Are you looking for land for sale in Texas? Here, we share 10 compelling reasons to consider buying land in beautiful Polk County, Texas.
Located at the gateway to Texas’ Forest country and the Gulf Coast, less than a one-hour drive from Houston and surrounded by beautiful pine forests, rolling hills and the state’s second-largest lake, Lake Livingston, Polk County, Texas offers all the peace and quiet of country living within close proximity to big city amenities.
Imagine having total freedom to design your land and home without the constraints or hassles of homeowners associations, zoning restrictions or urban sprawl, while enjoying cheaper land, generous tax credits and easy access to Texas’ largest city and international airports.
Whether you’re looking to start a family homestead or hobby farm, retire, live off-grid or invest in a recreational or ranch property, Polk County is your kind of place.
In this article, we share 10 reasons to consider buying your perfect piece of rural land in Polk County, Texas.
10 Reasons to Look For Land For Sale in Polk County, Texas
1: No Zoning Restrictions!
Great news for land buyers: there is no zoning on raw, unimproved land in Polk County.
This means you have more freedom to customize the homestead, ranch, country oasis, farm, retreat center or family compound to suit your vision and needs.
2. Location, location, location
Less than an hour’s drive will get you to Vibrant Houston, TX, with its award-winning restaurants, shopping, international airports and big-city amenities. Travel about an hour further, and you’ll arrive at the Gulf Coast with beautiful beaches for relaxing and ocean water sports.
3. Excellent and fertile FARMLAND
40% of Polk County is considered prime farmland, with rich loamy soil, rolling hills, plenty of fresh water, active 4H and Young Farmer’s clubs and attractive agricultural tax credits.
The local Polk County Extension Office, a branch of Texas A&M Agrilife, is the place to go for information on local agriculture, to join the 4H club, and other agricultural, gardening, and environmental services. Visit them online here or call: 936-327-6828.
4. Fantastic Outdoor Recreation
Looking for local fun and recreation?
From boating, swimming and fishing in Texas’ second largest lake, to hiking, antiquing, golf, hunting, bird watching, casino-style gaming and mountain biking, Polk County has something for everyone. Here are some of the area’s sought-after highlights:
- The lakes and national parks attract locals and weekend warriors alike to this diverse landscape.
- Lake Livingston: As the second-largest lake in Texas, Lake Livingston attracts thousands of tourists and locals to its sandy beaches, clear waters, and spectacular pine forests. The park offers a variety of hiking trails, boat docks, nearby rentals, fishing (the lake is known for its white bass), camping, sheltered picnic areas, mountain biking trails and bird watching,
- Sam Houston National Forest: Just a short drive from Polk County is Sam Houston National Forest, home to the famous Lone Star Hiking Trail. Visitors can also enjoy lake access, camping, hiking, some of the best mountain biking trails in the area, bird watching and deer hunting.
- Big Creek Scenic Area and Trails in Sam Houston National Forest: A specially designated area within the Sam Houston National Forest, Big Creek encompasses 1,460 acres of creeks, lush pine-hardwood forest and varied flora and fauna perfect for hiking and bird watching.
- Alabama-Coushatta Tribe Lake Tombigbee Campgrounds: Located on the Alabama-Coushatta Tribe reservation, Texas’ oldest Indian reservation, the campground offers cabins, RV sites, teepees, campsites, a bathhouse, pavilion for private events, grills, hiking, playground and access to 46-acre Lake Tombigbee with boat rentals, fishing and swimming.
5. Easy Access To Quaint Small Towns
- Historic Downtown Livingston: Go back in time, eat, shop and enjoy historic downtown Livingston. From quaint shops featuring antiques and local art, to live music, delicious cuisine, seasonal festivals, and historic buildings, downtown has something for everyone.
- Livingston Municipal Golf Course: Take in a round of golf on this challenging and scenic 9-hole course. Open the public with membership options available and Pro Shop on site.
6. Various Educational OPPORTUNITIES
Polk County has a variety of school options, including Montessori and private religious schools.
Polk County’s idyllic rural setting, tight-knit community, and close proximity to Houston make it a desirable spot for homeschooling families.
Texas homeschooling families enjoy some of the greatest educational freedoms in the United States, they are considered “private schools” and do not need to register with a school district or have annual evaluations.
The only requirements are parents provide bona fide education with curriculum in visual form and include the 5 basic subjects of reading, spelling, grammar, mathematics and citizenship.
For more information on homeschooling in Texas and Polk County, visit the Texas Homeschool Coalition Association.
7. Polk County is an Oasis for Hunting, Fishing and Outdoor Recreation
Polk County is a part of Texas’ central hunting zone, where white-tailed deer and wild hogs are the most popular large game. Some of the best catches for fishing include white bass, blue, channel, and flathead catfish, largemouth bass, striped bass and crappie.
A few favorite hunting and fishing spots include:
- Lake Livingston: Fishing and hunting waterfowl
- Pettigo Park: Fishing
- Big Thicket National Preserve: Hunting deer, rabbit, wild hogs, waterfowl
Sources: Texas Parks and Wildlife Department
8. Less Red Tape Typically Means Faster Build Times
Polk county requires minimal inspections and permitting on new homes.
Before you build, contact the Polk County Permitting Department to obtain your development permit, septic permit, and any floodplain requirements.
Those building within 2000 feet of Lake Livingston must contact the Trinity River Authority at 936-365-2292 for an on-site septic permit.
These limited requirements can have benefits and drawbacks for the homeowner and builder.
The benefit? Your home gets built incredibly fast without all those inspections.
The drawbacks? You have to rely almost solely on the workmanship and knowledge of your contractor and builders to make sure the job gets done right. So it pays to hire a reputable builder.
Learn more about what to expect when installing a septic system in: Everything You Need To Know About Septic Systems.
9. A Variety of Acreage Options
Polk County is home to acres and acres of pastured and wooded properties of various sizes and with various amenities.
Whether you're looking for an ultra-private woodland paradise to build your country dream home or recreational playground or a mixture of woods and pasture to take advantage of timber plus room for a hobby farm, Polk County has a diverse range of options.
Land in Polk County is also generally affordable, despite land price increases since 2020.
View available lots for sale in Polk County here.
10. Generous Tax Credits
Owning rural land in Polk County may qualify landowners for various tax credits, including agricultural credits, timber, wildlife or others.
Your CPA or land agent can advise you on what tax credits may be available based on land use and location.
We discuss this more in: How to Buy Land in Texas.
Interested in Land for Sale in Polk County, Texas?
Raydient Rural has several rural properties available in Polk County, Texas, ranging from small acreage to sprawling.
Click the graphic below to view available properties and find your dream home!
