If your idea of the perfect place to live is not a big and bustling urban city, but rather a rural area defined by farms and ranches, recreation in the forests or along the lakes and rivers, and places to enjoy serene country life … then Paris, Texas, may be worth a look. In fact, the same could be said of the entire Northeast Texas region.
Operating from our office in Paris, we at United Country Real Estate | AltaTerra Realty and Auction, LLC live in a part of the country where people value community, local history and the great outdoors. And we feel blessed to share this little slice of heaven.
Let’s take a closer look at why so many visitors and new residents alike are drawn to Northeast Texas.
With as many as seven distinct geographic areas, the Lone Star State often has quite diverse terrain from region to region. Here in Northeast Texas, the Piney Woods – woodlands and prairies divided by rivers, lakes and marshes (extending south along the state’s eastern border) – certainly stand out. And the north central portion of the Prairies and Lakes region just to the west is all rolling hills, grassland and strips of timberland.
From large horse ranches to waterfront country homes, development land, recreational properties and more, the property options in our region are varied and plentiful. Plus, if you enjoy recreation amid natural beauty, there are multiple spots you’ll want to explore.
Cooper Lake State Park on Jim Chapman Lake around 30 minutes from Paris is popular for boating, camping, hiking and horse trails. Anglers head to Pat Mayse Lake in the Red River Basin in Lamar County to cast for white crappie, large-mouth bass and catfish. Lands there are also managed for hunting whitetail deer and upland game birds.
In Fannin County you’ll find the 261-acre Bonham State Park, known for mountain biking, picnicking, swimming and the like. Some destinations are a little farther away but worth a day trip, such as the Sulphur River-fed Wright Patman Lake southeast of Red River County, or Ray Roberts Lake State Park a couple hours southwest of Paris. Finally, there’s Lake Texoma (and its state park) around 1 ½ hours northwest of Paris. Covering nearly 75,000 acres, this spot is renowned nationally for its striped bass fishing, and offers all kinds of other watersports, camping and other activities.
Upon arriving in Paris, Texas, for the first time you’re sure to notice our 65-foot Eiffel Tower replica topped with a red ten-gallon cowboy hat. It’s a nod to the original Paris (France, that is) but it also represents our city’s own unique culture, charm and area attractions.
Paris has an active arts scene with local artists featured at the Plaza Art Gallery; a month-long student art exhibit in town; and a community theater. And downtown offers fun local boutiques, shops and restaurants. Other top attractions include the Red River Valley Veterans Memorial and the Sam Bell Maxey House. In addition, there are several seasonal local events, a great farmers market and the Annual Tour de Paris Bicycle Rally.
If you explore outside Lamar County into neighboring counties such as Hopkins, Sulphur Springs offers several museums, the North East Texas Symphony, and the popular Celebration Plaza in the heart of downtown (which includes one of the world’s only see-through public restrooms, but only from the inside). Fannin County also has some interesting museums and historical sites, particularly in Bonham. For family fun, the North Texas Safari Park is a top spot here.
Really, almost anywhere you go in Northeast Texas, whether in Red River County, Wood, Franklin or Lamar County, or anywhere else in the area you’re bound to notice an emphasis on historical preservation, downtown developmentand local culture. From fun festivals to local cuisine, captivating art, outdoor adventures and beyond … there’s something for everyone here. Welcome to the region!
Sources: Tpwd.texas.gov; Recreation.gov; Paristexas.com; Sulphurspringstx.org; Tourtexas.com; Laketexomaonline.com; Redrivercoc.com; En.wikipedia.org; Tripadvisor.com