South Toledo Bend is a waterfront community near the Texas state line
The far-east Texas community of South Toledo Bend takes its name quite literally. The residential pocket projects into the southernmost point of the Toledo Bend Reservoir, a massive freshwater fishing hub and vacation destination along the Texas-Louisiana state line. It offers residents direct access to aquatic recreation while remaining relatively quiet throughout the year. "This part of the lake is more laid-back," says local Realtor Yvette Coshman of Toledo Bend Properties. She's sold homes across the region for just over six years. "It's surrounded by lush green forests and gentle rolling hills, and has a strong community feel. Neighbors watch out for neighbors." Locals enjoy waterfront living, with access to nearby public boat ramps and piers.
Waterfront cabins and ranch-style homes
The southern reaches of the Toledo Bend Reservoir carve out much of the community's residential landscapes. The water cuts around a few small land masses, essentially creating little, asymmetrical peninsulas. This puts most homes either on or very close to the water. The community's narrow, worn streets typically wind toward cul-de-sacs that end near the shore. Housing development kicked into gear after the reservoir opened in the late 1960s. The housing stock consists almost entirely of single-family homes, including ranch-style houses and wood cabins. For many residents, the draw is backyards with docks and piers. "There are a lot of vacation homes and investment properties," Coshman says. Homes here usually sell for $100,000 to $600,000, and houses with large waterfront lots and private docks tend to list higher.
A day on the Toledo Bend Reservoir
The Toledo Bend Reservoir is the community's lifeblood, arguably the main reason people move here. Water sports and boating are common, but the lake is mainly known as a fishing hotspot, and Coshman says bass fishing tournaments frequently occur. Many residents access the water from their property, but Coshman says several public boat ramps are around the community. "Some subdivisions have their private ones," she adds. The Sam Forse Collins Recreation Area gathers community members for swimming, picnics and fishing. It features a playground, pier and boat ramp. South Toledo Bend State Park, about 7 miles north on the Louisiana side, offers additional public reservoir access. The park has a nature trail, a two-lane boat ramp and an observation deck.
Two local businesses offer dinner and essentials
South Toledo Bend is mainly residential. Buzzard's Roost, the community's only restaurant, occasionally offers specials, but menu staples include cheeseburgers and shrimp trays. The restaurant's homemade desserts, including banana pudding and brownies, are popular. The community doesn't have a grocery store, but essentials are available at The Trading Post. "They have bait, groceries and daily lunches," Coshman says. For additional shopping and dining needs, Coshman says locals head into Jasper, Texas, or Leesville, Louisiana. "They're both about 35 miles away and have a Walmart," she says.
Students head to Burkeville for education
South Toledo Bend is served by the Burkeville Independent School District, which isn't rated on Niche. Students attend Burkeville High School, which has a C on Niche, for pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. The district separates elementary and middle/high school students into two facilities. The secondary facility, home of middle and high schoolers, features a state-of-the-art recreational center and gym with theater-style seating. A separate Learning Center building offers a distance learning studio and is home to the principal.
Navigating the community by land and water
Locals depend on cars to get around, and Recreational Road 255 East is the community's only road out of the area. It connects with U.S. Route 96 about 25 miles west, which runs south to Jasper. Boat travel is also common, and several residents use golf carts. Sabine County Hospital is one of the nearest medical facilities, about 33 miles away.
Written By
Brennen Martin
