Located 30 miles east of Dallas is Terrell, a growing town of around 17,000 that has seen its population increase over 30% since 2020. "The barometer around here we use is, if a Buc-ee's comes in, the area around it explodes," says Kim Bigley, a Realtor and team lead at Premier Legacy Real Estate who has lived in East Texas for over 30 years. "It's an exploding area, but you still feel out in the country while being close enough to commute." The small-town feel is evident in the Elvis Guy. "We call him that. He wears all black and a cowboy hat, and he stands on the corner with a boombox singing Elvis's songs," says Ruth LeVasseur, who's worked at Books and Crannies – a local used bookstore – for 30 years. "He's been doing it for as long as I've been here, and his simple heart brings joy to everyone."
Terrell State Hospital is a public psychiatric hospital, and the town's largest employer. The hospital is looking to build a new facility that will double capacity.
Moore Avenue is a busy, but charming, thoroughfare through historic downtown Terrell.
Terrell is a beautiful community east of Dallas, TX with a charming small town feel.
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Terrell's homes offer a rural feel
Terrell's median home sales price is around $295,000, lower than the Dallas median of $450,000 and that of nearby Forney at $345,000. Brick ranch-style houses, cottages and Craftsmen are spread out, adding to the community’s rural feel. Modest homes can cost less than $180,000, while large, contemporary dwellings on the outskirts of town with over 100 acres go for several million dollars. "Housing additions are expanding with 200-plus homes being built," Bigley says. "Griffith Avenue has all historic homes that are over 100 years old, and they are remodeling and making them beautiful."
Larger lot homes in Terrell give a rural feel to the area.
One of the oldest and most architecturally distinct residences in Terrell was built in 1876.
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Movies at the Iris Theatre
Downtown Terrell maintains its charm with brick sidewalks and historic buildings that house modern restaurants and businesses. Several local eateries and chain fast-food joints are located on Highway 80, running through the town center towards Dallas. "We have all the anchor stores for shopping; anything you want is right here," Bigley says. Among the standouts is Buc-ees, a chain of convenience stores that serves snacks and drinks and is known for its themed souvenirs and several dozen gas pumps.
The Iris Theatre, which houses Books and Crannies and was founded in 1925, has a vintage movie poster mural splashed over its brick exterior. "The first movie we showed here was a silent film," Ruth shares. "We have two free showings of black –and-white movies a month with popcorn made by the old popcorn maker.”
The Iris Theater is one of the historic theater facades still standing in Terrell, TX.
At Books and Crannies in Downtown Terrell, thousands of books fill the shelves.
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No. 1 British Flying Training School Museum
Terrell is home to the No.1 British Flying Training School Museum, showcasing the municipal airport on Silent Wings Boulevard. Over 2,200 Royal Air Force and U.S. Army Air Corps Cadets earned their wings at the training school during World War II. "In the fall, we have a dinner dance in one of the hangers," Ruth says. "We get a band that will play swing stuff we can ballroom dance to. They have one small jet in the corner, and we are dancing all around and under it."
The Jamie Foxx Performing Arts Center, named after the famous comedian who was born and raised in Terrell, brings in performers from all over the country for concerts, gospel music shows and various events. "It is always sold out and a packed house," Bigley says.
The Terrell Aviation School mural depicts its firest flight class in Terrell.
View the relics of World War 2 at the No. 1 British Flying Training School Museum in Terrell.
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Feed the ducks at Ben Gill Park
Terrell is home to several city parks and green spaces, the largest of which is Ben Gill Park. Residents visit the 100-acre park to feed the ducks by the lake and play soccer on the public fields. There is also a playground and an Olympic-sized swimming pool. Breezy Hill Park features two basketball courts, a lighted softball/baseball field and several picnic tables and grills.
Recreational opportunities in Terrell abound at these Ben Gill Park facilities.
Terrell locals feeding the ducks at Ben Gill Park is a common site to see.
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Five minutes of fame at Terrell High School
The Terrell Independent School District serves about 5,000 students and earns a C grade from Niche. Terrell High School receives a C-plus from Niche and showcases student achievements via the district website. Poetry Community Christian School is a private school option that earns a B from Niche.
Wood Elementary School serves Terrell students from K-5th grade.
Terrell High School serves approximately 1500 students in Terrell.
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30 miles from Dallas
Interstate 20 and Highway 80 are the main roadways in and out of Terrell, leading into the heart of the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. "If you live near downtown, you can walk places, including the grocery store," Ruth says. "The town has spread out toward the freeway, and they put in some bigger restaurants out there." Baylor Scott & White Family Medical Center and Terrell Urgent Care are nearby medical facilities. Travelers are a 54-mile drive from DFW International Airport, offering international and domestic flights.
Major highways, Like I-20, make getting to Dallas a cinch.
Crossroads at Terrell is a major retail development with a variety of shops and restaurants.
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Terrell crime and environmental factors
According to FBI crime data, Terrell's violent and property crime rates are slightly higher than the national and state averages. However, the crime rates for both began trending downward in the last few years. Like much of north Texas, Terrell may experience excessive heat, wildfires and potential tornadoes.
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