If you are looking for a location away from the busy hustle and bustle of big cities, consider Gilmer.  It is located in the heart of East Texas less than 20 miles north of Longview and   40 miles east of Tyler.  Lake Gilmer was opened to the public on September 29, 2001 and is located on FM 852, four miles west of downtown Gilmer.  Lake Gilmer is 1,010 surface acres.  Additional acres of property at and near the lake has been developed into combination hiking and nature trails, known as the Kelsey Creek Sanctuary.   A swimming and picnic area has been developed on nearby Armadillo Road.

The area is served by Gilmer Independent School District which has an enrollment of approximately 2,400 students.  Gilmer ISD has 4 schools – an elementary, intermediate, junior high, and high school.