Land for Sale in Coldspring, Texas: A Small Town with Great Potential

Situated in San Jacinto County, Coldspring is a small Texas town just 55 miles north of Houston. Although it spans just 1.8 mi.² of land, Coldspring is a great place to buy land, be it for commercial or residential purposes.

A Brief History of the Town

Coldspring is linked to Stephan F. Austin and his first colony in Texas, which helped establish San Jacinto County. His original colony extended all the way from the Trinity River to Point Blank. Joseph Vehlein, a German immigrant living in Mexico, received commission from the Mexican government giving him permission to settle in the area. Vehlein gave 640 acres to Robert Rankin, an officer in the American Revolution. This acreage included the site of present-day Coldspring.

The city started as a settlement around 1850. In 1848, a trading post was the only thing in town, known as “Coonskin.” Coldspring is named after the river that runs through it, and the battle granted Texas its independence. By 1915, Coldspring was a bustling city and named the county seat. But in March of that year, the wooden court house burned down – essentially wiping out the city’s economic foundation. The building of the new courthouse, which still stands today, was completed in 1918.

Coldspring Demographics, Population and Climate

As of the 2010 census, Coldspring’s population was approximately 853. In 2000, the population was just 691.
In 2000, the city was home to 263 households and 180 families. Approximately 34.6% of these homes had children under 18 living with them. The median household income in the city was roughly $27,083, and the median family income was $30,729.

According to City-Data.com, the town’s population in 2013 was 884. Since 2000, the population has grown 27.9%, which is a fairly significant increase. As far as climate goes, Coldspring’s tornado activity is above the state average, and 55% greater than the U.S. as a whole. The city’s climate is similar to the rest of Texas: mild winters, hot summers and volatile weather in the spring. The average temperature in January is 50°, while the average temperature in July is nearly 90°. High temperatures in the summer can reach 100° or higher.

Local Attractions

Although Coldspring is a small town, it does have a fair share of attractions. Altogether, there are approximately 25 golf courses in the area. The city is also close to Lake Livingston, Sam Houston National Forest, and the Double Lake Recreational Area. These are great spots for fishing, hiking, camping and waterskiing.

Throughout the town, there are over three dozen historical markers. Some of the most notable markers include Old Town Coldspring, Historic Heritage Center, and the 1887 Jail Museum. The town is also home to the oldest active United Methodist Church in the state, which was established in 1848.

The town square boasts a number of restaurants, art studios and antique stores. Lake Livingston is a natural draw for visitors in Coldspring, and many of the city’s homes are situated right on the lake. The lake offers camping, fishing, sailing, boating and jet skiing. This is the second largest lake in Texas, spanning 39 miles long and 7 miles wide. Lake Livingston offers 450 miles of shoreline, and is never crowded. Altogether, the area covers 93,000 acres. In the park surrounding area, there are over 5000 campsites and 100 launching ramps.

The Local Real Estate Market

Despite its small population, Coldspring’s real estate market is doing well. Let’s take a look at some of the average home prices:

* Two-bedroom homes: $119,214
* Three-bedroom homes: $251,615
* Four-bedroom homes: $476,700

The overall average listing price for the city is $264,707. Some the following properties are currently listed on the market:

* 3bd 2ba 1,595sqft home on 3.44 acres for $235.000
* 5bd 6ba 5,660sqft home on 0.86 acres for $1,299,500
* 3bd 3ba 2,350sqft home on 0.51 acres for $129,000
* 4bd 4ba 4,534sqft home on 0.54 acres for $995,000

As you can see, home prices vary greatly in the city. The higher-priced homes are situated along Lake Livingston, so waterfront properties command significantly higher prices. The real estate market is diverse and offers ample opportunities for all investors, but what about land investment?

Land Investment Opportunities

Although home prices may be higher, land prices are very cheap. Let’s take a look at some of our current listings of land for sale in Coldspring:

* 0.22 acres for $2,800
* 0.19 acres for $4,500
* 0.18 acres for $2,800
* 0.2 acres for $4,500

The majority of our listings are for properties in Cape Rail Greens, which is an exclusive gated community on the shores of Lake Livingston. These lots are the ideal size to develop a new home for rental or sale purposes. Naturally, there is high demand for properties on or close to the lake, and these properties often sell for $250,000 minimum. Waterfront properties sell for $700,000-$1 million+.

Residential development will likely be your best option if you’re investing in land in Coldspring, Texas. While you may find commercial land opportunities, the city is small, and available land is scarce. Rental properties are a great option, either for vacation or long-term tenants. Rent prices vary, but smaller homes often lease for $1,300 or more a month.

Coldspring, TX may not be the first city that comes to mind when you think of land investments, but smart investors can see the value in this charming town. The population has grown 27% since 2000, and the lake attracts tourists, which makes it a great location to build a vacation rental. Land prices are cheap, too, so you’re sure to find a property that fits your budget.

Home prices are relatively high, which makes it possible to purchase land, build a home and sell it right away to gain a nice return. Commercial opportunities may not be as abundant as other cities, but you may find them if you search hard enough. No matter whether you’re looking for a long-term investment or a quick way to generate a return, land in Coldspring is a smart choice.