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
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Welcome to this beautifully cared-for home on the desirable west side of Palestine! Originally built in 1960, this 3 bedroom 1 bath property has been lovingly maintained over the years and showcases pride of ownership throughout. Inside, you'll find a warm and inviting living space enhanced by tasteful aesthetic updates that blend timeless character with modern appeal. A new roof installed in
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.
The perfect country home property located on 19 acres close to the town of Palestine. Built in 2016, this home comes with many upgrades including copper gutters, granite countertops, scored stained concrete floors, custom light fixtures, and window treatments. Flat parcel with a 2 acre pond (approximate), 1600 sq ft 3 bd/2 bath home with an extra room for an office or 4th bedroom, and barn
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
BANK OWNED Investment Opportunity! Wood frame 3-BR, 2-BA home in Westwood ISD sits on a fenced in corner lot and features two spacious living areas, offering plenty of room to spread out. The kitchen/dining combo boasts gas cooking and ample wood cabinetry for storage. Step outside to a large, fenced backyard—ideal for pets, play, or your future storage unit or workshop. A double attached garage
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.
Move-in-ready home that truly has ALL THE THINGS including a stunning in-ground saltwater pool! This beautifully updated 3-BR, 2-BA home has been thoughtfully refreshed from top to bottom. Each room is tastefully designed, showcasing numerous upgrades such as granite countertops, double ovens, and a built-in hutch in the eat-in kitchen. Enjoy both a formal dining room & a dedicated office space,
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
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
Situated in a fabulous established neighborhood this spacious 3-BR, 2-BA home sits on .3857 of an acre w/woods in the back for privacy! Step inside to an entry foyer w/ raised ceilings, wood-look vinyl flooring & a coat closet. Formal dining room at the front of the home can easily serve for dining, a 4th BR or home office. Natural light pours throughout the home highlighting the fresh neutral
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 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: 1531902Come and check out our newer 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom home. Split bedrooms, one with ensuite bathroom. Good sized spaces, and laundry area, landscaping included. Energy star rated and plenty of shade trees to keep the electric bill reasonable. Convenient, clean and quiet location on the west side of Palestine only 1.5 miles outside the loop, stop by today. Westwood
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
Property Id: 1190172Come and check out our brand new 3 bedroom 2 bath homes at the Landing at Hickory Ridge. 12160square feet and a large eat in kitchen peninsula. Good sized bedrooms and a utility room with washer and dryer hookup. 1.7 miles west of Loop 256 off of FM 320, so 5 minutes to shopping and dining. Energy star certified and large shaded lots will help you reduce electric
Huge bonus room adds all the flex space possibilities to this updated 3 bedroom with storage shed on 1 acre in town and Westwood ISD!Covered parking/patio offers direct entrance into laundry room with washer/dryer hookups.Roomy farmhouse kitchen has plenty of storage featuring granite counter tops, dishwasher, and stainless gas rangeYou’ll find extra storage space in the newly
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
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