Tyler

The gentle waves of Lake Tyler East set the tone for life in Big Oak Bay, a rural residential neighborhood with towering pine trees and waterfront estates. Seclusion is preferred, and the heavily wooded lots often run over an acre. However, the space between the Ranch-style houses is only physical, as neighbors frequently gather to engage in year-round events and celebrations. Most homes have boat docks, granting residents access to endless recreation on the water. Yet, even those on dry lots can still get in on the fun as the Property Owners Association manages and maintains a private boat ramp. Commercial activity is limited, but the historic shops and restaurants of downtown Tyler are under 15 miles away. “Folks like that this is a remote location, it's along a 4 miles dead end street, so there’s no major cross traffic,” says Todd Moore, Director at Large for the Big Oak Bay Property Owners Association. “We’re in the piney woods area so you see lots of wildlife like deer just free roaming.” Lake Tyler East serves as the hub for recreation, and residents head out on the 2,500 acres of glistening blue water to enjoy a host of aquatic activities. Boating is very popular, and watersports such as skiing and wakeboarding are common during the summer months. This and the conjoining Lake Tyler West have both gained great reputations as fishing lakes. Game fish include largemouth bass, sun gill and crappie, which attract tournaments and pro-anglers looking to reel in a trophy catch. Golden Road Park, 18 miles away, is the closest park on dry land and features numerous athletic facilities, including soccer fields and baseball diamonds. Residents looking to spend an afternoon on the fairway can head to the 9-hole course at Hilltop Country Club, a little over 15 miles away. Homebuyers come to Big Oak Bay for one reason. “The big draw is the lake, so a lot of homes have boat houses for that lake access,” Moore says. The neighborhood has around 130 lots, with 99 homes, as many of the larger properties take up multiple lots. Housing is predominantly ranch-style builds from the 1970s with brick exteriors and gabled roofs. Teardowns are common, and new, multistory developments can be found scattered throughout the forested community. Properties off the water price between $350,000 and $600,000, while waterfront builds range from $700,000 to $1.25 million, depending on square footage and year constructed. Mobile homes are not allowed, and a 1,000-square-foot minimum is required for new builds, as set by the Property Owner’s Association. Lot sizes are large and grassy, ranging from half an acre to 5 acres. While the lake may serve as a weekend escape for some, the vast majority of residents are year-round. Big Oak Bay is a tight-knit community with year-round events that bring residents together. “Everyone is fairly active whether its community projects or games like cards and mahjong,” Moore says. Big holidays bring big celebrations, including the Fourth of July, which features grand firework shows on the lake or from homeowners nearby. “One neighbor puts on a fairly extensive private show,” Moore says. “People like to put out chairs in their backyards to watch it.” While residents enjoy the seclusion and rural nature of the neighborhood, they do have to drive a ways to reach shopping and dining. Family Dollar is the closest store, located 7 miles away. Chain restaurants like Whataburger are nearby in the City of New Chapel Hill. The historic shops and restaurants of downtown Tyler are 12 miles away, and many residents don’t mind the drive. “Most folks will drive into Tyler,” Moore says. “We drive four miles to exit our neighborhood - what’s 8 more after that?” Many residents operate small farms on their properties, and shoppers can buy seasonal fruits and vegetables without having to leave the neighborhood. Lakeview Community Church is one of numerous houses of worship serving the area. Big Oak Bay’s younger residents are zoned into the Arp Independent School District, which received an A-minus rating on Niche. Students can begin their education at Arp Elementary and Arp Junior High School, both of which received a B-plus rating. The A-minus-rated Arp High School offers numerous athletic and extracurricular programs and maintains an impressive student-teacher ratio of 10:1. Arp High School is a little under 10 miles from the neighborhood. Big Oak Bay has one road in and one road out. The vibrant commercial areas of Downtown Tyler are just 12 miles away and can be reached via State Highway 64. Tyler Pounds Regional Airport is 21 miles away and services multiple daily flights to Dallas Fort Worth International Airport. Downtown Dallas is 115 miles to the west, roughly equal to a 2-hour drive.

