Pep, TX

Pep is a small town in Wise County, Texas. The population was 1,827 at the 2010 census. Pep is located on U.S. Highway 287 about 10 miles north of the city of Wise and about 25 miles south of the city of Abilene. Pep is in the heart of the Texas Hill Country and has a number of wineries within its boundaries.

The first settlers arrived in Pep in 1881, when a group led by J.D. Pemberton established a trading post on what is now Main Street. The town was officially founded in 1884, when Pemberton donated land for a town site and named it after his home town in England, Pephampton.[1] A post office opened that same year with John Witherspoon as postmaster.[2]

Today, Pep is an agricultural community with several wineries within its boundaries; however, it has also developed into a bedroom community for people working in Wise and Abilene or commuting to those larger cities.[3] The majority of Pep's residents are employed in agriculture or related industries,[4] but there are also several businesses providing services to the local population.[5]

Real estate prices have been relatively stable over the past few years,[6] although they are somewhat higher than average for rural areas in Texas.[7] Property values vary considerably depending on location and size;[8] however, most homes typically sell within two months of being listed[9] and prices generally range from $50,000 to $200,000.[10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19][20] There is also some commercial property available for sale,[21] but it tends to be more expensive than residential property.[22]