Why a California Farm Girl Moved to Hopkins County

Why a California Farm Girl Moved to Hopkins County
  • PublishedApril 4, 2022


Sheri Autrey - Janet Martin Realty Agent
Sheri Autrey

 

 

While driving a pearly-white dodge pickup wearing cowboy boots, Sheri Autrey appears to be every bit the cowgirl. In between contracts, clients, showings and closings, she breezes through the doors of Janet Martin Realty, rushing in with her usual sure-footed stride and confident sass. However, along with being a successful real estate agent in Hopkins County, Sheri’s talents don’t stop there. 

 

Sheri’s Garden Life

Famous for both it’s size and it’s abundance, Sheri’s garden has an ever expanding supply of fruits and vegetables. Including things like asparagus, potatoes, squashes, melons, peaches, apples, plums, berries, cabbage, and well, you get the idea. With her ranching and rural lifestyle you might even think Sheri was born and raised a Texan. Who’d guess she’s only been here since 2012?

Having grown up on a farm in the Central Valley of California, Sheri Autrey decided at the age of 41 to reclaim the culture she was raised on. One that consisted of traditional morals and values among friendly hard-working people. But over time, her childhood state became something unfamiliar to Sheri who recalls, “It had changed so much in the last twenty years. I wanted to get out.” It was this desire to start over that began a year-long research for potential homes that fit the lifestyle she craved. Within five states, she considered a variety of factors including economy, culture, the market and weather. 

 

Making the Move

To simplify the process, Sheri picked major airports and drew a circle of range within 1-1.5 hours away. “I love the rural lifestyle and that was a high priority,” Sheri says, “But I also have adult kids that live out of state and I knew we’d be making a LOT of trips to the airport.” With that in mind, Hopkins County kept showing up on her radar. So Sheri booked a flight to Texas, drove to Sulphur Springs, and viewed some properties.

Aside from the properties, what Sheri Autrey found in Hopkins County surprised her. In stark comparison to the hectic pace of California, Sulphur Springs exuded charm that was both friendly and laid back while filled with so many family friendly activities. The pleasantness of how people treated each other was something that had been lacking in her childhood state. Sheri says, “Everyone actually looks you in the eye and stops for a chat. Kids and adults treat each other with respect.”

Five weeks later, Sheri moved in. “I fell in love the moment I drove into town,” she says. Today, Sheri lives on her own Texas land with husband Dean, who together raise 45 Brangus cows. 

 

Thriving Career

After working in real estate since 1999, Sheri took a short break once moving to Texas. However, it didn’t take long for her to realize how much she missed it. Recalling fondly how helping others gave her life purpose. So, in 2018 Sheri joined the Janet Martin Realty team. She says, “It is the camaraderie, compassion, and professionalism” that appealed to her. As a bonus, “Janet has a wealth of experience that she is willing to share and enjoys sharing it.” Recently, her coworkers congratulated Sheri on closing the sale of 1,157 acres for several million dollars. 

 

Traveling & Life in Hopkins County

When time allows Sheri loves to travel, recalling Australia as one of her favorites. But she also visits Mexico, Wyoming, and Tennessee. And the time spent with her kids and grandchildren always topping her list of travel.

Closer to home, you can find her canning from her garden. She’s been known to gift others with items such as zucchini relish, rancher sauce, and spiced pickled carrots to name a few. Sherri’s local pastimes include Christmas on the square, the Wine Festival and watching fireworks shoot over the courthouse in Celebration Plaza. 

But in her opinion, nothing compares to living on her working ranch. To have discovered Hopkins County and the people who live here brings her continuous gratitude. Looking ahead, she hopes to keep growing and learning in the real estate industry that she loves. Finally, to be valuable to her clients and remember the city charm that lured her into becoming a Texas cowgirl.


Written By
Christian Dicus

Christian Dicus is a Sulphur Springs, Texas native. She currently works as the Director of Operations and Content Strategist for Chad's Media LLC. As well as a photographer and contributing writer for Front Porch News.