Lake Texoma is legendary for a reason. One of the largest lakes in the U.S., with a surface area of 93,000 acres, it straddles the border of Texas and Oklahoma, where the Red and Washita Rivers meet. The approximately 550 miles of beautiful shoreline run through several counties on both sides of the border – Bryan, Love, Marshall, Carter, and Johnston Counties in Oklahoma, and Grayson, Fannin, and Cooke Counties in Texas.
The Texoma area is also one of the most popular federal recreational facilities in the country, and Lake Texoma fishing is second to none. Known as the “Playground of the Southwest,” it receives over 6 million visitors each year. Residents and visitors enjoy a wide range of activities on the lake and in the nearby wildlife management areas, including camping, boating, fishing, horseback riding, hiking, and golfing.
Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast looking for your very own summer getaway, a young family looking for a tranquil community to settle in, or an investor seeking the next profitable venture, Lake Texoma has the perfect property for you.
Before you start home shopping, however, it’s important to first learn everything you can about the area. To help you out, here is a comprehensive guide to what you need to know about Lake Texoma homes for sale.
Table of contents
- All About Lake Texoma
- Communities around Lake Texoma, OK
- Lake Texoma Real Estate
- Lake Texoma Economy
- Lake Texoma Fishing
- Lake Texoma Camping
- Lake Texoma: Outdoor Adventures
- How to Buy a Home in Lake Texoma
- Find the Perfect Waterfront Home in Lake Texoma, OK today!
All About Lake Texoma
Born from the confluence of two great rivers and innovative American engineering, Lake Texoma has a rich and bountiful history. With its strategic location and abundant natural resources, the Texoma area has a rich history and continues to play a key role in the growth and development of the surrounding towns and communities. Here are a few interesting facts:
Lake Texoma was an agricultural center for Native American tribes.
Before the early European settlers arrived, various Native American tribes passed through the Texoma area, such as the Kiowa, Cheyenne, Comanche, Apache, and Wichita tribes. However, only the Wichita tribe made Texoma their permanent home, with agriculture and hunting as their main source of living.
Lake Texoma provides flood control, hydroelectric power, and water supply to the area.
The Red River was highly destructive to the surrounding land area during flood seasons. George Moulton, a Denison businessman, began lobbying for the construction of the Denison Dam as early as 1925. After receiving funding through the Flood Control Act of 1938, the dam was completed in 1944, impounding Lake Texoma into the reservoir that it is today. Aside from flood control and river regulation, it also became an essential source of hydro-powered electricity and water supply in the area.
Lake Texoma is a dream destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
Authorized for recreational use in 1988, the lake’s surrounding lands were initially managed by the National Park Service. Operations and maintenance were transferred over to the US Army Corps of Engineers in 1949, which means that a great deal of Lake Texoma camping sites have been preserved. Since then, the Lake Texoma area – also called Texoma or Texomaland – has experienced rapid economic growth through its tourism industry, becoming a popular camping, fishing, and hunting site, as well as a major sailing center.
Communities Around Lake Texoma, OK
As its name implies, Texoma is an interstate area split between Texas and Oklahoma. It encompasses charming communities scattered across a number of counties. Residents in the area enjoy the best access to the lake and everything it has to offer.
On the Oklahoma side, the most sought-after communities for homes for sale in Lake Texoma include:
Durant (Bryan County)
Known as the City of Magnolias and the Gateway to Lake Texoma, Durant is a mere 15 minutes from all the fun and adventures in and around the lake. The city also boasts a wide range of attractions, including the historic Fort Washita, the eclectic shops and restaurants on Durant Main Street, and the highly acclaimed Magnolia Festival. You can learn more about Durant, OK here.
Colbert, Cartwright, and Calera (Bryan County)
Beyond the county seat of Durant, Lake Texoma communities in Bryan County also include Colbert, Calera, Cartwright, Silo, and Mead. As part of Choctaw Country, a popular tourism destination in Oklahoma, these towns boast abundant wilderness areas, pristine lakes and rivers, unforgettable shopping and dining districts, and a highly celebrated Native American heritage.
The tranquility and family-friendly vibe of Colbert, Cartwright, and Calera are a refreshing contrast to the neon lights and world-class entertainment in the famous Choctaw Casino and Resort, located just north of Calera.
Madill and Kingston (Marshall County)
The smallest county in Oklahoma, Marshall County offers the best striper fishing experience on Lake Texoma, as well as a vibrant cultural and artistic scene. Madill, the county seat, is home to the Museum of Southern Oklahoma, the Ruby Adkins Gallery, and the Madill Art Club. It also hosts the annual National Sand Bass Festival. Just 8 miles away is Kingston, the best place for golfing, wildlife viewing, and striper fishing.
Marietta (Love County)
Just a short drive from Oklahoma City and Dallas is the romantic town of Marietta, a history buff’s dream destination. Learn more about Love County’s military men and women at the Love County Military Museum. Immerse yourself in the life and culture of past eras at the Love County Pioneer Museum. Or bring home a piece of history from the fascinating collections at Levine’s Antiques and Norton’s Jewelry and Indian Territory Museum.
