A resurging population of neighbors in a historic small city
Palestine, the government seat of Anderson County, is a small railroad city known for its historic sites, natural scenery and engaged community. Although its population was declining between 2009 and 2019, it has since shot back up to 19,300 residents as buyers move there to find lower-priced homes than can be found in nearby cities. Moreover, the small city packs in a busy schedule of overlapping community events that ultimately highlights a shared desire for convivial activity. "I never felt like I didn't belong when I moved here," says Tammy Johnson, a Palestine local and founder of Palestine Trade Days. "We had been in Jacksonville for 16 years, and I grew up in Nacogdoches. So, moving and reestablishing myself in a new hometown, I kind of expected to run on the fringes of things, but I never felt that at all."
Palestine is in the process of a revitalization and a destination for art and culture.
Palestine is county seat of Anderson County in the Piney Wood Forest of East Texas.
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Fewer new builds than nearby cities, but with competitive prices
Even though the population has grown back, there isn't much new construction in Palestine – what little there is tends to be outside of the city and usually includes custom designed homes built on an empty land parcels that range in price from $10,000 to $75,000 per acre, with a few going over $100,000 per acre. New builds are more common in nearby cities like Nacogdoches. Palestine sees more rehabs of established homes, particularly ranchers and cottages in various styles. Consequently, the median price of a single-family home in Palestine is $225,000, which is below the median prices for both Jacksonville and Nacogdoches.
Outside of downtown Palestine, many of the homes are Ranch style homes.
One of the many homes in the historic Palestine district include Queen Ann.
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The Dogwood Festival, vendor markets and downtown sales occur all at once
Where many cities have a sporadic events calendar, Palestine's is constantly active with popular regional festivals and smaller local events. "There's all kinds of things depending on the time of year. There's the Dogwood Festival in March, there's the Hot Pepper Festival in October. And during the Saturdays on Main, there's always special sales or a special attraction or a photo opportunity," Johnson says. Some events even occur simultaneously, like on the first Saturday of every month, when a farmers market, Palestine Trade Days and Saturdays on Main all occur at the same time. "It's an easy walk. You can shop at all the stores in between, the farmers market is on one end, and then the Palestine Trade Days are on the other end," Johnson says. "We all just work together to make it appealing."
Multiple antique stores accent historic churches and theaters
Anchored by a historic railyard, downtown Palestine's small but dense collection of locally owned businesses coalesce into an active central area, even when events aren't going on. Bootmakers, taphouses and sandwich shops sit within rustic art deco and western false front buildings that cast shade over the narrow streets between. Meanwhile, antique hunters can't shake a stick without hitting a shop to sift through nicknacks and collectibles. Historic churches and theater houses line the downtown streets, adding to the nostalgia offered by fixtures like the Railroad Heritage Center and the Palestine Public Library, a Carnegie library. Downtown is also home to a centrally located Kroger supermarket, and additional retailers are found on major offshoot roads from downtown, like U.S. Highway 287.
Downtown Palestine has many boutique and antique shops to find various treasures.
Many business in historic buildings like Redlands Hotel, line the streets of Palestine.
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Loop highway helps commuters reach Interstate 45
The TX-256 Loop connects all of Palestine's highways with a beltway surrounding the city, offering easy, roundabout access to U.S. Highways 79, 287 and 84. But interstate highways are quite far away – It's a roughly 50-mile drive north to reach Interstate 20, and a 35-mile drive west to reach Interstate 45.
Some residents commute to surrounding cities while many others work locally at a variety of industrial employers, namely two Walmart Distribution Centers and Wayne Sanderson Farms. Palestine Independent School District and the Palestine Regional Medical Center are also major employers.
The Palestine Regional Medical Center is one area's biggest employers.
Many of Palestine's locals work at the nearby Walmart Distribution Center.
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Game hunting and other outdoor activities in Davey Crockett National Forest
The city maintains a combined total of 275 acres of parkland, comprising 12 facilities ranging from playgrounds to athletic complexes to indoor rec centers. The city is working on creating a parks master plan to help beautify outdoor spaces and bring in more activities and public programs. Several nature preserves also sit within driving distance of Palestine, including Big Bottom Lake Wildlife Management Area, a popular waterfowl and feral hog hunting preserve, and Davey Crockett National Forest, a 160,000-acre expanse of preserved Texas Piney Woods hiking trails, camping sites and equestrian trails.
Let the kids run and play on the playground at Reagan Park.
Many Palestine residents head out to Davy Crocket National Forest to reconnect with nature.
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Two school districts offer smaller than average class sizes
Most students in the city attend Palestine ISD, which has a Niche rating of A and is ranked the top district in Anderson County. The district has a 99 percent graduation rate, partly achieved by more individualized instruction stemming from smaller than average class sizes. Currently, the district oversees 3,200 students across five schools.
