Within 10 miles of the Oklahoma border in North Texas, Vernon bills itself as the place “Where the Real West Begins.” The former pioneer town has grown a lot since cattle, coyotes and cowboys ruled, but ranching and hunting continue to play huge roles in the lives of its 11,000 residents. With 50 miles of rural land separating it from Wichita Falls, Vernon is a hub for much of Wilbarger County. “It’s a lot of farmland out there on either side, so it’s a good middle point,” says Bill Crouch, broker and owner of River’s Edge Realty. “I’ve got friends who have hunting leases out that way, and they drive to Vernon when they need to get to a town. They have everything you would need shopping-wise.”
Vernon welcomes you to Texas a few miles south of Oklahoma.
Ranching is a big part of Vernon history and present day alike.
1/2
Hibiscus Capital of Texas
Agriculture, ranching and food processing contribute heavily to the local economy. In 2021, Vernon was named “Hibiscus Capital of Texas” due to the efforts of Texas A&M AgriLife, which has research stations nearby. With North Texas State Hospital and Wilbarger General Hospital located within the city limits, jobs in healthcare are readily available.
The nearest big city is Wichita Falls, about 50 miles away via State Highway 80. Commuter flights to Dallas-Fort Worth are available from Wichita Falls Regional Airport.
Vernon is known as the "Hibiscus Capital" of Texas.
The Wilbarger General Hospital is one of the main employers of the city.
1/2
Fixer-uppers and historical homes
Lower-than-average housing costs are a top draw for Vernon homebuyers. The median home price is about $110,000, which is exceptionally low by Texas standards and nearly one-third the current national median. Fixer-uppers start at $50,000 to $100,000, while well-maintained older builds might sell for $150,000 to $250,000. “They have some historical homes that have been well taken care of,” Crouch says. Larger homes with thoughtful touches like wood-burning fireplaces and storm cellars fetch prices from $375,000 to $450,000.
Lower than average priced homes are a big draw for Vernon residents.
Vernon residents enjoy spacious yards.
1/2
Sizzling good times in Bacon City, USA
Vernon’s cultural scene highlights the city’s key features. Exhibits at the Red River Valley Museum chronicle the history of Wilbarger County from the prehistoric era to the present day. May’s Santa Rosa Roundup Rodeo runs four days and draws thousands of spectators. A parade of classic cars rides through town during Summer’s Last Blast every August. The Bacon City, USA festival began as a centennial celebration for Wright Brand bacon, which has been produced in Vernon since 1922. Held in October, the event features live music, vendors and a food truck challenge.
Red River Valley Museum highlights the history of Vernon.
The Santa Rosa Roundup Rodeo is a big deal for many Vernon locals.
1/2
Playing ball at Vernon ISD
The Vernon Independent School District gets a B-minus from Niche and is anchored by its robust sports programs, especially football, basketball and tennis. Vernon College offers two-year programs in cosmetology, nursing and other vocational fields.
The Vernon ISD is close to many residents.
The Vernon ISD is anchored by its top tier sports programs.
1/2
Commerce on Wilbarger Street
Much of Vernon’s commercial activity takes place along Wilbarger Street, with grocery stores, auto parts suppliers and casual restaurants lining both sides of the thoroughfare. Walmart and Tractor Supply are located near Highway 287, near Vernon College. The downtown area features several handsome old brick buildings, some emblazoned with brightly colored artwork. One mural pays tribute to the late singer Roy Orbison, who was born in Vernon. The Vernon Main Street Program is working with merchants and property owners to boost economic growth and turn the downtown into a vibrant community gathering place.
Walmart is a short drive from most residents of Vernon.
You can spot many murals highlighting Vernon downtown.
1/2
Places to hunt, golf and gather
The land surrounding Vernon is ripe for hunting whitetail deer, turkeys and hogs. Clubhouses and pavilions throughout the park system — including the poolside clubhouse at the aquatic center — make good venues for parties and reunions. Hillcrest Country Club members can tee off at the private 9-hole golf course.
Hillcrest Country Club is a great place to play golf.
Hillcrest Country Club offers many amenities for Vernon residents.
1/2
Mosquito control and crime risk
Summers in Vernon are hot and sticky. The humid climate fosters an aggressive mosquito population, enough so that the city website includes advice on spraying and other control methods. According to the Texas Department of Public Safety, incidents of violent and property-related crime rose slightly from 2022 to 2023.
