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
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an experienced agent in this area.
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Hillside Retreat w/Lake Views & Over Half an Acre (.5255)! Ask agent about additional .7459 of an acre w/diff seller.Nestled on a scenic hilltop & tucked away in an established neighborhood, this unique 2,266 sq. ft. home offers privacy, character, and beautiful views of Spring Park Lake which is located directly across the street. Drive up the concrete driveway to the detached single car garage
.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.
Discover the potential of this stunning 50-acre property in Palestine! Featuring beautiful mature trees, a scenic pond, and endless opportunities, this acreage is ready for your vision to come to life. Whether you’re dreaming of a private homesite, recreational retreat, ranch, or future investment, this property offers the perfect blend of natural beauty and versatility. Conveniently located just
Fantastic place for apartments, town homes, patio homes or much needed residential development. Close to town, shopping and schools. There is a small pond on the property. A lot of the property is open and ready for work to begin. Utilities run along the boundary of the property for easy access. there is a small pond on the property. Make an offer. 17.56 acres on West Point Tap & .48 acres on
Welcome to 202 Clover Lane, a well-maintained 3-bedroom, 2-bath brick home offering approximately 2,189 square feet of comfortable living space. The spacious living room is anchored by a classic brick, wood-burning fireplace, while the adjoining dining area provides an easy flow for everyday living and entertaining. The kitchen features abundant raised-panel cabinetry, tiled countertops and
Room to Grow with Comfort & Upgrades! 4BR/2BA Brick HOME ready for a large family, multi-generational living or entertaining guests. Newer Double-hung storm windows, durable tile flooring in the entry, hallway, kitchen & LR along w/wood laminate flooring in the BRs. 2 freestanding gas log fireplaces, conveniently located at entry & the in the den. Primary suite offers a walk-in closet & has its
Enjoy relaxing afternoons on the back deck overlooking a spacious 0.3892 acre corner lot, fully fenced and shaded by mature trees. This cozy cottage style 3BR, 1.5BA home is nestled in the highly sought-after Southside area of Palestine and offers lots of character with so many updates. This cozy home features natural hardwood floors and classic shiplap walls. Major updates include
Custom 3-bedroom, 2-bath brick home situated on approximately 2 acres in a peaceful rural community. Spacious floor plan features a large living room, formal dining room with built-in cabinetry, and a generously sized kitchen with island and ample workspace. Large bedrooms provide plenty of room for family and guests. Enjoy additional living space or year-round relaxation in the enclosed back
Beautifully maintained home in nice established neighborhood. Home is conveniently located to stores and hospitals. Home features a nice open concept living and dining area. Spacious kitchen provides plenty of counter space for meal preparation, lots of raised paneled cabinets to store, cookware, glassware and dishes, vaulted ceiling with recessed lighting. Refrigerator stays. LVP flooring in
Being a 36.601 acre parcel of land in the A. R. Stevens Survey, Abstract 758. New survey and field notes found under attachments. The additional 5 acres is seller's brother's Life Estate that is not for sale. Upon his death, seller will give buyer of the 36.601 acres the First Right of Refusal to purchase house and five acres.. See survey map attached for easements on the property.Remarks:
OVER 70 ACRE GETAWAY JUST SOUTH OF FRANKSTON NEAR NECHES RIVER. LOTS OF ROAD FRONTAGE WITH 2 PONDS AND EXCELLENT HUNTING OR WEEKEND GETAWAY. POWER POLE AND METER ALREADY IN PLACE FOR RV. LOTS OF OPEN AREAS AND RIDING TRAILS THRUOUT THE WOODED AREAS. LESS THAN 2 MILES FROM RIVER RUN ATV PARK AND LESS THAN A MILE FROM THE RIVER.
Neches ISD Opportunity on 7.895 Acres! Looking for land in the desirable Neches Independent School District with great potential already in place? This 7.895-acre property could be exactly what you’ve been searching for! With plenty of road frontage and an available water meter, this property is already set up in many important ways. An existing aerobic septic system is on site but will need a
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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 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
Property Id: 2070031 Welcome 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 the
Welcome to your new home in the charming city of Palestine, TX! Situated in a vibrant community, this property is conveniently located near down town. Palestine Regional Medical Center, just an 8-minute drive away. Enjoy outdoor leisure at nearby Reagan Park 5 minutes away. This property features comfortable living spaces designed for tranquility and convenience. You can easily maintain a
Private Rooms Available in Shared 5 Bedroom / 3 Bathroom Home – Palestine, TX5-bedroom, 3-bathroom, two-story shared home located in Palestine, TX, conveniently located near downtown and Reagan Park.This property offers comfortable private bedrooms with shared common areas, perfect for individuals looking for an affordable, clean, and well-maintained place to live.Request
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