📍 About GGG & Longview
East Texas Regional Airport (GGG) serves the city of Longview and the surrounding East Texas region. Known for its affordable living, friendly communities, and southern charm, Longview offers a quiet yet growing environment that’s ideal for air traffic controllers relocating to the area.
🏡 Where to Live
Popular Areas
- Longview – Affordable, central, with new developments
- Hallsville – Excellent schools and family-friendly neighborhoods
- White Oak – Small town feel, close to Longview
- Kilgore – Historic and affordable, about 20 min from GGG
- Gladewater – Antique capital of Texas, laid-back pace
🚗 Commute Times to GGG
- 5–15 min: South Longview, Lakeport
- 15–25 min: Hallsville, White Oak, Kilgore
- 25–35 min: Gladewater, Henderson
🎓 Top School Districts
🧳 Things to Do – Local & Nearby
🌲 Outdoor Activities
- Lakes: Lake Cherokee, Lake O’ the Pines – boating, fishing, swimming
- Parks: Paul Boorman Trail, Teague Park, Hinsley Park
- Golf: Wood Hollow Golf Club, Longview Country Club
🏛️ Indoor & Cultural
- Museums: Longview Museum of Fine Arts, Gregg County Historical Museum
- Performing Arts: Belcher Center, Longview Ballet Theatre
- Events: Great Texas Balloon Race, AlleyFest, Downtown ArtWalk
- Shopping: Longview Mall, antique shops in Gladewater
✈️ Nearby Airports
- East Texas Regional Airport (GGG): On-site – commercial and GA flights
- Shreveport Regional Airport (SHV): ~1 hour – more airline options
- Dallas Love Field / DFW: ~2.5–3 hours – major international hubs
🧭 Helpful Resources for Newcomers
🛡️ Crime & Safety + Town Info
- Hallsville & White Oak: Among the safest nearby areas
- Longview: Varies by neighborhood – south and west sides are quietest
- Kilgore & Gladewater: Small town safety, laid-back living
💰 Cost of Living
- Median Home Price: ~$190,000
- Average 1BR Rent: ~$850/month
- Utilities: ~$140–$180/month
- Gas & Groceries: ~8–12% below national average
- Taxes: Texas has no state income tax
🌆 Neighborhood Highlights
- Heritage South: Newer homes, close to airport
- North Longview: Shopping, restaurants, suburban feel
- Hallsville: Safe, family-oriented, excellent schools
☀️ Seasonal Weather
- Winter: Mild, rarely below freezing
- Spring: Warm and rainy, with some storms
- Summer: Hot and humid, highs in the 90s
- Fall: Warm and dry, pleasant temperatures
🚇 Transportation & Traffic
- Car required: Public transportation is limited
- Traffic: Very light, easy commutes throughout the region
- Highways: US-259, I-20 provide fast regional access
🏥 Healthcare & Urgent Care
- Longview Regional Medical Center
- CHRISTUS Good Shepherd Medical Center
- Urgent Clinics: Hospitality ER, HealthCARE Express
🫂 Social Life & Community
- Families: Parks, rec leagues, schools, and libraries
- Young Adults: Local music scene, breweries, college events at LeTourneau University
- Church & Volunteer: Strong local church presence and community outreach
🍽️ Dining & Food Scene
- Popular Eats: Butcher Shop, Cafe Barron's, Jucys Hamburgers
- BBQ & Southern: Bodacious Bar-B-Q, Country Tavern, Texas Best Smokehouse
- Ethnic Cuisine: Pietro’s (Italian), Nam Hoi (Vietnamese), Guadalajara (Mexican)
🛫 ATC-Specific Tips
- Training: Small tower – great place to learn fundamentals
- Shifts: Mostly day/evening with some weekend rotation
- Community: Small team, friendly local staff
📦 Moving Tips
- Utilities: SWEPCO (electric), Longview water/sewer
- Housing Hunt: Check Facebook Marketplace, Zillow, and EastTexasRentals.com
- Best Time to Move: March–May or September–October
❓ FAQs
- Is Longview affordable?
Yes, housing and living expenses are much lower than national average. - Do I need snow tires?
No. Winters are mild and snow is rare. - What’s the vibe?
Small city feel, friendly locals, slower pace of life.