Hideaway tranquility
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5/19/2018
Lived in "Streetman" for a few years now. It is not the small almost ghost town that you pass through from I-45 (basically a post office) but it is a loose connection of beautiful rural farms and pastures and high-end lake homes on the south side of the massive Richland Chambers Resevoir. The topography on the north side of the lake is mostly flat to rolling prairie mesquite. This gives way to a mixture of water, post and pin oak hillsides and fertile farmland. There are some oil and gas leases and coal mining but these are tucked away. Life is slower and simpler with residents as varied as anywhere I have lived (Atlanta, San Fran, DC, Austin and more). Roughly 50% lifelong residents and 50% have escaped cities for the peace and tranquility, Lake residents are 40% part timers mostly from Houston and Dallas. Full time residents vary from everywhere imaginable. The love of nature, slower pace and for many boating and fishing are common. To be certain it is not for everyone and most want to keep it the secret it is. The boom after the lake was built in the 80's slowed and few businesses remain. Recently a Family Dollar was built bringing much relief to the commute for a loaf of bread. A general hardware store ran by some of the nicest folks imaginable holds as a meeting spot and a place to pick up on the latest news as well as bug spray, nails and just about anything else you need for the home and farm. From personal experience I can say the area is welcoming, but privacy is respected. 2 nearby churches as well as several in Streetman regularly hold services. Probably the hardest to overcome for most is the lack of eateries. Fairfield, Corsicana and Athens are the closest with some variety but still far below most city dwellers standards. I felt I had moved to Mayberry and people truly are that nice. It is common to see people of a variety of walks, age and race help in the fields or get into a conversation with a hug or handshake. Hunting, fishing, family and enjoying the lake are past times. Wildlife, whitetail, bobcat, red fox, coyote share space. Local groups are bridge club, book club. A nice movie theater is in Corsicana 30 min drive with a smaller one in Athens 30 min. Corsicana has a small theater and hosts comedy and musical acts, mostly country. The beauty of the area is unparalleled. Fall brings some color with spring an abundance of wildflowers. It is on a major migratory bird path and Richland Wildlife Area has many viewing spots as well as seasonal hunts for game birds including ducks. Lake lots are in high demand and fetch around 120k at this time. I am uncertain of the quality of schools but kids are split between Fairfield, Mildred and Corsicana ISD depending on where you live on the lake. The lake is actually privately owned by Tarrant county as a Ft Worth water source. This accounts for the lack of sketchiness some other lakes suffer from. Strict standards on building and septic is enforced. Modular homes are fewer and typically nicer near farms. Lesser kept homes is evident but isolated. 4-5 stars for me. Athens seems a decent hospital for minor needs. Medical care is a concern for many. Most pay for a subscription base helicopter life flight nearby. Internet is lackluster at 3mbps. Hard to stream on that. Our Austin kids go insane for a bit then get with the pace. Wish for a few really good restaurants maybe a place for a glass of wine and hear some music but otherwise pretty perfect if you like the slower pace of nature.
Lisa | Streetman, TX