'Cowboy Capital of the World' 70 miles from Fort Worth
As one of the self-described “Cowboy Capitals of the World,” Stephenville embraces its agricultural and rural heritage. “A lot of cowboys live in this area and we have a big dairy history,” says Joyce Holland, a resident of Stephenville and the owner/broker of Holland Home & Land Realty.” About 70 miles from Fort Worth, this town of almost 21,000 has been growing, with more retail options, improvements made to the park system and Tarleton State University, a branch of Texas A&M university. “The biggest draw is Tarleton. It’s really grown. It brings a lot of students from the (Dallas-Fort Worth) metroplex and other states,” Holland says. “It went D1 a few years ago, and they’re currently working on an event center and a humanities building.” The city’s biggest employers are the university; TechnipFMC, an oil-related company; the Stephenville Independent School District; Saint-Gobain Abrasives and Schreiber Foods, a cheese packaging plant. There are also plans for an Amazon distribution center. “Agriculture is huge, but the city is pretty versatile,” Holland says.
Hay barrels fill the land in Stephenville, showcasing the area's agricultural roots.
Agriculture thrives in Stephenville, where farms paint the landscape.
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Ranch-style homes and new construction in Stephenville
Stephenville is filled with ranch-style homes, most set in a grid-layout throughout the city. The median price for homes is $347,000, with more expensive homes on the edge of the community. These properties may include more acreage and sit on a ranch or a farm, while others may just be new construction. “There’s plenty of new construction being built. They’ve run out of space in city limits, so they are building in the country,” says Holland. “Most of the new buildings in city limits are apartments or duplexes.” Holland goes on to mention that the city is aiming to bring in more young professionals and singles.
Tarleton State University requires first-year students to live on campus, but afterward are allowed to choose to live on campus or in Stephenville.
In Stephenville, ranch-style homes provide the perfect blend of style and space.
Explore the latest new construction homes on the edge of Stephenville.
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Home to Tarleton State University
Stephenville Independent School District receives an overall grade of A-minus by Niche. Stephenville High School first opened in 1875 and is rated the best public high school in Erath County by Niche. The district has an intermediate school for fifth and sixth grades and a junior high for seventh and eighth grade. “The high school is state champs in different areas and are actually in the process of building a new football stadium,” Holland says.
Stephenville is home to Tarleton State University’s main campus. The college first opened in 1899, becoming part of the Texas A&M University System in 1917. Today, Tarleton has about 18,000 students. The city also has a campus of Ranger College, a two-year institution that offers general education classes, in addition to courses like cosmetology, welding and EMT.
Fuel ambition at Stephenville High School, where dreams take flight.
Tarleton University is at the heart of Stephenville, shaping the future for many locals.
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City boasts a seasonal water park and pickleball courts
Stephenville City Park is the largest in town, with 112 acres that include a disc-golf course and a seasonal water park. “They’ve made upgrades to the parks and have room for more baseball and softball competitions,” says Holland. “The tennis courts are striped for pickleball. There are nice city parks that are utilized, including a walking trail.” Optimist Jaycee and Bill Johnson parks are additional green spaces. The Bosque River Trail is almost three miles long. Tarleton State University also has several tennis and pickleball courts. Legends Country Club has an 18-hole golf course, open to the public. Tejas Golf Course is another public facility with 9-holes. Hunting is also a popular activity. Nearby is Wendy Lou Classic Game Reserve, where groups or individuals can hunt animals that are typically native to Africa.
Stephenville locals hit the greens at Legends Golf Course.
Stephenville Park is a peaceful retreat for outdoor lovers, offering space for relaxation.
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Local businesses downtown with new retailers coming in
Downtown Stephenville has local businesses and boutiques surrounding the courthouse. It is also the location of a seasonal farmer’s market. “We have three grocery stores: H-E-B, Aldi and Walmart,” says Holland. “There’s new shopping. A Chick-fil-A came in – I think we were the first in a country area to get one – and (residents) were just blown away. We’re finally getting some retail that you don’t typically see in the rural areas.” Along U.S. Route 377 are national retailers and regional chains like Atwoods, a hardware store, on U.S. Route 281.