Tishomingo (Johnston County)
Named after the heroic Chickasaw Chief, Tishomingo is the historic capital of the Chickasaw Nation and the largest city in Johnston County. Tishomingo is home to the Tishomingo National Wildlife Refuge and the Blue River, where locals and visitors enjoy trout fishing, birdwatching, and hunting, as well as boating, kayaking, and canoeing. The beautiful campus of Murray State College is also found here, providing the town with a dynamic college community vibe and a wide range of educational programs.
Ardmore (Carter County)
Defined by its resilience, pioneering spirit, and modern vision, the town of Ardmore is a hidden micropolitan gem in Carter County. Built on big dreams by trailblazing entrepreneurs, this town offers a low cost of living and high quality of life. Residents enjoy numerous outdoor recreational activities, world-class shopping and dining, excellent schools, and serene tree-lined neighborhoods. Ardmore is also southern Oklahoma’s regional health center, with several state-of-the-art medical facilities and hospitals found here.
Lake Texoma Real Estate
The state of Oklahoma is known for its low cost of living and generally more affordable real estate, which makes it a great housing market to invest in. As of 2023, the average home value in the state was around $185,000.
In the last 10 years, Oklahoma properties have appreciated around 71.10%, with the last quarter of 2022 showing a 2.25% increase in value. This means that homes in Oklahoma are good for long-term investments since they show a steady increase in value year after year.
Because of the area’s booming tourism industry, vast natural resources, and high quality of life, Lake Texoma homes for sale are highly in demand and tend to be priced higher than in other parts of the state. Homes closer to the lake and other popular recreational areas enjoy a premium over other property types.
Prices of homes for sale in Lake Texoma vary greatly depending on the location. In looking for a home in the area, make sure to review and compare the housing market trends in the different counties surrounding the lake.
- Bryan County homes for sale are priced anywhere from $8,900 to $4 million. The average Bryan County home value is $200,541, up 10.1% over the past year, and goes to pending in around 27 days. Property sizes can range widely from around 600 square feet to over 9,000 square feet.
- Marshall County homes for sale are listed at around $40,000 to over $5 million. The average Marshall County home value is $161,872, up 13.8% over the past year. Properties here are around 640 square feet to 8,242 square feet in size.
- Love County homes for sale may be priced as high as $2.5 million or more. From 2011 to 2021, the average home value increased from $85,884 to $127,000, with a 4.2% year-over-year increase between 2020 and 2021. Property sizes can range from 670 square feet to over 5,400 square feet.
- Johnston County homes for sale are listed at around $27,000 to $1 million and above across all property types. The average Johnston County home value is $149,386, up 24.5% over the past year. Property sizes can be anywhere between 960 square feet and over 2,300 square feet.
- Carter County homes for sale have prices ranging from as low as $15,000 to as high as $3.3 million or more. The average Carter County home value is $153,764, up 10.9% over the past year, and goes to pending in around 35 days. Properties can be around 400 square feet to more than 14,000 square feet in size.
What you can expect from Lake Texoma houses for sale
You’ll find a wide range of property types in Lake Texoma. Single-family homes for sale in Lake Texoma make up the majority of the housing stock, including primary residences and vacation properties. Cabins are popular waterfront home options, many of which are rented out to tourists and visitors. There are also quite a few mansions and estates, as well as vacant lots and acreages ideal for farming or commercial and residential developments.
There’s a wide variation in architectural styles of Lake Texoma homes for sale, ranging from majestic French Country and Craftsman to rustic ranch and prairie.
Popular features and amenities include:
- Beautiful landscaping and gorgeous views
- Spacious bedrooms and bathrooms
- Sun-filled living spaces
- Central fireplaces
- Extra rooms that can be converted into a den or home office
- Updated kitchens with built-in cabinetry and breakfast bars
- Plenty of storage space
- Covered patios or porches
Luxury properties and lakefront homes boast panoramic views of the lake, with opulent features like grand staircases, travertine terraces, and vaulted ceilings, as well as top of the line amenities like outdoor pools, home theaters, personal gyms, wine bars, and great rooms.
Some of the most upscale homes in the area are found in exclusive golf and country club communities with topnotch amenities and services, such as private golf courses, restaurants, swimming pools, and spas and fitness centers.
Lake Texoma Economy
Homes for sale in Lake Texoma make great investments because of the area’s economic growth and abundant business opportunities.
The main driver of Lake Texoma’s local economy is tourism. With its wide array of outdoor attractions and recreational facilities, the area draws millions of visitors every year. Industry insiders note that Texoma’s tourism and popularity never took a hit in 2020 amid the pandemic. In fact, many local businesses reported it was one of their best years ever.
