Teague blends its railway past with family-friendly amenities
Teague was developed in the late 1800s as a railroad hub about 100 miles south of Dallas, and the Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) Railway still operates in the city. While Teague is no longer a stop for passenger trains, its 3,000 residents keep their history alive. The old train depot houses the Burlington-Rock Island Railroad Museum, and the historic Teague Hotel — once a lodging place for travelers and railroad employees — is now an event center. “I came to Teague from a tiny city that didn’t have much for families to do, so that was the first thing that attracted me: the community involvement and the parks,” says city secretary Gay Pranger. “We have a library with amazing children’s programs, and there’s always some activity happening.”
Small lots in central areas and multiacre properties on the outskirts
Many homes in Teague’s central residential areas were built between 1940 and 1980 on lots measuring a quarter to a third of an acre. Mature trees lend shade and privacy to small front yards. Some streets in this section are too narrow for two cars to pass each other, but driveways and shaded carports reduce the need for on-street parking. Ranch-style homes and cottages are priced from $75,000 to $200,000, while larger single-story builds cost $225,000 to $350,000. Multiacre properties sprawl out on the outskirts, fetching prices from $450,000 to $900,000.
Parks, sports fields and a fishing lake offer outdoor fun
Teague City Park is a grassy field with tall trees, covered picnic tables, sports courts, ballfields and a playground. Sports fields and basketball courts dominate the space at Booker T. Washington Park, which also has playground equipment for the younger crowd. Anglers cast off from the lighted fishing pier and launch boats from the public-access ramp at Teague City Lake.
A rounded education at Teague Independent School District
Teague Elementary School receives a Niche grade of A-minus, while Teague Junior High School receives a B. Students at the B-plus-rated Teague High School can participate in various extracurricular activities, including athletics, student council, drama club and Future Farmers of America. Additionally, Lion Stadium draws a crowd each year during football season. The B-rated Teague Lion Academy offers an alternative to the traditional high school experience with modified school days and online support.
Wild Cow Milking at the Teague Fourth of July Rodeo
On Independence Day, the Teague Rodeo Arena hosts one of Texas’s longest-running amateur rodeos. The three-day competition includes standard roping and riding, but the top draw is the “World’s Richest Wild Cow Milking” event, when cowboys compete to see which team can wrangle and milk a “wild” cow the fastest. Pitmasters vie for the crown at the Parkfest BBQ Cookoff, held over an October weekend. The Teague Public Library hosts several kid-friendly programs, including a spring break Read-A-Thon, summer reading and story time from September through April.
Major highways pave the way to Dallas and Waco
The city’s major traffic artery is U.S. Route 84, which connects with Interstate 45 less than 10 miles away. The interstate provides the quickest route to Dallas, about 100 miles away, and Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport, a 120-mile drive. Route 84 also leads to Waco, about 55 miles away, where commuter flights to Dallas-Fort Worth take off from Waco Regional Airport. Health care services are available at Parkview Regional Hospital, about 13 miles away in Mexia.
Route 84 restaurants earn high marks from locals
Several popular restaurants are located near Route 84. Cookie’s Place serves down-home classics like fried chicken, burgers and seafood platters, and COS (short for Closed on Sundays) is a lunchtime hot spot. Groceries are available at Brookshire Brothers, across the street from a few dollar stores. The Teague Farmers Market sets up on select Saturdays throughout the summer and fall. Withrow Furniture on Main Street has been in business since 1930.
