Small-town living with big amenities outside of Fort Worth
A modest but growing city on the southern edge of the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, Burleson blends its railway roots with modern amenities. The community sits 15 miles from Fort Worth but keeps its small-town vibe. "Burleson feels like a town straight out of a Hallmark movie," says DeAnna Phillips, community services director with the city of Burleson. "It offers fantastic shopping, dining and entertainment options, but you'll likely run into someone you know wherever you go. Southern hospitality is a cornerstone of life here."
Burleson got its start in 1881 as a railway depot during the early days of the Missouri-Kansas-Texas Railroad. Around 1930, the area economy transformed from cotton production to industry, including employers in metal and food manufacturing, like Champions Homes Manufacturing and Golden State Foods.. Today, Burleson's population has expanded to 55,000, but residents keep the city's roots intact. "I hope we keep a friendly, know-your-neighbor kind of energy as we expand. I think that's what we're trying to maintain," says Kaylan Baucom, a local HomeSmart Realtor who has served area clients for eight years. "It's the kind of place where you feel at home from the moment you arrive," Phillips adds. In fact, Niche ranks Burleson as the No. 1 city in Johnson County to raise a family.
The Mayor Vera Calvin Plaza serves as the hub for social life in Downtown Burleson.
Locals can partake in leasing their own gardening plot at Pathway Gardens.
Downtown Burleson is a vibrant area that maintains small town charm.
Mayor Vera Calvin Plaza
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Newer builds and developments
The median home price in Burleson is about $360,000, lower than the national median of $417,000, according to the National Association of Realtors. "New home development is rapid here, but everything slows down when there are rising interest rates," says Baucum. About half the homes were built after 2000, while less than 10 percent were built before 1970. The Mistletoe Hill neighborhood stands out for spacious, upscale homes, while the master-planned Panchasarp Farms neighborhood features newer developments and an amenity center. "Like many areas, Burleson has experienced a surge in housing demand, but new developments are helping meet the needs of residents," Phillips says.
Homes in Burleson feature variety of facades including brick, wood and more.
Contemporary tudor style homes in Burleson
Burleson is home to several gingerbread victorian homes.
Ranch style homes are abundant throughout Burleson.
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Restaurants, shops and historic buildings in Old Town
"Old Town Burleson is the heart of the community, with Mayor Vera Calvin Plaza serving as its living room," Phillips says. Just off Renfro Street, Old Town offers several shops and restaurants in historic buildings, plus antique trolley cars that pay homage to Burleson's railway history. "It's a space where you'll often find families playing games, enjoying ice cream or relaxing on picnic blankets. It's the perfect spot to experience Burleson's community spirit," Phillips says. From March through October, the Burleson Farmers Market offers fresh produce, baked goods and other items from over 40 vendors. "A lot of locals have businesses they run from home where they make crafts and food," Baucom says. "This farmers market gives them a chance to sell their goods."
HEB Plus
Stop by the Old Axe Brewing Co and enjoy food and drinks and downtown scenery.
Burleson Residents flock to Old Texas Brewing Company for pizza, craft beer and more!
Burleson Resident ordering coffee at Dwell Coffee & Biscuits.
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Scenic views, outdoor adventures at Bailey Lake Park
Burleson is home to 20 local parks featuring 550 acres of recreation space. Bailey Lake Park, one of the standout parks, encompasses 49 acres, with pink crape myrtles and walking paths surrounding the 8-acre lake, plus an 18-hole disc golf course. Among Burleson's big attractions is the Russell Farm Art Center, a local art galery and historical site where residents and artists gather to explore the arts. Since 1877, the farm has offered tours of changing galleries, workshops and an open art studio event. True to its name, Southern Oaks Drive features mature oak trees surrounding the Southern Oaks Golf and Tennis Club. The Parks at Panchasarp Farms community hosts several events and festivals, including a night of lights for Christmas. Cyclists gather for the Burleson Honey Tour, a community bicycle ride along the North Texas countryside. The Chisnell Sports Complex hosts a Fourth of July celebration featuring food trucks, festive fireworks and a free concert. The Texas Heritage Festival focuses on preserving Texas pride and culture with blacksmithing demonstrations, square-dancing and outdoor cooking in vintage chuck wagons.
Aerial view of Bailey Lake Park in Burleson.
From pro to first timers, any can enjoy activities at Bailey Lake park.
Burleson Residents strolling along pathway at Bailey Lake Park.
Bring your hammock and setup for a relaxing day at the park.
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High marks for Burleson schools
Students are zoned to the Burleson Independent School District, which receives a B-plus grade from Niche. The district has 19 total schools, 10 elementary, four middle and five high schools. A-rated Joshua Elementary School stands out as the No. 1 public elementary school in Johnson County, according to Niche. Burleson Opportunity Fund provides scholarships to high school graduates for two years of tuition at Hill College, the sister school of Texas Tech. Hill College offers over 30 programs for students pursuing post-secondary education
A driver-focused city with convenient highway access
Burleson residents primarily rely on their vehicles to get around; however, the county transportation system provides a bus route into downtown Fort Worth, about 16 miles away. Interstate 35 is the major roadway running north into Fort Worth. The Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport is about 30 miles away and offers flights for domestic and international travel. Burleson also offers bicycle lanes throughout town, including a 10-mile bike loop.
Be aware of heat warnings
According to FBI statistics, Burleson had 126 reported violent crimes in 2022, about 30 percent lower than the national average and nearly half the Texas average. Property crime had similar numbers. Burleson Police and Nextdoor.com partnered to communicate directly with residents for non-emergency purposes. "Officers work closely with residents to educate them on safety measures and foster a secure environment," Phillips says. Neighborhood watch groups also help with crime prevention. Like much of North Texas, Burleson faces excessive heat: The temperature is above 90 degrees for about a third of the year.
Lived in the Whitney area since 2013. Knowledgeable on current real estate market trends in Hill County, Bosque County and a resident of White Bluff Resort specializing in the resort lifestyle community. As a Ranch Master realtor, we have over 75 years combined experience in providing superior service to our clients. I'm a devoted advocate for my clients willing to go the extra mile to help ensure the smoothest selling or buying process possible.
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.
