8 Best Towns Near Tyler, TX: Idyllic Small-Town Living (2024)

Looking for the best towns near Tyler, TX? While Tyler’s top neighborhoods have much to offer, the towns surrounding the city are worth exploring. Hideaway offers lakeside living with diverse amenities, and Whitehouse boasts a rich history and a growing community. Lindale stands out for affordable housing and outdoor activities, but Chandler provides urban amenities and job opportunities, and Jacksonville is a tranquil retreat with recreational options. Each town near Tyler offers something unique. Explore further to find the one that fits your lifestyle best.

Hideaway

Nestled around 235 acres of lakes less than 20 miles northwest of Tyler, Hideaway offers a serene retreat for over 3,000 residents seeking a small-town atmosphere. Established in 1967, Hide-A-Way Lake has grown to encompass over 1,600 homes across nearly 10 square miles. The community's appeal spans a diverse demographic drawn to its charming, close-knit environment.

Hideaway takes pride in its wide range of amenities catering to residents' various interests. Manned security gates and 24-hour patrols promote safety, while three lakes provide recreational opportunities such as boating, fishing, and relaxing on the beach. Golf enthusiasts can enjoy the 27-hole course managed by a PGA professional, complete with a Golf Shop and driving range.

The community offers four parks with tennis courts, playgrounds, pavilions, and more for those seeking active pursuits. Dining facilities provide catering for private events, and a junior Olympic swimming pool is staffed with lifeguards. With over 1,700 homes in Hideaway, the community has flourished as a city since its 2001 incorporation. The community's natural beauty, active resident participation, and many recreational options make Hideaway a delightful place to call home.

Lake Palestine Area

The Lake Palestine area is a serene waterfront community located around and named after one of the largest lakes in Texas. Lake Palestine, an enormous, picturesque body of water southwest of Tyler, provides endless recreational opportunities. This area boasts neighborhoods like Emerald Bay, Eagles Bluff, Kiepersol Estates, Chandler, and Frankston. Residents enjoy a sophisticated waterfront community catering to outdoor enthusiasts with boating, skiing, fishing, and camping. The mild climate ensures year-round access to the lake, making it a haven for water lovers.

Homes in Lake Palestine are exclusively single-family, listing from the high $200s to just over $2 million. The vibrant downtown area complements the natural beauty of the surroundings, with an emerging art scene and homes designed with woodsy architecture. The laid-back lifestyle appeals to those seeking a retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life, offering club amenities and a strong sense of community. Local dining options range from upscale eateries to cozy coffee shops, while boutiques like Vanilla Fringe Boutique cater to shopping needs.

For entertainment, residents can visit The Historic Texas Theatre or enjoy secluded dining experiences at Sabor A Pasion and Queen Street Grill. Wine enthusiasts can indulge in local selections at Aubergine, and scenic views await at Harbour Grille. In terms of activities, there's something for everyone, from exploring the East Texas Arboretum to playing golf at Eagles Bluff Country Club. The Bullard Independent School District serves the area, providing education through schools like Bullard Elementary, Middle, and High School.

Whitehouse

Located southeast of Tyler on State Highway 110, Whitehouse is a vibrant community with a population of over 8,000. This town, positioned at the midpoint between Tyler and the Troup community, boasts a rich history dating back to its incorporation on March 16, 1953. The International-Great Northern Railroad played a pivotal role in the town's development, aiding in the shipment of produce. The town's name originated from a whitewashed building near the railroad tracks and was officially established with the opening of a post office in 1873. Whitehouse is known for its excellent school district, WISD, which preceded the municipal government.

Today, Whitehouse offers small-town living with easy access to job opportunities in Tyler. The town is experiencing growth, with new subdivisions showcasing a variety of home styles and sizes. Most Whitehouse homes are priced from $200,000 to $800,000, though sprawling homes with acreage can cost up to $1.5 million. Essential services like post offices, banks, and grocery stores cater to residents' needs. Whitehouse also hosts the annual YesterYear celebration in June, adding to its community spirit. Additionally, the proximity to Lake Tyler provides ample recreational opportunities, making it an attractive destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

Bullard

The vibrant town of Bullard, conveniently located near both Tyler and Lake Palestine, is a great place to live. Bullard offers a cost of living index of 92—right on par with the cost of living in Tyler—with housing costs 17% lower than the national average. Homes in Bullard, primarily detached dwellings, are typically priced from the low $100s to around $1 million. The median rental cost stands at $1,486 per month, while the average household income is $93,913.

