Section Image

Historic District

Historic District

Neighborhood in Temple, Texas

Bell County 76501

$239,209 Average Value
$136 Average Price per Sq Ft
4 Homes For Sale

A historic district in the heart of Temple, Texas

The Historic District in Temple, Texas is one of the city’s oldest, most architecturally diverse communities in the city, with grand mansions and estates dating to the 1800s. The neighborhood, which sits directly north of the city’s vibrant downtown, was designated a historic district in 1978 and offers all the old-world charm near modern conveniences. “. “We’ve got mature trees that stretch across the streets, a couple of brick-paved streets, three schools in the neighborhood and no two houses look exactly alike,” says Todd Denton, President of the Historic Preservation League of Temple and neighborhood resident. “We’re also right in the middle, so everything’s easily accessible. We have proximity to everything in the Dallas Fort Worth area, San Antonio, Waco; in about two hours, you can be in any of those places.” Denton moved to the neighborhood with his wife and kids in 2019 but has lived in Temple since 2000. He’s been on the preservation board since 2019 and served as its president for the last two years. “We’re growing a lot now,” he says. “Our whole mission is to protect and conserve the historical significance of the homes and areas that occupy the space.” Two other historic districts in Temple sit under that designation: the African American Churches District and Jefferson Park. The Historic District was once home to some of the most prominent Temple founders, physicians and business leaders, who helped the city flourish and whose houses still stand. The Historic District is where all the dignitaries lived,” Denton says. “The mayor lived here, the first Temple governor, people who owned businesses. It was before the urbanization of towns. Attorneys, judges, pastors, you name it. Today, that still exists.” The Historic District goes beyond preserving its homes and buildings through advocacy and initiatives. The neighborhood is heavily invested in the local high school football team, and residents work hard to unite the community through events. “It’s a good, eclectic neighborhood and very tight-knit,” says Denton. “It’s what a neighborhood should be.”

Gothic, Victorian and Georgian and other ornate homes dating back to the 1920s

Century-old oak trees line the Historic District’s streets, which still have the original brick roads. The neighborhood is known for its architecture, a diverse checkerboard of homes and historic buildings ranging from Tudors to Victorian to Colonial Revivals, cottages, 1920s Gothic styles and Georgians. This was the main appeal for Denton and his wife. “My wife and I like older homes that have history and character,” he says. “We were searching for an older home that had historical significance, and when this came up, we jumped on it. Most neighborhoods today have five or six houses to choose from, and every fifth one looks the same. We don’t have that.” Several dwellings have earned spots on the National Historic Registrar and a designation as Texas Historic Landmarks. Many were built in the 1920s and ‘30s, but there are some from the ‘50s and ‘60s. Prices range from the low-$100,000s for three bedrooms to the high-$600,000s for a four- to six-bedroom. Properties range from around 1,200 square feet to 2,500 square feet. Historic District dwellings have held onto their ornate architectural features like wrap-around porches, balcony porches and columns. “These are all historically protected homes, making them look the same way they have for decades,” says Zee Kelly, a Realtor for Keller Williams Advantage-Temple, wo has sold over 60 homes in the area. Lot sizes average around 8,000 square feet. Some homes have carports or multi-car garages built in, but quite a few still require street parking. Many houses are part of Temple’s Historic Residential Driving Tour and have been converted into landmarks. A 1906 Gothic-style residence is a stop on the tour. It belonged to Dr. John McCelvey, a prominent physician who helped establish King’s Daughter’s Hospital and Temple College. The Chinese Mansion is another popular spot on the tour, an 18,000-square-foot 40-room home with a pagoda-style roof and prairie-style structure. It belonged to a doctor who was first affiliated with Scott & White. “They are so nice,” says Denton. “Some have a butler’s pantry, elevators and secret passages. “There’s another grand mansion that the Wildflower Belles use as their backdrop for their debutante photos every year.” While architectural diversity is one of its benefits, houses in the Historic District don’t go up for sale that often, with nine sold within the last year. The people who own in that neighborhood have had the homes in their family for generations, and everyone knows everyone,” says Kelly.

