Wharton is a small, agricultural town with a bonded community
Wharton is rooted in cotton and cattle country on the banks of the Colorado River. "[It's a place where] you have time to appreciate life, and it's just not going so fast beside you," says Shannon Araya, a Realtor with Keller Williams Premier Realty who grew up here. The city's population of over 8,000 people is relatively stable, only increasing by 1% in a decade. Still, development is picking up, with a master-planned community in the works, creating space for new friends. "You will know your neighbors. They will look out for you. And our town has tons of activities," says Stacie Hoyt, a Realtor with eXp Realty LLC, who's lived here for 14 years. Events from festivals to fairgrounds and parties under the historic bridge strengthen community bonds. So do visits to the local museum, inside the childhood home of former CBS News anchor Dan Rather.
A vibrant mural in Wharton captures the city's rich country heritage.
An aerial view captures the heart of Wharton and its surrounding landscape.
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Wharton Lakes is a new master-planned community here
Wharton is filled with custom homes, many on a quarter of an acre to over three acres. Some trace back to the early 1900s but have been completely remodeled. The city also has investment properties for those willing to put in some elbow grease. Wharton Lakes is a new master-planned development stretching from the city's core to its countryside. The community offers a large fishing lake, walking trails and a park. Wharton's median home price is $226,000, significantly lower than the state median.
New builds bring modern charm to Wharton's growing neighborhoods.
Home in Wharton
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Higher education at Wharton County Junior College
Wharton Independent School District earns a C-rating on Niche. The district enrolls just over 1,800 students in four schools. The highest-ranking are Wharton High and Sivells Elementary, both earning a B-minus grade on Niche. Wharton County Junior College is also located in the city.
Wharton Jr. College helps students take the next step toward their future.
Wharton students thrive at Wharton High School.
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Famous residents of Wharton include Dan Rather and Horton Foote
Dan Rather's house, now the Wharton County Historical Museum, showcases exhibits devoted to nature and related to his life. Another famous Wharton resident was playwright Horton Foote, who adapted the novel "To Kill a Mockingbird" for the big screen. The community devotes a festival to him in April. Monterey Square Wine Fair and Party Under the Bridge happens in October, followed by the local Christmas parade in December. "And don't forget about the Wharton County Fairgrounds, that's a big one," Hoyt says. "Most of our children are involved with the fair, showing their animals and winning those scholarships. Also, we now have the pumpkin patch Gundermann Acres right outside of town."
Explore the Dan Rather House, a historic landmark in Wharton.
Explore Horton Foote's work and Texas roots in Wharton County Historical. Museum
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U.S. Route 59 flows through Wharton
The Colorado River Bridge, built in 1930, is a historic landmark that’s still used by commuters. U.S. Route 59 flows through Wharton, connecting to Highway 60, a path to downtown Houston in less than 60 miles, and Freeport and its beaches in under 70 miles. OakBend Medical Center is in the city with an emergency room and specialty services.
Dinner and a show at the Plaza Theatre in downtown Wharton
Quintessential of a small Texas town, Wharton's downtown area features local establishments in historic buildings that circle an old courthouse. A beacon of the area is the Plaza Theatre, a staple since 1904. For more extensive shopping, locals head into the Houston metro area. "Sugarland would be the first town you'd get to, and a lot of people do go to Sugarland for dining and mall shopping," Araya says.
The Plaza Theater brings arts and entertainment to downtown Wharton.
Discover small-town vibes and big-town charm in Downtown Wharton.
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From the courthouse to the Colorado River
Nature is never far away in Wharton. "The Colorado River is a block away from the courthouse," Hoyt says. "You will find people tubing and fishing there. Then there is Dinosaur Park with Hesed House next door with all kinds of things to do." Hesed House is a community center that hosts free weekly yoga classes. Dinosaur Park features a playground, basketball court and picnic areas. It connects to Riverfront Park, with a short walking trail, spanning the Colorado River. Wharton also has neighborhood parks and a municipal pool.
Wharton County Courthouse's historical marker tells the story of the city's past.
Pose with the climbable sculpture at Dinosaur Park, a must-see interactive piece in Wharton.
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Wharton's community efforts after Hurricane Harvey
Wharton has weathered several historic floods. The most severe event was Hurricane Harvey in 2017. "People pitched in with trucks, food, clothes and furniture. Lots of businesses handed out free food. And as a Realtor, I worked nonstop to get people in rentals," Hoyt says. "Since then, the city has put in procedures, policies and levees so it doesn't flood that way again." Crime data was not readily available for this city.
