Rusk offers a relaxed lifestyle in secluded Cherokee County
Rusk may be a one-stop town, but it has plenty to offer. "There's one red light here, we call it 'The Red Light,’” says Realtor Katie Struhall with Re/Max Tyler. "But it's a really family-friendly, cute small town. It's a good place to live a simple, relaxed life." The community of about 5,000 offers a quintessential small-town square surrounded by shops and restaurants. There are beloved community events throughout the year, and a continually growing population that's improving upon the town year by year. Rusk is in a secluded area of Cherokee County but still offers access to cities like Tyler.
Historic homes and quiet streets near the downtown square
Rusk's housing inventory reflects its longstanding history and sits at a median sale price of $160,000. Surrounding the town square are farmhouse-style, Craftsman-style, Four Squares and cottages from the early to mid-20th century. These homes are more densely built, but are on quiet, picturesque streets with manicured lawns and mature oak, mesquite and elm trees. Many homes are within walking distance of downtown and its dining, retail and events. Ranch-style and split-level homes are more spread out as homes moved away from the Square. The edges of town offer New Traditional subdivisions and large acreages tucked between pockets of pine woods and grassy fields marked with creeks and ponds. "There's not a ton of new construction; we've had maybe 30 new homes in the last few years. So you're mostly getting renovated older homes," Struhall says. Houses with larger acreages offer the opportunity to homestead, have crop fields and keep farm animals. According to FEMA's National Risk Index, Rusk has a moderate risk of tornado impact. Buyers should ensure they have adequate homeowner's insurance and note the locations of nearby shelters for emergencies
Education through Rusk Independent School District
Rusk Independent School District serves around 2,000 students and earns an overall B rating from Niche. G.W. Bradford Primary scores a B-plus and serves pre-kindergarten to first grade. Rusk Elementary earns a B-plus and serves second and third grade. Rusk Intermediate gets a B-minus and serves fourth and fifth grade. Rusk Junior High and Rusk High both earn a B rating. The high school offers over 20 extracurricular clubs and activities, including robotics, theatre and the "More than a Book" club.
Rusk Park has a lake, depot and themed train experiences
The community features several recreational areas for residents around town. Several nature preserve areas include Butler Park and Jim Hogg Park. Both feature walking paths that wind through pine woods and casual picnic areas. On Euclid Street, the Rusk Baseball Complex hosts Little League games, and the Rusk Swimming Pool has a morning free swim and water aerobics classes. Residents can book a public tee time at the nearby Birmingham Golf Course. Just outside town, residents and visitors can look into Rusk's past as a train depot community at Rusk Park. It offers 100 acres of green space and has a depot of the Texas State Railroad, picnic areas, campsites and walking trails. The park's lily-padded lake is surrounded by oak, hickory and pine trees. Visitors can take a canoe or relax on the shore to fish for bass, trout or catfish. "The park is very family-friendly and has a lot of events at the depot and the cafe," Struhall says. "They have concerts, dinner trains, western trains and a 'Polar Express' holiday train." The train travels from Rusk to Palestine, offering different experiences for the 50-mile trip.
Historic downtown square hosts shops, dining and events
Rusk's downtown square features a historic courthouse surrounded by shops, small businesses, churches and municipal buildings. Residents may gather at the Cherokee Civic Theater for plays and concerts, or grab books at the Singletary Memorial Library. Locally-owned restaurants like the Daily Grind coffee shop and Joe's Sports Bar and Grill are popular here. Joe's offers comfort food, beer, karaoke and games. Grocery options include Brookshire Brothers and DG Market, with more offerings in nearby Jacksonville or Tyler. "Tyler is where many people will do their bigger shopping or go to dinner," says Struhall.
Residents gather at the Square for annual community events, like the Hometown Christmas celebration and parade. There's also the Scare on the Square trick-or-treat event, and Fair on The Square, which showcases local vendors, music, food and games.
Highways connect Rusk to nearby towns and medical centers
Rusk sits near the intersection of U.S. Highways 69 and 84, connecting residents to surrounding communities. Rusk is somewhat secluded, and the nearest interstates are I-20, 50 miles from Rusk, and I-45, 65 miles away. Jacksonville is one of the closest larger towns, about 15 miles from Rusk. Jacksonville is home to the nearest medical centers: UT Health Hospital-Jacksonville and CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital-Jacksonville. The closest hospitals are Shreveport Regional, 100 miles from Rusk, and Dallas-Fort Worth International, 145 miles away. Rusk earns a four out of 10 CAP Index Crime Score, the same as the national score.