The Historic District of Temple showcases Craftsman, Colonial, Victorian and Tudor style homes.
The Historic District of Temple showcases Craftsman, Colonial, Victorian and Tudor style homes.
The whimsical Castle style home is an icoc of the Historic District in Temple, TX.
The whimsical Castle style home is an icoc of the Historic District in Temple, TX.
Built in 1913, this grand Prairie style home is known as the Doering Mansion.
Built in 1913, this grand Prairie style home is known as the Doering Mansion.
1/3

Packing Wildcat Stadium

Temple Independent School District serves the area and is ranked the fifth-best district in Bell County, according to Niche. Students can attend the B-rated Jefferson Elementary, which offers a multisensory lab for children with developmental disabilities, followed by Lamar Middle, which has a B-minus Niche rating. Kids can finish their education at Temple High, which scores a B-minus and is known for bringing the town together on Friday nights for football games. Locals pack the 12,000-person Wildcat Stadium to watch the home team take on the opposition. The Temple Wildcats have made 41 appearances in the state playoffs and are one of the state’s most successful high school teams. Parents also have several private options in the area, including Immanuel Lutheran School, serving kindergarten through 12th grades, and Holy Trinity Catholic High School, ranked the second-best private high school in the county. College-bound students who want to stay close to home are less than 3 miles from Temple College, a two-year college known for its medicine and pharmacy programs.

Jefferson Elementary School is an above average, public school located in Temple, TX.
Jefferson Elementary School is an above average, public school located in Temple, TX.
Temple High School welcomes you with a massive wildcat statue, the symbol of the school.
Temple High School welcomes you with a massive wildcat statue, the symbol of the school.
Watch the Temple Wildcats play their rivals at football.
Watch the Temple Wildcats play their rivals at football.
1/3

Trendy restaurants within and locally owned shops a stone's throw away

Most shopping and dining options are downtown, walkable and bikeable from the neighborhood. “The city has spent a lot of money on infrastructure, so downtown is improving greatly,” Denton says. “We have great restaurants and more retail coming.” Along French Avenue, Historic District residents have Tres Magueyes, a popular spot for breakfast tacos, charro beans and flautas. With an industrial-chic vibe, Treno Pizzeria & Taproom serves up wood-fired pizzas, wine and craft beer. Pignetti’s is a family-owned spot that was one of the first businesses to help reignite the area’s revitalization efforts. The upscale institution is known for its pasta and wine. Cheeves Bros. Steakhouse is an upscale Texas-themed spot known for its steaks and seafood. Bird Creek Brewing is the go-to place for craft brews, burgers and live music. Kerley’s Grocery & Market is a local butcher shop selling hand-cut meats and essentials. The store also has grocery essentials for those who prefer to shop locally. There is also a H-E-B grocery chain on Adams Avenue. Downtown is also lined with locally owned businesses, like The Book Cellar, The Parlour Antiques and Oddities and Main Street Design & Consign. “We also Susan Marie’s, an exceptional clothing store for women,” he says. Temple Mall is less than 4 miles south of The Historic District for more shopping and dining options.

Get the best BBQ in town at Clem Mikeska's in Temple, TX.
Get the best BBQ in town at Clem Mikeska's in Temple, TX.
HEB offers the lowest on delicious fruit.
HEB offers the lowest on delicious fruit.
1/2

Themed-playgrounds and sports parks

The 4-acre Optimist Park sits at the northwestern corner of the Historic District and is a hub for after-school play and community events. The park has a dinosaur-themed playground, a short walking trail and a soccer field. Whistle Stop Park, in neighboring Downtown Temple, features a wooden castle playground and a picnic pavilion. Trains from the nearby railroad can also be seen passing by. Spanning 6 acres, Jackson Park is next door to the district and offers two basketball courts and picnic areas. The 100-acre James Wilson Park is less than 3 miles east and includes eight ballfields, two sand volleyball courts, six soccer fields, a trail and a swimming pool. The Wilson Park Recreation Center is also part of the park, which provides an arts and crafts room, exercise equipment and a variety of programming for children and adults.

