Henderson's housing stock reflects its boom-and-bust history and its role as a county seat. The downtown and older neighborhoods hold a mix of early- and mid-20th-century homes, including some grander houses built with oil money, alongside modest bungalows and ranch-style homes on tree-lined streets. Newer subdivisions have expanded the city's edges, and larger-lot and acreage properties are common in the surrounding countryside. Because Henderson is a regional service center, the market spans starter homes, established family houses, and rural homesteads, generally at prices well below the state's major metros.

Life in Henderson centers on its courthouse square and the rhythms of a close-knit East Texas county seat. The downtown's shops, restaurants, and historic buildings host spring and fall festivals, a Christmas parade, and the Downtown at Christmas celebration. Faith, schools, and Friday-night football are central to community life, and the surrounding Piney Woods and lakes shape weekend recreation. For larger shopping, healthcare, and entertainment, residents look to Tyler and Longview, both within an hour's drive. The oil and gas industry, county government, and education anchor the local economy.

Henderson is served primarily by Henderson ISD, a district of about a handful of campuses covering the city and surrounding areas, with the Lions as the high school mascot. A small portion of the city falls within West Rusk ISD. Full Armor Christian Academy offers a private K–12 option, and the Texas Baptist Institute and Seminary is based in Henderson. Higher education is available at nearby institutions including Tyler Junior College, the University of Texas at Tyler, and Kilgore College within commuting distance.

Henderson sits at the junction of U.S. Highways 79 and 259, the principal corridors through Rusk County, connecting the city to Tyler to the west, Longview to the north, and Nacogdoches to the south. Interstate 20 is reachable via Longview or Tyler. The city has no passenger rail or commercial air service; the nearest regional airports are in Tyler and Longview, with Dallas-Fort Worth and Shreveport serving longer-distance travel. Day-to-day travel is by car, typical of East Texas, with the lakes and countryside shaping a rural driving pattern.

Recreation in Henderson revolves around its lakes and parks. Lake Forest Park, a 50-acre city park, offers lake fishing, picnic areas, playgrounds, and walking space within the city. Martin Creek Lake State Park, a short drive away, provides camping, boating, fishing, and nearly four miles of hike-and-bike trails, and Lake Striker adds more waterfront recreation to the south. The city's festivals, the Depot Museum, and historic home tours round out local leisure, while the Piney Woods offer hunting, hiking, and outdoor pursuits throughout Rusk County.