However, some students in select areas of the city are zoned for Westwood Independent School District, which is B-rated and oversees only 1,400 students across four school campuses.
Approximately 465 students attend Northside Elementary School.
Palestine High School earned a high A- grade from Niche.
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Declining crime rates in Tornado Alley
The city has a history of tornadoes, so most structures built in the last few years have storm shelters included. There is also a risk of riverine flooding along the creeks that surround Palestine, but most flood zones skirt residential areas.
FBI data shows positive crime trends for Palestine, which has a violent crime rate that is fairly proportionate with state and national figures. Property crime occurs at an even less frequent rate – Burglaries, larceny and motor vehicle thefts have all been trending down since 2020 and now sit below state and national figures.
Written By
Tom Jakob
Photography Contributed By
Clayton Hurst
Video By
Logan Cox
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Karl Crawford,
an experienced agent in this area.
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Brand new home on over an acre with shop, RV hookups, and a peaceful wooded setting! This newly installed Fleetwood manufactured home offers modern comfort with a welcoming covered front porch and a smooth asphalt circle drive for easy access and added curb appeal. The property is designed for both convenience and flexibility, featuring a new shop and carport on a 30' x 25' slab, along with a
Set on a corner lot with over half an acre of elevated hilltop view, this 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom home offers approximately 2,200 square feet of thoughtfully updated living space and a layout that feels both open and inviting. The home has been taken down to the studs and rebuilt entirely, offering the feel of new construction while sitting on an established lot. Additional highlights include all
Move in ready 3 bed 2 bath brick home on 1 acre with shop. Spacious and well laid out with semi-open concept living/dining. Living room features brick wood-burning fireplace. Dining room opens to large vintage galley kitchen with plentiful cabinets, tons of counter space, with peninsula breakfast bar. Generously sized bedrooms. Hall bath with easy clean tub/shower combo and built-in cabinets.
Fixer upper on 2 lots. 2 bedrooms 1 bath home ready for your vision and creativity for a breath of a new life. Metal carport with concrete drive and storage building on property. Lots of potential to refurbish or tear down and start over.
Beautiful 4 bedroom 3 bath on 15 acres with 30X40 shop, barn, 3 storage buildings & Amish greenhouse. Enjoy a beverage in the Tiki hut overlooking the pond. Owner reports good hunting in the woods (see pics). There is also a deep well. The spacious home has a flexible floorplan for family and entertaining. Relax on the patio in the above ground pool. Or take a 4X4 on the trails in the woods. This
Enjoy country living with plenty of space on this 2-acre corner lot featuring a 3 bedroom, 2 bath single-wide mobile home. The main home offers comfortable living with a functional floorplan, while the cabin provides extra privacy and flexibility. Three large storage buildings, a carport, and a circle driveway for easy access and ample parking. Relax and entertain with an above-ground pool,
.06560 of an acre with State Highway 79 frontage. Dense Mixed Woods atop a hill with frontage on ACR 3722 as well. Approx 1 mile from Loop 256 for convenience but yet still private enough for a homestead. This tract would be great for a Business Front as well. No restrictions! Buyer to verify water availably with Neches Water Supply.
Endless possibilities wait for you on this 2.46 acre tract inside the city limits with 2000 Sq Ft shop. Mechanics shop with air compressor lines plumbed with connections throughout. 2-220 outlets for welders. 3 roll up doors. Unfinished bathroom. And office inside. Slab was poured extra thick for heavy equipment.
Nestled on approximately 37 picturesque acres, this charming ranch-style property offers the perfect blend of peaceful country living and functional space for a variety of lifestyles. Built in 1986 and lovingly maintained over the years, this home reflects pride of ownership and solid craftsmanship. The main residence features 3 bedrooms, 2 full baths, 1 half bath and a dedicated sewing/hobby
Dreaming of your own storybook cottage? This adorable 3-BR,2-BA 1930s Tudor-style home blends classic charm with thoughtful modern updates, creating a warm and inviting retreat. Step inside from the covered side patio into a welcoming living room featuring a cozy gas log fireplace perfect for relaxing evenings. Fresh paint, updated moldings, and charming wallpaper accents enhance each room while
Incredible location only 5-8 minutes from hospital and shopping. Located at the end of a county road, this barndo on 35 acres offers total privacy, is fenced and has a view of forever from the in-ground pool. There are spacious areas for family and entertaining around the pool and covered porch. A separate guest house provides additional accomodations or rental opportunity. The acreage has a pond
PRICE IMPROVEMENT!! Welcome to your own private paradise! This 4bed 2 bath pristine home sits on almost 8 beautiful acres just a few minutes drive from the city limits and boasts 3 living areas, 1 with a woodburning stove. Step into the sitting room and walk out your back door for a peaceful setting of woods and open fields, with raised bed gardens and a Fire Pit area. Wet weather creek, large
Incredible location only 5-8 minutes from hospital and shopping. Located at the end of a county road, this barndo on 35 acres offers total privacy, is fenced and has a view of forever from the in-ground pool. There are spacious areas for family and entertaining around the pool and covered porch. A separate guest house provides additional accomodations or rental opportunity. The acreage has a pond
Charming brick home — 3 bed, 2 bath with a 1-car garage. Sits on a generous .83-acre lot with large shade trees and a spacious backyard perfect for play, entertaining, or gardening. Property includes a 20' x 11' storage building for tools and seasonal items. Located near Westwood Elementary. Ready for relaxed living in a peaceful neighborhood.
