$266,360Average Value$154Average Price per Sq Ft26Homes For Sale
Van’s quirky history and rich oil field have shaped its charm
Van is a small town in East Texas with a long and curious history. Several sources report that it has gone through multiple name changes, being known as Ratty Towns, Who’d-a-Thought-It and Swindall before the establishment of a post office finally settled the matter. The population boomed with the discovery of oil in 1929, and despite a decline during World War II, it has steadily increased through the years, leading to a loyal citizenry of nearly 3,000. “I’ve lived in Van my whole life, and I’m 80 years old,” says Darlene Tunnell, owner of Tunnell Real Estate. “I’ve had my office in Van for over 50 years now, and I like it cause everybody’s pretty close. We all know each other.” At the same time, this small town has seen a surge in interest that has brought new development. “We’re getting more businesses, more restaurants,” Tunnell adds. “We’re already got two truck stops and two motels, and we’re fixing to get a McDonald’s in town now. There’s been quite a bit of demand lately.”
A familiar landmark, the Van tower guides visitors toward downtown.
Energy sites near Van, Texas reflect the town’s deep oilfield history.
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Traditional homes line Van’s neighborhood streets
The residential streets of Van are lined with low-lying, ranch-style homes, many built between 1940 and the early 1990s, and stately Modern Traditional builds built in the mid-2000s. While new construction on the tree-shaded streets has increased, it is sporadic. “Mostly it’s traditional houses, not anything real big,” Tunnell says. “Most of them are around 2,000 square feet. We’re not like Dallas, where they have big new developments. One house will go up on one side of town, then another will go up on the other side. It’s been like that pretty much since the beginning.” Lot sizes are often large enough to accommodate backyard swimming pools. Prices begin around $70,000 for smaller, older homes in need of repairs, rising as high as $565,000 for larger and newer units.
In Van, values span about $70,000 to $565,000 depending on size and updates.
Brick ranch‑style home shows common Van architecture from midcentury onward.
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Van’s two parks offer play areas and walking paths
A pair of green spaces define outdoor recreation in Van. “We have two parks in town that have a lot of outdoor attractions for the kids,” Tunnell says. “The city has built pavilions at both, and kids like to have their birthday parties there.” There is a splash pad, a playground and a small rock climbing wall at Van City Park on the west side of town. To the east, McMillan Park offers a disc golf course, a small play area and a walking path around a pond. There is also a small dog park at Love’s, a truck stop just off the interstate.
McMillan Park offers quiet trails and a pond for a peaceful break in Van.
Van City Park brings neighbors together with play areas and shaded lawns.
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Stoney’s Dinner Bell is a family-owned community staple
Brookshire’s is the town’s main supermarket, located just across from a Walgreen’s and a Dollar General, where residents can pick up daily household items. The nearest Walmart is 14 miles west in Canton, although many will prefer to head east to the Supercenter in Lindale. While the prospective addition of a McDonald’s has proved exciting for area residents, locally owned restaurants are also an important part of Van’s commercial footprint. “Stoney’s Dinner Bell has been here as long as I have,” Tunnell says. “The one sister just sold her half of the business to the other sister, so it’s going to stay in the family.” Other popular options include Soulman’s Bar-B-Que, a regional chain located near the interstate.
Locals like to meet at The Dinner Bell for hearty, homestyle fare.
Soulman’s Bar-B-Que brings smoky ribs and brisket to Van, Texas.
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Families choose Van for the community-oriented school district
Students in Van are zoned to attend schools in the Van Independent Schools District, which earns an overall A-minus grade from Niche. “Lots of people move here for the school system,” Tunnell says. “It’s very hometown-oriented, and the teachers are great with the kids.” Children begin at Rhodes Elementary, rated A, for kindergarten and first grade. They then proceed to Van Middle School, which receives a B-plus, for grades 2 through 6. Van Junior High also scores a B-plus, and Van High School earns a B. Students at Van High can enroll in Career and Technical Education programs such as digital communications, animal science and engineering.
Van High School blends academics and athletics in a community‑focused setting.
Campus life at Van Junior High School encourages collaboration and curiosity.
JE Rhodes Elementary School supports early learning for families across Van.
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The Van Oil Festival celebrates nearly 100 years of history
While the Friday night high school football game is the main event during the season, the town celebrates its oil town heritage every October with the Van Oil Festival. It has been held for 96 years and features attractions such as carnival games, a vendor fair, live music and a parade that sweeps through the downtown district. Tours of the Van Area Oil and Historical Museum are also popular during this time.
The Van Area Oil Museum preserves the town’s nearly century‑long boom.
Local art highlights Van’s hometown spirit and long school traditions.
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Key roads link Van to Tyler and county services
Several important regional throughways intersect in this small town. “Interstate 20, Farm to Market Road 314 and state Highway 110 all come together in Van,” Tunnell says. “Interstate 20 is the biggest for commuters. You take it down to Linden, turn right on Route 69 and it takes you right to Tyler.” Highway 110 provides an important connection north to the Van Zandt Regional Hospital.
