Dallas-Fort Worth Relocation + Newcomer Guide - Summer/Fall 2015

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Peace & Quiet. We Finance Both. If you’re looking to buy land for hunting, recreation, an ag operation or just a place to retire on, there’s one name in Texas to know. Heritage Land Bank is the right financing partner for anyone buying land in rural Texas. In fact, nobody knows Texas better.

972.521.6580 • HeritageLandBank.com/Relocation EQUAL HOUSING LENDER

NMLS# 408898

north dallas

preston hollow

uptown

university park

turtle dallas creek m-streets plano

Welcome Home

east highland dallas park

white rock

southlake

lake highlands

lakewood

Contact Deb Borrell | 877.467.2311 | relocation@alliebeth.com | alliebeth.com

ON THE COVER: From 1934 to 1999, the original Pegasus shone bright in the Dallas skyline above the Renaissance Revival Magnolia Building. After 65 years of fl ying high, the Pegasus, worn down from years of weathering issues, was removed—and lost. Recently, developer Jack Matthews launched a search for the original Pegasus, and discovered her near White Rock Lake in a shed. His team went to work restoring her. In April, the refurbished original Pegasus, nicknamed Miss Peggy, was placed in front of the Omni Dallas.

Summer/Fall 2015

Photo by Michael Samples.

CON T EN T S 6

Welcome Letter

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WELCOME

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COMMUNITIES

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COMMUNITIES

18 19 29 29 30 31 31 31 32 33 33 33 34 35 35 36 36 37 37 37 38 38 39 39 39

Dallas Neighborhoods The 15 Districts of Downtown Dallas North Dallas Far North Dallas Park Cities Northwest Dallas Northeast Dallas Far Northeast Dallas Oak Cliff Love Field Stemmons Corridor Medical District Oak Lawn White Rock Old East Dallas Lake Highlands Lakewood Far East Dallas Southeast Dallas Fair Park West Dallas South Dallas Pleasant Grove Mountain Creek Red Bird

S U M M E R / FA L L 2 0 1 5

PHOTO: ANDREW SMITH

DALLAS

BEYOND DALLAS 40 42 46 49 50 52 54 56 58 60 62

Map of Surrounding Areas West Collin County East Collin County Denton County Northwest Dallas County Northeast Dallas County Eastern Dallas County Southern Dallas County Mid-Cities Northeast Tarrant County Fort Worth Area

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CON T EN T S

HOUSING

88 89 90 92 96 98 100 101 102 104 105 106 108 109 110

LIVING

111 112 114 116 118

PEOPLE

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My Dallas Story - Brad Hawkins Home Sales Comparison Chart Housing Costs Map Housing Prices Custom Building Lots Loan Process Special Advertising Section - Homebuilders Utility Rates Apartment Life Senior Living Live-Work-Play

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My Dallas Story - Dru Hancock Dallas & Fort Worth Arts Districts Entertainment Districts Fun Map Family-Centric Activities Mall and Boutique Districts Map Major Sports Teams Map Parks Map Dog Parks Map Hike and Bike Trails Map Lakes Map Golf Courses Map Places of Worship Hospitals Map

My Dallas Story - Justin Back | Demographics Population Market Tapestry International Studies and Diversity

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LIVING

120 121 122 124 126

JOBS

128 129 130 132 135 137 138 139 140 142 144 146

EDUCATION

147 148 150 151 152 153 154 156 157 158

ACCESS

159 160 160 161 162 163 166 168

ESSENTIALS

147

PHOTO: DART

65 66 67 68 70 72 73 74 75 80 82 83 84

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PHOTO: CITY OF PLANO

HOUSING

PHOTO: ANDREW SMITH

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(CONTINUED)

ACCESS

My Dallas Story - Lauren Drake | Major Employers What People Earn Industry Clusters Map Fortune 1000 Companies Map

My Dallas Story - Jennifer Ford School Districts Map School District Profiles Charter Schools Choosing a District The Best High Schools Navigating the System Pick Your Path Private Schools Higher Education Alternative Schooling

Highway Map Tollways Construction Map Drive Time Maps My Dallas Story - Garey Wisdom Public Transit Airports Flight Times Non-Stop Destinations

My Dallas Story - Jodi Marsh Moving Checklist Your First 30 Days Taxes Essential Phone Numbers and Websites Regional Map Laws

S U M M E R / FA L L 2 0 1 5

Uptown Village at Cedar Hill

Boating, Biking, Hiking and More

THIS is Cedar Hill

THE HILL COUNTRY OF THE METROPLEX Cedar Hill’s robust development has made it a prime location for retail, recreational, residential, commercial and industrial opportunities. Located in the beautiful hill country environment of Joe Pool Lake and the Cedar Hill State Park, Cedar Hill is the natural choice for those who want big-city amenities with a small-town ambience.

° 20 minutes from Downtown Dallas ° US 67/Rail-served Business Park ° “Recognized” school district rating

° Low taxes, low cost of living, quality education,

over 3 million sf of retail, and Class A office space

° The 1,800-acre Cedar Hill State Park is located on the shores of Joe Pool Lake

° Dogwood Canyon Audubon Center 250-acre nature preserve

285 Uptown Boulevard • Bldg 100 • Cedar Hill, Texas 75104

Allison J. H. Thompson, CEcD, EDFP - Director ° allison.thompson@cedarhilltx.com ° 972.291.5132 ext.5 ° cedarhilledc.com Rolling Hills and Panoramic Vistas

Historic Downtown

Visit our website

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WELCOME

A LETTER FROM THE DALLAS REGIONAL CHAMBER

My wife, Ann, and I lived in Dallas for four years, from 2008 to 2012, before leaving for two years to live and work in Los Angeles. In April 2014, we returned for the excitement of being involved with the Dallas Regional Chamber and all the many positive things we’ve always loved about this area. But when we returned, we got a surprise—in the two short years we

DALE PETROSKEY President and Chief Executive Officer

2015 CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD H. Ralph Hawkins, FAIA, FACHA, LEED AP Chairman, HKS, Inc. PRESIDENT & CEO Dale Petroskey CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER & CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER Pat Priest

were gone, Dallas had become an even better place to live and work. We came home to Klyde Warren Park, which has changed views of downtown and given people of all ages and backgrounds a green space that brings them together for fun and enjoyment. We came home to the

new George W. Bush Presidential Center, world class in every way and bringing thought leaders and world-renowned experts to Dallas all the time. We came home to Trinity Groves, a novel concept that provides a fun, new place to have dinner and entertain. We came home to the new Perot Museum of Nature and Science, one of the more interesting and exciting science museums in the world. And we came home to a much more vibrant downtown, with new restaurants and clubs and nightlife. Just as importantly, we came home to a thriving and dynamic business community that is attracting more businesses and jobs to the Dallas region than ever before. Dallas is alive with

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT Mike Rosa ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, VICE PRESIDENT Jessica Heer ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, VICE PRESIDENT Sarah Carabias-Rush BUSINESS INFORMATION & RESEARCH, VICE PRESIDENT Duane Dankesreiter

optimism, growth, and an excitement for the future. There is no place Ann and I would rather be— and judging by the new companies and jobs moving here, we’re not alone.

INNOVATION, VICE PRESIDENT Sarah Carabias-Rush

Dale Petroskey MEMBERSHIP AND REVENUE GROWTH, SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT G.W. Hail

President and CEO, Dallas Regional Chamber

The Dallas Regional Chamber is the area’s leading membership-driven business organization committed to promoting economic prosperity by leading economic development, driving improvements in public education, influencing public policy, and catalyzing and advocating for

MEMBER SERVICES, SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT Jennifer A. Schmiel MEMBERSHIP ENGAGEMENT, VICE PRESIDENT Shannon Nail COMMUNICATIONS, VICE PRESIDENT Amy Ramos

regional partnerships. The Chamber works to ensure the Dallas region will become the most economically prosperous region—and the most desirable place to live and work—in the United States. The Chamber is a not-for-profit organization comprising businesses that represent all facets of the North Texas business community. For more information, please contact the Dallas Regional Chamber at 214-746-6600 or visit dallaschamber.org.

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EDUCATION, SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT Angela L. Farley PUBLIC POLICY, SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT Jay Barksdale S U M M E R / FA L L 2 0 1 5

Looking for a great Wine room for Your Wine CoLLeCtion? or Looking for the uLtimate outdoor Living Center? give us a CaLL … We speCiaLize in Looking for Your neW home…

BUILD A

GREAT

LIFE

O pen your eyes to the panoramic possibilities of life inside Canyon Falls, a 1200-acre master-planned community unlike any in North Texas. Relax in your new home, and enjoy the dramatic bluff views, beautiful meadows and winding creek. Add to that an unbeatable location within the coveted Argyle and Northwest school districts, and it’s easy to see what makes Canyon Falls the place to Build a Great Life.

SM

• Argyle and Northwest ISD • 10 model homes now open • 300 acres of preserved green space • Planned hike & bike trails • Planned resort-style pool & clubhouse

Welcome Center Hours

New Homes $200s to $600s

Monday – Saturday 10-6, Sunday12-6 CanyonFallsTX.com or call 972.795.8850 FM 1171 west of US 377 in Flower Mound Ashton Woods

Coventry

Drees

K. Hovnanian

Highland

Meritage

Monterey

Pulte

Toll Brothers

Newland Communities is the largest private developer of planned residential and urban mixed-use communities in the United States from coast-to-coast. Together with our partner, North America Sekisui House, LLC, we believe it is our responsibility to create enduring, healthier communities for people to live life in ways that matter most to them. www.newlandcommunities.com and www.nashcommunities.com This is not intended to be an offer to sell or a solicitation of offers to buy real estate in Canyon Falls to residents of Connecticut, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, New York, New Jersey, and Oregon, or in any other jurisdiction where prohibited by law. • No guarantee can be made that completion of the Canyon Falls community will proceed as described. • NASH Canyon Falls, LLC (“Fee Owner(s)”) is the owner and developer of the Canyon Falls Community (“Community”). Certain homebuilders unaffiliated with the Fee Owner or its related entities (collectively, “Canyon Falls”) are building homes in the Community (“Builder(s)”). Fee Owner has retained Newland Communities solely as the property manager for the Community. North America Sekisui House has an interest in one of the members in Fee Owner. Newland Communities and North America Sekisui House are not co-developing, co-building, or otherwise responsible for any of the obligations or representations of any of the Builders, and shall have no obligations to any buyer regarding a home purchase from a Builder. Purchasers of homes from any of the Builders waive any claims against Newland Communities and/or North America Sekisui House arising out of their purchase transaction. • Prices, specifications, details, and availability of a builder’s new homes are subject to change without notice. • © 2015 Canyon Falls. All rights reserved. Canyon Falls is a trademark of NASH Canyon Falls, LLC, and may not be copied, imitated or used, in whole or in part, without prior written permission.

EXCLUSIVELY PUBLISHED FOR THE DALLAS REGIONAL CHAMBER BY D MAGAZINE PARTNERS P U B L I C AT I O N S

PHOTO: DANIEL T. POPE

A D A L L A S REGION A L CH A MBER P UBL IC AT ION

THE CONVERSATION CONTINUES ONLINE

PUBLISHER Quincy Curé Preston 214-523-5215 quincy.preston@dmagazine.com

EXECUTIVE EDITOR Krista Nightengale

MANAGING EDITORS Sarah Bennett Stephanie Davis

ART / PRODUCTION Michael Samples

PHOTOGRAPHY

Now that you have decided to move to Dallas – Fort Worth, you’ll be eager for more detailed, timely information. That’s where the digital and social offerings pick up, so join us at mydallasmove.com. MY DALLAS STORY Dive into a treasure chest of personal recommendations from locals both new and native from all over the region. You’ll hear over and over again that our welcoming, accepting people make all the difference. Come discover why. Have your own story to tell? Share it online. CHAT WITH US SOCIALLY Through daily Facebook and Twitter posts, biweekly newsletters, and boards of beautiful insight on Pinterest and Instagram, we round out the story of our cities. We point you to our favorite local resources for timely entertainment options, housing pulse, job opportunities, neighborhood happenings, and moving tips. It’s also the place to interact with other newcomers.

Elizabeth Lavin Kevin Marple Daniel T. Pope Bill Chance

DIRECTOR OF SALES Kyle Moss 214-52-5247 kyle.moss@dmagazine.com

MEDIA DEVELOPMENT MANAGER Courtney Garza

INTERNS Emily Heft Imani Lytle Arisbet Sandoval

Dallas-Fort Worth Relocation + Newcomer Guide® is published for The Dallas Regional Chamber by D Magazine Partners, 750 N. St. Paul St., Ste. 2100, Dallas, TX 75201; www.dallaschamberpublications. com, 214-939-3636. ©2015 All rights reserved. No part of ths publication may be reproduced or reprinted without written permission. Neither the Dallas Regional Chamber nor D Magazine Partners is a sponsor of, or committed to, the views expressed in these articles. The publisher is not responsible for unsolicited contributions.

ONLINE BONUS CONTENT Got kids? School info is of prime importance. The independent districts report extensive details exclusively to us. We share full disclosure online. And we’ll tell you what district belongs to each city. REMEMBER: YOU DON’T HAVE TO BE IN DALLAS PROPER TO HAVE FUN. Check out our digital edition for an expanded look at what we call the Suburban North —Plano, Frisco, Richardson, and other pockets of Collin County.

■ Wanna see how much money you’ll save moving here?

■ Trying to narrow down a neighborhood or city?

Test our cost-of-living calculator.

View bonus photos to get a better feel for each city’s distinct character.

■ Like maps but want details about each point? Find them online.

■ Still need more?

■ Want to share?

Find articles, facts, links, essential contacts, and photos online.

Find shareable articles, everything in this magazine, and online extras.

MYDALLASMOVE.COM

For reprints, call 214-523-5215.

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WELCOME

BIG CITY. BIG OPPORTUNITIES. BIG WELCOME. “Dallas is the perfect crossroads of big city, but manageable and friendly. I’ve quickly come to see that Dallasites think big and don’t shy away from challenges. It’s an incredible thing to see such a productive attitude across an entire city.” — Ryan Turner / Dallas, Lakewood Heights

YEP. THAT’S HOW DALLAS STARTED, as a crossroads with nothing but a big vision and a friendly can-do attitude. It’s a spirit that permeates all we do. Look what Dallas-Fort Worth is today—a hub of business, culture, and good living. Growth is forecasted as far as the eye can see. We’re here to show all there is to love about living in DFW, with a local perspective. Throughout, look for My Dallas Stories— locals old and new sharing personal favorites about the region.

S U M M E R / FA L L 2 0 1 5

COMMUNITIES

EDUCATION

HOUSING

LIVING IN DFW

Gain local insight to Dallas, Fort Worth, and beyond. From Uptown to Frisco, Denton to Red Bird, and Wylie to Arlington, we break down Dallas neighborhoods as well as communities in Dallas, Collin, Denton, and Tarrant counties, giving you the lay of the land and helping you determine the right community for your lifestyle, family, and more. With maps and charts showing home sales, new subdivisions, apartment rents, and more, you’ll get a good idea of what you can expect to pay for housing in DFW.

It’s not all serious business here. Living in DFW is a lot of fun. Everything from arts and culture to nightlife and restaurants to shopping and outdoor activities is covered. Lakes? We have lots. Sports? Heck, yeah! Dog parks? Woof! Hospitals are mapped out, too.

PEOPLE

Our population is diverse and changing every day. Demographics, racial makeup, and international communities show how global of an area Dallas-Fort Worth really is.

EMPLOYMENT

We help families determine where to learn in the Dallas-Fort Worth area through a comprehensive look at public school districts in all area counties, including maps, statistics, and school district profiles direct from the ISDs. We also cover private school options in the area, as well as options for alternative education. Higher education considerations are also included.

ACCESS

Our Jobs section provides a snapshot of our healthy economy, showcasing major employers, top employers, and industry clusters, as well as what you might expect to earn in various sectors of the job market in DFW.

Information about our airports, freeways and tollways, commuter bus and rail services, and more are complemented with practical drive-time maps, TollTag details, and an overview of future highway construction.

ESSENTIALS

Ready to move? Use the moving checklist—an overview of important Texas laws, a discussion of property and sales taxes, and must-have phone numbers and websites.

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WELCOME

WHAT LOCALS KNOW AND LOVE ABOUT DALLAS (YOU WILL, TOO!) Forget what you saw on TV in the ’80s. This is the modern stuff we’re really made of.

Live in Dallas? That could actually be one of 200-plus cities. The region, including Fort Worth, spreads out farther each day. Only 1.3 million of a total population of 6.9 million lives in Dallas proper. Each surrounding city is unique in personality, but we’re all Texas proud. Explore and discover.

THINGS ARE BIGGER HERE. INCLUDING OUR BIG TEXAS WELCOME.

PHOTO: DALLAS CVB

This is Big Tex, the larger-than-life mascot of the State Fair of Texas.

( WE CAN’T WAIT TO MEET YOU!)

DALLAS/FORT WORTH ACCOLADES

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No.

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No.

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America’s Coolest Cities

World’s Most Influential Cities

America’s New Brainpower Cities

Best Place for Startups

(2014) Forbes

(2014) Forbes

(2014) Brainpower

(2014) U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation

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PHOTO: KAREN ALMOND, DALLAS OPERA

WELCOME

We are among the fastestgrowing regions in the country

THE DALLAS OPERA

—but don’t worry, we have plenty of room. Our area is the size of New Jersey and Delaware combined, and we add nearly 300 people to our population every day. You know what that means? Big opportunities for all.

We’re quite cosmopolitan

Big hair and big oil are as much of the past as the TV show that made them famous. Oh, we certainly do big business—in everything from finance to high-tech. As of 2015, 40 Fortune 1000 companies headquarter in DFW, with more announcing moves every day. Our Arts District is the largest in the nation, accompanied by Fort Worth’s own world-renowned artistic meccas. As for fashion, iconic Neiman Marcus’ home base is downtown. Folks here know how to shop and fine dine—and we’ve got plenty of places to do both.

World-class people live here, too. Every world culture is represented. Dallas is diverse in every aspect of its population—culture, race, religion, sexual orientation, level of education, age, background, home town or home country. We welcome all y’all. (Yes, we do say y’all. You’ll learn to love it. We promise.)

Get here, and you can get anywhere.

In town or out-of-country, our transportation rules. DFW’s modern highway system is constantly undergoing improvements to keep pace with our growth. Our light-rail system? At 85 miles in length and expanding, it’s the longest in the United States. Plus, we’re home to the world’s largest global airline—American Airlines—and the country’s largest domestic carrier—Southwest Airlines—each with their own airport. Hop a plane to the world via 56 nonstop international flight routes and 148 nonstop domestic routes.

No.

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Top 10 World Cities for Young People (2014) YouthfulCities Index

S U M M E R / FA L L 2 0 1 5

No.

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Best Places to Retire: Grand Prairie (2014) WalletHub

No.

5

No.

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U.S. Real Estate Markets to Watch

Best Cities for First-Time Home Buyers: Frisco

(2014) Crain’s Wealth

(2014) Wallet Hub

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WELCOME

OUTDOOR CONCERT AT THE NASHER SCULPTURE CENTER

We’re pretty. Oh, so pretty. There’s some stunning scenery to behold in DFW. For starters, we have a sky so big it can take your breath away. Look around the next time you’re road-tripping. South of Dallas, you’ll find rolling hills and the Great Trinity Forest, the largest urban, hardwood forest in the United States (yes, we have a lot of “largests” here). East Dallas has White Rock Lake, Cedar Hill has Joe Pool Lake, and north of the city are Grapevine and Lewisville lakes, to name a few of our watering holes. In fact, within 100 miles of DFW, there are more than 400 public parks and more than 60 lakes.

PHOTO: NASHER SCULPTURE CENTER

PHOTO: CITY OF PLANO

ARBOR HILLS NATURE PRESERVE, PLANO

We’ve got tons of stuff to do. There is a thriving cultural scene in DFW, and there is always something to do. We take our food seriously. We also take our sports seriously. And our arts. And our fun. Dallas is the only metro area in the country that was built around nothing—no major river, no port—so we built exactly what we wanted from the ground up. And we’ve got it all.

A Dallas-Fort Worth education will get your kids to college or wherever their hearts desire.

PHOTO: DALLAS ISD

Sure, we love our Friday night lights, but we are focused on great education. Variety and options are what we do best. We’ve got excellent public and private schools. We’ve got schools that focus on the arts and schools that focus on science. We’ve got schools rooted in religious tradition and myriad resources for kids with special needs. Plus, you and your kids will feel safe and nurtured here. And if college is in your child’s future, Texas has 12 major universities where you can pay in-state tuition.

DALLAS/FORT WORTH ACCOLADES

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Best Cities for Families: Plano

Best Job Markets for Young College Grads

(2015) WalletHub

(2014) Citylab

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Best Places to Live: McKinney (2014) Money

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Baby Boomtowns: Attracting the Most Families (2014) Forbes

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You might feel like you get a raise when you move to Dallas. WELCOME

With no state income tax and no payroll tax in Texas, you may feel like your wallet is a little fatter when you relocate here. Plus, you’ll definitely get more house for your money here than in any other major metro in the country. And that’s a great thing.

PHOTO: ANDREW SMITH PHOTO: BRIGGS FREEMAN

We really have not four, but five seasons. Local blogger Dallas Whisperer says it goes like this: “Rainy Spring” starts in February and continues until the beginning of May. “Pleasant Summer” picks up with clear skies and temps in the 80s or 90s until mid-July. That’s when “Sol” season kicks in through August, with enough sun glare and heat to make that pool heaven. “Glorious Fall, “aka porch weather, hits in September until some random day in December when the “Northers” appear. It’s our version of winter. Out of nowhere, temps instantly drop with howls of wind and ice, and sometimes snow (in which case, the city shuts down). They disappear as quickly as they come, but pop in sporadically well into February. So keep your parkas. You’ll need them now and again.

We have new condos. We have historic homes. Take your pick. The Dallas-Fort Worth region offers vast housing choices. Mid-century moderns? 1920s bungalows? Contemporary highrises? Walkable community apartments? Cutting-edge architectural splendors? Yards with acres? Or even those fabled ranches? Yep. We’ve got that. And if we don’t? Why, there’s plenty of land to build on.

No.

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Most High-Tech Jobs (2014) JLL

S U M M E R / FA L L 2 0 1 5

No.

PHOTO: BILL CHANCE

PHOTO: BRIGGS FREEMAN

WHITE ROCK LAKE

5

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Most Exciting Places in Texas: Dallas

America’s Best Cities to Live and Launch: Flower Mound

(2014) Movoto

(2014) Inc. Magazine

No.

5

U.S. Real Estate Markets to Watch (2014) Crain’s Wealth

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JUSTIN TERVEEN / UPTOIWN DALLAS INC.

WELCOME

Let our greatest asset (our friendly people) tell you why they love living in DFW. SHAMS JUMA – Lewisville

“In the past year, there has been so much growth around where I live. Consequently, I have access to all the basic amenities all within a five-mile radius.” BRAD PRITCHETT – Oak Lawn

“With all of the recent additions to The Arts District, we’ve claimed our spot on the national map as a true cornerstone for creativity.” DEB BORELL – Irving

“There is a marvelous diversity to our city. You want an urban life? We have that. You want a suburban life or even something more rural? You can have that, too.” SUSIE KAY – North Dallas

“Plenty of jobs, access to good medical care, a low cost of living, affordable housing, and good schools.” JASON CLAYTON - McKinney

“I am always amazed at how pro-business this climate is. The people here are so good to work with, and everyone thinks out of the box toward business.”

RODOLFO GUEL – Oak Cliff

“It seems like something new is opening up every single week, and there’s something different to do every single day of the year.”

SHKELQIM KELMENDI – East Dallas

“There are so many opportunities for individuals to get involved in the Dallas community and to impact the lives of our neighbors and friends.” 16

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INSIGHT INTO DALLAS NEIGHBORHOODS AND SURROUNDING CITIES

PHOTO: ANDREW SMITH S U M M E R / FA L L 2 0 1 5

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COMMUNITIES

COMMUNITIES

COMMUNITIES

CITY OF DALLAS NEIGHBORHOODS About 1.3 million people —from all over, with all kinds of characteristics and perspectives—live in Dallas proper. And new people are moving here every day. Our residents live in houses big and small, multifamily developments, high-rise luxury buildings, new construction, and lovingly restored properties from generations past. They cherish nature and culture, shop at tiny stores and massive malls. They send their kids to private school or public school, or they school them at home. They go to church, they volunteer, they find like-minded groups, and they make friends. And the basis of it all is their community. Dallas communities are as diverse as our population. Downtown and Uptown attract those focused on urban living, while neighborhoods like Preston Hollow and Lakewood are right for people who want to be in town but have a little more space. Areas in southern Dallas are replete with nature; areas to the north are boomtowns with every modern convenience there is. And the city of Dallas is a more exciting place to live than ever before.