MOBILE HOMES ALLOWED!! Approximately 0.75 acres Enjoy the best of both worlds — a prime waterfront location with easy access to outdoor recreation and just minutes from local amenities. Whether you envision a modern architectural retreat, a cozy lakeside cabin, or a multi-level haven with terraces taking full advantage of the view, this lot sets the stage for truly inspired living.
Willow Creek Apartments is located at 100 Damon Allen Way Palestine, TX and is managed by Chad-Nic Management Services, a reputable property management company with verified listings on RENTCafe. Willow Creek Apartments offers 1 to 3 bedroom apartments ranging in size from 550 to 1225 sq.ft. Amenities include Air Conditioner, BBQ/Picnic Area, Cable Ready, Carport, Ceiling Fan and more. This
Our Brand-New Community offers beautiful 1- and 2-bedroom apartment homes with spacious, open designs; perfect for both relaxing and entertaining!Upgrade your life by utilizing our Smart Home Tech Package; which includes Digital Wi-Fi controlled thermostat, electronic door locks, remote control ceiling fans, and USB ports! Enjoy modern living with stylish and sleek features including
Timbercrest Apartments offers 1, 2 & 3 bedroom homes with a mixture of comfort, quality, and design. Our spacious units provide separate living and dining areas perfect for entertaining. The kitchen is complete with refrigerator, dishwasher and plenty of cabinet space. The bedrooms are large with spacious walk-in closets.
Welcome to our brand-new, beautiful community, designed for adults 55 & over! Each spacious floor plan includes modern amenities you would expect to find in a luxury home, at affordable rental rates: a fully-equipped kitchen with energy-efficient appliances and exceptional closet space. Reserve at Palestine is smoke-free & pet-friendly and will include amazing property features, like our
Welcome Home to Inwood Place ApartmentsIf you value location, comfort, and value in your search for a new home, look no further than Inwood Place Apartments for luxury apartment-style living. Our sophisticated and uniquely designed apartment homes are crafted with your needs in mind.Experience the epitome of modern living with our newly renovated apartments featuring washer/dryer
The serene community of Whispering Pines provides comfort and convenience in Palestine, TX. Take a short ride and hop on Highway 155 to check out the neighboring city of Tyler. Our location puts you close to several great attractions; from cozy sit-down restaurants to exciting Saturday night entertainment, there is something for everyone to enjoy! Dallas is also a quick trip away for a perfect
Property Id: 2070031Welcome to this fully furnished 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home in a quiet Palestine, TX neighborhood. With 4 total beds (2 queens, 2 twins), this home is ideal for travel nurses, families, or professionals seeking a mid-term stay. Enjoy a spacious living room, Smart TV, fast WiFi, fully equipped kitchen, and in-unit laundry. The fenced backyard offers added privacy, and
Updated 3 bedroom on corner lot with side access to large covered parking & patio area.Carport offers direct entrance into mudroom with washer/dryer hookups. Kitchen with stainless appliances include dishwasher, gas range, microwave, and refrigerator. Wide open feel with large living area + central heat & a/c.Non-smoking premises.Tenant to maintain lawn &
1501 N Jackson, 3 bedrooms, 2 baths.At least 2 Months of paystubs. If Self-employed, 3 months of bank StatementsYour monthly salary needs to be at least 3 x the rent. A type of identification to be able to run a background check.2 apps need to be completed:- first app is written and is free to completeOnce we get that back we see if you meet the general requirements. If all checks out we send you
Beautiful property in country surroundings, features a 3 bedroom, 3 bath, 3000 sf , with well equipped kitchen, open floor plan, with plenty of room to entertain. The large vaulted ceiling boasts hard wood floors, double sided wood burning fireplace ,built in bookcase and upstairs loft that could be used as an office. This unique property has a large front and back porch to enjoy those early
Embrace classic comfort in this charming two-bedroom, one-bathroom downstairs unit of a duplex in Palestine!This home is full of character, featuring a cozy fireplace that serves as the perfect centerpiece for the living area. The kitchen is a delight for any home cook, equipped with a dishwasher, oven, gas cooktop, and a quaint window over the sink that overlooks the
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