today to view! Also check
4 bedroom house in Merkel!This 4 bedroom home has it all! Updated kitchen, updated bathroom, large laundry room, and fenced backyard. This many bedrooms are few and far between so hurry, it won't last long! Beware of scammers. This property is leased and managed by Augusta Realtors only. All applications & leases are completed through Appfolio. We will not ask for funds through Venmo,
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