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FAR NORTH DALLAS

FAR NORTHEAST DALLAS NORTHWEST DALLAS

LOVE FIELD

MEDICAL STEMMONS DISTRICT COPRRIDOR

WEST DALLAS

NORTH DALLAS

LAKE HIGHLANDS

NORTHEAST DALLAS PARK CITIES LAKEWOOD

WHITE ROCK

OLD EAST DALLAS

OAK LAWN

DOWNTOWN

FAR EAST DALLAS

FAIR PARK SOUTH DALLAS

NORTH OAK CLIFF

PLEASANT GROVE

WEST OAK CLIFF CENTRAL OAK CLIFF

EAST OAK CLIFF

MOUNTAIN CREEK

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SOUTHEAST DALLAS

RED BIRD

SOUTHEAST OAK CLIFF

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2014

RACE AND ETHNICITY

Population

1,244,005

1,324,240

474,698

505,805

Average Household Size

2.58

2.58

Median Age

32.5

33.0

$41,629

$50,004

Households

Median Household Income Average Household Income

$67,777

$80,739

Per Capita Income

$26,113

$31,131

2014

PERCENT

2019

PERCENT

White Alone

621,304

49.9%

649,463

49.0%

Black Alone

306,927

24.7%

323,799

24.5%

8,141

0.7%

8,724

0.7%

38,508

3.1%

45,473

3.4%

525

0.0%

576

0.0%

233,583

18.8%

256,872

19.4%

35,018

2.8%

39,333

3.0%

545,804

43.9%

608,554

46.0%

American Indian Alone Asian Alone Pacific Islander Alone Some Other Race Alone Two or More Races Hispanic Origin (Any Race)

EDUCATIONAL ATTAINMENT (Population 25+)

TOTAL

HOUSEHOLD EXPENDITURES (Average annual amount spent)

2014

789,015

TOTAL EXPENDITURES

2013

$65,420.91

PHOTO: MICHAEL SAMPLES

Less Than 9th Grade

13.6%

Food

9th-12th Grade, No Diploma

12.3%

Housing

High School Graduate

18.9%

Apparel and Services

$1,497.19

Transportation

$9,726.39

Travel

$1,712.25

GED/Alternative Credential Some College, No Degree

3.1% 18.4%

Associate Degree

4.6%

Bachelor’s Degree Graduate/Professional Degree

$8,081.92 $20,567.82

Healthcare

$3,977.52

18.4%

Entertainment and Recreation

$2,995.38

10.7%

Personal Care Products/Services Education

COMMUNITIES

DALLAS BY THE NUMBERS

2019

$733.83 $1,437.81

UPTOWN

DESIGN DISTRICT

VICTORY PARK

ARTS DISTRICT THANKSGIVING COMMERCIAL CENTER

WEST END RIVERFRONT DISTRICT

DEEP ELLUM

MAIN STREET DISTRICT

CIVIC CENTER

FARMERS MARKET DISTRICT

REUNION DISTRICT THE CEDARS

SOUTH SIDE

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DOWNTOWN DALLAS’ 15 DISTRICTS

BAYLOR DISTRICT

Downtown Dallas is comprised of 15 distinct districts and is an exciting and diverse collection of environments, experiences, and neighborhoods, each with its own character, personality, and purpose. From historic buildings and museums to world-class art facilities and an endless selection of amazing restaurants, downtown’s districts provide a place for almost any taste. D A L L A S - F O R T W O R T H R E L O C AT I O N + N E W C O M E R G U I D E

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COMMUNITIES

THE 15 DISTRICTS OF

DOWNTOWN DALLAS UPTOWN

The last 15 years have seen massive construction projects transform this area into a dense, mixed-use, pedestrian-friendly place to live and work. Just north of downtown Dallas, Uptown is popular with young professionals. Although it is one of Dallas’ earliest settlements, redevelopment has fostered a lively mix of new and old. The Historic State Thomas neighborhood includes wood-frame houses restored to their early-20th-century grandeur. New high-rise residences offer ownership and rental opportunities and typically include fitness centers and shopping. The area is also home to hundreds of fine-dining and nightlife venues, as well as galleries, boutiques, and an art house movie theater. Uptown attracts young professionals who want a walkable neighborhood with plenty of action.

GRIGGS PARK PHOTOS: JUSTIN TERVEEN COURTESY UPTOWN DALLAS INC

THE CRESCENT

PHOTO: CRESCENT REAL ESTATE HOLDINGS

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DALLAS ARTS DISTRICT

COMMUNITIES

As the largest contiguous urban arts district in the nation, the Dallas Arts District includes the AT&T Performing Arts Center, Dallas Museum of Art, Crow Collection of Asian Art, Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center, Dallas City Performance Hall, Nasher Sculpture Center, Dallas Black Dance Theatre, and Belo Mansion. Here, you’ll also find Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts and One Arts Plaza, as well as a myriad of historic churches, delicious restaurants, and eclectic food trucks. And, of course, you can’t forget Klyde Warren Park, a 5.2-acre deck park built over a stretch of Woodall Rodgers Freeway.

DALLAS ARTS DISTRICT PHOTO: DALLAS ARTS DISTRICT

WYLY THEATRE

PHOTO: CARTER ROSE / AT&T PERFORMING ARTS CENTER

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WINSPEAR OPERA HOUSE

PHOTO: NIGEL YOUNG / FOSTER + PARTNERS

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COMMUNITIES

THE 15 DISTRICTS OF DOWNTOWN DALLAS

As one of Dallas’ most successfully branded destinations, the Design District consists of more than 300 specialty merchants offering a unique selection of art, furnishings, antiques, and designer goods. More than an attraction for interior designers, the Design District consists of numerous restaurants, residential, and other commercial projects that add to the district’s vitality, making it a blossoming community, as well as a creative epicenter.

PHOTOS: ELIZABETH LAVIN

DESIGN DISTRICT

MARGARET HUNT HILL BRIDGE

As the front door to the Trinity River (downtown Dallas’ greatest natural asset), the Riverfront District has created the most significant change to the city’s skyline with the construction of the Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge, designed by internationally renowned architect and engineer Santiago Calatrava. From an array of unique antique shops to the infamous tacos and longhorns of Fuel City, the Riverfront District is home to some of Dallas’ most-loved stops.

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PHOTO: MICHAEL SAMPLES

RIVERFRONT DISTRICT

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THE 15 DISTRICTS OF DOWNTOWN DALLAS COMMUNITIES

VICTORY PARK

PHOTO: DALLAS CVB

Victory Park is home to one of downtown’s most recognizable sporting venues, the American Airlines Center, where you can see the World Champion Dallas Mavericks and Dallas Stars. This 75-acre district offers luxurious urban living, dining, sophisticated nightlife, and office space. Also located here is the beginning of the Katy Trail and the Perot Museum of Nature and Science. Other landmarks include the W Dallas Victory Hotel and the House of Blues.

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COMMUNITIES

THE 15 DISTRICTS OF DOWNTOWN DALLAS

THANKSGIVING COMMERCIAL CENTER

Much of downtown Dallas’ visual identity is in large part due to the skyline of the Thanksgiving Commercial Center district. These skyscrapers have helped define the image of Dallas as a modern, national center of energy and finance. Today, Thanksgiving Commercial Center is made up of several landmarks, including Thanksgiving Tower, ThanksGiving Square, Bryan Tower, and Plaza of the Americas, which is home to an indoor park.

PHOTO: DALLAS CVB

LATINO CULTURAL CENTER

HISTORICAL HOUSE ON SWISS AVENUE

BAYLOR DISTRICT

Anchored by Baylor University Medical Center and surrounded by pedestrian-friendly streets within a neighborhood of historic homes, condos and apartments, the Baylor District is home to several nonprofit organizations located along Swiss Avenue, as well as the Latino Cultural Center, Bryan Place neighborhood, and Exall Park.

PHOTO: MICHAEL SAMPLES

BAYLOR UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER PHOTO: MICHAEL SAMPLES

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THE 15 DISTRICTS OF DOWNTOWN DALLAS COMMUNITIES

MAIN STREET DISTRICT PHOTO: THOMAS GARZA / DOWNTOWN DALLAS INC.

The Neiman Marcus flagship store, Comerica Bank Tower, Bank of America Plaza, The Joule, Magnolia Hotel, The Adolphus, and numerous restaurants all combine to form the central space known as the Main Street District. With landmarks such as Main Street Garden, Belo Garden, Stone Street Gardens, and Pegasus Plaza, as well as historic buildings that have been converted to residential buildings, the Main Street District is a great place to live, work, and play.

WEST END

PHOTO: DALLAS CVB

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With many of downtown Dallas’ most-visited destinations, the West End Historic District is one of our most famous sites. Complete with The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza, Dallas World Aquarium, Dallas Holocaust Museum, Old Red Museum, and Market Street, and surrounded by a cluster of fun restaurants and entertainment venues, this district provides a valuable experience for visitors and locals alike.

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COMMUNITIES

THE 15 DISTRICTS OF DOWNTOWN DALLAS REUNION TOWER AND THE HYATT REGENCY DALLAS

The Reunion District is widely known for two primary landmarks: Reunion Tower and Union Station. Reunion Tower, one of Dallas’ most iconic symbols, includes Five Sixty, a fine-dining restaurant by Wolfgang Puck. Union Station is a hub for the Trinity Railway Express, DART Light Rail, and Amtrak Intercity Rail. Stay in the Hyatt Regency Dallas and enjoy both of these amazing landmarks.

PHOTO: CREATIVE COMMONS / MILESTONE

REUNION DISTRICT

DALLAS FARMERS MARKET

Anchored by the Dallas Farmers Market, which has been providing the people of Dallas with fresh fruits, vegetables, and meats for more than six decades, the Dallas Farmers Market District encompasses a large area bounded by Jackson Street, North Central Expressway, R.L. Thornton Freeway, and St. Paul Street. Not only does the Dallas Farmers Market District offer unique food and specialty vendors, including the newly enclosed Shed 2, but it is also home to a collection of historic buildings, contemporary townhomes, and apartments.

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PHOTO: DALLAS CVB

FARMERS MARKET DISTRICT

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THE 15 DISTRICTS OF DOWNTOWN DALLAS COMMUNITIES

PHOTO: BILL CHANCE

RENO’S CHOP SHOP SALOON

DEEP ELLUM

MONKEY KING NOODLE COMPANY

PHOTO: BILL CHANCE

PHOTO: MICHAEL SAMPLES

SIDEWALK MUSIC AT THE FREE MAN

Nestled east of downtown Dallas, Deep Ellum was established as Freedman’s Town by former slaves after the Civil War. In the 1880s, the area was considered too far from downtown Dallas to be a reputable address, but today, it is an eclectic entertainment district with a funky style comprising avantgarde shops, nightclubs, art galleries, restaurants, and loft and apartment developments. People who live here tend to eschew traditional styles and embrace the unique.

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COMMUNITIES

THE 15 DISTRICTS OF DOWNTOWN DALLAS CIVIC CENTER

KAY BAILEY HUTCHISON CONVENTION CENTER

PHOTO: DALLAS CVB

OMNI DALLAS HOTEL

PHOTO: OMNI HOTELS & RESORTS

Home to the new Omni Dallas Hotel and the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center, one of the largest convention centers in the country, Civic Center is the regional hub of many landmark destinations. Here, you’ll find Dallas City Hall, Earle Cabell Federal Building and Courthouse, J. Erik Jonsson Central Library, George L. Allen Sr. Courts Building, Pioneer Plaza, and Pioneer Park Cemetery.

THE CEDARS

PHOTO: MICHAEL SAMPLES

PHOTO: QUINCY CURÉ PRESTON

Home to a range of industries, affordablehousing options, living space, and creative office space, The Cedars neighborhood is where you’ll find Dallas Heritage Village (a living history museum), American Beauty Mill lofts, and the popular annual Cedars Open Studios art tour. You’ll also find a growing base of urban dwellers throughout the area, making The Cedars a diverse, eclectic neighborhood.

SOUTH SIDE

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PHOTO: CREATIVE COMMONS / MILESTONE2

Named after South Side on Lamar, an adaptive re-use of the former Sears Catalog Merchandise Center, South Side consists of many prime landmarks, including Gilley’s performance hall, Poor David’s Pub, and the NYLO South Side Hotel, which features a hard-to-beat view of downtown. Other landmarks in South Side include Jack Evans Police Headquarters and the administrative offices of the Dallas County Community College system.

ROOFTOP POOL AT THE NYLO SOUTH SIDE HOTEL

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PHOTO: DALLAS CVB

Affluence continues above Northwest Highway into the wealthiest neighborhoods in Dallas—Preston Hollow consisting of Old Preston Hollow and 12 other small designations. Strait Lane in particular is a multi-million dollar address of influencers. These estate-filled neighborhoods with shade-covered hills, private lakes, streams and expansive grounds house dignitaries such as George W. Bush and Ross Perot, notable CEOs like Mark Cuban and T. Boone Pickens, and sports icons like Dirk Nowitzki and Roger Staubach. Famous architects, like Frank Lloyd Wright, designed a majority of the older mansions. But grand, new custom estates are the current trend. Predominately a family-centric community, many of the children get their education at the prestigious private school corridor within the area. As you travel north, the Preston Forest neighborhoods scale into ranch homes and prices drop slightly to more modest sums. Quick entry onto both the Dallas Tollway and 75 gives easy access to the rest of the city. High-end shopping and dining is found at Preston Center and the popular NorthPark Center.

PHOTO: ANDREW SMITH

NORTH DALLAS

PRESTON HOLLOW

NORTHPARK CENTER

FAR NORTH DALLAS

THE GALLERIA

PHOTO: ANDREW SMITH PHOTO: QUINCY CURÉ PRESTON

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Sandwiched between the city of Addison at the Dallas North Tollway and Richardson, rising north of 635 until about Belt Line road, is Far North Dallas. But even residents have trouble distinguishing the lines between Dallas proper and their suburban neighbors—especially since the school districts belong mostly to Richardson ISD. The schools, plus proximity to shopping centers and equidistance between downtown and Frisco, have recently attracted many young families with children. The area was first developed in the ’70s and ’80s. Many homes date back to that era, but the home values vary widely. While made up of many neighborhoods, the North Dallas Neighborhood Alliance creates some cohesion. Of note is the 6.3-mile Preston Ridge Trail and the Galleria, a multi-story mall featuring lots of shopping and an ice-skating rink.

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COMMUNITIES

CITY OF DALLAS NEIGHBORHOODS

HIGHLAND PARK

PHOTO: ELIZABETH LAVIN

Even though it’s situated in the heart of Dallas, this enclave is actually comprised of two independent entities: the Town of Highland Park and the City of University Park. Each maintains its own tax structures, police departments, school districts, and municipal operations. The well-to-do and influential live here, including Jerry Jones (Dallas Cowboys’ owner). In fact, some of the highest per-capita incomes in all of Texas reside within these ZIP codes. Home prices easily reach the millions. Boutique shopping is luxe, providing high levels of personal service at places like Highland Park Village, the oldest shopping center in the United States. While the houses are grand, the streets are lined with majestic oak trees. Lush green spaces are meticulously manicured. The presence of the private Southern Methodist University campus lends a quaint ivy-league air to these small but wealthy towns. At Christmas, horse-drawn carriages carry crowds to view the awe-inspiring light shows of the decorated mansions. The Park Cities are also home to the Dallas Country Club, George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum, and Snider Plaza.

PHOTO: ANDREW SMITH

PARK CITIES

SOUTHERN METHODIST UNIVERSITY

PHOTO: ESMU

COMMUNITIES

CITY OF DALLAS NEIGHBORHOODS

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CITY OF DALLAS NEIGHBORHOODS COMMUNITIES

NORTHWEST DALLAS

PHOTOS: MICHAEL SAMPLES

This pocket of Dallas has two distinct sections—residential and commercial. Neighborhoods developed in the late 1950s contain mid-century and ranchstyle houses on mid-size lots. Public schools are highly rated and private schools are abundant. Park Forest is known for its community pool. Midway Hills is popular for the Disney Streets whose character-named streets attract high demand. Otherwise, the community is split into many small neighborhoods recently branded as Westhollow. Korea Town to the west, while mostly commercial, serves the largest Korean community in Texas. If you are looking for wholesale-only fabric and gift stores, cruise down Harry Hines Boulevard.

NORTHEAST DALLAS

THE VILLAGE

THE SHOPS AT PARK LANE PHOTOS: MICHAEL SAMPLES

Apartment complexes, divided into drastically different worlds, and retail dominate Northeast Dallas. The Village, made up of 17 complexes served by central services and a community country club, draws single, young professionals. Nearby are new-build and renovated ’50s complexes off University popular with SMU students. North of Park Lane is a cluster of apartments called Vickery Meadows. It’s home to ethnically diverse families, mostly immigrants from all over the world. A pocket of mid-priced, ’50s-era housing communities are found east of Skillman. All are near to Presbyterian Hospital, shopping centers and DART Stations that line upper Greenville Avenue.

FAR NORTHEAST DALLAS

RICHLAND COLLEGE

PHOTO: ANDREW SMITH

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Here’s a slice of Dallas located north of 635 and east of 75, just before fading into Richardson. Right at the corner of those intersecting freeways lies the sprawling headquarters of Texas Instruments, a global semiconductor design and manufacturing company. Close by, you’ll also find the campus of Richland Community College, with both credited and youth or enrichment classes. For housing, expect a mix of lower-rent apartments alongside modestly priced homes built in the ’70s timeframe. The closer you get to the suburbs, the higher the prices go.

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OAK CLIFF

BISHOP ARTS DISTRICT

North Oak Cliff People here are proud to represent a convergence of artists, musicians, and culture-rich Hispanic communities. While it’s one of the older neighborhoods, in recent years, the area has seen quite the resurgence. Renovations to the Bishop Arts District and several historic districts like Kessler Park, with its hills and Tudor-style homes; and Winnetka Heights, with Prairie and Craftsman-style houses, spurred the launch of independent restaurants and shops around family-owned Mexican restaurants and mercados. It strives to retain its open-minded, diverse character in the midst of its new popularity. It’s also home to the infamous Texas Theatre—now an entertainment venue—where Lee Harvey Oswald was arrested for shooting John F. Kennedy. Steven’s Park Golf Course just saw a complete redesign by architect John Colligan and is open for public golfing. Kidd Springs Park offers walking trails and lots of outdoor opportunities.

PHOTO: IMANI LYTLE

When mentioning Oak Cliff, most are referring to North Oak Cliff, but the district actually encompasses five unique sections—and a huge amount of real estate.

East Oak Cliff East Oak Cliff is home to the Dallas Zoo, plus the No. 1 and No. 8 high schools in the nation— The School for the Talented and Gifted and the School of Science and Engineering Magnet at Yvonne A. Ewell Townview Center. Justcompleted Lancaster Urban Village, across from the VA Hospital, is part of the increased development encouraged by the city. Southeast Oak Cliff This is a haven of education with the campuses of both recently expanded University of North Texas at Dallas and Paul Quinn College. Big plans are in the works for the areas surrounding these schools. Central Oak Cliff Wynnewood North, named the Dallas Observer’s “Dallas’ Best Neighborhood” in 2012, is prized for its mid-century houses on gently sloping hills. The 263-acre Kiest Park is full of sports options. Oak Cliff Nature preserve offers 8 miles of trails.

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PHOTO: MICHAEL SAMPLES

COMMUNITIES

CITY OF DALLAS NEIGHBORHOODS

THE KESSLER

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CITY OF DALLAS NEIGHBORHOODS COMMUNITIES

LOVE FIELD

STEMMONS CORRIDOR

HILTON ANATOLE

PHOTO: ELIZABETH LAVIN

Warehouse-heavy, this entire section is filled with industrial and commercial property. Essentially an extension of the Design District, it’s starting to attract the attention of indie artist-based businesses and a few trendy restaurants. Still, quite a bit of heavy machinery and production operations dominate the scene. Several large hotels are located along the freeway for which it’s named. Developers have been eyeing the properties for the proximity to the Medical District and the shortcut to Oak Cliff, so the landscape may change in the near future.

PHOTO: J. P. FAGERBACK / CREATIVE COMMONS

PHOTO: DALLAS CVB

People of Dallas love their heart-of-the-city airport, Love Field. Recently lifted flight restrictions make it busier than ever—and the nearby neighborhoods more popular than ever. Buffview is a ritzy area tucked around Inwood Village. Cliffs overlooking Bachman Branch, sometimes 50 feet high, give the neighborhood natural charm. Close by is Greenway Parks, a conservation district designed in 1927 in the English commons tradition of clustering houses around private parkways. Perry Heights, south of the landing strip, is a collection of pre-war homes and quaint condos. Expect big change in the Maple corridor as major development progresses.

ALTA DESIGN DISTRICT

PHOTO: ANDREW SMITH

MEDICAL DISTRICT

PARKLAND HOSPITAL

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Does it surprise you that large, expanding hospitals congregate here? Parkland Hospital, made famous for treating John F. Kennedy, Children’s Medical Center, UT Southwestern Medical Center, and Zale Lipshy University Hospital all stand shoulder-to-shoulder, peppered with specialized care centers offering world-class healthcare services. Apartments are springing up around to accommodate the growth. Right next door, Dallas Market Center, The Apparel Mart, and the World Trade Center keep shops across the country stocked with wholesale goods. The Infomart houses Wade College and tech-centric offices.

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OAK LAWN Nestled right between upscale Highland Park and 35, which separates it from the Design District, Oak Lawn has a distinct culture. It’s affectionately called the “gayborhood” by locals for its high population of GLBT-friendly clubs, restaurants, shops, and events like the annual Halloween parade. But the mix of posh high-rise apartments among renovated post-war homes draws kidless urban professionals of all ages and types who have fine tastes in decor and dining. Retail and restaurant options tend to be unique, ranging drastically from the highest-end down to the character-filled artist budget. A block away, Turtle Creek, a winding boulevard of shady green space and Reverchon Park, embodies high-culture attitude as exemplified with the Kalita Humphreys Theater and the five-star Mansion at Turtle Creek.

THE MANSION AT TURTLE CREEK

PHOTO: COURTESY OF ROSEWOOD

COMMUNITIES

CITY OF DALLAS NEIGHBORHOODS

OAK LAWN STOREFRONT

PHOTO: IMANI CHET LYTLE

PHOTOS: QUINCY CURÉ PRESTON

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CITY OF DALLAS NEIGHBORHOODS COMMUNITIES COMMUNITIES

WHITE ROCK

DALLAS ARBORETUM WHITE ROCK LAKE

PHOTOS: MICHAEL SAMPLES

OLD EAST DALLAS

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GRANADA THEATER

SWISS AVENUE HISTORIC DISTRICT

PHOTO:S TANNER GARZA

Sought out for a mix of casual foodie-centric restaurants and bars alongside older houses, this area rallies around its fun, all-inclusive spirit. You’ll hear it referred to as Lower Greenville, the M-streets, and Knox-Henderson, but it’s actually made up of lots of neighborhoods, many designated as conversation districts of Tudors and cottages. Historic mansions on Swiss Avenue neighbor two-story Prairie houses of Munger Place Historic District. Renovated ’60s apartment buildings line Gaston. Everything off Ross is being rehabilitated. Families blend with young singles. Schools are communitysupported. It’s known for the St. Paddy’s Day parade, Granada Theater, and joyous eating and drinking.

Branching off east of White Rock Lake is a host of multi-flavored neighborhoods, plus the beloved Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden with the Rory Meyers Children’s Adventure Gardens. Forest Hills rises up from the lake with larger homes and lots. Little Forest Hills is a funky, artistically minded bungalow community that loves to throw vivacious parades. Casa Linda, anchored by Casa Linda Plaza, uses Spanish words for all its street names. Mature trees fill the ’50s-developed neighborhood and the surrounding midpriced housing areas of Eastwood, Lake Park Estates, and Lochwood. Bath House Cultural Center, just off the lake, features local art exhibits and plays. Public Tenison Golf Course, and Samuell Grand Park, with its summer Shakespeare Festivals, are close by as well.