Stock up on essentials and more at Stephenville's Walmart.
Unless your artistic side at Hobby Lobby in Stephenville.
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Moo-La, cowboys and a rodeo
“There are lots of celebrations and events that take place,” says Holland. “Like Moo-La.” Moo-La is the name of the unofficial mascot of Stephenville – a fiberglass Holstein who watches over the center of town. Moo-La Fest is a celebration of the city’s heritage as a dairy community. Held the first weekend in June, the festival features a carnival, hot air balloons, food, live music and dairy-centered activities. The Cowboy Capital of the World Pro Rodeo is a three-day event in late September that includes rodeo competitions like roping and mutton bustin’. The weekend ends with performances by the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association.
U.S. Route 377 into Fort Worth
There are no major interstates in Stephenville, but U.S. routes 377, 281 and 67 run through the city, with Route 377 reaching into Fort Worth. Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport is about 90 miles northeast of Stephenville. Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital Stephenville is located just up the street from Downtown Stephenville.
Written By
Samantha Hacker
Photography Contributed By
Aylin Reyna
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Texan Ranch West is a new subdivision in Stephenville, Texas! Country living at its finest! Enjoy secluded lots, on an established road! No HOAs, mature hardwoods, scattered ponds and more! Beautiful homesites ranging from 10-23+ acres. Escape the fast-paced city, enjoy the wide-open fresh air of country life. Take in the breathtaking views and enjoy the famous Texas sunsets. Texan Ranch West
Prime investment opportunity in Stephenville, the Cowboy Capital of the World and home to rodeo collegiate powerhouse, Tarleton State University. This **fully occupied, income-producing** property offers a rare mix of residential and equine amenities, including **10 apartments**, **8 RV hookups**, **20 horse stalls with runs**, **15 covered pens**, and **4 large traps**. A key highlight is the
PRIME COMMERCIAL PROPERTY FOR SALE IN ERATH COUNTY!!! With this multi-purpose arena & event center, that offers roughly 150,000 sq ft under roof, and another 57,000 +- sq ft covered area, and 2 entrances, the POSSIBILITIES ARE ENDLESS! Also known as Lone Star Arena, this commercial property is located in Stephenville, TX. Known for a City of Champions, Tarleton State University and is the home to
Texan Ranch West is a new 388+ subdivision in Stephenville, Texas! Country living at its finest! Enjoy secluded lots, on an established road! No HOAs, mature hardwoods, scattered ponds and more! Beautiful homesites ranging from 10-23+ acres. Escape the fast-paced city, enjoy the wide-open fresh air of country life. Take in the breathtaking views and enjoy the famous Texas sunsets. Texan Ranch
Texan Ranch West is a new subdivision in Stephenville, Texas! Country living at its finest! Enjoy secluded lots, on an established road! No HOAs, mature hardwoods, scattered ponds and more! Beautiful homesites ranging from 10-23+ acres. Escape the fast-paced city, enjoy the wide-open fresh air of country life. Take in the breathtaking views and enjoy the famous Texas sunsets. Texan Ranch West
Hunters, Outdoors men and women, nature lovers, come see this undeveloped, unspoiled 78 acres in Erath County. Currently with a wildlife exemption and filled with wildlife, the seller has spotted deer, wild hogs, and wild turkeys. This is where you go to get away from it all. There is a small camp house on the property with power (no water) a great place to stow your gear and spend the night if
Texan Ranch West is a new subdivision in Stephenville, Texas! Country living at its finest! Enjoy secluded lots, on an established road! No HOAs, mature hardwoods, scattered ponds and more! Beautiful homesites ranging from 10-23+ acres. Escape the fast-paced city, enjoy the wide-open fresh air of country life. Take in the breathtaking views and enjoy the famous Texas sunsets. Texan Ranch West
