Living in Terrell, TX
Historic Texas charm, acreage opportunities, and rural living within reach of the DFW Metroplex.
Ask Your Advocate About TerrellTerrell 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.
| Provider | Type | Customer Service | Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spectrum | Cable | 833-949-0036 | Visit site |
| Nextlink | Fixed Wireless | 855-698-5465 | Visit site |
| AT&T Fiber | Fiber | 800-288-2020 | Visit site |
Electricity
Deregulated market choose your provider at PowerToChoose.org
| Provider | Customer Service | Website |
|---|---|---|
| TXU Energy | 800-818-6132 | Visit site |
| Reliant Energy | 866-222-7100 | Visit site |
| Direct Energy | 866-968-8065 | Visit site |
| Gexa Energy | 866-961-9399 | Visit site |
| Green Mountain Energy | 866-785-4668 | Visit site |
| Rhythm Energy | 888-774-9846 | Visit site |
Natural Gas
Atmos Energy serves most of North Texas. Set up service at least one to two weeks before your move date.
| Provider | Customer Service | Website |
|---|---|---|
| Atmos Energy | 888-286-6700 | Visit site |
| CoServ Gas | 940-321-7800 | Visit site |
Water and Sewer
Water service in Terrell is provided by the city or a Municipal Utility District (MUD) depending on your development.
| Provider | Customer Service | Website |
|---|---|---|
| City of Terrell Utilities | 972-551-6600 | Visit site |
Trash and Recycling
| Provider | Customer Service | Website |
|---|---|---|
| City of Terrell Sanitation | 972-551-6600 | Visit site |
Home Security
| Provider | Customer Service | Website |
|---|---|---|
| ADT | 800-238-2727 | Visit site |
| Vivint | 800-216-5232 | Visit site |
| Brinks Home | 800-447-9239 | Visit site |
| SimpliSafe | 800-548-0526 | Visit site |
Mobile Phone Providers
| Provider | Customer Service | Website |
|---|---|---|
| AT&T | 800-331-0500 | Visit site |
| Verizon | 800-922-0204 | Visit site |
| T-Mobile | 800-937-8997 | Visit site |
TV and Streaming
| Provider | Customer Service | Website |
|---|---|---|
| DIRECTV | 800-531-5000 | Visit site |
| Spectrum TV | 833-949-0036 | Visit site |
| YouTube TV | Online support | Visit site |
| Hulu + Live TV | Online support | Visit site |
| Sling TV | Online support | Visit site |
Postal Services
| Service | Contact | Website |
|---|---|---|
| USPS Customer Service | 800-275-8777 | Visit site |
| Change of Address | Online | Visit site |
| Hold Mail | Online | Visit site |
Texas Driver License & Vehicle Registration
| Service | Contact | Website |
|---|---|---|
| TX Dept of Public Safety (Driver License) | 512-424-2600 | Visit site |
| TX Dept of Motor Vehicles (Registration) | 888-368-4689 | Visit 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.
Need more detail? See the full DFW Internet & Utilities guide →
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.
Thinking About Moving to Terrell?
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