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Anchored by Athens (the seat), with towns like Gun Barrel City, Malakoff, and Chandler, Henderson County is part of East Texas lake country. Established in 1846, its economy historically centered on farming and timber. Today, Cedar Creek Reservoir and nearby lakes have made it a recreation and retirement hotspot. The county is a mix of rural and small-town living with lakefront resort communities. Housing includes older homes in Athens, suburban subdivisions, cabins, and upscale lakefront properties. Proximity to Dallas (about 70 miles northwest) makes it attractive for commuters and weekenders. Prices vary widely: inland homes $180,000–$300,000, while waterfront houses often exceed $500,000. Land averages $12,000–$25,000 per acre.