Surrounded by vast fields of farmland and bordered by a lake frequented by anglers, Sulphur Springs is the county seat of Hopkins County, about 80 miles east of Dallas. This city of over 16,000 residents has focused on revitalization and fresh design efforts in downtown Sulphur Springs to draw new interest. Sulphur Springs is still considered a rural area, having built much of its population and economy off dairy farming in the 20th century. Renee Jennings, a Realtor and team leader at Re/Max Advanced, was born and raised here on a family-owned dairy farm. She recalls how quiet and slow-paced her childhood was compared to the lively evenings and weekends the city now experiences. "The city's efforts to bring in new ideas and planning has boosted our local economy and tourism," Jennings says. "It's still the tight-knit, warm community I've always known, though."
Sulphur Springs is the county seat of Hopkins County, about 80 miles east of Dallas.
The Magic Scoop General Store
offers a unique shopping experience for Sulphur Springs residents and visitors.
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Contemporary homes at the edges of farmland
The median sales price for homes in Sulphur Springs is $275,000, much lower than the national median. In the downtown area, early-to-mid-20th-century residences line the streets, selling on the lower end of the range. As the roads widen, branching away from the city's center, homes become more contemporary and lot sizes more spacious. "We have quite a bit of new development, but we're still very rural, with ranches and farmland surrounding the town," Jennings says. "In the city proper, you'll get mostly quarter lots and older homes. But many people like how much land they can get around the area, and there's a lot of custom housing." Many moving into Sulphur Springs work at local manufacturing companies, in education or in healthcare.
Homes in the Sulphur Springs sit on large lots with stunning views.
Newly built homes are becoming a more common sight in Sulphur Springs.
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The reinvented Celebration Plaza District
Downtown Sulphur Springs, also called the Celebration Plaza District, underwent a hefty revitalization process in the early 21st century that was completed in 2015. Celebration Plaza is the focal point, a square transformed into an urban park, event area, and home for local shops, restaurants and art galleries. Jennings says this revitalization has significantly impacted local businesses and brought in foot traffic that the city has never had before. The plaza also includes a highly unusual feature that many come to Sulphur Springs for a chance to see. "Our city manager was trying to figure out what he could do differently that no other town has, something to get people talking," Jennings says. "That's how we ended up with glass bathrooms in the middle of downtown."
Besides bathrooms with one-way glass, Celebration Plaza hosts Movies in the Park during the summer, the Sulphur Springs Farmers Market from May to September, and many holiday festivities. For shopping, there is a large commercial area on the city's south side with big-box stores and national retailers off Broadway Street.
The Sulphur Springs Courthouse is a proud historical feature in downtown.
One of the most unique features in downtown is the glass bathrooms in Celebration Plaza.
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Commuting to East Texas A&M University
The Sulphur Springs Independent School District serves the city, rated a B-plus on Niche. Paris Junior College has three public community campuses in Texas, one of which is located in Sulphur Springs. East Texas A&M University, a four-year institution enrolling over 12,000 students, is located 20 miles west in Commerce.
Sulphur Springs High Wildcats have a proud history of football, with a winning record of 10-3 in 2024.
Sulphur SpringsMany Sulphur Springs students attend East Texas A&M, where pride is on full display.
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Heading up to Cooper Lake State Park
The Sulphur Springs Parks and Recreation Department oversees several city parks and local sports leagues, most of which practice and play at Coleman Park on the city's west side. To the north is Lake Sulphur Springs, which serves as both a backup water supply and a trusted spot for anglers to catch bluefish and channel catfish. Sulphur Springs is only 16 miles south of Cooper Lake State Park, one of the area's most popular green spaces. At just over 3,000 acres, Cooper Lake is known for its fishing, boating and horse-riding trails.
Coleman Park offers relaxing walking trails next to Lake Coleman in Sulphur Springs.
Sulphur Springs residents can take the short twenty-minute drive north and enjoy Cooper Lake State Park.
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Reliance on Interstate 30 and state highways
Sulphur Springs is intersected by several main thoroughfares, including but not limited to Interstate 30, and state Highways 19 and 154. The city has no public transportation. The Hopkins County Hospital District is located on the north side. For flights, Sulphur Springs is 97 miles from the hub of the Dallas Fort Worth International Airport.
Crime statistics and summer heat in Sulphur Springs
According to the Texas Department of Public Safety, violent and property crime rates decreased in Sulphur Springs from 2021 to 2023. The Texas heat is a critical factor in living here, with summertime highs sometimes surpassing 100 degrees. However, the winters are extremely mild.
David is a proud native of Hopkins County/Sulphur Springs, TX, with over 40 years of experience as a trusted Texas Realtor. Deeply rooted in the community, David is committed not only to helping individuals find their dream homes but also to fostering growth and support within the area he calls home.
In addition to his real estate career, David serves on several local boards, including the Hopkins County Dairy Festival Board of Directors, Veterans Memorial Board, and Downtown Business Alliance. He also serves on his Church Council and is an avid Wildcat sports fan, demonstrating his passion for both community service and local culture.
With two offices located in Sulphur Springs and Mt. Vernon, TX, David and his team proudly serve Northeast Texas, including the Lake Cypress, Lake Bob Sandlin, Lake Fork, and Cooper Lake areas. David’s commitment to Hopkins County and the Northeast Texas area makes him the perfect resource for anyone looking to make this great area their home.
To David, a home is so much more than just owning a piece of real estate; it’s about building a connection to a place, a community, and a way of life.
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.