Moreover, the area’s proximity to the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex makes living in Lake Texoma highly appealing. It’s a convenient bedroom community, particularly for those who want to come home to a serene, lakefront community after a long day at work in the big city nearby.
Lake Texoma Fishing
Known as the “Striper Capital of the World,” Lake Texoma is one of the few reservoirs in the U.S. where striped bass reproduce naturally. The striped bass fishing there is world-class. With 70 species of fish, including largemouth, spotted and white bass, black and white crappie, and blue and flathead catfish, it’s a paradise for any angler. Plus, multiple guide services are available to outfit any size group or budget for Lake Texoma fishing.
With over 89,000 acres of water, 700 campsites, and 54 USACE-managed parks, Texoma offers anglers ample opportunities to pursue their sport. The area also encompasses two major wildlife refuges and numerous trails, resorts, marinas, and golf courses, ensuring plenty of adventures for an active lifestyle. You can also find the Texoma Striper Guide Association at Lake Texoma State Park in the town of Kingston.
Lake Texoma Camping
With over 89,000 acres of water and 54 USACE-managed parks, Texoma is a haven for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy camping, hiking, biking, and wildlife watching. There are over 1,000 sites for Lake Texoma camping, offering various accommodations, from primitive tent camping to RV sites with water and electric hookups.
Some of the most popular campgrounds include Burns Run East and West, Johnson Creek, Lakeside Park, Lake Texoma State Park, Caney Creek, and Platter Flats Camp.
Campers can also experience the high bluffs and swim at Eisenhower State Park or wildlife watching at Hagerman National Wildlife Refuge or Tishomingo National Wildlife Refuge, where they can enjoy a picnic pavilion with grills, canoeing, or kayaking in the summer season.
Lake Texoma: Outdoor Adventures
Beyond Lake Texoma fishing and camping, you’ll find no shortage of exciting outdoor activities to be found in the area. Here’s a sampling of a few of our favorites:
Boating
Because of Lake Texoma’s size and depth, it can accommodate a variety of watercraft, from sailboats and powerboats to kayaks and jet skis. Popular marinas and boat rentals in Texoma include Alberta Creek Marina and Catfish Bay Marina in Kingston, Little Glasses Marina in Madill, and Willow Springs Marina in Mead.
Hiking and horseback riding
The US Army Corps of Engineers maintains most of the nature trails around the lake. Lake Texoma State Park encompasses the Platter Flatts recreation area, which includes an 11-mile equestrian trail. There are also 3 ½ miles of scenic and historical hiking trails in Tishomingo’s Pennington Park. The Cross Timbers Hiking Trail – from Juniper Point recreation area to Rock Creek Camp – winds around the Texas side of the lake and is highly popular among serious hikers.
Hunting
The Oklahoma Wildlife Conservation Commission and the Tulsa District Corps of Engineers allow hunting during open season. You can catch game species such as deer, turkey, migratory game birds, waterfowl and feral hogs in the Tishomingo National Wildlife Refuge and other public hunting areas. However, take note that a hunting license from the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation (ODWC) is required.
Read more: Best Things to Do in Lake Texoma
How to Buy a Home in Lake Texoma
With the high demand for Lake Texoma homes for sale, navigating the local real estate market is not easy without guidance.
Here are our top tips for making a successful home purchase:
Get in touch with a local Realtor
Having an experienced local Realtor by your side gives you access to important market data, as well as to the agent’s wide network that often includes other Realtors, contractors, home inspectors, and mortgage lenders. Your agent can leverage their knowledge and connections to facilitate various home buying processes, such as financing and home inspections.
Clarify your reasons and priorities
Whether you’re a first-time or repeat buyer, it’s crucial to clearly define your reasons for buying Lake Texoma real estate. This can help you and your agent find the right home quickly, particularly if you’re interested in a waterfront home or one near wildlife conservation areas.
Are you looking for a quiet primary residence or a vacation home? Do you plan to rent out the property? Knowing the answers to these questions can help you figure out what you need to prioritize when looking for a property, especially when it comes to location, potential repairs or renovations, and mortgage and insurance costs.
Be familiar with Lake Texoma’s laws and ordinances
Living in Lake Texoma doesn’t necessarily mean you can own a waterfront property or dock on the lake itself. The US Corp of Engineers owns all waterfront areas and beaches around Lake Texoma. They do issue permits to build and maintain boats or fishing docks, as well as vegetation modification permits for property maintenance.
You can read more about the rules and regulations on Lake Texoma. There are also specific laws and policies about the shoreline and waterfront areas adjacent to Lake Texoma real estate, which you can read about in the USACE’s Shoreline Management Plans.
Find the Perfect Home in Lake Texoma, OK Today
Getting the Lake Texoma home of your dreams begins with finding the right Realtors to work with you. Combining the advantages of technology with old-fashioned customer service, we at American Dream Realty have the local expertise to give you a smooth and seamless home–buying experience in this beautiful area we call home.
Call us today at 580.931.8888 or leave us a note here to start your journey.
