5 Shocking Facts About Gun Barrel City, Texas: The Town That Lives By Its Motto "We Shoot Straight"

Gun Barrel City, Texas, is not your typical sleepy lakeside community. As of late 2025, this town, nestled on the shores of the massive Cedar Creek Reservoir, continues to attract attention not only for its booming real estate market but also for its defiant, unforgettable name and motto. The city's identity is intrinsically tied to its rebellious origins, a story that perfectly captures the independent spirit of East Texas. The name "Gun Barrel City" immediately sparks curiosity, and its history is as unique as its moniker. Founded relatively recently in the 1960s, the town has quickly grown into the primary gateway for visitors to one of Texas's largest and most popular lakes, offering a vibrant mix of water sports, local events, and a surprisingly competitive housing market, all while proudly maintaining its distinct, frontier-like charm.

The Wild West Origin: History, Name, and Motto

The history of Gun Barrel City is a fascinating study in grassroots community formation, directly tied to the construction of a major water project. Unlike centuries-old Texas towns, Gun Barrel City’s existence is relatively modern, emerging in the wake of the Cedar Creek Reservoir’s completion.

The Founding of a Lake Town (1969)

Prior to the 1960s, the area was largely undeveloped. However, the creation of the 32,000-acre Cedar Creek Reservoir—one of the largest lakes in Texas—transformed the landscape and attracted a wave of developers, retirees, and weekenders. The influx of new residents led to a push for incorporation to establish local governance, services, and zoning laws. Gun Barrel City officially became an incorporated town on May 26, 1969, making it one of the younger cities in Henderson County, Texas.

The Story Behind the Defiant Name

The most captivating aspect of the town is, without a doubt, its name. The origin is rooted in a former dirt road known as Gun Barrel Lane, which is now part of State Highway 198. However, the town’s founders embraced the name with a defiant spirit, adopting the famous and bold motto: "We Shoot Straight with You." This motto is often symbolized by a rifle, reflecting a commitment to honesty and straightforwardness in local governance and community dealings. This blend of a frontier-sounding name and a modern, lake-centric lifestyle is what gives Gun Barrel City its unique, magnetic identity.

2025 Market Snapshot: Real Estate Trends and Demographics

As a prime access point to Cedar Creek Lake, Gun Barrel City’s economy and housing market are heavily influenced by tourism and second-home buyers. The latest data from late 2025 shows a dynamic, high-demand market, especially for waterfront and lake-access properties.

Current Housing Market Data

The real estate market in Gun Barrel City remains robust, though it has seen some fluctuations, reflecting national trends. In September 2025, the median listing home price was approximately $300,000, remaining relatively flat year-over-year. However, other reports show a median price of $291,950 as of November 2025. Key real estate metrics for late 2025 include:

• Median Listing Home Price: ~$300,000
• Median Listing Price Per Square Foot: $187
• Average Days on Market (DOM): 92 days
• Average Home Value (Zillow): $251,026 (down 4.4% over the past year)

The market is competitive, with properties like those in the Harbor Point neighborhood ranging from $15,000 to $450,000, illustrating the wide variety of housing options available, from small weekend cabins to luxury lakefront homes.

Population and Economic Development

The town's official population was 6,190 at the 2020 census, but this figure can be misleading. Due to its status as a major recreational hub, the population can swell to over 10,000 residents during the peak boating and holiday seasons, starting before Memorial Day and lasting through the summer. In a move to further support local businesses and attract new investment, the Gun Barrel City Economic Development Corporation (EDC) launched a redesigned website in October 2025. This digital push is aimed at promoting the city's commercial opportunities and highlighting its strategic location on Cedar Creek Lake.

Top 5 Reasons to Visit Gun Barrel City (Beyond the Name)

While the name is a great conversation starter, the true draw of Gun Barrel City is its vibrant recreational scene, centered around the massive Cedar Creek Reservoir. The town functions as the commercial and entertainment hub for the entire lake area, offering diverse activities for all ages.

1. Cedar Creek Reservoir: The Water Sports Paradise

The lake is the lifeblood of Gun Barrel City. The reservoir, often referred to as Cedar Creek Lake, is an ideal destination for virtually all water-based activities. Visitors and residents alike indulge in:

• Boating and Sailing: The expansive open water is perfect for cruising and competitive sailing.
• Fishing: Cedar Creek is renowned for its excellent fishing, particularly for Blue Catfish, Channel Catfish, and Flathead Catfish.
• Water Sports: Skiing, wakeboarding, and tubing are extremely popular, with numerous marinas and watercraft rental services available.

2. Year-Round Community Festivals

Gun Barrel City is known for hosting large, family-friendly events that draw crowds from across East Texas. The event calendar for 2025 highlights the city’s commitment to community entertainment:

• JulyFest 2025: A major summer celebration held at Gun Barrel City Park, featuring live music, food vendors, and a spectacular fireworks display, scheduled for July 26, 2025.
• Haunt Fest 2025: A popular, spine-chilling evening of family-friendly fun, embodying the city’s spirit during the fall season.

3. Family Entertainment Hubs

The town offers several unique attractions that cater to families and tourists looking for fun away from the water. These local entities provide a break from the lake life.

• Whatz-Up Fun Park: A top destination for family entertainment, often featuring go-karts, mini-golf, and arcade games.
• TIP TOP LANES: A local bowling alley providing classic indoor fun.
• Big Daddy's Flea Market: A massive local institution offering a diverse range of goods, a true slice of East Texas culture and commerce.

4. Parks and Outdoor Recreation

Beyond the lake itself, Gun Barrel City and its surroundings offer excellent land-based recreation. Local parks provide amenities for picnics, sports, and relaxation.

• Gun Barrel City Park: The central location for many community events.
• Tom Finley Park: Another key local park providing green space and recreational facilities.
• Purtis Creek State Park: Located nearby, this state park offers additional camping, hiking, and fishing opportunities, expanding the regional recreational authority.

5. Commercial Gateway and Local Dining

As the primary commercial center for the Cedar Creek Lake area, Gun Barrel City is home to a wide array of dining, retail, and lodging options. The city’s central location on State Highway 334 and State Highway 198 makes it the go-to spot for supplies, dining out, and accessing services, ensuring a convenient and comprehensive lake experience for all visitors to Henderson County. The local economy thrives on providing everything a lake enthusiast could need, from boat repair and storage to lakeside liquor stores and cozy local restaurants.