In 1996, assistant mortician Bernie Tiede -- who was a beloved and highly regarded resident of Carthage -- murdered his 81-year-old companion, multi-millionaire Marjorie Nugent. The 2011 film, Bernie, starring Jack Black, Matthew McConaughey, and Shirley Maclaine, was based on this incredible true story and captures the reactions and heated debates that surrounded the grisly event.
Carthage is located in east Texas, 42 miles west of Shreveport, Louisiana, and has a population of nearly 7,000
In 1996, assistant mortician Bernie Tiede -- who was a beloved and highly regarded resident of Carthage -- murdered his 81-year-old companion, multi-millionaire Marjorie Nugent. The 2011 film, Bernie, starring Jack Black, Matthew McConaughey, and Shirley Maclaine, was based on this incredible true story and captures the reactions and heated debates that surrounded the grisly event.
Carthage is located in east Texas, 42 miles west of Shreveport, Louisiana, and has a population of nearly 7,000. US Hwy 59 and U.S. Hwy 79 intersect right in the middle of town, so commuting in any direction is always convenient and quick. Founded in 1846, the town did not adopt its commission form of government until 1913. From that year forward, Carthage still operates with a mayor, a city manager and city commissioners leading the way to a bright and booming future. The town encompasses an area of 10.5 square miles and is also home to the Texas Country Music Hall of Fame! Carthage has a low tax base, plenty of jobs, and beautifully temperate weather, practically year-round.
Moving to Carthage
If you are moving to Carthage from a big city, you might be in for a bit of culture shock. Carthage is a beautifully quaint, small Texas town. When you begin your search for rental properties in Carthage, it will help if you call a local agent to help you find the home you are looking for. However, if you plan to live in apartments and forgo yard work of any kind, you will be fine just walking into the rental offices of each complex you visit. Don't forget your identification, personal and work references, as well as the money you set aside for fees and deposits to hold your property if you stumble upon one you cannot live without!
Neighborhoods in Carthage
Carthage has three distinct neighborhoods, two of which are rather rural, but close enough to the center of town that you never feel cut off from everyone else. Described below, the neighborhoods have their own unique qualities. Scope them all out to discover your perfect fit.
Long Branch/Clayton: Located on the southwestern side of Carthage, featuring Lake Murvaul at its center, this neighborhood is considered rural by population standards. What does that mean? Plenty of room between you and your nearest neighbor, unfettered views of the Milky Way at night, and excellent soil for growing your own garden full of veggies and herbs! This area features rental homes and apartments for rent that were built between 1970-1999. However, if you are a fan of vintage homes built before the 1960s, there are a number of those in the area as well, just waiting for the right person to come along and give them some TLC!
City Center: Do you love country music and need a one-bedroom apartment for rent in Carthage? If so, you'll love the City Center neighborhood, with the Texas Country Music Hall of Fame at its center. This is a suburban area that is very pedestrian friendly and easy to get around because of its grid-style layout. Rental properties in this neighborhood are typically small to medium sized (usually one to four bedrooms), and with East Texas Medical Center in the neighborhood, any medical assistance you might require is only moments away! You might see your neighbors at Davis Park, located on Park Drive. This is a favorite spot for dog walking, taking a morning jog, or enjoying a Saturday picnic.
Delray/Holland Quarters: This is yet another rural neighborhood! This one surrounds the City Center and expands outward to the west, the north, and the east. On the west side of the neighborhood sits Dixie Lake, which boasts a resort and marina for its visitors to enjoy. This is the perfect area for those who love living a country life coupled with water sports such as fishing, boating, and skiing. If you would prefer to find a rental home near a golf course, then head toward the east side of this neighborhood. The Carthage Country Club is located on U.S. 79 and is the most popular golf course in the city, hands-down!
Living in Carthage
For such a small town, Carthage never lacks in events to enjoy! Need a new blanket? The Annual Piney Woods Quilt Festival is celebrated at Carthage Civic Center every April. This event is followed by the East Texas Oil and Gas Blast in October and Breakfast with Santa, held at the Texas Country Music Hall of Fame, each December.
For a fun night out on the town, many locals head over to the Alamo Bar and Grill on NW Loop (this is Texas, after all, so there has to be something called Alamo). It offers amazing pub-grub, killer live music (Texas country of course, and sometimes rockabilly) and ice-cold beer on tap!