Written By
Adrienne Ryan
Photography Contributed By
Debbie Giesbrecht
Video By
David Strayer
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Margie Santa,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
Beautifully updated 4-bedroom, 3-bathroom home nestled among mature trees on a peaceful wooded lot in Mount Vernon, offering the perfect balance of modern comfort and quiet country living. Major exterior and system upgrades provide added peace of mind, including a new roof, new HVAC system, restored septic system, and all new windows. The home also features new front and back porches with
Nearly an acre of commercial land on Wilbarger. Has a large structure which needs work but would be great for storage. Metal fence. Corner lot. Extra slab for parking. Would be great for a small RV park, storage units, or car wash.
ODELL SCHOOL PROPERTY7± Acres | Wilbarger County, TexasHistoric Property with Unlimited PotentialLocated in the small community of Odell, Texas, the Odell School Property offers a rare opportunity to own approximately 7± acres with existing infrastructure, county road frontage, and unlimited development potential.The property features the historic former Odell School
Turn-key Equine training facility. Currently used as a cutting horse training operation with a 160 x 250 roping arena. 36 x 84 10 horse stall barn with tack room. 12 x 204 shed that stalls 17 horses. Covered 40 x 100 cutting barn with mechanical flag. 50 ft round pen for colt starting. Immaculate 2022 4 bedroom home with 2 living areas and isolated master bedroom suite. Home has an open floor
Charming Ranch Retreat at 5165 FM 2916, Vernon, TX 76384 Welcome to this picturesque ranch located at 5165 FM 2916 in the serene countryside of Vernon, Texas. This property offers the perfect blend of rustic charm and modern comfort, making it an ideal haven for those seeking a tranquil lifestyle with plenty of space. 4L Farm and Ranch Highlights: Acres of Opportunity: Spanning over +/- 305
NORTHSIDE FARM150± Acres | Wilbarger County, TexasProductive North Texas Farmland with Utilities and Outstanding AccessLocated just north of Vernon in the Northside community, Northside Farm is a productive 145± acre tract offering excellent agricultural value, available utilities, and convenient access from two county roads. The property consists of 100% cultivated farmland and
NORTHSIDE 1010± Acres | Wilbarger County, TexasBuild Your Dream Home in the Highly Desirable Northside AreaLocated just north of Vernon in the sought-after Northside community of Wilbarger County, Northside 10 offers a rare opportunity to own 10± acres in the highly regarded Northside School District.This beautiful tract features county road frontage along County Road 108
This 286-acre ranch is a well-maintained cattle property designed for efficiency and productivity. The land is 100% in grass and divided into four pastures ranging from approximately 50 to 80 acres, making it ideal for rotational grazing. The ranch is fully fenced with barbed wire and cross fencing for pasture control. A reliable water well supplies multiple concrete water troughs throughout,
Take advantage of this opportunity to own a 0.08 acre lot conveniently located in Vernon, Texas! Whether you're looking for a small commercial site, a place for a storage building, or an investment property, this lot offers a variety of possibilities in Wilbarger County. With easy access and a convenient location, it's a great opportunity for someone looking to make the most of a small but
HINDS 110110± Acres | Wilbarger County, TexasProductive Farmland with Exceptional Infrastructure PotentialLocated just outside of Vernon, Texas, along FM 2072, Hinds 110 is a productive 110± acre farm offering excellent access, available utilities, and a unique opportunity for both agricultural production and long-term investment.The property consists of 100% cultivated
North 320North 320 is a versatile 320-acre property located in Wilbarger and Hardeman Counties, ideally situated between Vernon and Quanah. With county road frontage along both CR 120 and CR 122, the property offers excellent year-round access and an exceptional combination of productive farmland and premier hunting habitat.The property consists of approximately 210 acres of
The Stewart Family 2022 Revocable Trust 767.5± acres is located within 1-2 miles from the Oklaunion Industrial Park, LLC Power Plant and consist of four separate tracts. It is located on CR 134 E and Highway 287 just east of Oklaunion, Texas. All tracts have good access and are pretty much considered flat to gently rolling. There are power lines that cross three of the tracts and wind turbines in
Welcome to Red River Senior Village, a welcoming community designed for comfort, convenience, and independent living in the heart of Vernon, Texas.Our thoughtfully designed apartment homes feature granite countertops, LVP flooring, stainless steel appliances, dishwashers, microwaves, in home laundry hookups, ceiling fans, modern finishes, and spacious floor plans that provide the comfort
Welcome to Chisholm Trail Crossing!Welcome to Chisholm Trail Crossing, where modern comfort, quality finishes, and small-town charm come together in the heart of Vernon, Texas.Our thoughtfully designed apartment homes feature granite countertops, LVP flooring, stainless steel appliances, dishwashers, microwaves, in-home laundry hookups, ceiling fans, private patios, and spacious
Local Logic measures the walkability, access to public transit and bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