Whistle Stop Playground is located in downtown Temple, TX.
Whistle Stop Playground is located in downtown Temple, TX.
Whistle Stop Playground is located in downtown Temple, TX.
Whistle Stop Playground is located in downtown Temple, TX.
Climb aboard the ship playscape that's harbored at Whistle Stop Playground.
Climb aboard the ship playscape that's harbored at Whistle Stop Playground.
1/3

A preservation league uniting a community

The Historic Preservation League of Temple is the community heartbeat, keeping the district thriving and close-knit. The volunteer group organizes all sorts of events, including an annual Oktoberfest, a yearly Fourth of July parade, membership drives, an Easter Egg hunt and holiday celebrations. “Everyone joins together for our Fourth of July Parade,” Denton says. “It goes down 9th Street, kids ride their bikes, we have a food truck, and the Boy Scouts lead it.” Christmas and Halloween are the most popular traditions in the neighborhood. “Houses go all out, and people drive from all over to come see it, and cops have to block off the streets,” Denton says. During December, the Historic District will have a cookie exchange, hayride and caroling. “Families get together, we go caroling for some of the folks who are a bit older and can’t get out,” he adds. “We drop off gifts to them, and that’s a good time.” Once a year in the fall, the Historic District will also host a “Sip and See” event, where residents will open up their homes for people to tour. “We’ll sponsor a couple houses and pay for catering and wine, and people can look at the historic homes, Denton says. “We’ll usually include ones for sale.” Residents can also celebrate in Downtown Temple. The city hosts an annual holiday parade and tree lighting in December, a celebration for over 75 years and a Family Fun Fest and Fireworks Show on the Fourth of July. Several houses of worship are nearby, including Tower of Faith Ministry, First Christian Church, Greater Zion Temple Church of God in Christ and St. Mary’s Catholic Church.

Within walking distance of Downtown Temple

The neighborhood sits 2 miles east of Interstate 35, and the H.J. Dodgen Loop 360 encircles the Temple area, providing access to the rest of the region. Downtown Temple is within walking and biking distance, Killeen Regional Airport is 35 miles away, and Waco is a 40-mile drive north. Hill County Transit District (The HOP) provides public transportation, and bus stops are along Adams Avenue. Temple Medical and Educational District (TMED), a hub of hospitals, medical education, research and science-focused businesses, is less than 3 miles south. The district is home to the Baylor Scott and White Medical Center, the Veterans Administration and the Texas A&M Health Science Center.

Amy David
Written By
Amy David
Saeid Zare
Photography Contributed By
Saeid Zare
Francesco Basti
Video By
Francesco Basti

Agents Specializing in this Area

See All Agents

Schools

Source:
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. View GreatSchools Rating Methodology

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Jimmy Torres, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

Killeen Municipal

30 min drive

Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime Historic District US
Homicide 6 4
Sexual Assault 4 4
Assault with Weapon 5 4
Robbery 5 4
Burglary 5 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 5 4
Larceny 4 4
Crime Score 5 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Demographics and Home Trends

Home Trends

Median Price (12 Mo)
$237,500
Median Single Family Price
$312,500
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$136
Number of Homes for Sale
4
Last 12 months Home Sales
18
Months of Supply
2.70
Median List Price
$317,500
Median Discount From 1st List Price
7%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
-3%

Home Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
392
Median Year Built
1959
Avg. Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,863
On par with the national average
1,935
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
7,840

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Jimmy Torres, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Average Home Value




Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Owners

Demographics

Total Population
1,227
Median Age
40
Population Density
8 ppl/acre
Population under 18
25.2%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
18.4%
On par with the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$60,789
Below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$102,322

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
94.8%
College Graduates
47%
Above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
13.6%
% Population in Labor Force
57.7%
Below the national average
65.1%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
38''
Average Winter Low Temperature
36°F
Average Summer High Temperature
95°F
Annual Snowfall
0''

Area Factors

Somewhat Bikeable

Bike Score®

43 / 100

Car-Dependent

Walk Score®

39 / 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score

Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.

Nearby Neighborhoods

Reviews

Are you familiar with the Historic District neighborhood? to let others know what life in this neighborhood is like.
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.
NEIGHBORHOOD
Historic District
Jimmy Torres
Vista Real Estate
Section Image