Housing in Gustine is modest and small-scale, reflecting the town's tiny population and rural economy. The stock consists largely of older single-family homes on small in-town lots, with some manufactured housing and ranch properties on the surrounding county roads. The market is quiet and oriented toward local residents rather than commuters or investors. Buyers are typically seeking affordability, a small-town setting, and proximity to family or the local school rather than subdivision amenities or rapid appreciation.

Gustine embodies small-town Central Texas life. The community is close-knit and quiet, with the local school serving as its social and civic anchor. Ranching and agriculture shape the surrounding landscape, and the pace of daily life is unhurried. Residents travel to Comanche, Hamilton, or Stephenville for larger shopping, medical care, and employment, while enjoying the independence and neighborliness of a tiny town. Gustine appeals to those who value rural space, a strong sense of community, and a lifestyle centered on family, school, and the land.

Gustine is served by the Gustine Independent School District, which operates a single campus covering primary, intermediate, and high school grades. The school is classified as a 1A school by the University Interscholastic League, reflecting the district's small enrollment. This consolidated K-12 model keeps students close to home and makes the school the town's central institution. Families seeking additional programs and higher-education options look to nearby Stephenville, Comanche, and the regional community colleges.

Gustine is reached by state highways and farm-to-market roads that connect it to Comanche, Hamilton, and Stephenville. The region's road network is primarily two-lane rural highways, reflecting the town's agricultural setting and low traffic volumes. Residents are car-dependent, with most errands and employment requiring a short drive to neighboring communities. The nearest larger corridors, such as U.S. Highway 67 and 281, provide access to the broader Central Texas region.

Recreation around Gustine is rooted in the outdoors and the region's ranching heritage. The surrounding Comanche County countryside offers hunting, fishing, and open country for rural pursuits, with nearby lakes and the rolling Hill Country within driving distance. School athletics, especially small-school football, are a central community pastime, and the town's close-knit social calendar revolves around school and church events. For broader recreation, residents travel to Stephenville, Comanche, or the region's lakes and state parks.