The name Brick Streets District may be a bit on the nose, but the self-descriptive moniker does not take away from the historic neighborhood’s charm. Dating to the 1800s, once home to some of Tyler’s wealthiest families, this brick-street community continues to attract homebuyers thanks partly to an array of amenities, including nearby parks, cafes and a recently re-energized downtown. “The district is original to when Tyler was built,” says Myriah Boles, associate broker with the Standard Realty Group. “It really has a lot of character because everything is very unique, and the homes are not cookie cutter.” An eclectic mix of historic homes line the neighborhood’s brick streets. Styles range from Tudor revivals with gable pitched roofs to cozy Craftsman-style homes with large front lawns. Renovated cottages can also be found scattered throughout. Many residences were built in the late 1800s, featuring construction styles that many homebuyers find attractive. “The charm of these historic homes is that they just aren’t being made the same now,” says Melanie Watson, a local realtor with National Agent Network. “It’s a piece of history they can own.” The houses and streets aren’t the only thing that’s timeless, as mature trees provide ample shade to nearly every lot. Prices range from $200,000 to $400,000, while larger, remodeled estates can top $600,000. Bergfeld Park is a welcoming green space that hosts year-round events and recreation. The splash grounds and play areas are popular with the neighborhood’s younger residents, while sports enthusiasts flock to the tennis courts to work on their backhand. The park’s amphitheater lights up the silver screen in the spring with its movie in the park series. Other events include symphony concerts and 5k races. Nearby, The Tyler Rose Garden spans 14 acres and features tranquil fountains and more than 38,000 rose bushes. Residents in the northern section of the neighborhood are within walking distance of the Tyler Public Library. Brick Streets District comes to life every spring during the Azalea & Spring Flower Trail Event. Carriage rides carry visitors up and down the historic streets, highlighting ten miles of residential gardens and colorful foliage of azaleas, tulips and more. Another event is The Texas Rose Festival, which has attracted visitors since its beginnings in 1993. The popular celebration features numerous ceremonial events, including the Queen’s Coronation, ribbon cutting and a rose parade. While the district may be primarily residential, the local shops and restaurants have become neighborhood favorites. “The good thing about the Brick Streets District is it has great walkability,” Boles says. “There are a lot of unique coffee stores and little storefronts that are hidden gems.” Brady’s Coffee Shop is a Tyler Institution serving high-grown Arabica specialty coffees since 1996. Visitors can enjoy a hot drink surrounded by creative exhibitions from local artists and shelves stacked with books and poetry. Next door, Baked by Christina serves up tasty cupcakes and cookies. Brickstreet Pharmacy provides the neighborhood with convenient medical care, while weekly groceries can be found at Brookshires, 1.5 miles away. UT Health Tyler is one of numerous award-winning medical facilities in the area. The neighborhood is highly walkable, and residents often take advantage of the big trees and wide sidewalks. Downtown Tyler is under 1 mile away and can be reached on foot, bike or a Tyler Transit bus, which services numerous stops along Front Street. Tyler Pounds Regional Airport is 8 miles away and has multiple daily flights to Dallas Fort Worth International Airport. Dallas is 100 miles away by car, roughly equal to a 2-hour drive. Tyler Independent School District serves the neighborhood and offers highly rated public education to its students. The district has earned the designation of Best Communities for Music Education by the National Association of Music Merchants Foundation. Bell Elementary, Hubbard Middle School and Tyler Legacy High School all received an A-minus rating on Niche. Tyler Legacy High School offers numerous Advanced Placement and Career and Technical courses designed to help students gain real-world experience. St. Gregory Cathedral School is a private education option for parents to consider.

Bullard Place is a quiet residential enclave in South Tyler with deep roots. The neighborhood features houses from the 1970s, towering trees, and extensive landscaping. Yet this is only half the allure, as families moving here are drawn to the highly rated public schools in the Tyler Independent School District. Homeowners in Bullard Place are surrounded by natural beauty and ample recreation opportunities. “I really like that the neighborhood has mature trees and rolling hills; there’s a lot of diversity as far as the topography,” says Myriah Boles, local Realtor with the Standard Realty Group. “They have bike lanes in the street, which really promotes biking throughout the area.” The Tyler Independent School District serves the neighborhood and maintains an impressive student-teacher ratio of 17 to 1. The access to highly rated public schools is a significant draw for homebuyers looking to move in. “People who live there want to go to Rice Elementary,” Boles says. “It’s really good because you can walk your kids to school.” Rice Elementary and Hubbard Middle School both received an A-minus rating on Niche. Tyler Legacy High School also received an A-minus rating and is the largest high school in East Texas, with a student body of nearly 2,700. Tyler Legacy offers numerous career and technical education courses, and students can earn college credit through the dual enrollment program. Bishop Thomas K. Gorman Catholic School (6-12) is a private education option for parents to consider. Houses in Bullard Place date back to the late 1970s and feature classic Texas Ranch-style architecture with brick exteriors and gabled roofs. However, accents of Tudor-revival architecture can be found on many of these builds, giving the neighborhood a quaint charm. Mature trees shade sidewalk-lined streets, and well-manicured front lawns provide a great spot for children or dogs to play. Prices range between $250,000 and $450,000, while square footage runs between 1,600 and 2,300. The market is competitive and listings normally sell quicker than the national average. Broadway Square is the commercial center not only for the neighborhood but for all of East Texas. The indoor shopping destination features 80 stores, including name-brand retailers like Lululemon and American Eagle. Various local and national chains line Broadway Avenue, ensuring residents are never far from a quick bite to eat. Chuy’s is a Tex-Mex chain serving “big as yo’ face” burritos