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CITY OF DALLAS NEIGHBORHOODS COMMUNITIES

LAKEWOOD PHOTO: ANDREW SMITH

Tight-knit as a multiaged community, eclectic in nature, and utterly in love with living alongside White Rock Lake, Lakewood is adored for character close to downtown. CNN Money ranked it 9th for “Best Big-City” neighborhoods. Prized architects Charles Dilbeck and Clifford Hutsell designed many houses with modern or Spanish styles. Craftsman or Prairie styles fill Junius Heights Historic District. While houses are updated, and urban sensibilities integrated, lifestyle is not unlike the idyllic way it began. Folks still go to the Lakewood shopping center landmarked with the Lakewood Theater; walk, run, bike, row, and sail around the lake; or play golf at Lakewood Country Club. And kids still go to Woodrow Wilson High School, now one of four International Baccalaureate high schools in Texas.

LAKEWOOD THEATER

PHOTO: DALLAS CVB

PHOTO: ANDREW SMITH

LAKE HIGHLANDS

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PHOTOS: QUINCY CURÉ PRESTON

It’s all about family in Lake Highlands. Maintained as a huge farm until 1940, the community is large, comprised of over 40 separate neighborhoods, but flush with green space, parks, and a creek trail that leads to White Rock Lake. Officially established in 1946, the area was heavily developed throughout the ’60s. There are many value homes to be found here. While part of Dallas, most of the public schools actually fall into the Richardson Independent School District. That includes Lake Highlands High School, top-ranked nationally. Morgan Fairchild went there, as did recent Grammy winner Annie Clark of St. Vincent.

S U M M E R / FA L L 2 0 1 5

CITY OF DALLAS NEIGHBORHOODS

PHOTO: DALLAS ATHLETIC CLUB

DALLAS ATHLETIC CLUB

A section of neighborhoods closest to the southern tip of White Rock Lake features tree-filled yards and one-story ranch houses from the ’60s that make great starter homes. Grouped together as White Rock Hills, this area includes Claremont, Casa Linda Forest, and Hillridge. Casa View, built in the post-war building boom, has gained attention as a bargain opportunity. The Creative Arts Center, a neighborhood gem, teaches visual arts classes. Eastfield College offers two-year degrees and continuing education. Private Dallas Athletic Club offers golf and tennis.

With roots tracing back to the early 1800s, much of Southeast Dallas is encompassed by the Trinity River green space. It includes the Trinity River Audubon Center—a nature preserve with hiking and biking trails and a bird sanctuary. Across Elam Creek is McCommas Bluff Preserve—a 111-acre wooded preserve. It’s also home to the Trinity Forest Aerial Adventure Park and Texas Horse Park. Because of the scenery, this area is slated for future development.

PHOTOS: TANNER GARZA

SOUTHEAST DALLAS

TRINITY RIVER AUDUBON CENTER

FAIR PARK

S U M M E R / FA L L 2 0 1 5

PHOTO: TEXAS DISCOVERY GARDENS AT FAIR PARK / SIL AZEVEDO

TEXAS DISCOVERY GARDENS AT FAIR PARK

Built to host the Texas Centennial Exposition in 1936, Fair Park is a historically protected collection of Art Deco buildings housing museums and exhibits. But everybody knows it as the grounds for the Texas State Fair. The annual spectacular is a sight like no other. Year-round, people visit the Texas Discovery Gardens, the Music Hall at Fair Park, Gexa Energy Pavillion, The African American Museum, the Children’s Aquarium, and games at the Cotton Bowl. A new initiative by the city just launched to revitalize both the park and the surrounding neighborhoods. Stay tuned.

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COMMUNITIES

FAR EAST DALLAS

WEST DALLAS PHOTO: TRINITY GROVES

AMBERJAX FISH MARKET GRILLE AT TRINITY GROVES BELMONT HOTEL

PHOTO: MICAHEL SAMPLES

This area has long been home to La Bajada, a largely Hispanic workingclass neighborhood, but when the Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge opened in 2012, it not only transformed the Dallas skyline, it brought new interest and energy into the area. Trinity Groves, a 15-acre restaurant incubator at the foot of the bridge, was the first true sign of innovation and the harbinger to the future of West Dallas (in other words: build a microbrewery, and they will come). Developers have made significant investments in the area and have a number of new communities in the works. There is a surge in apartment construction, and plans are underway for offices, shops, an urban farm, and more. It’s not a stretch to say that West Dallas is poised to be the next big thing.

SOUTH DALLAS PARK ROW HISTORIC DISTRICT

PHOTO:S TANNER GARZA

COMMUNITIES

CITY OF DALLAS NEIGHBORHOODS

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South of downtown and surrounding Fair Park, these predominantly African-American and Hispanicinhabited neighborhoods are pushing to rise again. Big initiatives by the city, joined by the Dallas Regional Chamber, are underway to invigorate capital improvements and incentivized development. Work on the wetlands of the Trinity River is underway to provide public enjoyment of the habitat. The South Boulevard / Park Row Historic district is undergoing a revival. Parkdale / Urbandale near the Keeton Park Golf Course is striving for the same. Proximity to the city offers great growth promise.

S U M M E R / FA L L 2 0 1 5

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PHOTO: ANDREW SMITH

Named for a grove of cottonwood trees, Pleasant Grove was once its own town until annexed in 1954 and combined with other small communities. It’s home to Skyline High—the nation’s first magnet school and 12th largest high school in America. And it will soon be home to The Trinity Forest Golf Course, which will host the most successful professional charity golf event on the PGA tour—the Byron Nelson Championship—in 2018. Also housed there will be SMU’s golf program and First Tee of Greater Dallas.

Mountain Creek Lake, the namesake, is actually a reservoir designed to cool the Electric Power Plant. Today, Dallas Baptist University resides in the hills overlooking the water. Not far away is Potter’s House, led by Oprah favorite Bishop T.D. Jakes, which gathers large worshiping crowds. The Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery rests near the lake. Not only is there access to the park and soccer fields in Mountain Creek Lake Park, but Joe Pool Lake is mere minutes away. Though in Dallas County, residents are educated through the Duncanville Independent School District.

PHOTO: REAGAN C. ROTHENBERGER / CREATIVE COMMONS

MOUNTAIN CREEK

DALLAS BAPTIST UNIVERSITY

RED BIRD

X

THE GOLF CLUB OF DALLAS

S U M M E R / FA L L 2 0 1 5

PHOTOS: ANDREW SMITH

DALLAS EXECUTIVE AIRPORT

Hard-working families that are generally Texas born and bred live in the section between Oak Cliff and Duncanville. One nice perk—housing costs are about half of the Dallas average. The Dallas Executive Airport flies out of Red Bird, maintaining aircraft and making sure those doing business in downtown can fly out at a moment’s notice. For hikers looking for a challenge, head to difficult-rated Boulder Park Trail. Golf enthusiasts will want to experience the last Perry Maxwell-designed course at The Golf Club of Dallas.

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COMMUNITIES

PLEASANT GROVE

P

BEYOND DALLAS

Sanger

Alvord

Aub

COMMUNITIES

Chico

Lake Bridgeport

Kruge Krum Decatur

Bridgeport

Quality of life starts with finding Bay the Runaway right community. The Dallas region is surrounded byParadise dozens of distinctive suburban communities that offer their own unique charms. Looking for a community with a historic downtown, eclectic shops, and restaurants? We’ve got that. What about a master-planned community with a golf course and access to great schools? We’ve got that, too. Whether you prefer to live on a lake, in wide-Springtown open spaces, or near a rodeo, great mall or nature preserve, there’s a community that’s right Sanctuary for you. In a region that’s so richly diverse, it won’t be easy deciding where to hang your hat.

Corinth New Fairview

DENTON COUNTY

Aurora

Briar CDP

Argyle Northlake

Lewi

Flower Mound

WISE COUNTY

Roanoke Trophy Club

Newark

Westlake

TARRANT COUNTY

Haslet

Grapevine Lake Southlake

Pelican Bay

Azle

Hickory Creek

Double Oak

Rhome

Pecan Acres

Reno

Copper Canyon Highland Village Bartonville

Justin

Boyd

Coppe

Grapevine

Keller

Eagle Mountain CDP

NORTHEAST TARRANT COUNTY Blue Mound Haltom City

Lake Worth

Colleyville

North Richland Hills

Watauga

Saginaw

Bedford

Euless

Irving

Hurst

Richland Hills

River Oaks

White SettlementWestover Hills

Willow Park

Annetta North Weatherford

Oak Point

DISH

Cool Hudson Oaks

Cross Ro

Ponder

Lakeside

Millsap

Denton

DENTON COUNTY

FORT WORTH AREA Aledo

Annetta

Pantego

Fort Worth

Benbrook

Annetta South

Grand Prairie

Dalworthington Gardens Forest Hill

Edgecliff Village

Kennedale

Arlington

Everman

PARKER COUNTY HOOD COUNTY

Crowley

Rendon

Burleson

Cresson

Briaroaks

Oak Trail Shores CDP Granbury

Godley

Joshua

Mansfield

ARLINGTON / JOHNSON GRAND PRAIRIE AREA COUNTY

Midlot

Cross Timber

De Cordova Bend

Alvarado

Venus

Keene Tolar Pecan Plantation CDP

Cleburne

Maype 40

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Grandview

Pilot Point

Wolfe City Anna Weston

Celina

brey

Blue Ridge

Melissa

Celeste

COMMUNITIES

erville

WEST COLLIN COUNTY Prosper

oads

New Hope

Neylandville

McKinney

Princeton

Lowry Crossing

Little Elm

Farmersville

Campb

Frisco

Shady Shores

Fairview

y

Allen Parker

Hebron

Greenville

Lucas

The Colony

isville

EAST COLLIN COUNTY Josephine

St. Paul

Plano Murphy

Caddo Mills

Nevada

Lavon

Wylie

COLLIN COUNTY

Lon

Royse City

Sachse

Richardson

Carrollton

ell

Addison

Union Valley

Fate

Garland

Rockwall

Farmers Branch

Quinlan

Rowlett

NORTHEAST DALLAS COUNTY

NORTHWEST DALLAS COUNTY

University Park Highland Park

McLendonChisholm

ROCKWALL COUNTY

Heath Sunnyvale

West Tawakoni

KAUFMAN COUNTY

Mesquite Cockrell Hill

HUNT COUNTY

Hawk Cove

Forney

Terrell

Balch Springs

EAST DALLAS AREA Talty Seagoville Duncanville

Hutchins DeSoto

Lancaster

Wilmer

Cedar Hill

Ovilla

Glenn Heights Red Oak

thian

Post Oak Bend City

Crandall

DALLAS COUNTY

Combine

Kaufman

Oak Grove

ELLIS COUNTY

Ferris

Oak Ridge

Scurry

Pecan Hill Rosser

SOUTH DALLASPalmer COUNTY

Cottonwood Grays Prairie

Kemp

Waxahachie Mabank

Garrett Ennis

earl S U M M E R / FA L L 2 0 1 5

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Constantly appearing on Best City lists, Plano is a darling of suburbs. Families fill acres of affordable, planned neighborhoods and shopping centers galore. Corporate headquarters are flocking to new developments like Legacy West, so while Plano is a commutable distance to just about anywhere, increasingly the jobs will be within miles. As is every other modern amenity you might want—parks and trails like Arbor Hill Nature Preserve, restaurants, entertainment one-stops like Shops at Legacy, churches of all denominations, major hospitals, and family-friendly events like the annual balloon festival.

PHOTO: ANDREW SMITH

PLANO

HISTORIC DOWNTOWN PLANO HAGGARD PARK

PHOTO: CITY OF PLANO

COMMUNITIES

WEST COLLIN COUNTY

THE SHOPS AT LEGACY

PRESTON VILLAGE

PHOTO: ANDREW SMITH

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S U M M E R / FA L L 2 0 1 5

YOUR PROFESSIONAL CHOICE IN RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE

Putting 28 years of business experience and expertise to work for you.

JANIS SMITH ABR, CRS, e-PRO, GRI, SRES PREVIEWS PROPERTY SPECIALIST

214-808-6119 JANISSMITH@COLDWELLBANKER.COM WWW.JANISSMITH.COM

FC DALLAS AT TOYOTA STADIUM

HALL OFFICE PARK

PHOTO: FRISCO CVB

You would not believe that a mere 10 years ago, Frisco was farmland. Now, it is a bustling microcosm of its own and simply exploding with growth. Even the Dallas Cowboys are moving their training facilities to Frisco, joining a host of sports activity already in play. The Dr Pepper Ballpark featuring the Frisco RoughRiders baseball team and Toyota Stadium with soccer stars FC Dallas are just two of many examples. And shopping? It is plentiful, including Stonebriar Centre Mall and the region’s Ikea and Nebraska Furniture Mart. The area thrives with activities for families, such as the Frisco Athletic Center with new indoor water park, Frisco Commons with the town’s largest playground system, and Frisco Discovery Center for science. Something new and exciting opens almost daily, which means we’re just seeing the beginning of all Frisco is to become.

PHOTO: FRISCO CVB

FRISCO

FRISCO SQUARE

PHOTO: FRISCO CVB

COMMUNITIES

WEST COLLIN COUNTY

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WEST COLLIN COUNTY

COMMUNITIES Sherman

PHOTO: ANDREW SMITH

Gainesville

FRISCO COMMONS

WEST COLLIN COUNTY BY THE NUMBERS 2014

2019

Population

430,329

481,338

Chico Households

157,188

175,189

2.73

2.74

Alvord

Average Household Size Median Age

36.4

36.7

$98,704

$111,075

$122,910

$144,628

$44,971

$52,726

Decatur

Lake Median Bridgeport Household Income Bridgeport Runaway Bay

Average Household Income Per Capita IncomeParadise

Boyd

RACE AND ETHNICITY

2014

White Alone

290,933

PERCENT

Black Alone

37,003 1,970

COUNTY

Newark 8.6%

46,955

Pecan Acres

0.5% 2,115 TARRANT

COUNTY

Asian Alone

65,725 Reno 15.3% 83,948 Pelican Bay

Pacific Islander Alone

Sanctuary 227

0.1% Azle

13,992

3.3%

17,267

3.6%

Hispanic Origin (Any Race)

63,605

Lakeside

Annetta North

Flower Mound

TOTAL

Westlake

77,453 Lake Worth 16.1% River Oaks White SettlementWestover Hills

Southlake

Grapevine

Keller

GED/Alternative Credential

Hills

Bachelor’s Degree

Haltom City

Bedford

Hurst

Lewisville

Fairview Allen The Colony

Lucas Parker

Hebron

St. Paul

Plano Murphy

279,170

Wylie

3.0% Coppell 11.0%

Sachse

Richardson

Carrollton Addison

Garland

Farmers Branch

Rowlett

19.4%

North

Richland Associate Degree

2014

1.7%

Some College, No Degree Colleyville Watauga Blue Mound

Frisco

3.1% Grapevine

High School Graduate

17.4%

Two or More Races

Willow Park

(Population 25+)

9th-12th Grade, No DiplomaLake

5.0% Saginaw

Hudson Oaks

Northlake EDUCATIONAL ATTAINMENT Double Oak

Lowry Crossing

Little Elm

Hickory Argyle Creek Copper Canyon Highland Village Bartonville

0.4% Haslet

24,252

New Hope

Shady Shores

Corinth

9.8%

4.8%

S U M M E R / FA L L 2 0 1 5

Oak Point

Ponder

Roanoke Trophy Club Grade Less Than 9th

20,478

Prosper

Cross Roads

McKinney

63.7%

Some Other Race Alone

14.8%

Denton

Justin

0.1%

Melissa

Krugerville

Celina

DENTON COUNTY PERCENT

Eagle Mountain264 CDP

Weston

Celina Aubrey

Krum

Rhome

67.6%WISE 306,534

Briar CDP

American Indian Alone Springtown

2019

Aurora

Anna

Prosper

DISH

New Fairview

Pilot Point

OTHER WEST Sanger COLLIN COUNTY COMMUNITIES

Euless

7.0% Irving 36.1%

Graduate/Professional Degree

University Park Highland Park

Sunnyvale

18.7%

Richland Hills

D A L L A S - F O R T W O R T H RCockrell E L O C AT Hill I O N + N E W C O M E R G U I D E Pantego

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Balch Springs

Mesquite

Pri

This wholesome community was newly built for families. Allen ISD has the largest high school in Texas with an enrollment of 6,000 students. Their football stadium rivals professional operations with seating capacity for 18,000. The Eagles were football state champs in 2014 and three other prior years. But the entertainment isn’t all about Friday night lights. Allen Event Center puts on major concerts and national shows. Hydrous Wake Park keeps the kids cool, as does KidMania, one of the largest handicapped-accessible playgrounds and spray grounds in Texas. Watters Creek offers fun times and shopping all in one.

PHOTO: ANDREW SMITH

ALLEN

THE VILLAGE AT ALLEN

PHOTO: CITY OF ALLEN

COMMUNITIES

EAST COLLIN COUNTY

EAGLE STADIUM

ALLEN STATION PARK PHOTOS: ANDREW SMITH

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EAST COLLIN COUNTY

McKINNEY FARMERS MARKET

COMMUNITIES

McKINNEY What was once a small town has now blossomed into a mini metropolis. While McKinney has modern advantages, it maintains an active, charming town square and historical district, creating a perfect concoction. It is home to The Heard Museum with wildlife sanctuary, a skatepark, two disc golf courses, and historical villages and museums for family outings. The town is so loved, Money Magazine listed McKinney as the No. 1 place to live in America for 2014.

ADRIATICA VILLAGE

COLLIN COLLEGE

PHOTOS: ANDREW SMITH

HISTORIC DOWNTOWN McKINNEY

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COMMUNITIES

EAST COLLIN COUNTY

Bridgeport

n Oaks

Sherman

PHOTO: ANDREW SMITH

Gainesville

ALLEN PUBLIC LIBRARY

EAST COLLIN COUNTY BY THE NUMBERS 2014

2019

Sanger

Alvord

Population

324,504

367,400

Households

107,318

121,680

Average Household Size

3.0

Median Age

Average Household Income

3.0

34.8

$98,722

$109,112

$118,255

$138,424

Denton

Oak Point

Ponder $46,025 $39,271

Per Capita Income Paradise

RACE AND ETHNICITY

2014

Boyd

Rhome 229,475

WISE 35,077 COUNTY

Black Alone Briar CDP

PERCENT 2019 DENTON

Northlake

Double Oak

246,146

67.0%

TOTAL

10.8%

44,658

12.2%

Less Than 9th Grade

0.6%

2,290

Pecan Acres

Springtown Asian Alone Reno Pacific Islander Alone

29,516 TARRANT COUNTY

0.6%

Westlake

Haslet 39,391

10.7%

213 Pelican Bay

0.1%

260

0.1% Keller

Eagle Mountain 17,676 CDP

5.4%

21,440

5.8%

Sanctuary Some Other Race Alone

Azle

Two or More Races

10,492

Hispanic Origin (Any Race)

51,863

Lakeside

16.0%

Lake Worth

64,412

Haltom City

9th-12th Grade, No Diploma

Southlake

GED/Alternative Grapevine Credential Some College, No Degree

Euless

Irving

St. Paul

Plano

198,066

Murphy

Lavon

Wylie

C C

3.2% Addison

2.4%

Farmers Branch

F

Garland

Rockwall Rowlett

22.3%

14.3%

Sachse

Richardson

Carrollton 13.5%

8.0%

Graduate/Professional Degree

Lucas Parker

Hebron

33.6%

Hurst

Richland Hills 4 8 / D A L L A S - F O R T W O R T H R E L O C AT IRiver ON + NEWCOMER GUIDE Oaks White Willow Park Settlement

The 2014 Colony

Bachelor’s Degree Bedford

F

Fairview

Associate Degree Colleyville

17.5%

Princeton

Frisco

2.7%

Grapevine

Richland Hills

Lowry Crossing

Allen

Lake Graduate High School Coppell

North 3.2% Saginaw 13,214Watauga 3.6% Blue Mound

McKinney

Little Elm

Flower Mound

Roanoke Trophy Club

9.1%

New Hope

Lewisville

70.7%

Newark2,053

American Indian Alone

Prosper

Hickory Creek

Copper

Blue Ri

Melissa

EDUCATIONAL Canyon Highland ATTAINMENT Village25+) Bartonville(Population

PERCENT

COUNTY

Aurora

White Alone

Argyle

Justin

Weston

Celina

Shady Shores

Corinth DISH

New Fairview

Anna

Fairview Aubrey Lucas Krugerville Parker Cross Roads Murphy Wylie

Krum

34.4

Decatur Income Median Household

Pilot Point OTHER EAST COLLIN COUNTY COMMUNITIES

McL Ch

University Park Highland Park

Heath Sunnyvale

KA CO

S U M M E R / FA L L 2 0 1 5 Mesquite

RO CO

Forney

PHOTO: MIKE MEZEUL II

DENTON COUNTY

DENTON | LEWISVILLE

COMMUNITIES

PHOTO: DENTON FESTIVAL FOUNDATION

DENTON’S HISTORIC TOWN SQUARE

ARTS AND JAZZ FESTIVAL

Denton County includes many communities that offer a small-town lifestyle with only a short drive to bigger-city conveniences. The city of Denton is home to the University of North Texas and Texas Woman’s University, which provide an infusion of youthful energy and a lively music scene. A charming historic town square is still the center of much activity. Housing is very affordable and the neighbors are the kind who bring you pies. To go north of Denton is to realize what “big sky” is all about. It’s also understanding that if you want land, we’ve got land. Plenty of land. You can have a ranch. And some animals. And never see your next-door neighbor, if that’s what you want. South of Denton are Highland Village and Flower Mound, among other towns. The former sits on Lake Lewisville and is popular with people who like trails and good schools. When the town landed at No. 2 on D Magazine’s Best Suburbs list in 2012, the editors wrote: “The people of Highland Village must feel like they’re on a constant vacation.” Flower Mound was No. 8 on that same list. It’s not on a lake, but it’s an easier commute to the airport and downtown. Settled shortly after Texas received its statehood in the early 1840s, Lewisville grew rapidly after the completion of an enormous reservoir, now known as the aforementioned Lake Lewisville, in 1954. Further growth occurred due to its convenient location at the crossroads of Interstate 35E and the recently completed Sam Rayburn Tollway. Lewisville takes arts, leisure, and recreation seriously with venues such as the Medical Center of Lewisville, Grand Theater, Toyota of Lewisville Railroad Park, 14 miles of trails, and, of course, all the outdoor amenities of the lake.