Texan Ranch West is a new subdivision in Stephenville, Texas! Country living at its finest! Enjoy secluded lots, on an established road! No HOAs, mature hardwoods, scattered ponds and more! Beautiful homesites ranging from 10-23+ acres. Escape the fast-paced city, enjoy the wide-open fresh air of country life. Take in the breathtaking views and enjoy the famous Texas sunsets. Texan Ranch West
Texan Ranch West is a new subdivision in Stephenville, Texas! Country living at its finest! Enjoy secluded lots, on an established road! No HOAs, mature hardwoods, scattered ponds and more! Beautiful homesites ranging from 10-23+ acres. Escape the fast-paced city, enjoy the wide-open fresh air of country life. Take in the breathtaking views and enjoy the famous Texas sunsets. Texan Ranch West
Texan Ranch West is a new subdivision in Stephenville, Texas! Country living at its finest! Enjoy secluded lots, on an established road! No HOAs, mature hardwoods, scattered ponds and more! Beautiful homesites ranging from 10-23+ acres. Escape the fast-paced city, enjoy the wide-open fresh air of country life. Take in the breathtaking views and enjoy the famous Texas sunsets. Texan Ranch West
Texan Ranch West is a new subdivision in Stephenville, Texas! Country living at its finest! Enjoy secluded lots, on an established road! No HOAs, mature hardwoods, scattered ponds and more! Beautiful homesites ranging from 10-23+ acres. Escape the fast-paced city, enjoy the wide-open fresh air of country life. Take in the breathtaking views and enjoy the famous Texas sunsets. Texan Ranch West
**Charming Country Retreat Just Minutes from town!** Welcome to your dream home! Nestled on a sprawling 10.56 acres of picturesque land, this enchanting 1,800-square-foot residence offers the perfect blend of comfort, elegance, and convenience. With 3 spacious bedrooms and 2 modern bathrooms, this open-concept haven is designed for both relaxation and entertainment. Step inside and be greeted by
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Now signing leases for Spring/Fall 2025-2026! Secure your spot with a holding fee while searching for roommates, or rent without needing to fill all bedrooms. We provide roommate information before signing to ensure a comfortable living experience. Each unit is rented by the room, with individual leases offering flexibility—you can live alone or with friends. These 3-story townhomes, located
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Lovely brick home in a great neighborhood with 3 bedrooms, 2 bath & an oversized 2 car garage. Features built ins for all your storage needs & a wood-burning stove centered in the large living room. While the kitchen is smaller it has plenty of cabinets and countertop space and opens up to a nicely sized dining room. Master suite has 2 closets & bathroom with a tiled tub-shower combo. It has a
Experience unlimited comfort at The Patrick and lead an ideal life. We invite you to a beautiful community that fits every style and budget.When you lease at The Patrick, you also get access to all the amenities at The Parker 1 and 2! Come home, put your feet up, and settle down into a community you deserve.
Great location minutes from Tarleton State University, walking distance to restaurants, shopping, and the movie theater. Enjoy community features like a swimming pool, bark park, mature trees, on-site laundry, package delivery center. This home has updated countertops, beautiful flooring, and a patio. Spradley Properties requires residents to have liability insurance for the property in the
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Living at Lillian Crossroads Apartments in Stephenville, TX, offers the perfect combination of relaxation and wellness with two refreshing swimming pools and a fully equipped fitness center. Ideally located in close proximity to Tarleton State University, the community provides both convenience and connection to everything the area has to offer. Lillian Crossroads consists of five distinct
Welcome to The Parker Apartments, where modern living meets ultimate convenience. Offering spacious 1, 2, and 3-bedroom floorplans, our apartments are designed with great storage and comfortable layouts to suit your lifestyle. Residents enjoy an array of community amenities, including access to The Patrick and Parker 2 amenities, a 24-hour clubhouse and game room, fitness center, swimming pool,
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