Tree‑lined streets connect downtown Van with the I-20 commute.
Tyler’s glowing downtown district adds a nearby nightlife option for those in Van.
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Written By
Hugh Taylor
Photography Contributed By
Stewart Taveras
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Rebecca Townsend,
an experienced agent in this area.
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On average, homes in Van, TX sell after 109 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Van, TX over the last 12 months is $220,000, down 18% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Investor opportunity to grow your portfolio! Welcome Home to This Beautifully Renovated Gem in the Heart of Van, Texas! This property is in a lower tax rate area!!!! Step through the charming new front door and discover stunning luxury vinyl white oak flooring that flows seamlessly throughout the home. The spacious living room is filled with natural light, thanks to brand-new windows installed
Big Price Improvement! Land with Improvements and unrestricted! 38.98 acres with utilities in place and more on the way! Investors, here's your chance to own for future development! This land is situated just off Interstate 20 with easy access on and off the freeway. The possibilities are endless since it is located outside the city limits! Hotels, Multifamily, Retail, RV Park, etc. Major retail
Cute starter home with great potential on a spacious .24-acre lot in Van, TX. This 2-bedroom, 1-bath property is all-electric and ready for a new owner to add their personal touch and TLC. The home includes a generator-ready extension that allows a generator to power the entire house during outages, offering added peace of mind. The functional layout sits on a generous lot with room to expand,
Prime 2.3± acre corner double lot located in the heart of Van, TX, offering space, accessibility, and long-term potential within highly sought-after Van ISD. Opportunities to purchase cost effective acreage inside this school district are increasingly rare, making this property especially attractive for buyers focused on education quality, community, and future value. Situated at the intersection
Welcome Home! This beautifully updated 3-bedroom, 2-bath residence blends comfort, space, and thoughtful upgrades at every turn. Oversized bedrooms provide plenty of room for relaxation, home offices, or creative retreats—one is even large enough to be converted into a second primary suite. A generous second living room adds even more versatility, giving you space for gatherings, a game room, or
Charming & Spacious 4 Bedroom Brick Home on Corner Lot in Van; Welcome to this lovely 2-story, 4-bedroom, 2-bath brick home located on a quiet street in Van—just a short commute to both Tyler and Dallas. Nestled on an approximate 0.73-acre corner lot, this property features mature shade trees, a large fenced backyard, and tons of space to spread out both inside and out. The main floor offers
From the moment you turn onto the long gravel drive, this place already feels like home. The open pasture on both sides, the tall trees, the quiet, it all pulls you in before you even reach the front porch. The house itself is simple in the best way. A sweet 2 bedroom, 2 bath home that has been lovingly freshened up with new paint, new flooring, and a bright vaulted living room where sunlight
Absolutely stunning ranchette in the heart of Van, Texas just minutes from I20. Picturesque fencing and a winding drive takes you to an expansive almost 3000sqft fully remodeled home. This home is not your typical remodel either, it is stunningly beautiful with custom, modern finishes throughout. With a chefs kitchen, two living rooms, 5 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms this home truly has it all. With
Located in the charming town of Van, TX, this inviting brick home is a true gem! Set on a spacious half-acre lot within city limits, it offers both comfort and convenience. If you are a gardener, you will absolutely love this property. shop, greenhouses, fruit trees and so much. Enjoy the natural light as you enter the bright sunroom, perfect for relaxation or entertaining guests. The heart of
Investor-ready and cash flowing! This well-maintained quadplex is located in the desirable Van ISD area and features four fully rented units, each offering a spacious 2-bedroom, 1-bath layout with an open floor plan. All units come fully equipped with appliances, including refrigerators, making them move-in ready and appealing to long-term tenants. The property also offers concrete parking for
Life in country towns has its own kind of vibe. With neighbors' that wave as you drive by, afternoons that are made for porch swinging, and weekends that entertain the outdoor living. If that sounds like your kind of life, this home may just be the fit for your family! Set just off the road, the property features a wide front yard, long driveway, and mature trees perfect for enjoying shade almost
Nice flat tract of land 100% wooded with young growth hardwood and pine excellent building sites. Great recreational tract. Very close to all amenities.
This beautifully updated 3 bedroom, 1.5 bath home offers the perfect blend of thoughtful upgrades and timeless character. Step inside to find a remodel throughout most areas while still showcasing original hardwood floors in select rooms, adding warmth and charm. The kitchen is a standout with new appliances, butcher block countertops, and stylish finishes, ready for home cooked meals and
Spacious 2-bedroom, 1-bath unit located in a single-story fourplex community at 1130 E Ohio Street in Van, TX. The unit features an open living area, an eat-in kitchen with refrigerator, stove, microwave, and custom oak cabinets. There's a dedicated utility room with full-size washer and dryer connections, plus a temperature-controlled, locking storage area just off the front porch. Water and
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