At United Country Real Estate | Texas Realty Brokers here in Cameron, Texas, we’re focused on connecting buyers and sellers of rural and lifestyle properties throughout Milam County in Central Texas.
The real estate you’ll find here ranges from country homes, to hunting land, farms, ranchland, riverfront lots and more. And while these properties alone provide good reason to move here, they’re just the start. We live in a region of Texas with affordable living costs, amazing outdoor recreation, charming small towns and rich history.
Let’s take a closer look at why so many visitors and new residents alike are drawn to Cameron, Texas, and Milam County.
Milam County: Profitable Industries, Affordable Living & Fun Events
Home to a little more than 5,300 residents, Cameron is far from being a large city (Milam County’s entire population exceeds Cameron’s by about 19,000, for reference). That’s not to say this rural city and county don’t have their appeal. In fact, there’s a whole lot that defines this part of Central Texas, including profitable industries, affordable living costs, a location near larger metropolitan areas, fun local events and more.
Retail, healthcare, manufacturing and agriculture are all a big part of the economy here. Ag operations in particular employ a reported 20% of the workforce in the area and you’ll find farms growing cotton, corn, grains and other row crops. Poultry, egg, cattle and other livestock businesses are also common. One of the standouts, 44 Farms in Cameron is a Black Angus Cattle operation that provides some of the finest Texas beef around. And the Milam County Livestock Auction is one of the region’s best, serving buyers and sellers of stocker and feeder cattle.
The cost of living in Milam County is lower than both the statewide average in Texas and the United States. And that goes for nearly every category, such as food, housing, utilities, transportation and so on. Cameron also has the benefit of being 50-70 miles from Austin, Waco and College Station (each home to a major national university).
Work and school are important, but what about fun? Milam County offers a variety of events and festivals throughout the year for people of all ages. There’s a great annual Christmas Parade, as well as the two-day Cameron Funfest Bar-B-Que Shootout featuring live music, games and a BBQ competition. The Steak, Stein and Wine Festival is another event, described as a “celebration of Texas beef, beer, wine, music and more.”
Cameron also has its fair share of places to shop and dine, though you might head to Rockdale for even more options. If you’re there in October, you could check out the city’s Fall Music Festival or the Rockdale Fair & Rodeo.
Historical Pride is Alive and Well in Central Texas
Throughout Texas, there’s a sense of historical pride and a focus on educating others about regional and state history, as well as preserving important historical sites. That sentiment certainly holds true in Central Texas, as well.
Start locally here in Cameron with the Historical Milam County Museum and Jail of 1895 or the International & Great Northern Historical Depot in Rockdale. Rockdale is also home to the Kay Theater, built in 1947, the last theater left in all of Milam County.
A lot of interesting history is apparent simply by driving around the county, which for example, was once home to hundreds of steel bridges from the late 1800s to early 1900s. Several of these bridges are still used today and even inspired the book “Historic Bridges of Milam County.” A little farther out (roughly an hour and 20 minutes away), Washington on the Brazos State Historic Site offers nearly 300 acres of park land, programs and exhibits celebrating Texas’ independence from Mexico.
But perhaps the most noteworthy historical attraction is El Camino Real de los Teja Trail. This trail runs from Louisiana’s western border to the Texas-Mexico border and it holds a key place in Spanish Colonial history in the area. A national association maintains and promotes the trail across four regions, all of which feature natural and man-made landmarks along the way, including the Apache Pass.
Outdoor Recreation in the Heart of Texas: Milam County and Elsewhere
When it comes to outdoor recreation in Milam County and surrounding areas in the heart of Texas, the options are numerous. Cameron has several city parks with ball fields, picnic areas, pools and such, including some with pecan tree-lined nature trails ideal for hiking and biking. Start with the 25-acre Wilson-Ledbetter Park. But if you seek adventures on the rivers, lakes and in the forests … there’s a lot more you’ll want to see.
The region features the Brazos, Little and San Gabriel rivers, often integrated into the many state parks and wildlife areas here. Within 45 minutes or less from Cameron are places like Granger Lake, perfect for fishing; Belton’s Chalk Ridge Falls Park, beloved by hikers; Stillhouse Hollow Lake; and Live Oak Ridge (these last two also in Belton).
Travel another 30 minutes or so and Cedar Breaks Park in Georgetown, puts you right in the middle of Hill Country with kayaking, swimming, camping and more. Lake Somerville State Park has horseback riding, birding, fishing and beyond. Rent a cabin at Bastrop State Park, paddle the waters at Buescher State Park in Smithville or discover many other places to enjoy the great outdoors (far too many to list here!).
Finally, if hunting is your aim, you’ll find there’s no shortage of locations to hunt deer, turkey, dove, hog and other game in this part of Texas. Whether on private ranches or public lands maintained by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, hunting has always been a favorite activity for Texans. But make sure to stay up to date on current rules and regulations for the season!
Sources:
milam.agrilife.org; milamcounty.net; tourtexas.com; cameron-tx.com; camerontexas.net; bestplaces.net; Rockdalecityhall.com; Texashiking.com; Texasoutside.com; Stepoutside.org