East Texas · Gregg County · Piney WoodsA community guide to Longview, Texas
Living Longview

Guide No. 02

Neighborhoods & nearby towns

Longview isn't a city of branded districts. Locals talk about sides of town, school districts and landmarks. Here's how to read the map.

Ask someone in Longview where they live and you'll often hear an answer like "out by Pine Tree," "north side, near Spring Hill" or "just outside town toward Hallsville." The way people describe home here usually comes down to three things: the side of town, the school district and how far out from the loop you are. This page is a starting point for that mental map. It's an overview, not a ranking, and the best way to choose is still to drive the streets at different times of day.

Downtown Longview

Downtown is the historic heart of the city and home to the Gregg County courthouse and government offices, along with museums, event spaces and local businesses. Downtown hosts festivals and community events through the year. Older homes and established streets surround the core, and the character changes block by block.

North Longview

The north side includes much of the city's retail along Loop 281 and areas served by Spring Hill ISD, as well as parts of Longview ISD. You'll find a mix of established neighborhoods and newer subdivisions as you head north and out from the loop. Paul G. Boorman Trail runs through the north-central part of the city.

West Longview and Pine Tree

On the west side, many people identify their neighborhood by Pine Tree ISD, which serves much of west Longview. The west side connects toward White Oak and Gladewater along the US 80 corridor and toward Kilgore to the southwest.

South Longview

South Longview runs toward Interstate 20 and the Sabine River area. It includes LeTourneau University's campus area and older neighborhoods with deep roots in the community, along with easy interstate access for commuters heading east or west.

East Longview

Heading east, the city transitions toward Harrison County and the Hallsville area. Many buyers look east for more land, quieter roads and Hallsville ISD, while staying close to Longview's shopping and jobs.

Nearby towns people consider

Plenty of people who work and shop in Longview live in a smaller town nearby. Each has its own school district, tax picture and personality.

West

White Oak

A small town just west of Longview with its own school district and a tight-knit, hometown feel.

East

Hallsville

East of Longview in Harrison County, popular with buyers looking for more room and Hallsville ISD.

Southwest

Kilgore

Home of Kilgore College and a big piece of East Texas oil history, a short drive from Longview.

Northwest

Gladewater

A small town along US 80 to the northwest, known for its antique shops and small-town downtown.

East

Marshall

The Harrison County seat, east of Longview on I-20, with its own historic downtown and colleges.

Lake life

Lake communities

Some buyers look at homes on or near area lakes. Lake properties come with their own questions about flood zones, docks, septic and insurance.

How to choose where to live

  • Drive your commute at the hour you'd really make it, both directions.
  • Confirm the school zone with the district using the exact address.
  • Check inside or outside city limits. It affects taxes, utilities, trash service and rules.
  • Look up the tax picture on the appraisal district website, including every taxing unit.
  • Check the flood map at msc.fema.gov and ask neighbors about drainage after heavy rain.
  • Ask about water and sewer. City service, a water supply corporation, a well or septic each come with different upkeep.
  • Check internet options at the address, especially if you work from home or are looking outside town.
  • Read any HOA rules or deed restrictions before you fall in love with a house.
  • Visit on a weekend evening to see how the street actually feels.

Talk to KT

Narrowing down where to live?

Tell us which areas you're considering and your timeline. KT can help you think through the homebuying side, and point you to good local resources.

Thinking of buying in Longview?

Talk it through with KT.

Kenneth Travis has been helping East Texas families with home loans since 2003. If you're wondering what buying here could look like for you, a no-pressure conversation is a good first step.