Kilgore sits about 30 minutes east of Tyler along the I-20 and US-271 corridor, with homes generally ranging from the $160,000s into the $300,000s. It is one of the closest surrounding cities to Tyler and one of the most storied, built on the legendary East Texas oil boom.
Downtown Kilgore is home to the famous lit oil derricks, the World Richest Acre, and the East Texas Oil Museum at Kilgore College, also known for the Kilgore College Rangerettes. The economy leans on energy services and manufacturing along the interstate, and a new high school reflects steady growth.
Best for: historic downtown character, college-town amenities, and quick I-20 access to Tyler.