OTHER DENTON COUNTY COMMUNITIES

Argyle Bartonville Corinth Gainesville Flower Mound Highland Village Lewisville Northlake Ponder Sanger

Wolfe City Pilot Point

DENTON COUNTY BY THE NUMBERS

idge

HOUSEHOLD EXPENDITURES (Average annual amount spent)

Population Households Average Household Size

Farmersville

$90,064

Food

$10,828

Housing Apparel and Services

151,625

168,320

Decatur Transportation

2.7Bridgeport

Median Household Income

$75,003

$84,498

Greenville Average Household Income

$93,741

$107,936

$34,401

$39,730

Runaway Bay

DISH

Education

$2,072

Justin

69.2%

TOTAL

Black Alone

39,999

9.6%

51,805

11.2%

Springtown

Union Indian Valley Alone American

2,883 25,471 Quinlan

Pacific Islander Alone

HUNT SomeCOUNTY Other Race Alone

Hispanic Origin (Any Race)

0.7%

3,154

0.7%

6.1%

32,331

7.0%

390

0.1%

336

West Tawakoni 0.1%

31,303

7.5%

38,237

8.3%

13,266

3.2%

16,247

3.5%

Mineral 88,779 Wells

21.3%

106,645

23.1%

Hawk Cove

Cool

Millsap

Hudson Oaks

Hickory Creek Copper Canyon Highland Village Bartonville

Argyle Northlake

Double Oak

Aurora EDUCATIONAL ATTAINMENT Rhome 2014 (Population 25+) WISE

319,614

Terrell

New Fairview

Briar CDP

Pecan Acres

Less Than 9th Grade

TARRANT 9th-12th Grade, No Diploma COUNTY Reno High School Graduate

Pelican Bay

Sanctuary

Eagle

Mountain GED/Alternative Credential CDP Azle

Some College, No Degree

7.9% 26.8%

Lakeside

Willow Park

Lake Worth

12.3%

River Oaks White SettlementWestover Hills

Hebron

Carrollton

A Farmers Branch

Colleyville Watauga Blue Mound Haltom City

North Richland Hills

Bedford

Irving

Euless

Hurst

Richland Hills

D A L L A S - F O R T W O R T H R E L O C AT I O N + N E W C O M E R G U I D E Annetta North

Coppell

Grapevine

Keller

3.1% 25.6% Saginaw

Grapevine Lake Southlake

15.3%

Bachelor’s Degree

Graduate/Professional Degree

Westlake Haslet

5.2%

Associate Degree

Lewisville

Roanoke Trophy Club

257,131 3.8%

The Colony

Flower Mound

COUNTY

Newark

Little Elm Shady Shores

Corinth

$1,015

72.9%

PERCENT

Oak Point

Ponder

$4,230

Personal Care Products/Services

304,202

S U M M E R / FA L L 2 0 1 5

$5,582

Entertainment and Recreation Paradise

White Alone

2019

Lone Oak

Cross Roads

$2,503

2014

OCKWALLTwo or More Races OUNTY

Denton

$13,399

Healthcare

RACE AND ETHNICITY

Graford

Krum

Boyd

PERCENT

Aubrey Krugerville

$2,013

Travel

Caddo Mills

Asian Alone

DENTON COUNTY

$27,562

461,780

33.2

Royse City

AUFMAN OUNTY

TOTAL EXPENDITURES

417,462

Campbell 32.5

Nevada

Lendonhisholm

Chico

Median Age

Josephine

Fate

Commerce

Lake 2.7Bridgeport

Per Capita Income

COLLIN COUNTY

2019

Neylandville

Sanger

Alvord

Celeste

2014

2013

/

Pantego Grand

49

Cockrell Hill

COMMUNITIES

NORTHWEST DALLAS COUNTY

IRVING | ADDISON | CARROLLTON At one point, Success magazine named Irving the 25th happiest city in the nation and the happiest in the DFW region. What’s to love? Convenience, for one. The central location makes it an easy commute to almost anywhere in the area, especially Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport—which is one reason so many companies have opted to headquarter here. Within Irving lies Las Colinas, a newer mixed-use, master-planned community (one of the first in the United States), developed in 1972 by a wealthy cattle rancher. With luxury hotels, pretty houses, private clubs, urban lofts, and good restaurants, it is the epitome of modern American life. Addison has 118 acres of parks and enough restaurants to seat 20,000 people at a time. The area is a favorite of young, single people, who enjoy the abundant nightlife, the proximity to shopping, easy access to the Dallas North Tollway, and jobs galore. Addison is also a culture hub, with an active theater community, an incredible holiday lights display, and the popular Kaboom Town each July.

OTHER NORTHWEST DALLAS COUNTY COMMUNITIES

Coppell Farmers Branch Las Colinas

PADDLEBOARDING ON LAKE CAROLYN, IRVING

PHOTO: TOWN OF ADDISON

DINING IN ADDISON

PHOTOS: IRVING CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU

LAS COLINAS

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S U M M E R / FA L L 2 0 1 5

Pilot Point Sanger

Alvord

NORTHWEST DALLAS COUNTY BY THE NUMBERS

Anna

HOUSEHOLD EXPENDITURES (Average annual amount spent)

$80,595

Food

2019

$9,833

Krum

Housing

Population

Denton Apparel and Services

164,150

175,644

Transportation

2.6

2.6

33.8

34.1

$59,934

$73,329

Personal Care Products/Services

New $83,752 Fairview

$97,915

Education Argyle

Households Bridgeport Average Household Size Median Age Paradise

Median Household Income Average Household Income Per Capita Income

Boyd

Briar CDP

RACE AND ETHNICITY

2014

$37,295 DENTON COUNTY

Black Alone

Newark PERCENT

2019

Westlake

Haslet

54.5%

10.5%

Eagle 0.7% Mountain CDP

3,319

0.7%

14.6%

75,538

16.3%

361

0.1%

385

Some Other Race Alone

58,650

13.6%

65,479

Two or More Races

15,076

3.5%

157,802

36.5%

3,101 Azle

Asian Alone

63,211

Pacific Islander Alone

Hispanic Origin (Any Race) Willow Park

Lakeside

Saginaw

Weatherford

Blue

3.7%

Allen 12.6%

Lucas

Parker

St. Pa

Plano Murphy

Wylie

Sachse

Richardson

Carrollton

Coppell

Addison

Grapevine

Garland

Farmers Branch

Rowlett

Bedford

University Park

Irving

Euless

Highland Park

Hurst

Sunnyva

Richland Hills

River 178,467 Oaks 38.6% White SettlementWestover Hills

Mesqui Cockrell Hill

Balch Springs

Pantego Grand Prairie

Dalworthington Gardens

Benbrook

Annetta South

Graduate/Professional Degree

Fairview

Colleyville North Richland Hills

Watauga

Fort Worth

Annetta

25.3%

Hebron

Keller

14.2% Haltom City

17,176

Aledo

5.9%

Bachelor’s Degree The Colony

Lewisville

Grapevine Lake Southlake

0.1% Mound

Lake Worth

Annetta North

Shores

$910

Low Cross

19.9%

Associate Degree Frisco

$3,734Shady

New Hop

Roanoke Trophy Club

PERCENT

48,385

American IndianSanctuary Alone

16.9% McKinney 2.5%

Flower Mound

43,951 Pelican 10.2% Bay

Hudson Oaks

Double Oak

8.3%

Some Little Elm College, No Degree

Hickory $1,806 Creek Copper Canyon Highland Village Bartonville

Northlake

Pecan Acres

White Alone

PHOTO: TOWN OF ADDISON

Justin

248,433TARRANT 57.4% 252,202 COUNTY Reno

Springtown

$2,198

Corinth

8.6%

9th-12th Grade, No Diploma GED/Alternative Credential

$4,913

Entertainment and Recreation

Less Than 9th Grade Prosper

Oak Point

Healthcare

Melissa

280,410

High School Graduate

$11,905

Rhome

WISE COUNTY

$1,824 Cross Roads

Travel Ponder

DISH

$31,858 Aurora

$25,036

462,484

432,783

Decatur

TOTAL

Krugerville

2014 Weston

COMMUNITIES

2014

2013 Aubrey

TOTAL EXPENDITURES

Chico

EDUCATIONAL ATTAINMENT (Population 25+) Celina

WATERTOWER THEATRE, ADDISON

Seag

Forest Hill

Edgecliff Village

Kennedale

Arlington

Duncanville

Hutchins

Everman DeSoto

PARKER COUNTY HOOD COUNTY

Crowley

Rendon

Ovilla Burleson

Cresson

Briaroaks

rail CDP Granbury

Mansfield

Godley

Joshua

JOHNSON COUNTY

Glenn Heights Red Oak

Midlothian

DALLAS COUNTY

ELLIS COUNT

Ferris

Pecan Hill

Cross Timber

De Cordova Bend

Alvarado

Palmer

Venus Waxahachie

Keene Pecan Plantation CDP

Wilmer

Lancaster

Cedar Hill

Garrett Cleburne Ennis Maypearl

Bardwell

Grandview Glen Rose Rio Vista

Italy

Emhou

Milford Barry

Blooming Grove Frost

S U M M E R / FA L L 2 0 1 5

D A L L A S - F O R T W O R T H R E L O C AT I O N + N E W C O M E R G U I D E

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COMMUNITIES

PHOTO: ANDREW SMITH

NORTHEAST DALLAS COUNTY

RICHARDSON | GARLAND Two big communities—Richardson and Garland —make up Northeast Dallas County, which includes the Telecom Corridor, named for its concentration of high-tech firms, such as Texas Instruments, Ericsson, and Samsung Mobile. Richardson is a fast commute to downtown Dallas or the Plano/Frisco area, with lots of affordable single-family homes, good schools, and a diverse population. DFW’s Chinatown is here, and there is a large Asian Indian immigrant community. The desire for community and culture is behind several popular festivals, as well as the Eisemann Center for Performing Arts. The city has been lauded for being a best workplace for commuters (location is everything) and for excellence in recreation and parks management. As if that weren’t enough,

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D A L L A S - F O R T W O R T H R E L O C AT I O N + N E W C O M E R G U I D E

it’s been called the “fifth happiest midsize city in America” by real estate blog Movoto.com. The city of Garland website states that “Garland is where things are made.” What things, you ask? Kraft foods, Resistol hats, and a variety of electronics, oilfield equipment, and aluminum parts. It’s an older city with many affordable single-family homes and apartments. The area is quite ethnically diverse with a sizeable Vietnamese population, and has made “best” lists for its appeal to both retirees and working parents. Rowlett takes its name from a nearby creek, but Lake Ray Hubbard is the main reason people choose this quiet, upscale suburb. Rowlett has more than 30 miles of shoreline and has benefited from recent extensions of the President George Bush Turnpike and DART.

OTHER NORTHEAST DALLAS COUNTY COMMUNITIES

Rowlett Sachse

S U M M E R / FA L L 2 0 1 5

PHOTO: CITY OF RICHARDSON

COMMUNITIES

RICHARDSON’S TELECOM CORRIDOR

FIREWHEEL TOWN CENTER, GARLAND

Sherman

PHOTO: GARLAND, TEXAS

Gainesville

RICHARDSON’S EASTSIDE DEVELOPMENT

Pilot Point

Sanger

Anna

NORTHEAST DALLAS COUNTY BY THE NUMBERS

Aubrey

Krugerville Krum

2014

2019

Denton

415,260

439,816

Households

143,160

151,255

2.9

Oak Point 2.9

Average Household Size Ponder Median Age DISH

New Average Household Income Fairview Justin

Per Capita Income

DENTON COUNTY

Aurora

Rhome RACE AND

WISE ETHNICITY COUNTY

Newark

White Alone

Pecan Acres

Black Alone

Haslet TARRANT COUNTYAmerican Indian Alone Pelican Bay

Azle

akeside

Asian Alone

Eagle MountainPacific Islander Alone CDP

35.5

35.9

$62,520

$75,310

Corinth

Median Household Income

Northlake

PERCENT

Roanoke Trophy Club

250,796

60.4%

53,271

12.8%

Westlake

253,574

Grapevine 57,845 Lake

Southlake 3,074 0.7%

2,870 Keller 47,589

Lewisville 2019 Flower Mound PERCENT

Grapevine

13.2%

Crossing

$5,096Fairview $3,752

The

Education Colony

Some College, No Degree

City

Coppell

56,205

12.8%

0.0%

205

0.0%

30.3%

Hurst

Richland Hills

144,812

Farmersville

7.0%

Bachelor’s Degree

21.0%

Lucas

Graduate/Professional Degree

$1,731

Parker

Hebron

Murphy

32.9%

9.8% Josephine

St. Paul

Plano

3.1%

23.2%

Associate Degree

Caddo Mills

Nevada

Lavon

Wylie

COLLIN COUNTY

Royse City

Sachse

Richardson

Carrollton Addison Farmers Branch

Fate

Garland

Union Valley

Rockwall Rowlett

Colleyville

125,639 Hispanic Origin (Any Race) Haltom

S U M M E R / FARiver LL 2015 Oaks White

Frisco

19.0%

Princeton GED/Alternative Credential Lowry

$2,241

Personal Care Products/Services Allen$897

0.7%

Some Other Race Alone Watauga 46,309 North 11.2% 52,512 11.9% Saginaw Richland Blue Euless Two or More Races Mound 14,239 Hills 3.4%Bedford 16,400 3.7%Irving

Lake Worth

High School Graduate

$11,808

Entertainment and Recreation

8.6%

New Hope

57.7%

11.5%

187

Healthcare

8.3%

9th-12th Grade, No Diploma

McKinney

Celes

266,427

Less Than 9th Grade

$1,747

Transportation

Hickory $82,955 $96,151 Argyle Creek Copper Canyon Highland $28,693 $33,178 Village Bartonville

TOTAL

$24,382

Prosper

Little Travel Elm

Double Oak

2014

$79,674 $9,529

Housing

2014

Melissa

TOTAL EXPENDITURES

Apparel and Services

Shady Shores

EDUCATIONAL ATTAINMENT Blue Ridge (Population 25+)

2013

Food

Cross Roads

Population

Weston

HOUSEHOLD EXPENDITURES Celina (Average annual amount spent)

McLendonChisholm

University Park Highland Park

Heath Sunnyvale

D A L L A S - F O R T W O R T H R E L O C AT I O N + Mesquite

ROCKWALL COUNTY

KAUFMAN COUNTY NEWCOMER GUIDE / 5 3 Forney

HUNT COUNTY

COMMUNITIES THE HARBOR, ROCKWALL PHOTO: ROCKWALL EDC

EASTERN DALLAS COUNTY

ROCKWALL | MESQUITE Not to be confused with the East Dallas neighborhood of Dallas, the East Dallas region of DFW is about 14 miles east of the city of Dallas and includes nearly a half dozen communities. In the heart of the region lies Lake Ray Hubbard, one of the larger lakes in Texas. Seen together, the area is a mix of city conveniences and room to breathe. Rockwall sprawls along the east side of the lake, and people who live here appreciate the swimming, boating, water skiing, and more that come with living close to the water. The fastgrowing community claims a hometown feel with all of the advantages of a major city, and it draws people from all over to its summer evening concerts by the lake. The city of Mesquite embraces its Texas flavor, but it’s not just home to the Pro Rodeo—it’s also the kind of place where kids can walk to school and families can focus on family, according to the mayor.

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OTHER EASTERN DALLAS COUNTY COMMUNITIES

Balch Springs Fate Forney Heath Seagoville Sunnyvale

S U M M E R / FA L L 2 0 1 5

COMMUNITIES

Sherman Gainesville

GOLF IN ROCKWALL PHOTO: MESQUITE RODEO

PHOTO: ROCKWALL EDC

Pilot Point Sanger

Anna Weston

Celina Aubrey

Blue Ridge

Melissa

Krugerville Krum

New Fairview

DENTON COUNTY

Aurora

CDP

no

R Y

Northlake

Double Oak

Rhome

Flower Mound

WISE COUNTY

2014

Population Pecan Acres

87,321

Southlake

Pelican Bay

Median Age

Eagle Mountain Median Household Income CDP Saginaw

Per Capita Income

Watauga

Blue Mound Haltom City

RACE AND Lake Worth ETHNICITY

2014

River Oaks White Black Alone Settlement Westover Hills

Grapevine 283,187 Lake

94,378

3.0

Keller

Average Household Income

Allen

Grapevine 3.0

33.4

33.6

$60,253

$72,899

$78,650 Colleyville$92,355 North $26,497 $31,044 Richland Euless Hills Bedford

PERCENT

(Average annual amount spent) Hebron

Hurst

2019

PERCENT

TOTAL EXPENDITURES Food Apparel and Services Carrollton

Coppell

Transportation Travel

$2,084

Entertainment and Recreation

$3,558

IrvingEducation

EDUCATIONAL ATTAINMENT (Population 25+)

TOTAL

17.4%

Less Than 9th Grade

American Indian Alone

2,176

0.8%

2,401

0.8%

Asian Alone

8,623

3.3% Dalworthington 10,475 Gardens 0.1% 188

167

Forest Hill 30,445 11.6%

8,231 Everman

80,551

Kennedale 3.1%

30.8%

Pantego

35,683 Arlington

3.7% 0.1% 12.6%

9,797

3.5%

95,376

33.7%

Rendon

Mansfield

COLLIN COUNTY

Royse City

Sachse Fate

Garland

Rockwall Rowlett McLendonChisholm

$852

ROCKWALL COUNTY

Heath

Park Highland Park

Sunnyvale

2014

KAUFMAN COUNTY

160,963 6.9%

Cockrell Hill

9th-12th Grade, No Diploma

10.2%

High School Graduate

22.4%

Some College, No Degree

25.1%

Grand Prairie GED/Alternative Credential

Associate Degree

Cedar Hill

S U M M E R / FA L L 2 0 1 5 Ovilla

T

Balch Springs Talty

4.4%

15.8%

Graduate/Professional Degree

Forney

Mesquite

Seagoville

8.0%

Duncanville Bachelor’s Degree DeSoto

Crowley

Lavon

Wylie

Richland Hills

61.9%

Hispanic Origin (Any Race)

Nevada

$1,566 University

49,322

Edgecliff Village

Murphy

$4,826

Personal Care Products/Services

175,324

Two or More Races

$11,395

Farmers Healthcare Branch

17.3%

Benbrook

Josephine

St. Paul

$1,655 Richardson Addison

63.7%

Some Other Race Alone

Parker

$23,123

45,306

Fort Worth Pacific Islander Alone

$75,670 $9,117

166,508

White Alone

2013

Lucas

Plano

Housing

Westlake 261,455

Haslet Households TARRANT COUNTY Average Household Size

Lakeside

2019

Roanoke Trophy Club

Newark

Azle

Fairview

The Colony HOUSEHOLD EXPENDITURES

Lewisville

Farmersville

Frisco

Shady Shores

Hickory Creek Copper Canyon Highland Village Bartonville

Princeton

Lowry Crossing

MESQUITE Little Elm PRO RODEO

Argyle

Justin

EASTERN DALLAS REGION BY THE NUMBERS

Boyd

New Hope McKinney

Oak Point

Corinth DISH

Prosper

Cross Roads

HISTORIC HOUSE IN ROCKWALL

Ponder

PHOTO: ROCKWALL EDC

Denton

ur

7.2% Lancaster

Hutchins Wilmer

Post Oak Bend City

Crandall

DALLAS COUNTY

Combine

Glenn D A L L A S - F O R T W O R T H R E L O C AT I O N + N E W C O M E R G U I D E Heights

Kaufm /

55

Oak Gro

COMMUNITIES CEDAR HILL PHOTO: CEDAR HILL EDC

SOUTHERN DALLAS COUNTY AREA

CEDAR HILL | DESOTO Southern Dallas County, often called the Best Southwest, is about 15 miles south of the city of Dallas. It encompasses a handful of down-to-earth communities situated among what the partnership of cities there calls “a topographical paradise of beautiful hillsides, lush natural landscapes, and Joe Pool Lake.” The area goes a long way toward proving that DFW is not all concrete and cowboys—that we enjoy an abundance of nature right out our backdoor. And you kind of do have to see it to believe it. The largest of the towns here is DeSoto, which attracts families with affordable houses and civicminded neighbors. In fact, the town has been named an All-America City, an award that nods to the community’s ability to tackle problems with uncommon results. The broadcast and communications towers make Cedar Hill visible from a distance, but don’t let those harbingers of technology fool you—this is a pretty, lake-adjacent community that prioritizes the natural environment.

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OTHER SOUTHERN DALLAS COUNTY AREA COMMUNITIES

Duncanville Ferris Glenn Heights Lancaster Midlothian Ovilla Pecan Hill Red Oak Waxahachie Wilmer

S U M M E R / FA L L 2 0 1 5

COMMUNITIES

Sherman Gainesville

SHOPPING IN HISTORIC DOWNTOWN WAXAHACHIE

Pilot Point Sanger

Alvord

Anna Weston

Celina Aubrey Chico

Melissa

Krugerville Krum Denton

Decatur

Prosper

Cross Roads

New Hope

Bridgeport

McKinney Oak Point

Ponder Paradise DISH

New Fairview

DENTON COUNTY

Boyd Aurora

Briar CDP

Northlake

Double Oak

Rhome

WISE COUNTY

Roanoke Trophy Club

Newark

Grapevine Lake Coppell Southlake HOUSEHOLD EXPENDITURES Grapevine

Haslet

Pelican Bay

Sanctuary Azle

Eagle Mountain CDP

Lakeside

Average Household Size Median Age Hudson Oaks

Average Household Income

Watauga

Weatherford

34.9 $86,400

Benbrook

White Alone

2014

PARKER112,977 American IndianCOUNTY Alone 1,406

42.7%

121,400

42.9%

HOOD COUNTY

Some Other Race Alone Two or More Races Hispanic Origin (Any Race)

Crowley

0.5%

1,576

0.6%

2,887

1.1%

3,416

1.2%

146

0.1%

186

0.1%

24,371

9.2%

28,215

10.0% Briaroaks

6,787

2.6%

7,891

2.8% Cross

Godley 60,094

22.7%

70,391

Burleson

Joshua

Sunnyvale

GED/Alternative Credential

4.1%

Some College, No Degree

28.1%

Associate Degree

$808

7.1%

Mesquite

Bachelor’s Degree

Fo

Balch17.5%

Graduate/Professional Degree

Springs

7.6%

Seagoville Arlington

Duncanville

Hutchins

Cran

DeSoto Rendon

Mansfield

Ovilla

JOHNSON COUNTY

Lancaster

Wilmer

Cedar Hill Glenn Heights Red Oak Midlothian

DALLAS COUNTY

Combine

ELLIS COUNTY

Ferris Pecan Hill

R

Timber

Alvarado Keene

Heath

23.1%

Park

24.9%

De Cordova Bend

S U M M E R / FA L L 2 0 1 5

7.7%

Highland High School Graduate

$1,485

Grand Prairie

4.8%

University

9th-12th Park Grade, No Diploma

Everman

42.5%

Pecan

Pantego

Education

166,616

Less Than 9th Grade

Cockrell Hill

Ro

Rowlett

TOTAL

$21,937

$3,411

2014

(Population 25+)

Farmers Branch

$4,708

Kennedale

120,281

Pacific Islander AloneCresson

2013

Entertainment and Recreation

PERCENT

43.8%

Asian Alone

Addison EDUCATIONAL ATTAINMENTGarland

Healthcare

Dalworthington Gardens

Sachse

Richardson

Carrollton

L

Wylie

Forest Hill

PERCENTEdgecliff 2019 Village

115,976

Black Alone

Murphy

$1,995

Personal Care Products/Services

St. Paul

Plano

$10,843

Travel Richland Hills

$30,085 Fort Worth

Aledo

Hebron

$1,563

Hurst Transportation

$69,767

$74,978

Annetta

Granbury

2.9

$26,121

RACE AND Annetta South ETHNICITY

k Trail res CDP

Apparel and Services

Haltom 97,361City

2.9

Irving

Euless

Lucas Parker

$8,616

RichlandHousing Hills Bedford

282,962

91,091

Lake Worth

AnnettaIncome North Per Capita

Allen The Colony

$72,094

Food North

Blue Mound

River 34.7 Oaks White $59,006 SettlementWestover Hills

Median Household Willow ParkIncome

(Average annual amount spent)

Colleyville

2019

264,553

Households

Keller

TOTAL EXPENDITURES 2014

Saginaw

Population

Fairview

Westlake

TARRANT COUNTY

SOUTHERN DALLAS COUNTY AREA BY THE NUMBERS Reno

Lewisville

Flower Mound

Pecan Acres

Springtown

Hickory Argyle Creek Copper Canyon Highland Village Bartonville

Justin

Frisco

Shady Shores

Corinth

Princeton

Lowry Crossing

Little Elm

PHOTO: CITY OF WAXAHACHIE

t

Palmer

Venus Waxahachie

D A L L A S - F O R T W O R T H R E L O C AT I O N + N E W C O M E R G U I D E Garrett

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COMMUNITIES

PHOTO: CITY OF GRAND PRAIRIE

ARLINGTON HIGHLANDS PHOTO: CITY OF ARLINGTON

GRAND PRAIRIE PREMIUM OUTLETS

SIX FLAGS OVER TEXAS, ARLINGTON

GENERAL MOTORS, ARLINGTON PHOTO: SIX FLAGS

PHOTO: CITY OF ARLINGTON

MID-CITIES

ARLINGTON | GRAND PRAIRIE OTHER NORTHEAST DALLAS COUNTY COMMUNITIES

Dalworthington Gardens Mansfield Pantego

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Arlington and Grand Prairie are the halfway points between Dallas and Fort Worth. The two communities value both work and play. The area is home to several well-known sports, entertainment, and amusement park venues, as well as The University of Texas at Arlington, American Airlines, Bell Helicopter, Lockheed Martin, and a GM assembly plant, among others. Arlington officials like to say that the city was built on two words: “We can.” And here you can see a Texas Rangers game, attend a Dallas Cowboys football game, ride a roller coaster at Six Flags Over Texas, or shoot down a water flume at Hurricane Harbor. You can enjoy River Legacy Park’s 1,300 acres of forests and greenbelts. And you can find a lot of down-to-earth folks who work hard to make things like airplanes, cars, and pet products. In Grand Prairie, you can also see a show at Verizon Theatre, watch horseracing at Lone Star Park, or look at weird stuff at Ripley’s Believe It or Not. The city states that “generally speaking, our residents are thirtysomething, dual-income homeowners,” adding that “families who have lived here for generations welcome newcomers … for the same reasons the natives don’t want to leave—location and hometown atmosphere.”