Written By
Kathryn Ashworth
Photography Contributed By
Aylin Reyna
Video By
Grace Kim
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Todd Knudson,
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.
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On average, homes in Wharton, TX sell after 91 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Wharton, TX over the last 12 months is $196,000, up 9% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Very nice 3 bed 2 bath brick home right next to Wharton Jr. College. Great location with shopping and dining close by, College is walking distance. Large fully fenced backyard with patio, 3 large bedrooms. Master has walk-in shower, guest bath has tub/shower combo. The large kitchen/dining area is an added bonus with nice white/gray granite counter tops including breakfast bar and pantry. Upon
Welcome home to the heart of Wharton, Texas. This stunning overly spacious Spanish-style home combines timeless architecture with all the modern amenities you need for luxurious living. Nestled in a quiet, friendly neighborhood, this property offers an incredible blend of charm and functionality. The circular drive and welcoming front porch will grab your attention with the triple set of imported
Discover the epitome of spacious luxury in this breathtaking 4,808 sq ft residence, nestled on a 1.02-acre. The heart of the home is a newly remodeled chef's kitchen featuring gleaming quartz countertops, elegant porcelain tile & everything a culinary enthusiast could dream of. With 5-6 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, this home offers endless flexibility, 3-4 bedrooms on the main level, plus 2 upstairs
Discover the charm of this 4-bedroom, 2-bath home on 1.15 acres at 1327 Hodges Lane. Originally built in 1955, this property has been thoughtfully updated with modern improvements for today’s lifestyle. Recent upgrades include a new roof (2025) and a 5-ton HVAC A/C condensing unit installed in 2024, freshly painted, ensuring comfort and peace of mind. The home features a fantastic kitchen with
Discover a great opportunity on just over 3/4 of an acre in Wharton! This property features a 2019 16x76 manufactured home offering an open living/kitchen layout with an island and durable vinyl flooring throughout. Enjoy a front carport for covered parking and a spacious back porch perfect for relaxing outdoors. A second home is also located on the property and could be revitalized with some
Beautifully & fully updated home on quiet, tree-lined street in Wharton! This inviting home offers an open floorplan w/4 bed, 2.5 baths, &custom office w/optional 5th bdrm! Chef’s kitchen features approx 10’ x 5’ granite island, custom cabinetry w/pot drawers, under-cabinet lighting, roll-top appliance storage, &full Bosch appliance package including induction cooktop, wall oven, microwave
GENERAC!!!! Country living with a custom one-story home, featuring granite countertops, tile and hardwood floors throughout. Marble in Primary Bath. The open-concept layout offers generous living space, handicap accessible, filled with natural light, perfect for everyday living. Includes a flex room that can be used for theatre room, gameroom or whatever you desire. A large amount of upgrades
Looking for a spot to call your own? This cozy 0.1865-acre lot in the town of Wharton is just what you need. Tucked away with mature trees offering plenty of shade and beauty. It's ready for you to build your home. Public water, sewer, and electric are already available—just bring your vision and make it happen!
Quiet setting surrounded by cattle ranches and nature! Wooded property accessed through a deeded easement. quiet country homesite or hunting property less than an hour from Houston.
Tucked away in Wharton County, 3780 Co Rd 257 Egypt TX 77488, this 22.71-acre property offers wide-open pasture, mature pecan trees, and over 1,400 feet of direct access to the Colorado River. A newly installed 179-foot-deep water well produces 100 GPM, supported by a well house, septic system, and full RV hookup. The land is fenced with two gated entrances and includes three cargo containers
112.78-acre ag exempt property offers prime potential for development, featuring extensive road frontage. Its location provides easy access to local amenities; Wharton ISD, Wharton Junior College, retail centers, and nearby apartment complexes. Approximately 35 acres designated as wetlands. These unique environmental features allow for the integration of natural landscapes within the development,
Nestled near the end of a quiet dead-end road, this spacious home sits on 1.3 peaceful acres shaded by stunning mature live oak trees. Enjoy the best of both worlds—serene country living just minutes from Hwy 59, Buc-ee’s, and Walmart. The backyard offers unmatched privacy, backing up to expansive agricultural land to ensure peace and quiet for years to come. With ample outdoor space and a
Introducing a prime commercial opportunity nestled within a vibrant locale, this Barndominium presents a myriad of possibilities for savvy investors and developers alike. With approximately 190 feet of road frontage along 1301, this tract boasts unrivaled visibility and accessibility. Situated outside the flood plain and equipped with city utilities, this property provides a solid foundation for
Discover 1.5 unrestricted, fully wooded acres offering rare privacy just minutes from modern conveniences. Tucked away on a dead-end road and accessed by a 710-ft easement, this secluded property provides a peaceful retreat while remaining under 5 minutes from Buc-ee’s, Walmart, and Hwy 59. Opportunities like this don’t come often—especially at this price. Aggressively listed below market value
This rental property is move in ready! Granite countertops and cabinets in the kitchen and bathrooms. Spacious backyard. Deposit is 1 month's rent. Contact listing agent for private showing and rental requirements.
