Living in Terrell, TX — Relocation Guide

Kaufman County, Texas

Living in Terrell, TX

Historic Texas charm, acreage opportunities, and rural living within reach of the DFW Metroplex.

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Terrell at a Glance

County

Kaufman County

Population

Approx. 20,000+

To Downtown Dallas

Approx. 35–45 min via US-80

To Downtown Fort Worth

Approx. 60–70 min via I-20

To DFW Airport

Approx. 50–60 min via SH-190

To Love Field

Approx. 40–50 min via US-80

Median Home Price

Approx. $220,000–$380,000 (varies by property type)

Avg. Property Tax Rate

Approx. 1.9–2.4% (varies by location)

Year Incorporated

1873

ZIP Codes

75160

Welcome to Terrell

Terrell is the county seat of Kaufman County and one of the most historically rich communities in the east DFW corridor. The city blends genuine Texas character a historic downtown, Victorian architecture, and a strong agricultural heritage with growing residential development and larger properties. For buyers who want acreage, rural lifestyle options, or simply more space than the densely developed suburbs closer to Dallas, Terrell offers compelling opportunities at accessible price points. The city is approximately 30–40 minutes east of Dallas via US-80, making it a viable option for buyers who don't mind a longer commute in exchange for more land and a different lifestyle.

Housing in Terrell

Terrell's housing market offers a mix of established homes in the historic city core and newer developments on the outskirts. Acreage properties and rural homesteads are available in the surrounding area.

Home prices in Terrell are generally more affordable than in Forney or Mesquite, reflecting the longer commute distance. Buyers can find significantly more land per dollar than in closer in suburbs.

New construction is available in some areas. The historic downtown has older homes with character that appeal to buyers seeking something different from standard suburban development.

Lifestyle in Terrell

Terrell offers a genuine small town Texas lifestyle. The historic downtown has local restaurants, shops, and community gathering spaces. The city's agricultural heritage is still evident in the surrounding landscape.

The pace of life in Terrell is slower and more relaxed than in the densely developed suburbs closer to Dallas. Community events, local festivals, and a strong civic culture define the Terrell experience.

For buyers who want to escape the suburban sameness of master planned communities, Terrell offers a distinctly different lifestyle.

Things to Do

The historic downtown has local dining, antique shops, and community events. The Terrell Heritage Museum preserves the city's history.

Lake Tawakoni is approximately 30–40 minutes east, offering boating, fishing, camping, and nature recreation. The surrounding rural landscape provides hunting and outdoor opportunities.

Forney and Mesquite are approximately 15–25 minutes west for additional dining and entertainment.

Education

Terrell is served by Terrell ISD.

For school boundary information, visit the Terrell ISD website at terrellisd.com.

Major Employers

Terrell's major employers include Terrell ISD, healthcare providers, and manufacturing firms. The city has a growing industrial base along the US-80 corridor.

Many residents commute to Forney, Mesquite, and Dallas for employment. The commute to Dallas is approximately 35–45 minutes.

Transportation and Commuting

US-80 is Terrell's primary artery, providing direct access to Forney, Mesquite, and Dallas. I-20 provides an alternative route.

Terrell is car dependent with no public transit service. Commute times to downtown Dallas are approximately 35–45 minutes.

Parks and Outdoor Recreation

Terrell's parks system includes community parks and athletic facilities. The surrounding rural landscape provides hunting, fishing, and outdoor opportunities.

Lake Tawakoni is approximately 30–40 minutes east, offering boating, fishing, camping, and nature recreation at Lake Tawakoni State Park.

Annual Events

Terrell hosts community events including the Terrell Heritage Jubilee, holiday celebrations, and seasonal festivals that reflect the city's historic character.

The surrounding agricultural community organizes events throughout the year.

Homeownership in Terrell

Terrell homeowners benefit from an affordable market with the added appeal of acreage and rural lifestyle options. Property values are generally stable.

Utility providers include Oncor Electric Delivery (electricity), Atmos Energy (natural gas), and the City of Terrell (water/wastewater for city properties).

Kaufman County offers a homestead exemption. Contact the Kaufman Central Appraisal District (kaufmancad.org) for details.

Utilities and Services

Everything you need to set up before your move date in Terrell.

Internet Providers

Common providers in Terrell. Availability varies by address. Always verify before committing.

ProviderTypeCustomer ServiceWebsite
SpectrumCable833-949-0036Visit site
NextlinkFixed Wireless855-698-5465Visit site
AT&T FiberFiber800-288-2020Visit site

Electricity

Deregulated market choose your provider at PowerToChoose.org

ProviderCustomer ServiceWebsite
TXU Energy800-818-6132Visit site
Reliant Energy866-222-7100Visit site
Direct Energy866-968-8065Visit site
Gexa Energy866-961-9399Visit site
Green Mountain Energy866-785-4668Visit site
Rhythm Energy888-774-9846Visit site

Natural Gas

Atmos Energy serves most of North Texas. Set up service at least one to two weeks before your move date.

ProviderCustomer ServiceWebsite
Atmos Energy888-286-6700Visit site
CoServ Gas940-321-7800Visit site

Water and Sewer

Water service in Terrell is provided by the city or a Municipal Utility District (MUD) depending on your development.

ProviderCustomer ServiceWebsite
City of Terrell Utilities972-551-6600Visit site

Trash and Recycling

ProviderCustomer ServiceWebsite
City of Terrell Sanitation972-551-6600Visit site

Home Security

ProviderCustomer ServiceWebsite
ADT800-238-2727Visit site
Vivint800-216-5232Visit site
Brinks Home800-447-9239Visit site
SimpliSafe800-548-0526Visit site

Mobile Phone Providers

ProviderCustomer ServiceWebsite
AT&T800-331-0500Visit site
Verizon800-922-0204Visit site
T-Mobile800-937-8997Visit site

TV and Streaming

ProviderCustomer ServiceWebsite
DIRECTV800-531-5000Visit site
Spectrum TV833-949-0036Visit site
YouTube TVOnline supportVisit site
Hulu + Live TVOnline supportVisit site
Sling TVOnline supportVisit site

Postal Services

ServiceContactWebsite
USPS Customer Service800-275-8777Visit site
Change of AddressOnlineVisit site
Hold MailOnlineVisit site

Texas Driver License & Vehicle Registration

ServiceContactWebsite
TX Dept of Public Safety (Driver License)512-424-2600Visit site
TX Dept of Motor Vehicles (Registration)888-368-4689Visit site

Homestead Exemption

File your homestead exemption with your county appraisal district to reduce your property tax bill. You must own and occupy the home as your primary residence as of January 1.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Terrell a good place for acreage?

Yes Terrell and the surrounding Kaufman County area offer acreage properties and rural homesteads at more accessible price points than closer in suburbs.

What school district serves Terrell?

Terrell is served by Terrell ISD.

How far is Terrell from Dallas?

Approximately 35–45 minutes via US-80.

Nearby Communities

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