D A L L A S - F O R T W O R T H R E L O C AT I O N + N E W C O M E R G U I D E

S U M M E R / FA L L 2 0 1 5

GLOBE LIFE PARK IN ARLINGTON

COMMUNITIES

Gainesville

Pilot Point Sanger

Alvord

Celina Aubrey Chico

Krugerville Krum Denton

Decatur Lake Bridgeport

Bridgeport Oak Point

Ponder

Runaway Bay Paradise

DISH

New Fairview

COUNTY

Aurora

Population

622,291

654,369

Households

Springtown 217,466

227,971

Average Household Size

3.4

3.4 Reno

32.6

33.1

$56,547

$67,499

Median Age

Sanctuary

Median Household Income

Double Oak

Rhome EXPENDITURES TOTAL

$71,580

WISEFood COUNTY

2019 Briar CDP

Newark

Westlake $1,593

Pecan Acres Apparel and Services Haslet

TARRANT Transportation COUNTY

$1,950 Keller

EagleHealthcare Mountain CDP Entertainment and Recreation

$3,337Colleyville

$26,088

$30,331

Watauga Saginaw Personal Care Products/Services

$29,457

Education Lakeside

PERCENT

2019 Willow Park

Hudson Oaks 352,501 56.6%

356,156

54.4%

Black Alone

121,180

132,942

20.3%

Millsap

American Indian Alone Asian Alone Pacific Islander Alone Some Other Race Alone Two or More Races Hispanic Origin (Any Race)

S U M M E R / FA L L 2 0 1 5

Lipan

4,302

19.5%

Annetta North

0.7%

4,506

41,184

6.6%

45,095 Annetta

640

0.1%

Annetta South 649

80,738

13.0%

Weatherford

21,747

3.5%

202,624

32.6%

Aledo

0.1%

90,540

13.8%

24,480

3.7%

PARKER

230,726 35.3% COUNTY

HOOD COUNTY

$1,532

8.9% Carrollton19.8%

Coppell

GED/Alternative Credential Grapevine

Farmers Branch

3.8%

24.8%

Associate Degree

7.2%

Bachelor’s Degree

19.5%

University

Irving Euless Graduate/Professional Degree Bedford

8.5% Park

Highland Park

Hurst

White SettlementWestover Hills

Cockrell Hill Pantego

Fort Worth

Dalworthington Gardens

Benbrook

Grand Prairie

Forest Hill

Edgecliff Village

Kennedale

Arlington

Duncanville

Everman DeSoto Crowley

Rendon

Mansfield

Burleson

D A L L A S - F O R TJOHNSON W O R T H R E L O C AT I O N + N E W C O M E R G U I D E

Briaroaks

COUNTY

Lancaster

Cedar Hill

Ovilla Cresson

Richards

Addison

Richland Hills

River Oaks

0.7% 6.9%

North $807 Richland Hills

Haltom City

Lake Worth

PERCENT

White Alone

Blue Mound

7.6%

9th-12th Grade, No Diploma HighLake School Graduate

Plano

382,755

Less Than 9th Grade

Some College, No Degree

$4,464

$25,424

The Colony2014 Hebron

Lewisville

Grapevine

$10,714Southlake

Pelican BayTravel

Azle

TOTAL

$8,695

Per Capita Income

2014

Hickory Creek

Flower Mound

Roanoke Trophy Club $22,074

Housing

Average Household Income

RACE AND Cool ETHNICITY

Copper

Frisco

PHOTO: DANIEL T. POPE

EDUCATIONAL ATTAINMENT Canyon Highland HOUSEHOLD EXPENDITURES 2013 DENTON Village 25+) (Average annual amount spent) Bartonville (Population Northlake

Boyd

2014

Argyle

Justin

Little Elm Shady Shores

Corinth

MID-CITIES BY THE NUMBERS

Mineral Wells

Prosper

Cross Roads

Midlothian

Glenn Heights

/

Red Oak

59

Pecan Hill

COMMUNITIES

NORTHEAST TARRANT COUNTY

GRAPEVINE

FIREWORKS OVER LAKE GRAPEVINE

As the oldest city in Tarrant County, Grapevine gladly lives up to its name. Wine flows down the Urban Wine Trail, featuring eight Texas wineries. Every September, Grapefest in Historic Downtown Grapevine pours samples of regional wine by the gallons. But it isn’t all about vino. It’s heaven for families—or at least the kids. The Great Wolf Lodge is a mecca for the young, accompanied by the Grapevine Vintage Railroad pulled by Thomas The Tank Engine™, Sea Life Grapevine Aquarium, LegoLand, and the events at The Gaylord Texas Resort. For the big kids, get ready to boat, ski, windsurf, fish, camp, and picnic at Lake Grapevine, or shop the massive Grapevine Mills Mall. Centered around almost 30 city parks and playgrounds, neighborhoods of all price ranges boast one of the lowest propertytax rates in the area.

GRAPEFEST’S GRAPE STOMP

GRAPEVINE URBAN WINE TRAIL PHOTOS: GRAPEVINE CVB

60

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NORTHEAST TARRANT COUNTY

SOUTHLAKE TOWN SQUARE

COMMUNITIES

SOUTHLAKE PHOTO: SHAWN O’CONNELL

This affluent suburb is forward-thinking with a plan of progress in place through 2030. Already, the city paired with private entities to create a town square housing the city Town Hall and U.S. Post Office along with shopping, a movie theater, and hotel Gainesville surrounded by parks. Homes in these mostly new planned communities cost a bit more than average and belong to the Carroll Independent School District. Proximity to DFW airport makes it popular with frequently traveling executives.

McPHERSON PARK

OTHER NORTHEAST TARRANT COUNTY COMMUNITIES

Roanoke Trophy Club Sanger Westlake Keller Colleyville North Richland Hills Hurst Krum Bedford Denton Euless

Alvord

PHOTO: SHAWN O’CONNELL

Chico

Decatur Lake Bridgeport

PHOTO: BRIGGS FREEMAN

Bridgeport

NORTHEAST TARRANT COUNTY BY THE NUMBERS Paradise 2014

374,649

398,926

Households

145,742

155,089

Average Household Size

2.6

2.6

39.7

39.9

$74,802

$87,740

$101,273

$119,416

$39,435

$46,471

Median Age Median Household Income Per Capita Income

HOUSEHOLD EXPENDITURES (Average annual amount spent)

2019

Population

$97,072

Food

$11,530

PERCENT

2019

Fairview

Housing Boyd Apparel and Services Aurora

Transportation Travel Healthcare Briar CDP

WISE COUNTY

Newark

Education

310,664

77.9%

5.5%

24,175

6.1%

Less Than 9th Grade

2,293

0.6%

2,493

0.6%

9th-12th Grade, No Diploma

19,516

5.2%

22,998

5.8%

High School Graduate Lakeside

1,687

0.5%

1,755

0.4%

5.3%

23,436

5.9%

Two or More Races

11,152

3.0% 13,409 Hudson Oaks

Hispanic Origin (Any Race)

58,916

Millsap

15.7%

72,226

Some College, No Degree

Willow Park 3.4%

18.1%

Associate Degree

S U M M E R / FA L L 2 0 1 5

Annetta

Roanoke

Westlake Southlake

White

4.6%

16.3%

Haltom City

Irving

Euless

Bedford

Hurst

3.2% Richland Hills

Oaks 7.4%

Pantego

Fort Worth

Dalworthington Gardens

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Benbrook

Coppell Grapevine

Colleyville

Watauga North 253,036 Saginaw Richland Blue 2.6% Hills Mound

Bachelor’s Degree SettlementWestover 28.2% Hills Graduate/Professional Degree 12.6%

Aledo

Trophy Club

Keller

25.0% River

Annetta North Weatherford

$2,753

Lake Worth

GED/Alternative Credential

Lewisvill

Flower Mound

2014

TOTAL

80.0%

20,566

19,721

Double Oak

Pelican Bay

EDUCATIONAL ATTAINMENT Eagle PERCENT Sanctuary (Population 25+) Mountain CDP Azle

Some Other Race Alone

Northlake

$6,257 $1,086 Haslet $2,221

TARRANT COUNTY

Hickory Creek Copper Canyon Highland Village Bartonville

Argyle

$14,272

Personal Care Products/Services

299,716

PacificCool Islander Alone

DENTON COUNTY $2,134

$4,590

Pecan Acres

Springtown

DISH Justin

Entertainment and Recreation

Black Alone Asian Alone

Rhome

Sh Sh

Corinth

$29,539

White Alone American Indian Alone Mineral Wells

2014

Cross Roads

Oak Point

2013

TOTAL EXPENDITURES New

Reno RACE AND ETHNICITY

Aubrey

Krugerville

Ponder

Runaway Bay

Average Household Income

Pilot

Forest Hill

Grand Prairie /

61

COMMUNITIES

DOWNTOWN FORT WORTH

PHOTO: DANIEL T. POPE

PHOTO: BRIAN HUTSON COURTESY STOCKYARDS STATION

FORT WORTH STOCKYARDS

BASS PERFORMANCE HALL

PHOTO: DANIEL T. POPE

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FORT WORTH AREA The city of Fort Worth began in 1849 as an army outpost protecting settlers from Indians. It grew rapidly after the Civil War due to its location on the Chisholm Trail, on which cattle were driven to Kansas to be transported via train—earning it the nickname “Cowtown.” The name stuck, and the now cosmopolitan city still uses a longhorn steer as part of its official logo and maintains the Fort Worth Stockyards as a historic district and tourist destination. But people who call the area home know this city’s present encompasses more than its past. In the last decade, it has been one of the fastest-growing areas in the country, and Fort Worth is continually recognized by Money, Fortune, and other magazines as one of the best places to live and work in the United States. A healthy job market, affordable housing, and the energy associated with several colleges and universities contribute to its vibrancy. And then you have the cultural offerings: Fort Worth has exceptional museums (including Kimbell Art Museum, Amon Carter Museum of American Art, and The Modern) and galleries, as well as the gorgeous Bass Performance Hall in Sundance Square. The general vibe of Fort Worth is different from that of Dallas, and though the cities are usually tied together by outsiders, they are distinct in many ways.

S U M M E R / FA L L 2 0 1 5

SUNDANCE SQUARE

COMMUNITIES

ATTRACTIONS

Amon Carter Museum of American Art Bass Performance Hall

Gainesville

Billy Bob’s Texas Cowtown Coliseum Fort Worth Botanic Garden Fort Worth Stockyards Fort Worth Zoo

Decatur Bridgeport

Runaway Bay

PHOTO: CITY OF FORT WORTH

Chico

Lake Bridgeport

Sanger

Kimbell Art Museum

Alvord

The Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth

Krum Denton

Sundance Square Ponder

Paradise DISH

New Fairview

FORT WORTH AREA BY THE NUMBERS

HOUSEHOLD EXPENDITURES (Average annual amount spent)

2013

2014

Households

Food

2019

1,039,094

1,129,762

367,485

398,648

Graford

Average Household Size Median Age

$7,845Briar CDP

2.8

2.8

32.7

33.3

$19,803 Springtown

Apparel and Services

$9,780 Reno

Travel Healthcare

$4,146

$50,946

$59,521

Entertainment and Recreation

$67,104

$78,083

Personal Care Products/Services

Mineral $24,015

$27,876

Education

RACE AND ETHNICITY

2014

PERCENT

$1,333

Weatherford

White Alone

659,429

63.5%

697,971

61.8%

TOTAL

Black Alone

171,290

16.5%

191,584

17.0%

Less Than 9th Grade

6,887

0.7%

7,467

0.7%

38,909

3.7%

45,567

4.0%

American Indian Alone Asian Alone Pacific Islander Alone Gordon Some Other Race Alone

Two or More Races Hispanic Origin (Any Race)

1,058

0.1%

127,937

12.3%

33,586

3.2%

347,750

33.5%

Lakeside

1,159 146,289 Lipan 39,719

404,985

Aledo 641,511

Associate Degree Bachelor’s Degree

Richland Hills

Pantego Dalworthington Gardens

Benbrook

Forest Hill

Edgecliff Village

Kennedale

Crowley

Rendon

HOOD 6.2% Cresson COUNTY 16.9%

JOHNSON COUNTY

Mansfi

Burleson Briaroaks

7.8% Godley

Joshua

Cross Timber

De Cordova Bend

D A L L A S - F O R T W O R T H R E L O C AT I O N + N E W C O M E R G U I D E Keene

Tolar

Arlingt

Everman

24.0%

Granbury

S U M M E R / FA L L 2 0 1 5

Bedford

Hurst

21.3%

Oak Trail Graduate/Professional Degree Shores CDP

35.8%

Lake Worth

PARKER 4.6% COUNTY

Some College, No Degree

3.5%

Haltom City

10.0%

GED/Alternative Credential

12.9%

Colleyville North Richland Hills

Watauga Blue Mound

Fort Worth

9.2% Annetta South

High School Graduate

0.1%

Eagle Mountain CDP

River Oaks White SettlementWestover Hills

Annetta

9th-12th Grade, No Diploma

Southlake Keller

Saginaw

EDUCATIONAL ATTAINMENT 2014 (Population 25+) Annetta North

PERCENT

Haslet

Pelican Bay

Willow Park

Hudson Oaks

Millsap

Westlake

Pecan Acres

$3,033 $724

Flo Roanoke Trophy Club

TARRANT COUNTY

Cool

2019

Rhome

Newark

Azle

Cop Can

Bartonville Doubl

Northlake

WISE COUNTY

Sanctuary $1,742

Average Household Income

Wells

$1,421

Transportation

Median Household Income

Per Capita Income

Boyd

$64,661

Housing Population

DENTON COUNTY

Aurora

TOTAL EXPENDITURES

Argyle

Justin

/

63

Alvarado

LOCATED IN THE HEB SCHOOL DISTRICT RANKED #1 IN TEXAS FOR THE LAST SIX YEARS*

TM

The only master planned community designed to meet Audubon International Gold Signature Standards.

Inspired By Nature. Rooted In Community. As a 2,000 acre nature preserve, Viridian boasts 1,100 acres of open spaces, lakes and wetlands, as well as

DFW

a town square and a new Hurst-Euless-Bedford ISD

121 183

superior curriculum, low teacher-student ratios, and a

COLLINS

Elementary School. The District is recognized for its FORT WORTH

161

DALLAS

30

singular focus on instructional spending, making it the district of choice for families who want their children to have an academic edge. Viridian is unlike anywhere else in the metroplex. Take a tour and see for yourself.

20

820

157

360

12

35E

CALL 817.200.6543 TO SCHEDULE YOUR PERSONAL TOUR Homes from the $190s to $2 million + | ViridianDFW.com *As ranked by the Education Resource Group using its “bang for the buck” formula of student performance and financial efficiency.

ADRIATICA VILLAGE, MCKINNEY

EAGLE STADIUM, ALLEN

PHOTO: ANDREW SMITH

PHOTO: ANDREW SMITH

PHOTO: CITY OF LITTLE ELM

COMMUNITIES

LITTLE ELM MARINA

D I G I T A L- O N LY E X T R A Prosper

McKinney

Little Elm Frisco

Allen The Colony Plano Lewisville

Suburban North is a geyser of growth. Shooting up from I-635 and hugged by U.S. 75 and I-35N is a mix of mini metropolises, burgeoning country towns, mid-size steadies with newfound popularity, and tons of new construction. Many used to be commuting cities, but with major headquarters taking residence left and right, there is no longer a need to drive far. Did this explosion happen overnight? It seems like it. But even with dizzy expansion and overarching shared sensibilities, each of these communities carved out niches of their own.

Carrollton Richardson

PHOTO: ANDREW SMITH

DALLAS

EASTSIDE, RICHARDSON

S U M M E R / FA L L 2 0 1 5

PRESTON VILLAGE, PLANO

THE SHOPS AT LEGACY, PLANO

D A L L A S - F O R T W O R T H R E L O C AT I O N + N E W C O M E R G U I D E   /   B 1

SUBURBAN NORTH

FRISCO

You may not believe that a mere 15 years ago, Frisco was farmland. Now it is a bustling microcosm exploding with growth. The fabled “$5 Billion Mile” along the Dallas North Tollway is creating an entertainment wonderland. Even the Dallas Cowboys are moving its training facilities to The Star on the mile, joining a host of sporting activities already at play in the city. The Dr Pepper Ballpark, featuring the Frisco RoughRiders baseball team, and Toyota Stadium, with soccer stars FC Dallas, are just two of many examples. And shopping is plentiful, including Stonebriar Centre Mall and the region’s only Ikea. Families thrive with activities at the Frisco Athletic Center with its new indoor water park, Frisco Commons with the town’s largest playground system, and Frisco Discovery Center for science.

PHOTO: CITY OF FRISCO

COMMUNITIES

DR PEPPER BALLPARK

EAST FRISCO East of the Dallas North Tollway, this includes some of the safest and best neighborhoods for kids, like Dominion at Panther Creek, according to the Dallas Morning News. WEST FRISCO West of the Dallas North Tollway, this area has many gated communities and includes the Stonebriar District.

PHOTO: ANDREW SMITH

REGIONS/NEIGHBORHOODS

FRISCO COMMONS

PHOTOS: ANDREW SMITH

RUFF RUN DOG PARK

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“We chose Frisco because of its philosophy on keeping the high school—and therefore the middle schools and elementary schools—smaller.”

MAJOR ANNUAL EVENTS

COMMUNITIES

No.

5

Best Cities for Families — Apartment List

No.

2

Best Mid-Sized Cities for Education — Movoto

No.

PHOTO: FRISCO PARKS AND RECREATION

— DAN TROPP, NEW FRISCO LOCAL

1

Healthiest Housing Markets — WalletHub.com

TRICK-A-TROUT KID FISH 3,000 Rainbow Trout are released in the Frisco Commons pond for kids under 16 every February.

HALL OFFICE PARK

MOTHER-SON/ DADDY-DAUGHTER DANCES Two citywide dances are held in the winter and fall of each year. EASTER EGGSTRAVAGANZA More than 80,000 Easter eggs for children ages 12 and under are hidden at Toyota Soccer Center along with bounce houses, face painting, and photos with the Easter bunny. Special-needs children get their own field. It’s all free.

QUICK FACTS

PHOTO: CITY OF FRISCO

PROUDEST OF: Population and development growth

SCULPTURE OUTSIDE TOYOTA STADIUM PHOTO: CITY OF FRISCO

FRISCO SQUARE

BIG RECENT NEWS/ NEW DEVELOPMENT: The $5 Billion Mile is a one-mile stretch of road along the Dallas North Tollway in Frisco with construction totaling $5.4 billion in investment.

SURPRISING FACT: Art abounds in Frisco with more than 100 pieces in Hall Office Park, including the Texas Sculpture Garden, and more than 50 publicly owned sculptures throughout Frisco. PHOTO: ANDREW SMITH

S U M M E R / FA L L 2 0 1 5

OUTDOOR GEMS: Hope Park is an all-accessible park meant for children with special needs and their friends to enjoy together. GET INVOLVED: Frisco’s volunteer program enhances city services while offering residents an opportunity to gain skills and positively impact their community.

D A L L A S - F O R T W O R T H R E L O C AT I O N + N E W C O M E R G U I D E   /   B 3

“The neighborhoods are beautiful. There are so many parks and exciting places to discover. Most importantly, Plano has exceptional schools and a great reputation. I love having the perfect blend of suburban life and all the perks, not too far from the city!”

COMMUNITIES

SUBURBAN NORTH

— SARAH CRILLEY, WEST PLANO

PLANO

WEST PLANO

Constantly appearing on Best City lists, Plano is a darling of suburbs. Families fill acres of affordableplanned neighborhoods and shopping centers. Corporate headquarters are flocking to new developments like Legacy West. While Plano is a commutable distance to just about anywhere, jobs increasingly will be within miles, as is every other modern amenity you might want: parks and trails, diverse restaurants, entertainment one-stops, churches of all denominations, major hospitals, and family-friendly events. Though active for decades, Plano really started making a name for itself 20 years ago. The city concentrated its efforts on building a strong public school system. Combine that with being able to get a bigger, newer house for less than in the city, and families moved here. The spread continues west even today. While it grows older in some parts, Plano works to keep vibrancy and progress up-to-date, which may be why so many corporate headquarters have chosen it to build national campuses in the city.

EAST PLANO’S HISTORIC DOWNTOWN AREA

REGIONS/NEIGHBORHOODS EAST PLANO This includes the oldest communities of Plano, like Historic Downtown, Old Towne, Douglass Community, and Haggard Park. You’ll find it diverse in culture, housing types, and styles. For example, a strong Asian community thrives in the Woodlands/Fairfield, while Ranch Estates is known for large lots, ranch homes, and animals. CENTRAL PLANO You’ll find single-family, ranch-style homes mostly from 1970s and 1980s with mature trees. It has been named the best neighborhood in 2014 by the Dallas Morning News.

FAR WEST PLANO This is a community of hills and large, contemporary-style homes. NORTH PLANO Homes were built in the 2000s here, which has a more diverse population, including a large Asian population. Residents stay active at Russell Creek Park.

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PHOTOS: ANDREW SMITH

WEST PLANO The area is well-known for two story homes that are three or four times larger than homes in Central Plano, like Willowbend. Granite has an urban appearance and high-rises. It’s home to the mixed-use destination Shops at Legacy and will be home to the highly anticipated West Legacy.

THE SHOPS AT LEGACY

S U M M E R / FA L L 2 0 1 5

PHOTO: CITY OF PLANO

PHOTO: CITY OF PLANO

PLANO BALLOON FESTIVAL In September, the night and morning skies are illuminated with hot air balloons for three days, while the ground is filled with music, food, and family-centric fun. planoballoonfest.org

COMMUNITIES

PHOTO: PLANO BALLOON FESTIVAL

MAJOR ANNUAL EVENTS

INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL Fall Zero Waste festival celebrates more than 100 cultures in the city through fashion, food, performances, children’s free activities, booths, and a fitness/wellness fair. planointernationalfestival.org

ASIAFEST A family-friendly day in May exhibits all the different cultures of Asia with traditional costumes, food, and exhibitions. asianamericanheritage.org

QUICK FACTS

ARBOR HILLS NATURE PRESERVE

BIG RECENT NEWS/ NEW DEVELOPMENT: Toyota, State Farm, and Liberty Mutual are moving their headquarters to Plano. PROUDEST OF: Public school performance, libraries, and number of corporate headquarters based in Plano. GET INVOLVED: Find volunteer opportunities: plano.gov/213/VolunteersIn-Plano. OUTDOOR GEMS: Arbor Hills Nature Preserve is a 200-acre park with 56 miles of trails criss-crossing the city. SURPRISING FACT: Plano is home to the largest collection of cricket fields in the Southwest. DART RAIL ACCESS: LINES: Red Line (full) , Orange Line (peak hours; weekdays only) NUMBER OF STATIONS: 2 APPROXIMATE TIME TO DOWNTOWN: 37 minutes PHOTO: ANDREW SMITH

No.

3

Hardest Working City in America — Wallet Hub, 2015

S U M M E R / FA L L 2 0 1 5

No.

1

America’s Safest City — Forbes, 2015

No.

10

Best City for Jobs in America — Forbes, 2015

No.

2

Top 10 Best Cities for Families — Livability.com, 2015

No.

1

America’s Most Affordable Place to Live — Nerdwallet, 2015

D A L L A S - F O R T W O R T H R E L O C AT I O N + N E W C O M E R G U I D E   /   B 5

SUBURBAN NORTH

McKINNEY In a sea of new construction, McKinney is an island of character. Not that it doesn’t have plenty of new growth—it does. Town Square, dotted with quirky shops and inventive eateries bustling with events, plus a large, well-persevered historic district and new neighborhoods set it apart from the surrounding suburbs. Progressive-minded planners worked to create a city that brought to life all the glory of its past and natural attributes with modern sensibilities. Money Magazine took notice, listing McKinney as the No. 1 place to live in America for 2014.

PHOTOS: CITY OF MCKINNEY

COMMUNITIES

MAIN STREET

EASTSIDE This includes well-established communities like Eldorado (one of the first master-planned communities with more than 700 homes and mature trees surrounding a country club) and the 30-block historic district, which dates from 1890s, and is the second-largest historic district in Texas. WESTSIDE The newer side of McKinney is made up of many unique planned neighborhoods, including:

PHOTOS: CITY OF MCKINNEY

REGIONS/NEIGHBORHOODS

STONEBRIDGE RANCH

Craig Ranch – A 2,500-acre community anchored by the Tournament Players Club, which was named one of the 10 Best Courses in Texas by Golf Digest. Stonebridge Ranch – The largest planned community in the city, made up of 68 distinctive villages ranging from houses in the $160s to more than $2 million. It’s integrated with hills, lakes, and miles of hike-and-bike trails.

