Lindale sits right where I-20 meets US 69, about 15 miles north of Tyler, and it has managed something a lot of growing towns haven’t: it still feels like a small town. The city’s motto is “Good Country Living,” and for a lot of people moving to East Texas, that’s exactly the pitch.
If you’re thinking about a move, here’s what to know about living in Lindale, from the commute and schools to the kinds of homes you’ll find.
Lindale at a glance
- Small-town Smith County living with Tyler’s jobs, shopping and hospitals about 20 minutes away.
- Right on I-20, so Dallas is roughly an hour and a half west.
- Homes range from in-town neighborhoods to houses on acreage and lake living at nearby Hideaway Lake.
- Served by Lindale ISD, though rural addresses can fall in neighboring districts.
| Quick facts | |
|---|---|
| County | Smith County, part of the Tyler metro area |
| Population | About 6,000 (6,059 in the 2020 census) and growing |
| Highways | I-20 and US 69 |
| To Tyler | About 15 miles, roughly 20 to 25 minutes |
| To Dallas | About an hour and a half on I-20 |
| School district | Lindale ISD |
| Known as | The “Blackberry Capital of the World,” and hometown of country star Miranda Lambert |
Why people move to Lindale
- The location. You’re close enough to Tyler for work, medical care and shopping, and right on I-20 for trips to Dallas or Shreveport.
- Room to breathe. Even near town, lots tend to be bigger, and homes on a few acres are easy to find a short drive out.
- The small-town pace. A walkable downtown, local events and a slower pace than Tyler.
- Value. Buyers often get more house or more land for their money than in Tyler’s most popular neighborhoods.
A little history
Lindale grew up around the railroad. After the Civil War, Richard B. Hubbard pushed for a rail line between Tyler and Mineola, and in 1871 Elijah Lindsey opened the first general store along it, which marks the town’s founding. Lindsey became its first mayor, and Lindale was incorporated in 1905. Blackberry farming later earned it the “Blackberry Capital of the World” nickname.
Homes and neighborhoods
Lindale’s housing is more varied than you might expect from a town its size:
- In town: older homes on tree-lined streets near downtown, plus newer subdivisions with city water and sewer.
- Homes on acreage: just outside town you’ll find one-to-ten-acre properties, many with shops, ponds and pasture. See our acreage guide for what to check before you buy land.
- Lake living: Hideaway Lake, a gated lake and golf community, is just outside Lindale.
Check the school district by address. Lindale ISD serves the town, but some properties with a Lindale mailing address are zoned to neighboring districts. Confirm the district for each address before you make an offer; Leslie can check it for you.
Lindale or Tyler?
| Lindale | Tyler | |
|---|---|---|
| Feel | Small town, slower pace | Regional city, busier pace |
| Lots and land | Bigger lots, acreage close by | More traditional city lots |
| Commute to Tyler jobs | 20 to 25 minutes | Minutes |
| Access to Dallas | Right on I-20 | About 20 minutes farther |
| Shopping and dining | Local shops and restaurants, Tyler close by | The most options in East Texas |
Taxes and cost of living
Texas has no state income tax, which is a big draw for people relocating from other states. Property taxes do the heavy lifting instead, and they vary by city, county and school district. The school district homestead exemption rose to $140,000 after voters approved it in November 2025, which helps once you’ve moved in and filed for it.
Your relocation checklist
- Visit on a weekday and a weekend to get a feel for traffic and the pace of town
- Drive your future commute at rush hour
- Confirm the school district for each address you like
- Check internet providers by address, especially outside town
- Look at the flood map for any home near a creek or low ground
- Ask about water and septic on rural properties
Common questions
What is it like to live in Lindale?
Lindale offers small-town living with Tyler’s jobs and I-20 close by. The best way to get a feel for it is to spend a day there.
How far is Lindale from Tyler?
About 15 miles north, usually 20 to 25 minutes depending on where you’re headed in Tyler.
Can I find a home on acreage near Lindale?
Yes. Properties from one acre to larger tracts are common just outside town, many with shops, ponds or pasture.
Thinking about a move to Lindale?
Leslie has helped buyers and sellers in Lindale for years. Tell her what you’re looking for and she’ll send homes that fit.
Explore Lindale