and tasty enchiladas. Down the street, Bernard’s Mediterranean Restaurant is an upscale eatery that has been a neighborhood favorite for over 20 years. There are also plenty of local joints as well. “One of my favorite places is called Laurel and Pearl Bakery," Boles says. “It's amazing; it’s a European bakery with a southern vibe.” Brookshire’s provides the area with fresh produce and weekly groceries. South Broadway Avenue is the main thoroughfare and connects to Downtown Tyler, 6 miles away. Tyler Transit services numerous bus routes along the avenue as well. The neighborhood is friendly to both bicyclists and pedestrians thanks to the sidewalks that wind throughout. Those looking to travel farther can head 12 miles west to Tyler Pounds Regional Airport, which services multiple daily flights to DFW International Airport. Dallas is 104 miles away by car, roughly equal to a 2-hour drive. Bullard Place residents are close to expansive outdoor parks and vibrant entertainment centers. Southside Park is under a mile away, and visitors can play a pickup game on the basketball courts or have a picnic. The 8-mile-long Rose Rudman Trail runs through the park and crosses through forested areas and flowing streams. For indoor recreation, Times Square Grand Slam features bowling alleys, arcade games and a movie theatre. Hollytree Country Club is close by and offers members an award-winning 18-hole championship course named the “Best Golf Course” in the Best of East Texas Reader’s Choice Award. Residents flock to the Tyler Farmers Market, which has been providing fresh fruits and vegetables to the area since 1983. Shoppers peruse stands curated by local farmers, and some popular produce includes big red tomatoes and sweet peaches. The market begins annually in May and is open Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday from 7:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Towering pine trees surround the quiet residential enclave of Cambridge Bend, creating a sense of seclusion that homeowners prefer. The neighborhood has one road in and one road out, limiting through traffic in the area. Stately homes are commonplace, and residents take pride in their well-manicured front lawns. While the tranquility and seclusion may feel intentional, residents are still close to shopping and dining along Broadway Avenue nearby and are just 8 miles from the historic areas of downtown Tyler. “It's really kind of a little pocket that’s off the beaten path,” says Wana Crouch, Realtor and Chief Operating Officer for National Agent Network. “You’ll see people out walking, riding their golf carts around, it has a really neat, family-friendly vibe.” Housing in Cambridge Bend dates back to the mid-2000s and features classic ranch-style architecture with some custom twists. “The houses have a little bit of a French country feel, and there are some homes that are a little more custom than others,” Crouch says. The houses feature gable pitched roofs and brick exteriors with additional amenities ranging from outdoor kitchens to backyard swimming pools. Older three-bedroom builds price between $350,000 and $500,000 while larger new builds run from $500,000 to $700,000. Large estate homes can top $1 million and plots of land are available for those looking to build their dream home. There is an optional HOA that grants members access to the community swimming pool. No matter where homebuyers end up, they will be surrounded by grassy lawns and longtime neighbors who take pride in their community. “People take care of their homes and their yards with really nice landscaping,” Crouch says. “Typically, people move in there and stay.” The Tyler Independent School District serves the neighborhood and received high marks across the board. Rice Elementary, Hubbard Middle School and Tyler Legacy all received an A-minus rating from Niche. Tyler Legacy is the largest high school in East Texas, with a student population of over 2,700. The high school is a football powerhouse and has won five district championships and one state championship since 1996. Bishop Thomas K. Gorman Catholic School is an A-plus-rated private school option for parents to consider. Cambridge Bend is pedestrian-friendly with its sidewalk-lined streets and seclusion from busy intersections. However, those traveling farther are conveniently located just 8 miles from the historic shops and restaurants of downtown Tyler. Tyler Pounds Regional Airport is 14 miles away and services numerous daily flights to Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport. Faulkner Park is under 3 miles away, and the crack of the bat is a common sound year-round. “During the spring, summer and fall, there are always baseball games going on,” says Myriah Boles, associate broker with the Standard Realty Group. Other amenities include a fishing pond, skate ramps and tennis courts. Hikers can lace up their boots and hop on the 9-mile Faulkner Park Trail, a multi-use nature path that cuts through dense forests and tranquil flowing streams. Golfers flock to the Hollytree Country Club, 4 miles away. The club features a championship 18-hole golf course named the “Best Golf Course” in the Best of East Texas Reader’s Choice Awards. Urban Air Trampoline and Adventure Park anchors indoor recreation and offers exciting activities ranging from climbing walls to APEX trampolines and dodgeball. Cambridge Bend is entirely residential, but nearby commercial centers ensure homeowners are never far from shopping and dining. The Village at Cumberland Park was completed in 2018 and is the largest shopping center in Tyler, spanning 78 acres. Visitors walk through the outdoor retail mecca and peruse name-brand stores such as Nike, H&M, and Old Navy. The Village of Cumberland Park sits 2 miles away on Broadway Avenue, which is the area's main thoroughfare. National and local restaurants line the avenue, including Mario’s Italian, a favorite neighborhood eatery serving authentic Italian cuisine in a candle-lit atmosphere. Early birds head to The Diner Tyler nearby to start the day with some classic breakfast foods and fresh-squeezed orange juice. Target and Walmart provide the neighborhood with fresh produce and weekly groceries. Residents enjoy proximity to year-round events and local farmers' markets. Tyler is known as the “Rose Capital of America,” and the Tyler Rose Festival is a big reason why. The event began in 1933 and is an annual celebration that features activities ranging from a rose parade to the Queen’s Coronation. The festival takes place every October and is located 7.5 miles away. The Tyler Farmers Market is under 3 miles away and connects visitors with fresh produce from local farmers. The market begins in May and is open every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.