Adriatica – New homes inspired by the ancient beauty of a Croatian village in the Adriatic Sea. A future development will include a replica of St. Mark’s Square in Venice. Westridge – Seven neighborhoods positioned around a golf course and weaved with hike-andbike trails and a community park.

PHOTOS: ANDREW SMITH

Tucker Hill – Neighborhoods that recreate an Americana feel, incorporating aspects of historic communities in architecture, horticulture, sidewalks, parks, and open spaces into a newly built community.

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ADRIATICA VILLAGE

S U M M E R / FA L L 2 0 1 5

— JASON CLAYTON, McKINNEY RESIDENT

MCKINNEY ROOFTOPS

No.

1

Best Place to Live in America — Money, 2014

MAJOR ANNUAL EVENTS OKTOBERFEST Find authentic German music, traditional costumes, dancing, and a beer garden that covers a total of 14 blocks throughout McKinney’s Historic Downtown square. mckinneyoktoberfest.com HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS Enjoy horse-drawn carriages, traveling carolers, visits with Santa Claus, a Christmas tree lighting ceremony, and activities for all ages. downtownmckinney. com ARTS IN BLOOM See more than 150 local and regional artists showcase their talents throughout the 12-block area of downtown. RED WHITE & BOOM!: Celebrate Independence Day with a free parade and classic car, truck, and cycle show that starts in downtown and ends with music and fireworks at the McKinney Soccer Complex at Craig Ranch.

QUICK FACTS

HEARD MUSEUM

BIG RECENT NEWS/ NEW DEVELOPMENT: McKinney Urban Village is a $30 million mixed use and health science district to up the medical offerings in McKinney. PROUDEST OF: Downtown Square and accompanying events, and its No. 1 city ranking. SURPRISING FACT: Home to Franconia Brewing Company, a local brewery with German beer-making methods.

PHOTOS: CITY OF MCKINNEY

S U M M E R / FA L L 2 0 1 5

OUTDOOR GEMS: Heard Museum and Wildlife Sanctuary is a 289-acre habitat for native and endemic wildlife species, winding with trails from diverse ecosystems, for the primary purpose of educating children about nature. GET INVOLVED: Volunteer McKinney helps residents find volunteer opportunities and support local nonprofits and community groups. volunteermckinney.org

D A L L A S - F O R T W O R T H R E L O C AT I O N + N E W C O M E R G U I D E   /   B 7

COMMUNITIES

“The school district is wonderful, and our children love their schools and teachers. My wife and I have been so impressed with the curriculum, administration, and staff. They all have such a strong interest in our children having a safe, strong environment to learn and get the most of their education. ”

COMMUNITIES

SUBURBAN NORTH

RICHARDSON

UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT DALLAS

PHOTOS: ANDREW SMITH

As a first‑ring suburb of Dallas, residents of Richardson love the close proximity to the urban experience of the inner city. But make no mistake, the town has a culture and community feel of its very own. Families clamor to enroll in RISD schools, known for teachers who go above and beyond to see students succeed and a progressive set of magnet programs. People who want a taste of international flavor visit for Bollywood films, true Dim Sum, ethnic grocery stores, Persian delicacies, temples, mosques, and worldly excursions of all kinds. In fact, almost 40 percent of Richardson residents identify as an ethnicity other than Caucasian. Telecom Corridor’s massive presence is filled with work opportunities. New live-work-play areas were built around several DART stations. Houses are a mix of ages and sought after by era along with a recent trend of new builds. Acclaimed festivals and the Eisemann Center for Performing Arts up the culture and music quotient while the University of Texas at Dallas promotes higher learning.

REGIONS/ NEIGHBORHOODS

TELECOM CORRIDOR

WEST RICHARDSON The area west of U.S. 75 contains sought-after neighborhoods Canyon Creek, with ranch and mid-century modern homes, and Richardson Heights, filled with its ranch homes being redeveloped by young professionals and families. It’s known for its tree-lined streets.

PHOTO: CITY OF RICHARDSON

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EAST RICHARDSON The area east of U.S. 75 with neighborhoods from a range of different eras is filled with diversity in culture, food, and shops. It’s where you’ll find the Telecom Corridor and the new Cityline Development. East Richardson is also home to DFW Chinatown, a strip of Chinese restaurants and businesses on Greenville Avenue. THE PANHANDLE The northeast part of the city is filled with new, larger homes and the 416acre Breckinridge Park.

S U M M E R / FA L L 2 0 1 5

COMMUNITIES

MAJOR ANNUAL EVENTS

“The school’s communication is tremendous. We are in constant communication with teachers about where our kids are. They teach the kids at their level so they have groups within classes. ”

WILDFLOWER! MUSIC FESTIVAL This three-day, outdoor family event in May is one of the best deals going. Catch more than 80 musical acts on five stages, including well-known rock, indie, and country groups for a relatively low ticket price. An art guitar auction, live butterfly habitat, an activity filled kids’ area, song and art competitions, and other extras are just icing on the cake. wildflowerfestival.com

— JEFF COUSENS, RICHARDSON RESIDENT

COTTONWOOD ARTS FESTIVAL This semiannual event features juried, museum-quality works from the nation’s top visual artists in 14 categories. Located in Cottonwood Park, this prestigious art show has been a part of Richardson life for more than 40 years. It includes an ArtStop kids’ area and local bands performing throughout. Admission in both May and October is free. cottonwoodartfestival.com

SANTA’S VILLAGE This tiny Christmas kids’ town is open during the entire month of December with activities at each dwelling. Hometown Thursdays are reserved for Richardson residents only.

S U M M E R / FA L L 2 0 1 5

QUICK FACTS

ROADSIDE WILDFLOWERS

PROUDEST OF: Proximity to Dallas, RISD public schools, and the diverse cultures and ethnic food offerings for its residents.

HEIGHTS FAMILY AQUATIC CENTER

PHOTOS: MICHAEL SAMPLES

PHOTO: MICHAEL SAMPLES

HUFFHINES ART TRAILS Every year during the fourth weekend in October, the tree-lined trails of Huffhines Park come alive with close to 200 exhibiting artists and craftsmen to choose from. It includes a kids’ scavenger hunt, activity area, and local entertainment, and it’s free. huffhinesarttrails.com

PHOTO: DAVE HENSLEY / CREATIVE COMMONS

WILDFLOWER! MUSIC FESTIVAL

BIG RECENT NEWS/ NEW DEVELOPMENT: CityLine, a $1.5 billion development, is still under construction. It will support a daytime population of 16,000 people and include two major parks, State Farm and Raytheon offices, a DART station, two hotels, entertainment options, apartments, and stores galore. SURPRISING FACT: Between 69-110 acres of mixed wildflowers are seeded in three seasons every year in public areas and the roadsides in an annual citywide planting program. OUTDOOR GEMS: The Heights Family Aquatic Center is a city-run water park, complete with water slides, a current channel, and beachfront entry. GET INVOLVED: Richardson volunteers take on community projects throughtout the city.

No.

4

10 Happiest Mid-Sized Cities in America — Movoto, 2014

No.

10

Best Cities for First-Time Home Buyers — WalletHub.com, 2014

No.

17

America’s 50 Best Cities to Live In — 24/7 Wall St.

D A L L A S - F O R T W O R T H R E L O C AT I O N + N E W C O M E R G U I D E   /   B 9

SUBURBAN NORTH

Allen took its small-town family feel and supersized it. For instance, it’s still a one high school town, but with the largest high school enrollment in Texas at 6,000 students. Its football stadium rivals professional operations with seating capacity for 18,000. The Eagles were football state champions in 2014 and three years prior. A good 20 percent of the city’s population comes out each week to root for the home team. But the entertainment isn’t all about Friday night lights. Allen Event Center puts on major concerts, national shows, and hockey games. The Edge is the state’s largest outdoor skate park. Hydrous Wake Park keeps the kids cool, as does KidMania, one of the largest handicap-accessible playgrounds and spray grounds in Texas. Watters Creek offers fun times and shopping all in one.

PHOTO: CITY OF ALLEN

ALLEN

PHOTO: CITY OF ALLEN

COMMUNITIES

EAGLE STADIUM

REGIONS/NEIGHBORHOODS ALLEN PUBLIC LIBRARY

EAST ALLEN Everything east of US‑75 is the original downtown plus a mix of newer and older homes nestled among mature trees and parks. WEST ALLEN Most homes west of US‑75 were built in the last 15 years. This area has upscale housing, much of which sits along creekside trails. Twin Creeks is a masterplanned golf course community, and Watters Creek is a mixed‑use center with shopping, dining, and midrise apartments.

PROUDEST OF: High school sports, especially football. OUTDOOR GEMS: Allen boasts 800 acres of developed park land and nearly 50 miles of hiking and nature trails, including Connemara Conservancy, a 70-acre nature preserve. SURPRISING FACT: Its railroad water reservoir stone dam is thought to be the only one left in the United States. Allen’s Collin College campus is located inside Allen High School.

PHOTO: ANDREW SMITH

QUICK FACTS

BIG RECENT NEWS: The city will join the big leagues with a new $85 million convention center at Watters Creek.

B 1 0   /   D A L L A S - F O R T W O R T H R E L O C AT I O N + N E W C O M E R G U I D E

No.

3

Best Cities for Families — Nerdwallet, 2014

No.

2

Best City for First-Time Home Buyers — Wallethub, 2014

S U M M E R / FA L L 2 0 1 5

SUBURBAN NORTH

THOMAS GILMORE / CREATIVE COMMONS

ADDISON

— CJ COMU, ADDISON RESIDENT

LITTLE ELM

S U M M E R / FA L L 2 0 1 5

“Lewisville is central; I have everything I need in just a 10-mile radius. Just in the past year, there has been so much growth around where I live.” — SHAMS JUMA, LEWISVILLE LOCAL

The town is dedicated to its residents, charging city staff to find a way to say yes to service requests. You’ll find evidence of this in details like the Addison Athletic Club, a 52,000-squarefoot, residents-only facility, and the Treehouse, an incubator for small businesses. Addison Circle, with the landmark BluePrint sculpture, is event-centric, known regionwide for Kaboom Town fireworks on the Fourth of July and Oktoberfest in the fall. Also popular are the holiday lights at the 12-acre Vitruvian Park. The smallish town just north of Dallas has more than 175 restaurants, and the Belt Line strip within is often called Restaurant Row. Other places of interest include the Water Tower Theatre and the Addison Airport.

KABOOM TOWN INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATION

PHOTOS: TOWN OF ADDISON

“It’s a great place to live! We have a community of people that cares about the city and are passionate about its future. We also love the many trails in Addison.”

BRANDON COOPER / CREATIVE COMMONS

LEWISVILLE CITY HALL

COMMUNITIES

LEWISVILLE

The local gem is the namesake lake, a 29,000-acre reservoir so full of fish that it is known as the Urban Bass Fishing Capital of Texas. With 233 miles of shoreline and 9,000 natural acres, Lake Lewisville is an outdoor lover’s paradise. The attached 622-acre park sits on the lake’s south shore. It’s also home to Lewisville Lake Environmental Learning Area, a 2,000-acre urban wilderness nature preserve below the lake dam. Lest you think it is all outdoors, be assured Lewisville has more retail space per capita than any other city in the area. Western Days, a free two-day festival held annually since 1964, brings in top country music and holds the official World Tamale Eating Championship.

A beach in North Texas? Yep. Along Lake Lewisville are miles of sand, fire pits, a pavilion and snack bar, 10 regulation volleyball courts, an amphitheater, and playground. Little Elm has 66 miles of shoreline within its city limits and a Lake Attitude to go along with it. As you can imagine, community events throughout the year center around the waterfront, including Christmas on the Beach.

ADDISON CIRCLE

PHOTOS: CITY OF LITTLE ELM

D A L L A S - F O R T W O R T H R E L O C AT I O N + N E W C O M E R G U I D E   /   B 1 1

COMMUNITIES

SUBURBAN NORTH

CARROLLTON

THE COLONY

The city boasts that it is 20 minutes from everything. It is slated to be a rail transit hub, with travel going in six directions over the next two decades. Downtown Carrollton’s charming, old buildings contain small jewelers, boutiques, and restaurants. The center gazebo stands watch while railroad tracks weave among pedestrians. Public school children, for the most part, attend the Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD.

This is one growing city. Affectionately known as “the city by the lake,” The Colony features 23 miles of shoreline along Lake Lewisville and two lake parks. But the big news is the new construction occurring. Two nature-centric, master planned communities, Austin Ranch and The Tribute, just arrived, as did the state’s only Nebraska Furniture Mart, a Top Golf, and an 80-acre sports facility called The Colony Five Star.

CARROLLTON MUNICIPAL CENTER

PHOTO: CITY OF CARROLLTON

HIDDEN COVE PARK AND MARINA

PHOTOS: CITY OF THE COLONY

PHOTO: R. CROAKY / CC

THE TRIBUTE GOLF LINKS CLUBHOUSE

PROSPER PR0SPER HIGH SCHOOL

GENTLE CREEK GOLF CLUB

B 1 2   /   D A L L A S - F O R T W O R T H R E L O C AT I O N + N E W C O M E R G U I D E

TOWN LAKE PARK

PHOTOS: CITY OF PROSPER

It’s the second-fastest growing community in North Texas, according the 2014 census bureau. Houses are going up on old farmland to fill the Frisco overflow, including the 2,000acre Windsong Ranch planned community. The new builds won’t come cheap, as the median home price is around $400,000.

S U M M E R / FA L L 2 0 1 5

HOUSING

HOUSING FIND A HOME FOR YOUR FAMILY

MY DALLAS STORY | HOME SALES COMPARISONS | HOUSING COSTS | WHAT YOUR MONEY BUYS SUBDIVISIONS | UTILITY RATES | INSURANCE RATES | HOMEBUILDERS APARTMENT RENT RATES | SENIOR LIVING | LIVE-WORK-PLAY

MY DALLAS STORY

BECAUSE OF ITS CLEANER

EMISSIONS,

NATURAL

GAS IS

CLIENT: Atmos Energy JOB#: ATMO-15-999 BRAD HAWKINS Ad Resizes 2015 TRIM: 2.3125"w x 10"h LIVE: 2.3125"w x 10"h BLEED: n/a COLOR: CMYK PUB: Dallas–Fort Worth Relocation & Newcomer Guide CONTACT: Kyle Moss kyle.moss@dcustom.com 214-523-5247 RELEASE: 2/17/15 PRINT DATE: 2/28/15

THE PLANET.

PHOTO: KEVIN MARPLE

BETTER FOR

LIVE. WORK. SOCIALIZE. PART OF THE MASTER PLAN. BRAD HAWKINS OCCUPATION: Actor, Boyhood and Director of Marketing, Harder Concepts MASTER PLANNED COMMUNITY: Austin Ranch

Why choose natural gas? There are lots of good reasons why smart homeowners prefer natural gas. Find them all at WhyChooseNaturalGas.com.

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What make you return to the city of your boyhood from L.A. in 2006? I’m from here. I was discovered by a talent agent from Kim Dawson my junior year at Plano Senior High. After a while in L.A., I just got homesick. Dallas is home base. It’s where I’m happy. The cost of living is low. You get so much more bang for your buck compared to living in L.A.

that goes down to the lake in the morning when I wake up…those things matter to me more than living in the “hip place.” I want to live in a place where I can relax and clear my head. I can take 121 and be in Frisco or Plano in 10 minutes. One mile away is the Colony. And I can see the Lewisville water tower.

How did you choose where to live? I chose Austin Ranch because of proximity. We’re opening a lounge bar concept in the community called Shakertins. They sucked me in at the Boat House. They said, “Here’s your view.” They showed me a unique unit, with a beautiful huge patio that looks over the whole property. I said, “Yeah. I love this.” This is a brand-new development. It’s state of the art. It’s probably one of the nicest places I’ve lived. In L.A., it’s not nearly as nice. In this point of my life, I’m more about nature, more about peace. At nighttime, I open my windows and hear tree frogs. That means something to me. I love that nature environment. Hearing the river

How will your new restaurant interact with the planned community? I’ve always wanted to bridge the gap between our community and our concepts. You want us to do a cookout for the residents? Or barbecue for the pool party? Whatever we can do. The residents will know their neighbors and hang out here… at the events and the bars. That’s the kind of place I want to live in. I think it’s going to be a really fun community.

D A L L A S - F O R T W O R T H R E L O C AT I O N + N E W C O M E R G U I D E

ATMO-15-999 WCNG Earth_2_3125x10.indd 1

2/16/15 11:28 AM

Go online to hear about the local film business, country music scene, and restaurant industry, plus get prime suggestions for eating, live music, and entertainment in Brad’s full interview at MyDallasStory.com.

S U M M E R / FA L L 2 0 1 5

HOME SALES COMPARISONS NEW YORK, NY (MANHATTAN) SAN FRANCISCO, CA

$985,000

ORANGE COUNTY, CA

$793,203

CHICAGO, IL

$430,467 $399,454

DENVER, CO $284,397

ATLANTA, GA

$293,300

PHOENIX, AZ

MEDIAN NEW HOME PURCHASE PRICE: 2,400 SQ FT LIVING AREA 8,000 SQ FT LOT 4-BEDROOMS, 2-BATHS

$287,814

HOUSTON, TX $255,707

AUSTIN, TX $225,679

TAMPA, FL DALLAS-FORT WORTH

$180,000

HOUSING

$1,372,183

DALLAS - $210,518

$210,000

PLANO - $268,003 FORT WORTH - $247,072

$240,000

$270,000

$300,000

SOURCE: ACCRA Cost of Living Index, Q2, 2015

$330,000

$360,000

$390,000

SUBSCRIBE TO THE

DIGITAL EDITION Relocation and New Home Experts Ryan Real Estate Group RE/MAX Dallas Suburbs 3915 McDermott Rd., Suite 100 Plano, TX 75025

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW TO

START YOUR LIFE IN

DALLAS- FORT WORTH

MYDALLASMOVE.COM S U M M E R / FA L L 2 0 1 5

Jim Ryan

Office - 469-429-0160 Cell - 972-979-1231 Fax - 469-443-5027 Email - jryan@RyanRealEstateGroup.com www.RyanRealEstateGroup.com www.facebook.com/RyanRealEstateGroup

EACH OFFICE INDEPENDENTLY OWNED AND OPERATED

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HOUSING COSTS Based on the cost of housing compared to median family income, home prices in the DFW region are some of the most affordable in the country, according to the Urban Institute. Stability characterizes the DFW housing market. Its ability to remain strong during global economic fluctuations has been sustained through a combination of a lower cost of living compared with other major metropolitan areas and a diverse economic base that has kept unemployment figures well below national levels. The bottom line for families is that a dollar buys more square feet per home in DFW. The ease of travel between smaller cities and major job centers means that employees can choose from a wide variety of communities and neighborhoods to accommodate their lifestyles and price points.

HOME PRICES AROUND THE REGION < $100,000

$250,001-$500,000

$100,001-$250,000

> $500,000

Sa

N 10 miles

Krum 380

Decatur

Bridgeport

Dallas/Fort Ponder Worth c Fortune and Global headquarters, by gr expansion of local c as by relocations of Justin operations. It is bo the vibrant, diverse 35W as a n today as well progression for this Roanoke well-recognized int DENTON CO. our strengths in adv Westl and headquarter op Haslet

Runaway Bay Paradise New Fairview

Aurora

WISE CO.

Springtown Reno

Keller Azle Saginaw

Watauga North Richland H Haltom City

820

Lake Worth

Richland H

River Oaks White Settlement

Weatherford

Fort Worth

20

Aledo Benbrook Edgecliff Village

Forest Hill Kenne

35W

PARKER CO.

TARRANT CO.

JOHNSON CO.

HOOD CO.

Crowley Burleson

Cross Timber Granbury

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Godley

Joshua

S U M M E R / FA L L 2 0 1 5

Rendon

HOUSING

anger

Aubrey

380

McKinney

380

Frisco Allen 35E

Fairview

The Colony Lewisville

Plano Wylie

Coppell

Bedford Euless

Northwest Dallas Irving

Hurst

Hills

Fate

North Dallas Northeast Dallas

Garland

Rowlett

Rockwall 30

HUNT CO.

Park Cities

635

Heath

McLendon-Chisholm ROCKWALL CO.

East Dallas

Oak Lawn

Sunnyvale

Dallas

KAUFMAN CO.

Mesquite

30

30

Royse City

Sachse

Richardson 75

Farmers Branch

D/FW Airport

COLLIN CO.

Far North Dallas

Carrollton

Grapevine

Hills

Princeton

Little Elm

Southlake

Colleyville

75

Prosper

Cross Roads

Denton

Celeste

Melissa

Krugerville

continues to draw l 500 rowth and Corinth companies Argyle as well f headquarter oth a testament to e economy in DFW natural Flower Mound s region that is so ternationally for vanced services lake perations.

Forney

Grand Prairie Oak Cliff

Terrell

Balch Springs 20

Arlington

20

South Dallas

Duncanville

edale

n

Weston

Celina

35

Cedar Hill

Mansfield

DeSoto

35E

Lancaster

Southeast Dallas

Wilmer-Hutchins

Glenn Heights Ovilla 67

Red Oak Oak Leaf Pecan Hill

Combine

Kaufman

DALLAS CO.

Ferris

ELLIS CO.

45

Midlothian Kemp Venus

Waxahachie

Palmer

Median home prices by ZIP code as of the first quarter of 2015 in the Dallas-Fort Worth area as determined by North Texas Real Estate Information System

S U M M E R / FA L L 2 0 1 5

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HOUSING

QF

T

3 BEDS 2 BATHS

$145,000 UP

3 BEDS 2 BATHS

1,2 6

0S

QF

[1 T O 17 S Q WN M DA ] LL A

$158,000 3,8

72

SQ

F L O [3 6 0 WE SQ M RM ] OU ND

T

S

FT

1 BED 1 BATH

$365,000 4,9

PHOTO: EBBY HALLIDAY

4 BEDS 4 BATHS

07

SQ

[4 K E 56 SQ NN ED M] AL E

$492,000 2,9 64

4 BEDS 4.1 BATHS

D A L L A S - F O R T W O R T H R E L O C AT I O N + N E W C O M E R G U I D E

$599,900

SQ

[2 PA 7 5 S RK Q M CIT ] IES

FT

FT

PHOTO: BRIGGS FREEMAN

/

8S

[ C A 13 8 S RR Q M OL LT O ] N

T

PHOTO: BRIGGS FREEMAN

70

QF

1,4 8

PHOTO: BRIGGS FREEMAN

The housing selections shown here were provided by Briggs Freeman l Sotheby’s International Realty and Ebby Halliday Realtors. They are representative of the options available at press time. They may or may not still be on the market, and they are not intended to represent every choice in every area of our city.

5S

[1 A R 51 S Q LIN M GT ] ON

PHOTO: BRIGGS FREEMAN

The Dallas and Fort Worth areas are replete with convenience and charm in lifestyle and housing opportunities. Whether you are a temporary business traveler or a family of five, the region offers diverse housing options for individuals and families of all sizes. If you lean toward urban chic, relocate to a trendy loft with skyline views and a coolkid downtown ambiance. Want something walkable? The newest trend in housing here is mixeduse developments, where you can live above shops and restaurants and access pretty much everything you need on foot. Established neighborhoods with an abundance of single-family homes with yards are plentiful. Or, for a more relaxed small-town feel, neighboring communities provide homegrown pride (and a house with lots of space!) mixed with big-city conveniences and friendly neighbors. Whatever your style, Dallas-Fort Worth has the home for you. All you have to do is find it. What’s more, housing in DFW is very affordable. If you’re moving from another major metro area, you’re going to be surprised to find out just how far your money goes.

1,6 2

PHOTO: BRIGGS FREEMAN

MAKE A HOUSE A HOME

HOW MUCH HOUSE CAN I BUY?