Residents and visitors alike can enjoy attractions such as the Eagles Bluff Country Club, American Freedom Museum, and M6 Winery. The town also boasts community amenities like family-friendly establishments, parks, and quiet surroundings. With educational options and a range of recreational activities, Bullard presents itself as an inviting option for those seeking a safe and comfortable living environment near Tyler.

Lindale

With its vibrant community and rich cultural heritage, Lindale, Texas, offers a high quality of life and fast-paced business growth. The town boasts an abundance of pine and hardwood forests, providing a scenic backdrop for residents. Lindale's proximity to great shopping options and a professional medical community ensures convenience for its inhabitants. The town is also home to schools and higher education facilities, prioritizing education for its community members.

In terms of cost of living, Lindale is 2% lower than the Texas average and 10% lower than the national average. Homes in Lindale have a median listing price in the mid-$300s, and most homes top out at less than $900,000. Housing costs are notably 24% lower than the national average, making it an affordable place to reside. The median household income stands at $64,188, and the absence of state income tax results in higher take-home pay for residents.

Chandler

Chandler, a vibrant community located at the northernmost point of Lake Palestine, offers residents a welcoming atmosphere and a range of outdoor recreational activities. Known for its closely-knit and welcoming community, Chandler fosters a sense of belonging through friendly neighborhoods, communal events, and festivals that promote fellowship. The town's scenic landscapes near Lake Palestine provide opportunities for boating, fishing, swimming, and other water-based activities, attracting outdoor enthusiasts.

Affordability is another hallmark of Chandler, with a relatively low cost of living, especially in housing. This makes it an attractive option for individuals and families looking to purchase homes economically. The average price of homes in Chandler is in the low- to mid-$300s. The town offers diverse housing options, from historic properties to modern developments, catering to various tastes and budgets, allowing residents to maintain a comfortable lifestyle with financial flexibility.

With a population exceeding 3,000, Chandler boasts a convivial atmosphere, exceptional schools, and flourishing businesses. It accommodates various industries, including healthcare, education, and manufacturing, with many residents commuting to nearby Tyler for work. Chandler's proximity to Tyler, approximately 25 miles east, provides easy access to urban amenities like shopping, dining, and entertainment within a 30-minute commute, offering residents the best of both worlds.

Jacksonville

The tranquil and flourishing Jacksonville community is located less than 30 miles south of Tyler and two hours southeast of Dallas. Jacksonville offers a perfect retreat from the hustle of big-city life, with homes split between the heart of town and the shores of Lake Jacksonville. Lake Jacksonville is a haven for relaxation and water-based recreational activities like boating and fishing. The demand for lakefront properties remains high due to the pristine waters and scenic surroundings, appealing to year-round residents and weekend vacationers alike.

For those preferring expansive landscapes, Jacksonville presents various farm and ranch properties, including custom-built Barndominiums, log cabins, ranch-style homes, and traditional houses with wrap-around porches. These properties cater to different needs, such as working ranches, equestrian estates, hobby farms, and recreational hunting and fishing lands.

Residents and visitors can indulge in leisure activities like enjoying panoramic views from Love's Lookout, browsing local boutiques, savoring local cuisines, playing golf, exploring historical sites, hiking trails, visiting the Cherokee Trace Safari Park, participating in the annual Tomato Fest, hosting weddings at exquisite local venues, and more. Whether for a weekend getaway or a permanent residence, Jacksonville, a hidden gem in East Texas, offers a welcoming atmosphere.

Winona

Winona, a small town in Smith County, offers a tranquil escape with its historical charm, outdoor recreation, and convenience to all the things to do in Tyler. With a rich history dating back to its establishment in 1870, homes in Winona typically list from $200,000 to $500,000. The Winona Independent School District serves the town, providing educational opportunities for residents.

Winona features various amenities, such as Wildcat Stadium and the Winona Community Center, enhancing the quality of life for its residents. Its strategic location near Tyler State Park and the Little Sandy National Wildlife Refuge makes it a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a range of activities in natural surroundings. The presence of small lakes in the area further adds to its allure, catering to those who enjoy water-based recreational pursuits.

Smaller-Town Living Near Tyler

Overall, the towns near Tyler, TX, offer a variety of options for those looking to move to the Tyler area. Whether you prefer the tranquility of Hideaway, Lake Palestine's scenic views, or Whitehouse's small-town charm, there is something for everyone. With convenient access to Tyler's amenities and attractions, these towns provide residents with a perfect balance of relaxation and convenience. Consider exploring these charming towns for your next home.