Looking to Move to Longview TX? Here Are 10 Things You Should Know About the 2026 Housing Market

Posted on June 29, 2026

Did you know that while many parts of the country are still seeing sky-high home prices and cutthroat competition, East Texas is actually becoming a haven for savvy homebuyers? If you’ve been eyeing a move to our neck of the woods, you’ve picked a great time.

I’m Kenneth Travis, and my team and I at Greenlight Mortgage have been helping families settle into Longview for years. We’ve seen the market shift, and honestly, 2026 is shaping up to be one of the most interesting years yet.

Whether you’re relocating for work, looking for a better place to raise your kids, or just wanting to escape the big-city hustle of Dallas or Houston, there are a few things you need to know before you start packing. Let’s dive into what the Longview housing market looks like right now and how you can make the most of it.

1. It’s a Buyer’s Market (Finally!)

If you spent the last few years feeling like you had to offer your firstborn just to get a tour of a house, I have some good news for you. As we move through 2026, the Longview market has officially shifted into a "buyer’s market."

What does that mean for you? It means you have leverage. In 2024 and 2025, sellers were in the driver’s seat. Now, we’re seeing homes stay on the market a bit longer, averaging about 70 days. This gives you time to breathe, think, and actually look at more than one house before making a decision. You’re not in a race anymore, and that’s a huge relief for most of the families we work with.

2. Prices Are Stable and Realistic

Let’s talk numbers. As of mid-2026, the median sale price for a home in Longview is sitting right around $265,000. We’ve seen a very modest appreciation of about 1.8% over the last year.

Compared to the national average or even the larger Texas metros, this is incredibly affordable. You aren’t seeing those 10-20% price hikes that make homeownership feel like a pipe dream. Instead, you’re looking at a stable environment where your investment is likely to hold its value without pricing you out of a comfortable lifestyle. If you're curious about what your monthly payment might look like at these prices, check out our mortgage calculator.

3. Negotiating Is Back on the Table

One of the most exciting things about the 2026 market is that homes are selling for about 1.72% below asking price on average.

In a "hot" market, you’d be paying $20k over list and waiving inspections. In Longview today? You can actually ask for repairs. You can ask for closing cost assistance. You can negotiate! My team and I love seeing this because it means our clients are getting better deals and walking into their new homes with more money in their pockets.

4. The Cost of Living Is Still a Major Win

If you’re moving from a state like California or even a city like Austin, the cost of living in Longview is going to feel like a massive raise. Overall, the cost of living here is about 6% lower than the U.S. average, and housing specifically is about 18% cheaper.

Think about what that does for your quality of life. Instead of spending 50% of your paycheck on a mortgage, you might only spend 25%. That leaves more for travel, your kids' college funds, or just enjoying the local dining scene (you have to try the BBQ here, it’s life-changing).

5. Longview ISD Is a "District of Choice"

If you have kids, schools are probably at the top of your list. Longview ISD has really leaned into its "District of Choice" model in 2026. They offer everything from free Montessori programs to International Baccalaureate (IB) tracks and extensive dual-credit opportunities.

It’s not a one-size-fits-all education system. Whether your kid is into FFA and agriculture or they’re looking to knock out half of their college credits before high school graduation, there’s a path for them here.

6. Inventory Is Growing (Slowly but Surely)

Inventory has been the "boogeyman" of real estate for years, but in 2026, we’re seeing a steady increase in available homes. Builders have been active in the East Texas area, and more people are listing their homes as they realize they can actually find a replacement property without a bidding war.

This variety is great because it means you don't have to settle for a kitchen you hate or a backyard that’s too small. You have choices.

7. Local Lending Makes a Massive Difference

Now, I might be a little biased, but working with a local mortgage brokerage like Greenlight Mortgage is a game-changer when you're relocating. Big national banks often see you as just a number on a spreadsheet. They don't know the local appraisers, they don't understand the specific nuances of East Texas property taxes, and they definitely won't treat you like family.

My team and I are right here in Longview. We know the neighborhoods, the realtors, and the people. We can close loans that big banks turn down because we take the time to understand your unique situation. Whether you're looking for VA loans, FHA loans, or conventional loans, we've got your back.

8. The Economy Is Resilient

While the global economy has its ups and downs, Longview remains a steady hub for East Texas. With a projected 1.1% job growth through the end of 2026, we’re seeing stability in the healthcare, education, and energy sectors.

People move here for the jobs, but they stay for the community. The economic "vibe" here isn't one of frantic growth; it's one of sustainable, long-term progress. That’s exactly what you want when you’re buying a home.

9. You Get a Free Moving Truck (No, Really!)

If you’re stressed about the cost of moving, I’ve got a little surprise for you. One of the things that sets us apart at Greenlight Mortgage is that we provide a free moving truck to our clients.

Moving is expensive and stressful enough. We figure if we can take one big cost and one big headache off your plate, why wouldn't we? It’s just one of the ways we try to make the process as smooth and stress-free as possible. It’s about more than just the loan; it’s about making sure your transition into the Longview community is a happy one.

10. The "Small Town Feel" Is Alive and Well

Finally, the most important thing to know about moving to Longview in 2026 is that the culture hasn't changed. Even as we grow, we still have that East Texas charm. People still say "hi" in the grocery store. We have amazing parks like Teague Park and Guthrie Park where families gather for events.

It’s a place where you can actually know your neighbors. If you’re looking for a community where you can put down roots and feel like you belong, you’ve found it.

Ready to Make the Move?

Moving to a new city can be confusing and overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. My team and I are here to ease your confusion and help you navigate the 2026 market with confidence.

If you’re ready to start looking for your dream home in Longview, Gilmer, or Jefferson, let’s talk. We’ll look at your goals, find the right mortgage product for your needs, and walk with you every step of the way: all the way until you’re driving that free moving truck to your new front door.

Want to see what your home-buying power looks like?
Get your personalized mortgage quote here or check out our home valuation report if you're looking to sell and buy.

We can't wait to welcome you home to Longview!