3 BEDS 2.1 BATHS

$698,500 S U M M E R / FA L L 2 0 1 5

SQ

[16 5 FR SQ M ISC ] O

2,1 75

SQ

[20 2 PL SQ M AN ] O

FT

2 ,2

3 BEDS 2.1 BATHS

3,2

85

SQ

[ CO 305 S LLE Q M YV ] ILL E

$235,000

3 BEDS 2.1 BATHS

3,6

96 S

QF

[3 4 3 AL SQ M LEN ]

FT

SQ

[6 6 GA 5 SQ RL M] AN D

$499,990

4 BEDS 3.1 BATHS

5,9

28

FT

$529,900 5,9

33

SQ

[5 S O 51 S Q UT HL M] AK E

FT

FT

PHOTO: BRIGGS FREEMAN

S U M M E R / FA L L 2 0 1 5

T

PHOTO: EBBY HALLIDAY

$820,000

SQ

[5 5 1 PL SQ M AN ] O

PHOTO: BRIGGS FREEMAN

7 BEDS 8 BATHS

QF

2 RT 7 SQ H D M] AL LA S

PHOTO: EBBY HALLIDAY

5 BEDS 4 BATHS

7,1 60

NO

PHOTO: EBBY HALLIDAY

$498,500

$245,000 3,5 1 [3 6 S

T

PHOTO: BRIGGS FREEMAN

4 BEDS 3.1 BATHS

FT

PHOTO: EBBY HALLIDAY

$189,990

SQ

PHOTO: BRIGGS FREEMAN

PHOTO: EBBY HALLIDAY

4 BEDS 2 BATHS

48

[2 MC 09 SQ K IN M] NE Y

FT

5 BEDS 4.1 BATHS

$1,185,000

HOUSING

1,7 70

5 BEDS 5.1 BATHS

$1,255,000

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PHOTO: BRIGGS FREEMAN

FROM THE GROUND UP If you search and don’t find just the right house for your needs, there’s always the custom-built route. Choosing every detail of a home, from the floor plan to the doorknobs, is exciting for a lot of people. Costs amount to about the same as buying a pre-owned home, and you get exactly what you’ve always wanted. The Dallas-Fort Worth area has many reputable homebuilders, and housing starts hit a sevenyear high in early 2014. One- and two-story traditional and contemporary single-family homes are the foundation for most new subdivisions, though patio homes (zero-lot-line houses) are also very popular in our area. It’s also possible to customize a townhouse or condominium that’s in the early stages of construction or preconstruction.

TOP 25 SUBDIVISIONS ( 2013-2014 )

RANKED BY NUMBER OF NEW HOME STARTS

AVERAGE SALES PRICES

11

(RANKED BY STARTS) 1 WESTRIDGE, $286,681

22 5

7

2 PHILLIPS CREEK RANCH, $480,087

21

3 SUNSET POINTE, $287,353

25

4 RICHWOODS, $505,020

35

5 PALOMA CREEK, $172,939

16 3 8

14

20

8 LANTANA, $332,553

121

17

6

7 CROSS OAK RANCH, $202,867

1

24

9

35E

6 TROPHY CLUB, $428,271

19

2

4

9 FRISCO LAKES, $257,000 10 VIRIDIAN, $344,814

75

11 NORTHPOINTE CROSSING, $168,506 12 WEST FORK RANCH, $198,106

35E

23

121

18

114

35W

16 FRISCO HILLS, $269,667

75

13

35W

78 820

10

30

183

NUMBER OF STARTS

161 80

12

30

260-383 169-259

360

146-168 175

20 20

15

14 VILLAGES AT WILLOW BAY, $415,779 15 MIRA LAGOS, $312,534

635

12

13 MARINE CREEK RANCH, $241,610

125-145 116-124

17 CASTLE HILLS, $384,863 18 WILLIAMSBURG, $241,859 19 VILLAGES OF STONELAKE ESTATES, $476,776 20 TRIBUTE, $425,757 21 PRESTWYCK, $287,850 22 LIGHT FARMS, $380,328 23 ROLLING MEADOWS EAST, $202,023 24 LAWLER PARK, $483,079 25 SAVANNAH, $226,220

35E

35W

SOURCE: Metrostudy 45

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PHOTO:ISTOCK

VACANT DEVELOPED LOTS

35

35E 121

75

35E

121 114

35W

635 75 35W

78

30

183

820

161 80

12

30 360

175

20

0-27

20

35E

28-80

35W

81-184

45

185-390 391-872

PHOTO: ANDREW SMITH

VACANT DEVELOPED LOTS are the lots on a recorded plat with streets and utilities in place, ready for a home to be built.

BUILDING BLOCKS Mixed-use developments are on the rise.

7

Transit-oriented developments on the DART line are catering to commuters.

7 SOURCE: Metrostudy

FUTURE LOTS FUTURE LOTS are lots that are planned but have not yet been developed with any or all infrastructure, such as streets and utilities.

New construction is abundant, should you wish to live in a finished house where no one has lived before.

7

35

Unlike some parts of the country, it’s unusual to find a basement in our area.

7 35E 121

75

Slab foundations are common, and should be watered during the summer.

35E

7

121 114

35W

635 75 35W

78

Central heat and air conditioning are standard in new homes in DFW.

7

30

183

820

161 80

12

30 360

5-280

20

35E

281-851

35W

45

Golf course communities aren’t just pretty places to live and play, they are also plentiful here.

7

175

20

852-2,460 2,461-6,526 6,527-12,736

Planned residential developments follow a particular design from start to finish and provide a variety of housing options and efficient use of land.

7

SOURCE: Metrostudy

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BUILDING YOUR LOAN BY NOELLE JABAL

Ready to build a new home? You’ve either made a list of customizations you want or selected your plan, picked a possible lot location and chosen your builder/contractor. What’s next? The most important part: getting a homebuilder’s/construction loan. A COUPLE OF THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND While it sounds easier to get a loan from your personal bank, some national banks don’t offer homebuilder’s/ construction loans. A few Dallas banks that do offer this loan are Regions Bank, BB&T, and Wells Fargo. Some banks offer a program called Construction to Permanent Loans. This will help smooth the transition so you can start payments on your house as soon as you finish. More details in later steps. Wish there were someone to help you out with the entire process from start to finish? Good news. There are people who help take care of the nitty, gritty work. They’re called mortgage officers. Any bank will have one. Their job is to make sure you get the appropriate documentation and disclosures needed for building a new home. Next, the bank will review your eligibility and the builder you have chosen, and will check your finances. Your new home will also have to meet requirements for the loan approval process. Every bank is different, so check what your options are. Completing an application is the next step. It’s important to have a copy of the construction agreement you have with your builder (this includes the lot value, customizations and an estimated cost of your home), a

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blueprint of the floor plan, and, if possible, a deed to the land. Every bank has a different application, so qualifications will vary. Once your application is approved, which usually takes about 48 hours, a licensed appraiser will review your information and determine an estimated market value of your home by comparing it to surrounding homes. You will then pay out-of-pocket for closing costs and the first down payment on your home. At this point in the process, it’s best to get Homeowner’s Insurance. This will protect you from any financial responsibility for any damage/liability that occurs during the construction of your home. This is where all the real fun starts. You begin drawing on your loan. Loan disbursements will be based on what’s getting accomplished. As a task is completed, it’s inspected in order to move forward. Banks want to make sure the money that is being drawn from your loan is being used for its initial intent. Draws will also be based on a schedule you’ve set with your builder. The final step of this process is the Construction to Permanent Loan program that is offered by certain banks (ex: Regions & BB&T). Instead of going through a hassle to find another loan to start your payments on your home, the Construction to Permanent Loan automatically converts your construction loan to a regular loan so that you can immediately begin payments on your home.

D A L L A S - F O R T W O R T H R E L O C AT I O N + N E W C O M E R G U I D E

CHECKLIST PRE-CONSTRUCTION

❏ ❏ ❏ ❏

Choose a builder Make a list of wants and needs Choose location of home Talk to a mortgage officer and ask about loan options

❏ Review your eligibility ❏ Have copy of construction agreement with builder

❏ Have a blueprint of floor plan ❏ Have a deed to the land, if possible ❏ Apply! CONSTRUCTION

❏ Application approved ❏ Licensed appraiser reviews your information and determines estimated cost of home

❏ Pay for closing costs

and first down payment

❏ ❏ ❏ ❏ ❏

Attain homeowner’s insurance Loan disbursements begin Inspection per task completed Post-construction Construction loan will convert to permanent loan

❏ Begin monthly payments on your new home

❏ Move in!

DID YOU KNOW? There are some banks that will allow you to get pre-qualified for a loan without choosing a builder or having an estimated price on your lot. Check with your banker to see what options he or she has for you. BANKS WITH HOMEBUILDER’S / CONSTRUCTION LOAN > American Bank of Commerce > Amegy Mortgage > BB&T > BBVA Compass > Regions > Wells Fargo

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M. CHRISTOPHER CUSTOM HOME BUILDER CUSTOM HOME SITES IN 12 AREA CITIES, OR BUILD ON YOUR LOT For three Generations our family owned business has selected custom sites, designed and built homes for the discerning taste of DFW cliental. From the $400’s to $2,000,000 each home is custom from the ground up. Build on your own lot or select from one of our hand-picked home sites across all areas of North Texas including 20 cities from Southlake to Allen, Texas. “Our philosophy is to design and build the home our customers want, in all of the best locations.” The M. Christopher team has won countless awards for Design, Customer Satisfaction, and Quality of Construction. “Our process brings in house architecture design staff to design while customers watch and provide input in a way that is truly collaborative. Our award winning interior decorating team guides customers through the design in our design center, offering unlimited material options to finish out the home of your dreams. M. Christopher Custom Pools, offers a back yard paradise, designed in 3-d software,

“Transforming dreams into reality is what we do best.”

residences. This expertise is unique and has achieved awards and consumer recognition. “Our one story plans offer the architectural beauty usually reserved for homes with multiple levels, yet provides the privacy zones our customers appreciate in a single level residence. Location, location, location ... The M. Christopher team prides itself in its diversity of locations across the Dallas Fort Worth Metroplex. Customers can choose from hundreds of M. Christopher home sites, or we help you find the home site of your dreams though our exclusive network of developers, Realtors, and property owners.

— RUDY RIVAS, OWNER/ CEO

which may be easily integrated with the home construction resulting in a home and swim ready paradise at move in. This turnkey process reduces construction time to near that of a track home. “Single Story Homes” over 4,000 SF represents the majority of M. Christopher Homes

M. CHRISTOPHER HOMES 1 Rockland Farms – Model Home 110 ROCKLAND TRAIL, LUCAS

2 Bristol Park – Now Selling LUCAS/ PARKER

3 Kingsbridge – Sales Office

7710 WINDOMERE DR., PARKER

7

12

CUSTER RD, PROSPER

78

Ave . Gre

S o u thv ie w D r.

Stinson Rd.

Parker Rd.

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Elaine Dr.

Windomere Dr.

FM 1378

4

2 Bentwater

GEORGE BUSH TURNPIKE

E. Lucas Rd.

3

B ro ck d a le Park Rd.

env

Lucas Rd. Stinson Rd.

Rockland Trail

ille

2701 WOODPOINT RD., LEWISVILLE

Lucas Rd.

1

DALLAS NORTH TOLLWAY

8 Highpoint Oaks – Sales Office

FM 13

E. Bethany Dr.

I35

PROSPER

Old Stacy Rd.

Pky

12

L.D. Lockett

7 Saddle Creek – Available Properties

Stacy Rd.

Angel

Denton Tap Rd.

S. S

8

Wh ite

wy 5

pe lR

tate H

d.

YB SAM RA

Vista Ridge Mall Rd.

Ch a

BROCKDALE PARK RD, LUCAS

6 Christie Farms – Available Properties LLWAY URN TO

9

FM 1709

Precinct Line Rd.

5 Brockdale – Now Selling

Rd

FM 1938/ Davis Blvd..

11

LUCAS

6

Custer Road

Prosper Trail Rd.

Preston Rd.

4 Lewis Park – Coming Soon

ub try Cl

1

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Coun

0

HOMEBUILDERS

5

9 Carillon – Available Properties

114 & WHITE CHAPEL RD., SOUTHLAKE

10 Vaquero

2104 FALCON PASS, WESTLAKE

11 The Lakes – Sales Office 2700 LAKE SHORE, KELLER

12 St. Andrews – Available Properties

L.D. LOCKETT & RETTA PLACE, COLLEYVILLE

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SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

LIVE LIFE REAL AT WILDRIDGE IN NORTH DALLAS A way of life that pairs natural surroundings with a unique, genuine atmosphere awaits you at Wildridge, a distinctly original master-planned community in Oak Point, Texas, just north of Dallas on Lake Lewisville. In the midst of life’s fast pace and manufactured experiences, Wildridge is a haven for living life real, the way it is supposed to be. Tucked away on the Peninsula of Lake Lewisville, Wildridge is a personal sanctuary that is still close enough to commute to Frisco, Plano, Dallas, and everywhere else in North Texas with ease. Here, it’s easy to enjoy the natural world, embrace connections between family and friends, and put people in touch with what matters most – an authentic way of life in a naturally peaceful and serene surrounding. Wildridge’s most distinctive feature is without a doubt its tranquil lakefront setting, providing the very unique opportunity of having waterfront access only a short walk from your driveway. What’s more, the area of Northeast Lake Lewisville that borders Wildridge falls under a “no motorized vehicles” rule, making the shoreline a relaxing

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area for fishing, canoeing, and ultimately enjoying yourself by the lake. An intimate community, with less than 1,200 homes to be built on site, Wildridge is built amongst mature trees and rolling topography with a strategic eye and nature conservation in mind. Three outstanding builders will be offering homes in the project’s first phase: Highland Homes, Plantation Homes, and K. Hovnanian Homes. These builders offer a wide selection of homes ranging from 1,800 to more than 4,800 square feet priced from the $260,000s to $500,000s, with model homes ready starting in September. Across the street from Wildridge lies its very

D A L L A S - F O R T W O R T H R E L O C AT I O N + N E W C O M E R G U I D E

distinguished neighbor: Oak Point Elementary School. Under the Little Elm School District, Oak Point Elementary is currently ranked as “exemplary-rated,” having earned two Distinction Designation awards from the Texas Education Agency since its opening in 2008. At Wildridge, less is often more. In that mindset, the amenities showcase and enhance the property’s dedication to nature, from a distinctive water’s edge, to an extensive trail system, to a lush canopy, to fishing ponds. This family community set in a natural environment ensures everyone has ample opportunity to spend casual time together in a beautiful and natural setting.

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HOMEBUILDERS MERITAGE HOMES – HEALTHIER. CLEANER. MORE EFFICIENT. SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Homeowners shouldn’t have to pay any more than necessary to heat, cool and power their homes. That’s the philosophy that Meritage Homes has followed in its building practices for 30 years. With standard features such as spray-foam insulation, Low-E2 vinyl windows, ENERGY STAR® appliances – even optional solar power in some markets – Meritage Homes continues to set the standard for energy efficiency in new home construction as it celebrates its 30th anniversary. Energy efficiency is important to home buyers. Nine out of 10 home buyers said that heating and cooling costs were somewhat or very important in choosing a new home, according to a survey by the National Association of Realtors®. “Energy efficiency is a standard feature for new homes built by Meritage Homes,” said Stephanie MacLean, Division President – DFW Division. “The looks and amenities of new Meritage homes often get noticed first, but

some of the most exciting features are those that are built into the house.” Meritage Homes was the first national builder to make every home 100% ENERGY STAR® certified and consistently surpasses the minimum ENERGY STAR® requirements. The company also introduced the first cost-effective NET ZERO home by a national builder. Meritage Homes has been named an ENERGY STAR® Partner of the Year in 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015 by the U.S.

Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Energy for its outstanding contributions to energy efficiency. Throughout the DFW area the company built 473 ENERGY STAR certified homes in 2014, which reduced homeowner utility bills by more than $450 thousand annually. According to ENERGY STAR, that’s the equivalent of eliminating emissions from 515 vehicles, saving 2.5 million pounds of coal and planting 716 acres of trees.

Finding the right home takes lots of energy. Ours saves it. Meritage Homes has 16 family-friendly communities in the DFW area with gorgeous and incredibly energy-efficient ENERGY STAR® homes starting in the mid $200s. After all, your dream home should save you money and let you spend it on things you enjoy, not high utility bills. Plus, with beautifully designed floor plans and close proximity to shopping, entertainment and thoroughfares, you’ll love where you call home. Want to know more? Call or visit us online.

877-318-2796 | meritagehomes.com/dfw

Actual energy savings and performance of any home or any of its features may vary widely, and may be more or less than indicated savings and performance, depending on the personal energy consumption choices of the occupants and changes in energy provider rates and programs. Pictures and other promotional materials are representative and may depict or contain floor plans, square footages, elevations, options, upgrades, extra design features), landscaping, and other designer/decorator features and amenities that are not included as part of the home and/or may not be available in all communities. Home and community information is subject to change, and homes to prior sale, at any time without notice or obligation. Offers to sell real property may only be made and accepted at the sales center for individual Meritage Homes communities. See sales agent for details. Meritage Homes® is a registered trademark of Meritage Homes Corporation. ©2015 Meritage Homes Corporation. All rights reserved.

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Around here, it’s all about your network. In a city this dynamic, it pays to be connected. So never settle for a network that can’t keep up. Join Verizon, the largest, most reliable 4G LTE network.

1.800.524.2094

|

See verizonwireless.com/bestnetwork for details. © 2015 Verizon Wireless

more.vzw.com/bestdeals

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vzw.com/storelocator I5648

HOUSING

POWER AND PROTECTION The Dallas-Fort Worth region ranks close to the national median in terms of overall electric rates. Reliability in the system is better here because 85 percent of Texas operates on a separate power grid from that of the rest of the country. Since Texas has a deregulated electricity market, residents have the power to choose their providers, which creates flexibility in pricing and service. Powertochoose.org is the official electric choice website of the Public Utility Commission of Texas and the place where you can compare providers’ offers and select the plan that is right for you. Many providers offer rates well below the national average, but you have to take the time and make the effort to get a good rate—it doesn’t happen automatically. Though most of the Dallas-Fort Worth area sits atop two aquifers, our residential water supply comes primarily from surface water (reservoirs and lakes). Water rates for moderate users are lower than in many comparable-size cities in the country. Most cities in DFW have programs to encourage water conservation and some impose watering restrictions due to drought conditions. Natural gas prices are relatively low here, due in part to natural underground gas fields such as the Barnett Shale. The charts here represent real-life examples of what you might expect in terms of power and insurance costs. Every home is different, and many factors contribute to insurance pricing. The prices you pay may or may not compare to these.

Electricity

Gas

$600

$450

$300

$150

$0

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Single-Family Home: 4,009-square-feet, 2-story brick, built in 2002, Cedar Hill (Dallas County) Utilities: Electric air conditioning; gas heating, water heater, and cooktop Home Insurance Rate: Policy amount: $525,000 (property), $300,000 (liability); monthly rate: $218

$400

$300

$200

$100

$0

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Single-Family Home: 2,566-square-feet, 1-story brick, built in 2000, McKinney (Collin County) Utilities: Majority electric, including heating; gas water heater, and cooktop Home Insurance Rate: Policy amount: $250,000 (property), $150,000 (liability); monthly rate: $125

COMPARE RATES & SAVE MONEY powertochoose.org - The official and unbiased electric choice website of the Public Utility Commission of Texas allows electricity providers to list their offers at no charge, so consumers can compare and choose what’s best for them. helpinsure.com - The free service of the Texas Department of Insurance and Office of Public Insurance Counsel helps Texans with their auto, commercial, and residential property insurance needs.

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$375

$250

AUTO If you have a car accident in Texas, and you are at fault, Texas law requires you to pay for the damage to the other person’s vehicle and for any medical expenses that person might incur as a result of the accident. To that end, the law requires all drivers to have basic liability coverage. The current minimum limits in Texas are $30,000 for each injured person, up to a total of $60,000 per accident, and $25,000 for property damage per accident. But cars are expensive and medical care more so. The minimum amounts might not be enough to pay all of the other driver’s costs if you’re in an accident, and the other driver can sue you to collect the difference. Consider buying more than the basic limits to protect yourself financially. The cost of auto insurance in Texas is near the national average.

$125

$0

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

HOUSING

PHOTO: MICHAEL SAMPLES

$500

Dec

Single-Family Home: 1,800-square-feet, 1-story brick, built in 1992, Fort Worth (Tarrant County) Utilities: Electric air conditioning, gas heating Home Insurance Rate: Policy amount: $200,000 (property), $150,000 (liability); monthly rate: $150 $130

$98

$65

$0

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Condominium: 947-square-feet, 1-story concrete, built in 2003, Dallas (Dallas County) Utilities: All electric, including heating Rental Insurance Rate: Policy amount: $150,000 (property and liability); monthly rate: $18.50

PHOTO: BRIGGS FREEMAN

$33

$300

$215

$150

$75

$0

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Single-Family Home: 2,066-square-feet, 1-story brick w/ pool, built in 1969, Richardson (Dallas County) Utilities: Electric air conditioning; gas heating, water heater and cooktop Home Insurance Rate: Policy amount: $250,000 (property), $300,000 (liability); monthly rate: $181

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HOME The average home insurance policy cost in Texas is higher than in many other places, but policies are different here, which makes comparing our rates with those of other states tough. The most common nationwide policy (called the HO-3) is not sold in Texas, though there are plenty of policies to choose from. When comparing insurance policies, pay attention to limits (the maximum amount the insurance company will pay for damages), perils covered (situations the insurance company covers), and the deductible (how much you pay out of pocket before your coverage kicks in). Policies with low deductibles, a high number of covered perils, and high limits cost more. As in other states, discounts on home insurance premiums are available in Texas for people who don’t make claims for several years, older homeowners, and homes with safety equipment such as smoke detectors and alarm systems.

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HOUSING

CYPRESS WATERS, IRVING

TEMP HOUSING

PHOTO: BILLINGSLEY CO.

APARTMENT LIFE Apartment dwelling in the DFW area depends on your preferences: all types and sizes are found throughout our region. Communities range from traditional apartment complexes to luxury high-rise buildings to large-scale communities with every bell and whistle imaginable. Some newer apartment communities offer amenities such as dog runs, workout facilities, tanning services, and community activities ranging from movies on the lawn to wine tastings to Monday Night Football parties. In recent years, mixed-use communities—which include not only multiple apartment buildings, but also restaurants, shops, movie theaters, and underground parking—have popped up all over, appealing to a segment of people who desire an urban, walkable neighborhood experience without the responsibilities of homeownership.

TWO-BEDROOM RENT RATES

What if you need to relocate to Dallas before you find a place to live? Should your company want you to start your job in Dallas right away, or if you’ve sold your house before you have a new one to move into, you need a company that specializes in temporary housing. These companies keep ready-to-go units in apartment buildings that are stocked with everything you need to be comfortable— furniture, kitchen wares, bedding, electronics—and all the utilities already turned on. All you have to do is show up with your suitcase. You can work through a real estate agent or your corporate relocation company to find a business that specializes in this service. Typically, the length of your stay will depend on the number of days approved by your company’s relo policy.

35

35E 121

75

AT YOUR SERVICE

35E

121 114

35W

635 75 35W

78

30

183

820

161 80

12

30 360

175

20

AVERAGE MONTHLY RENT $552-$907

20

$908-$1,149

35E

$1,150-$1,428

35W

$1,429-$1,993 45

$1,994-$3,147

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You may want to live in an apartment building with a concierge. Several Dallas-area luxury apartment buildings employ people who not only monitor who enters and leaves the building, but who also assist residents, collecting mail when they are away on vacation, letting in repairmen when they can’t be home, taking in packages and other deliveries, and handling emergencies if they are away. Talk to your real estate agent or work with an apartment locator who specializes in high-end rentals to find the right level of service for you.

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PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK

Many older people love Dallas-Fort Worth’s mild climate, travel accessibility via DFW Airport and Love Field, outstanding health care, and senior-friendly activities and organizations. Many families relocating to Dallas will opt to relocate an older loved one with them. Nearly 10 percent of the population in Dallas-Fort Worth is 65 or older, according to 2013 U.S. Census Bureau data, and the area has a wide variety of housing options for seniors. In recent years, active adult communities catering to an older population have been reimagined as age-restricted subdivisions with golf courses, swimming pools, walking trails, and more, while independent living facilities provide a chance for seniors to live rich, full lives without the hassles of homeownership. Many builders have products aimed at active adult buyers. These are often in communities with traditional buyers. The active age-targeted residential subdivisions shown on the map are specifically targeted to active adult buyers. Not shown below are affordable housing/ subsidized properties.

