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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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Video By
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Welcome to this charming Vernon residence. This 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home offers comfort, space, and small-town living at its finest. Situated on a generously sized corner lot, this inviting property features a well-designed layout with abundant natural light and plenty of room for everyday living and entertaining. The spacious yard provides endless possibilities for outdoor enjoyment, whether
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.
MOTIVATED SELLERS!!Peace, Space & Country Living Just Minutes from Town!Discover the best of both worlds on this beautiful 7.4-acre property, offering the privacy and tranquility of country living with the convenience of being just minutes from town. This spacious 4-bedroom, 3-bathroom home provides plenty of room to relax, entertain, and enjoy everything this property has to
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
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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
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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
Located in one of the most desirable areas of Vernon, Texas, this spacious 2,034 square foot home offers incredible potential and plenty of room to grow. Featuring 5 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms, this property is ideal for a large family or an investor looking for a great opportunity. Situated on a generous 1/3-acre lot, this home provides ample outdoor space, including a huge, fenced backyard
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