Located in the quiet Wharton Lakes community, this two-story Whitetail plan from the Lennar Cottage Collection presents an intuitive architectural flow. The main level is dedicated to social connectivity, featuring a fluid open layout where the kitchen, dining area, and central lounging zone merge into one expansive space. On the upper level, versatility takes precedence; a spacious loft serves
Welcome to your new home at 526 Wilkes St, a charming 2-bedroom duplex nestled in the heart of Wharton, TX! This cozy apartment is perfect for those seeking comfort and convenience, featuring a spacious layout with 950 square feet of living space. Whether you're hosting friends or enjoying a quiet evening in, this home has everything you need to live your best life.Step inside to discover
Beautifully Remodeled Upstairs Apartment! This updated 2-bedroom, 1-bath upstairs unit features a modern kitchen with granite countertops and new stainless steel appliances. Fresh finishes throughout create a bright and inviting living space. Both bedrooms offer comfortable layouts with ample natural light, and the updated bathroom includes contemporary fixtures. Conveniently located and ready
Charming home in Wharton, Texas! This home features 3 bedrooms and 1 bath. It has no neighbors on one side and has ample parking and space. Home also has HVAC system! It is in the middle of the City Come and look at this home now!
This remodeled 1-bedroom, 1-bath apartment at Lakeside Pointe Apartments offers comfortable, updated living in a practical layout. The unit features refreshed flooring, updated fixtures, and a modernized kitchen with upgraded cabinetry and appliances. The bedroom offers ample closet space, and the remodeled bathroom includes contemporary finishes and a functional vanity. Additional features
NEW! Lennar Cottage Collection "NEWLIN" Plan with Elevation "D" in Wharton Lakes!!! This lovely single-level home showcases a spacious open floorplan shared between the kitchen, dining area and family room for easy entertaining during gatherings. An owner’s suite enjoys a private location in a rear corner of the home, complemented by an en-suite bathroom and walk-in closet. There are two
Country Living at its finest! Recently remodeled home in a quiet subdivision in Wharton. This home features a galley Kitchen with beautiful granite countertops and dramatic black appliances. Living areas have new hard surface flooring throughout. Spacious bedrooms have carpet. Recent hot water heater, HVAC for energy efficiency. Open and airy, great for entertaining family and friends. Close to
Beautifully maintained residence on a quiet street in Wharton offering comfort, functionality, and versatility. This spacious property features four bedrooms and three bathrooms, including a private mother-in-law suite ideal for guests or extended family. The inviting interior boasts generous natural light, neutral finishes, and a well-appointed kitchen with ample cabinetry, tile backsplash, and
New construction in MASTER PLANNED community Wharton Lakes!!4-bedroom, 2.5-bath home offers 1,954 sq. ft. of modern living space with a functional layout designed for comfort and convenience. Upstairs, you'll find all four bedrooms along with a versatile gameroom/loft perfect as a second living space, playroom, or home office. The spacious primary suite includes a private bath and ample
Charming and spacious 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath home located in the desirable Caney Trails area of Wharton. This two-story property offers flexible living with multiple gathering spaces, including a large family room and an upstairs bedroom suite. The kitchen provides ample storage and workspace, and the oversized utility room adds convenience for everyday living. Enjoy a private backyard featuring an
This one bedroom, 1 bath home is move-in ready for you and your family. Nice large rooms. In house utility room with hook-ups for your washer and dryer. This farmhouse style home offers a space to enjoy relaxing mornings or afternoons on your front porch. Mature trees offer shade. No smoking inside home. No pets at any time for any reason. Tenant is responsible for maintaining the yard. $700
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