INDEPENDENT LIVING FACILITIES

PIONEER RIDGE GRACIOUS RETIREMENT LIVING

GOOD SAMARITAN SOCIETY DENTON VILLAGE

DOGWOOD ESTATES

ROBSON RANCH

THE CHATEAU

FRISCO LAKES

AUTUMN OAKS

LAKE FOREST GOOD SAMARITAN VILLAGE

PARKVIEW IN ALLEN

FRANKLIN PARK LEWISVILLE

CONSERVATORY AT PLANO

MEADOW LAKES

EL DORADO TRADITION OF PRESTONWOOD

MACARTHUR HILLS SOUTH COLLEYVINE RANCH

MY RETIREMENT HOME SUMMER GLEN

ATRIA AT HOMETOWN

THE BENTLEY

PARC PLACE THE WELLINGTON AT NORTH RICHLAND HILLS

EMERALD RIDGE TOWNHOMES

PARKWOOD

EMERITUS AT IRVING

THE STAYTON AT HOME FOR AGED MUSEUM WAY MASONS CLINIC LAKEWOOD NURSING CENTER TOWN VILLAGE MOUNTAIN CREEK VILLAGE WATERFORD THE HILL VILLA RETIREMENT LIVING RIDGMAR TRINITY AT PANTEGO TERRACE TOWN VILLAGE HORIZON BAY ARLINGTON THE VANTAGE AT CITYVIEW FOX RUN ARLINGTON PLAZA ESTATES THE BROADWAY PLAZA ARBROOK TRINITY COURTYARD WATERFORD AT FORT WORTH

HERITAGE PLACE AT HUGULEY

SENTE MEADOWS DUPLEX

THE WATERFORD AT PLANO

WATERCREST AT MANSFIELD/ ISLE AT WATERCREST

CRESCENT POINT/ CRESCENT PLACE

TREEMONT MEADOWSTONE PLACE PLAZA AT EDGEMERE

WELLINGTON AT ARAPAHO TOWN VILLAGE NORTH DALLAS PRESBYTERIAN VILLAGE NORTH FIVE STAR PREMIER RESIDENCES WHITEROCK COURT CHAMBREL AT CLUB HILL

LIBERTY HEIGHTS GRACIOUS

CHURCHILL ESTATES MONTCLAIR ESTATES OF GARLAND GREENWAY VILLAGE AT CHRISTIAN CARE CENTER

C C YOUNG THE MEMORIAL HOME TRADITION THREE THE FOUNTAINS FORUM LAKELAND HILLS

WATERFORD AT MESQUITE

TOWER PLACE

INDEPENDENT LIVING FACILITIES (NUMBER OF UNITS) 75-129

THE WATERVIEW

130-178

LAKESTONE TERRACE QUAIL PARK

179-240 THE GARDENS AT CHISHOLM TRAIL

KERALA ESTATES

PRESTON PLACE ATRIA CANYON CREEK HIGHLAND SPRINGS

CHRISTUS ST JOSEPH VILLAGE THE REMINGTON AT VALLEY RANCH

CONSERVATORY AT KELLER TOWN CENTER

COTTONWOOD ESTATES

CORINTHIANS LAKEVIEW AT JOSEY RANCH

WATERMERE AT SOUTHLAKE/ ISLE AT WATERMERE

LEGACY AT WILLOW BEND

SUNRISE PLANO

LEWISVILLE ESTATES

PINEWOOD HILLS

CHAMPIONS CIRCLE/GREENS

VILLA ASUNCION

PARKVIEW IN FRISCO

241-371 372-559

ACTIVE AGE-TARGETED RESIDENTIAL SUBDIVISIONS

SOURCES: National Investment Center, Metrostudy

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SENIOR LIVING

HOUSING Modern developments in every corner of the region make the transition of a Dallas move easier than ever. These well-thought-out living centers make it possible to have a community where you literally walk from the place you live to shopping, dining, entertainment, green space, public transport, and sometimes even your workplace. Imagine how much time that frees up, and how flexible your schedule becomes, not to mention the social opportunities it affords. In Dallas-Fort Worth, you are lucky to have many options for this style of living. We highlight just a few notable locations. Many more are in the process of being built.

DOWNTOWN DENTON

McKINNEY URBAN VILLAGE 17

20 FRISCO SQUARE

9

DOWNTOWN McKINNEY

THE GATE WADE PARK

FRISCO STATION THE STAR

10 GRANITE PARK

LEGACY WEST GRANDSCAPE

12 WATTERS CREEK

LEGACY TOWN CENTER

HIGHLAND VILLAGE

15 DOWNTOWN PLANO

PARKER SQUARE

18

CITYLINE AMLI GALATYN STATION

ADDISON CIRCLE

DOWNTOWN ROANOKE

14

DOWNTOWN GRAPEVINE

SOUTHLAKE TOWN SQUARE

13 ALLIANCE TOWN CENTER

CYPRESS WATERS

19

16 EASTSIDE

11

BRICK ROW

DOWNTOWN CARROLLTON

FIREWHEEL TOWN CENTER

MIDTOWN DALLAS VILLAGE AT ROWLETT

PRESTON HOLLOW VILLAGE

PARK LANE PLACE

ROCKWALL COMMONS

1 MOCKINGBIRD STATION VIRIDIAN TRINITY RIVER VISION WEST 7TH

7

VICTORY PARK 3 MAIN ST THE CANYON IN OAK CLIFF

8 SUNDANCE SQUARE ARLINGTON CITY CENTER

LOWER GREENVILLE

WEST VILLAGE/CITYPLACE 2

5

DEEP ELLUM

6 SOUTHSIDE ON LAMAR

4

BISHOP ARTS DISTRICT LANCASTER URBAN VILLAGE

DESOTO TOWN CENTER DOWNTOWN MANSFIELD DOWNTOWN BURLESON

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LIVE-WORK-PLAY

MOCKINGBIRD STATION DALLAS

Centered around a park and ride DART Station. Houses an Angelika Film Center, restaurants, shopping, loftstyle offices, and dwellings.

6

SOUTHSIDE ON LAMAR DALLAS

Conversion of an old Sears distribution center into lofts with community space for artists, bars, and retail.

11

2

3

4

WEST VILLAGE

VICTORY PARK

BISHOP ARTS DALLAS

MAIN STREET DISTRICT

Pioneering walkable district in the heart of Uptown. Accessed by DART and the M-Line Trolley. Magnolia Theatre joins scene-packed dining and unique retail.

Anchored by the American Airlines Center with a big crowd-gathering screenfilled plaza. High-rise living is upscale and serviceoriented.

First built in the 1920s around Dallas’ busiest trolley stop. Recent redevelopment maintains the vintage artsy character with 160 one-off shops and restaurants.

Downtown Dallas urban revival at its best. Preserved buildings let hotels pair with residences. Active nightlife and dining.

DALLAS

7

DALLAS

8

9

FRISCO SQUARE

GRANITE PARK

The former headquarters of Acme Brick is now a pedestrian-friendly urban entertainment district not far from downtown, near TCU.

Park free on the 35 blocks of brick-paved streets in downtown Fort Worth. Features restored turn-ofthe-century buildings and an expansive plaza.

Incorporates Frisco’s City Hall and public library along with lots of shopping, apartment buildings, and office space.

A new boardwalk is planned for this modern design grouping of office towers, a Hilton Hotel, restaurants, and retail.

12

FORT WORTH

13

FRISCO

14

ALLEN

ALLIANCE TOWN CENTER

SOUTHLAKE TOWN SQUARE

You’ll remember it for the giant blue steel sculpture in the center of a roundabout. You’ll visit for events like Kaboom Town and Oktoberfest.

The first LEED-certified retail complex in Texas offers open-air shopping, dining, office space, and apartments along with concerts and events.

National large retailers shoulder grocery stores, a Cinemark movie theater, casual restaurants, and three residential complexes.

The city recreated a modern old-tyme town square with City Hall and post office in the center of sidewalk shopping and eating.

EASTSIDE

17

FORT WORTH

18

RICHARDSON

McKINNEY URBAN VILLAGE

DOWNTOWN ROANOKE

Next to a DART line for a downtown commute and the Telecom Corridor. Services plus a variety of dining options on-site could render you car-free.

This still-in-progress hub of apartment living, working, and playing will also incorporate a medical district nearby.

They redesigned the town’s established Oak Street and plaza, but maintained the historic downtown feel.

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10

SUNDANCE SQUARE

FORT WORTH

WATTERS CREEK

16

DALLAS

WEST 7TH

ADDISON CIRCLE ADDISON

5

HOUSING

1

MCKINNEY

ROANOKE

SOUTHLAKE

19

CYPRESS WATERS

PLANO

15

PARKER SQUARE FLOWER MOUND

Newly built but antiquelooking awning-covered storefronts surround a park with gazebo. Also home to the campus of North Central Texas College.

20

DALLAS

DOWNTOWN McKINNEY

This thousand-acre planned community sits around a 36-acre lake near Coppell. Includes one of the nation’s first “net-zero” elementary schools.

The revamped original historic town square sits in the middle of quaint shops, local restaurants, and entertainment venues.

MCKINNEY

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SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

PENTHOUSE LIVING AT THE PARKVIEW CONDOMINIUM RESIDENCES, WITH A FLOATING STAIRCASE TO A PRIVATE ROOFTOP GARDEN

THE GARDEN DISTRICT AT SOUTHLAKE TOWN SQUARE RESIDENTIAL LIVING IN THE HEART OF SOUTHLAKE, TEXAS There was a time when towns and villages were planned so that all of life happened within walking distance. The community’s town square was the center of activity, the place to go for whatever you needed – whether for business, daily errands, or just to have fun and meet your neighbors. Today, this place is The Garden District at Southlake Town Square. While life in the Garden District puts you steps from all of life’s conveniences and luxuries, the neighborhood is set quietly and privately apart. It’s the epitome of the concept of new urbanism, where you live in a vibrant town center, but the lifestyle is definitively residential and short walks replace car trips. The Garden District at Southlake Town Square will boast a brand new oval park in the heart of the City. It will be home to thirty brand new, luxury Brownstone townhomes and thirty-six Parkview Residences, Southlake’s first stylish condominium homes. Southlake’s new Brownstones range from 3,900 - 5,000+ SF and boast open living spaces, three color schemes, private courtyards, gourmet kitchens and an array of customizable options. All brought together by

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OPEN BROWNSTONE LIVING IN THE 5,000+ PARK RIDGE FLOOR PLAN

LUXURIOUS MASTER SUITES AT THE PARKVIEW CONDOMINIUM RESIDENCES

THE MEETING STREET BROWNSTONE, PERFECT FOR ENTERTAINING

luxury home developer, Rendition Luxury Homes. The Parkview Residences are Southlake’s first boutique condominium development. The thirty-six Parkview homes offer sophisticated design that is both functional and

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beautiful. Parkview’s amenities include a rooftop deck with a communal fire pit, BBQ grills, plunge pools, gym and media lounge. For more information on The Garden District at Southlake Town Square, please visit www. ownsouthlake.com.

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IN L E L V A O F M IS TH A PERFECT COMBINATION OF LIFE, LUXURY & STYLE A rare and exclusive opportunity has arrived. Be part of Southlake’s most sought after residences nestled steps from the vibrant shops, restaurants and services of Town Square and all just minutes from Dallas Fort-Worth International Airport. SOUTHLAKE’S NEW BROWNSTONES + CONDOMINUM RESIDENCES | CUSTOMIZABLE OPTIONS | IN THE HEART OF TOWN SQUARE

SALES CENTER: 351 CENTRAL AVENUE • OPEN DAILY 11:00AM – 5:00PM

CALL FOR CURRENT AVAILABILITY • 888-998-2164 WWW.OWNSOUTHLAKE.COM This is not an offer to sell or solicitation of an offer to buy to residents of any state. Legal requirements remain to be satisfied. This advertisement is void where prohibited by law. The prices, plans, square footage, amenities, availability and improvements shown are subject to change without notice.

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PowerPlay Texas Licensed Broker

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LIVING PLACES TO PLAY AND MORE

MY DALLAS STORY | ARTS | ENTERTAINMENT | FUN FAMILY ACTIVITIES | SHOPPING | SPORTS | PARKS | DOG PARKS | TRAILS LAKES | GOLF COURSES | CHURCHES | HOSPITALS

ERWIN PARK, MCKINNEY

PHOTO: ANDREW SMITH

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LIVING IN DFW

SPORTS. A BIG DEAL IN THE DALLAS REGION.

DRU HANCOCK

DRU HANCOCK OCCUPATION: Senior Associate Commissioner, Big 12 Conference CURRENT NEIGHBORHOOD: M Streets, Old East Dallas

How did Dallas play a part in getting to host the Final Four? The city played a huge part. In 2008, Dallas was among 10 finalist cities that bid for both the men’s and women’s Final Four. We got a men’s Final Four. San Antonio and Dallas were the only finalists that didn’t get a women’s. And we were heartbroken. The next year, I got named by the NCAA to be on the Division One Women’s Basketball selection committee. I promised, “If I get on that committee, I’m going to do everything I can to help Dallas get a Final Four.” The bid process was last summer and fall [2014]. I was recused from some of it because of my involvement with Dallas and the Big 12, as we’re going to be the tournament hosts. But you establish relationships. We didn’t have the votes back then because, quite frankly, the chair of the committee said that Dallas was too big, that the championship would get lost in the city. We had to figure out

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How does the Big 12 engage with the Dallas region? We don’t have any schools within a hundred miles of us, except for TCU. But we do bring events here like the Big 12 Championships. And we’re bringing our gymnastics event to Frisco next year. That’s the first time we are going to a neutral site, which is a big deal for us. We work closely with Monica Paul, the Dallas sports commissioner. She’s one of the greatest ambassadors that the city of Dallas has, honestly. She goes all over the country trying to get different sporting events, whether its gymnastics or boxing or rowing or whatever. But on the collegiate level, we’re hugely connected to the Cotton Bowl. Keeping it in the Cotton Bowl was an important decision. Also, we’ve brought a lot of games to Dallas in men’s basketball and football, both to “Jerry World” (kindly) and to the American Airlines Center, just because these are fertile recruiting grounds for all of our teams.

a different way to describe the footprint geographically and in terms of a legacy program for kids. We rolled it out. We took them to Stampede 66 and The Rustic. We had a great thing at the American Airlines Center for them. When we got the bid, a fellow committee member said it wasn’t close. Dallas got it easily. We have it in 2017. And we’re hosting an NCAA regional to get ready for it. What will the Women’s Final Four Tournament mean for Dallas? Economically, it will mean a lot. It gives us a chance to showcase women. It just means more visibility. We don’t have an opportunity for these kind of events to roll around very often. Women’s basketball behind men’s basketball is probably the highest profile sport we have in this country. All 63 games of the tournament are on ESPN. It’s a pretty large undertaking. And we have to do it right. Because if you do it wrong, you’ll never get a chance to have another one. We’re very excited about it. It’s part of the Big 12 legacy to do these kind of things. What is the path for scholarships if you are moving here and want to stay in the higher echelon of sports? In the 8-13 year old category, someone will identify you as someone that might have some skill. You won’t believe this, but there are kids who are 10 years old that have been offered a college scholarship by elite coaches. There are AE programs of

every level. If you don’t find out about them, they’ll find out about you. There’s a pipeline that occurs for both men and women. If you’re a high school kid, or a junior high kid almost, you have to be willing to play pretty much all summer long. What I find is, there is more of a chance that a youngster is going to burn out because they get tired of doing just one thing. I say, let them play everything. I can’t speak to the clubs that exist, but Dallas is, I think, almost better than Houston in terms of opportunities that are offered. You spoke about recruitment opportunities. Is that unusual to this region? It’s well known that Texas is one of the three biggest states to recruit. Texas, California, and Florida — that’s where most of the athletic talent is. The numbers of coaches that come here from different states to recruit is enormous. Friday Night Lights? That ain’t fake. It’s basically unprecedented what high school football means in this state. And it does not go unnoticed by recruiters. We’re bigger. We have more population. And we also have more talent. It’s not a secret to anybody. Dru talks more about the path to the Final Four, sports in Dallas, scholarship opportunities, Special Olympics involvement, and the tight community experience of living on the M Streets in her full interview online at MyDallasStory.com.

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PHOTO: NASHER SCULPTURE CENTER

PHOTO: TIM HURSLEY, AT&T PERFORMING ARTS CENTER

LIVING IN DFW

WINSPEAR OPERA HOUSE DEE AND CHARLES WYLY THEATRE

NASHER SCULPTURE CENTER

Dallas-Fort Worth has not one but two major arts districts. The Dallas Arts District, which is anchored by the Dallas Museum of Art, Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center, Nasher Sculpture Center, and AT&T Performing Arts Center, is nearly 70 acres—the largest urban arts district in the country. Here, you can catch a performance of Texas Ballet Theater, a Broadway touring production, classical or local musicians, a night of live storytelling, TED talks, movies and music under the stars, festivals, art exhibits, and so much more. We’d be willing to bet you could spend every weekend in our Arts District and never run out of new things to do. What’s more: The Fort Worth Cultural District claims five internationally recognized museums, including the Kimbell Art Museum, the Amon Carter Museum of American Art, and The Modern. Beyond our fantastic cultural centers, DFW is home to hundreds of smaller museums and public galleries, scores of professional and community theaters, dozens of local symphony and chamber orchestras, dance troupes, and opera associations. DFW is Texas’ most arts-intensive metro area on a per capita basis—meaning we spend a lot of money per person on cultural arts. No matter what artistic pursuit you’re into, you can find it here.

AMON CARTER MUSEUM OF AMERICAN ART

PHOTO: AMON CARTER MUSEUM OF AMERICAN ART

MODERN ART MUSEUM OF FORT WORTH

PHOTO: MODERN ART MUSEUM OF FORT WORTH

PHOTO: MICHAEL MCGARY

TURTLE CREEK CHORALE

PHOTO: TIM HURSLEY

ARTS AND SOUL

DALLAS MUSEUM OF ART

PHOTO: DALLAS CVB

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LIVING IN DFW

FIDDLER ON THE ROOF Through October 4 Casa Mañana casamanana.org INFANTA MARGARITA IN A BLUE DRESS: A MASTERWORK BY VELÁZQUEZ FROM VIENNA Through November 1 Meadows Museum meadowsmuseumdallas.org TOSCA November 6-22 Winspear Opera House dallasopera.org GIUSEPPE PENONE: BEING THE RIVER, REPEATING THE FOREST Through January 10 Nasher Sculpture Center nashersculpturecenter.org TALES FROM THE AMERICAN WEST: THE REES-JONES COLLECTION Through February 21 Amon Carter Museum Cartermuseum.org

WINSPEAR OPERA HOUSE

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THAT’S ENTERTAINMENT This city is a wonderland, a playground, an entertainment field of dreams. Really: the fun here knows no bounds. You could start with the 75-acre master-planned development that is Victory Park— packed with trendy shops and restaurants; the House of Blues and Hard Rock Cafe; The W Hotel; and American Airlines Center, home of the Mavericks and the Stars, as well as a concert venue extraordinaire—and move on to McKinney Avenue, which teems at night with hordes of pretty people going from hot spot to hot spot all the way from The Rattlesnake Bar at The Ritz-Carlton to The Magnolia Theatre at the West Village. For something a little more laid-back (but no less entertaining), you could hit Greenville Avenue for its

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funky shops, rooftop bars, and live music at the historic Granada Theater; or you could bop around Bishop Arts, Oak Cliff’s repository of everything cool and home to some of Dallas’ most sought-after restaurants (Lucia, Stock & Barrel, Oddfellows—to name just a few) and bars. The suburbs have more than their fair share of things to do, too. Plano’s Shops at Legacy brims with boutique shopping, best-inclass restaurants and bars, and the Angelika Film Center, while Frisco Square has Cinemark Next Gen-XD Theater, Toyota Stadium, and amenities such as the Black Box Theatre at Frisco Discovery Center. But we’re only scratching the surface here; there’s so much more to explore.

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PHOTO: MICHAEL SAMPLES

BISHOP ARTS DISTRICT

PHOTO: DALLAS CVB

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ENTERTAINMENT DISTRICTS 1 BISHOP ARTS DISTRICT

11 KNOX-HENDERSON

2 TRINITY GROVES

12 HIGHLAND PARK VILLAGE

3 DESIGN DISTRICT

13 MOCKINGBIRD STATION

4 VICTORY PARK

14 GREENVILLE AVENUE

5 DOWNTOWN DALLAS

15 NORTHPARK / PARK LANE

6 THE WEST END

16 GALLERIA

7 SOUTH SIDE

17 FIREWHEEL TOWN CENTER

8 DEEP ELLUM

18 THE HARBOR AT ROCKWALL AND ROCKWALL COMMONS

9 UPTOWN

19 UPTOWN VILLAGE

10 OAK LAWN

WHERE THE FUN IS 35

28 HISTORIC DOWNTOWN GRAPEVINE

20 ARLINGTON HIGHLANDS / THE PARKS 21 DOWNTOWN ARLINGTON 22 ARLINGTON ENTERTAINMENT DISTRICT 23 SUNDANCE SQUARE 24 FORT WORTH CULTURAL DISTRICT 25 WEST SEVENTH STREET DISTRICT 26 HISTORIC STOCKYARDS 27 SOUTHLAKE TOWN SQUARE

29 PARKER SQUARE 30 HISTORIC DOWNTOWN DENTON 31 FRISCO SQUARE 32 STONEBRIAR CENTRE 33 LEGACY TOWN CENTER 34 WATTERS CREEK 35 ADDISON CIRCLE / BELTLINE ROAD 36 OLD DOWNTOWN CARROLLTON

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31 35E

32

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29 35E

121 114

35W

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27

35

28

17 16 635

18

75

15 35W 183

820

161

26 25 24 23

21

2

22 30

1

12 13 14 10 11 34 9 8 5 6 7

78

30

80

12

360

PHOTO: TOWN OF ADDISON

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175

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19

35E

35W SOURCE: DRC Research PHOTO: TRINITY GROVES / JERRY MCCLURE

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ADDISON CIRCLE

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LIVING IN DFW

PHOTO: MICHAEL SAMPLES

PHOTO: TANNER GARZA

GALLERIA DALLAS

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AT&T STADIUM

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RORY MEYERS CHILDREN’S ADVENTURE GARDEN, DALLAS ARBORETUM AND BOTANICAL GARDEN

PHOTO: ELIZABETH LAVIN

FAMILY AFFAIRS Moms and dads know that when it comes to kids, you gotta keep ’em entertained. And entertainment in DFW comes in many forms, from flatout fun to fun with an educational aspect. There are activities just right for animal lovers, nature fans, budding Einsteins, aspiring sports stars, and kids who just want to play ’til they pass out. The lists here are only the beginning. For many more suggestions on what to do with kids in DallasFort Worth, see our map on pages 110 and 111 and go to dfwchild.com.

DALLAS ARBORETUM - Dallas DALLAS WORLD AQUARIUM - Dallas DALLAS ZOO - Dallas FORT WORTH MUSEUM OF SCIENCE AND HISTORY - Fort Worth FORT WORTH STOCKYARDS Fort Worth FORT WORTH ZOO - Fort Worth FRONTIERS OF FLIGHT MUSEUM - Dallas FOUNDERS PLAZA PLANE OBSERVATION PARK - D/FW Airport GALLERIA ICE SKATING CENTER - Dallas GRAPEVINE VINTAGE RAILROAD Grapevine GREAT WOLF LODGE - Grapevine HYDROUS WAKE PARK Allen, Little Elm

ANNUAL KIDPLEASING EVENTS STATE FAIR OF TEXAS - September/October AUTUMN AT THE ARBORETUM - November NEIMAN MARCUS ADOLPHUS CHILDREN’S CHRISTMAS PARADE - December THE TRAINS AT NORTHPARK - November-January KIDFILM FESTIVAL - January SOUTHWESTERN EXPOSITION AND LIVESTOCK SHOW & RODEO - January

I-FLY (INDOOR SKYDIVING) - Frisco LEGOLAND DISCOVERY CENTER – Grapevine

ROAD TRIPS FOR KIDS

NOBLE PLANETARIUM - Fort Worth PEROT MUSEUM OF NATURE AND SCIENCE - Dallas SCI-TECH DISCOVERY CENTER - Frisco SIX FLAGS OVER TEXAS - Arlington

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NATIONAL COWGIRL MUSEUM AND HALL OF FAME - Fort Worth

PHOTO: HOUSTON SPACE CENTER

LONE STAR CIRCUS SCHOOL Farmers Branch MCKINNEY AVENUE TROLLEY - Dallas

PHOTO: DALLAS ARBORETUM

IN-TOWN ADVENTURE

Houston Space Center: 4.25 hours

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PHOTO: FOSSIL RIM WILDLIFE CENTER

PHOTO: DINOSAUR VALLEY STATE PARK

Dinosaur Valley State Park: 1.5 hours

Fossil Rim Wildlife Center: 1.5 hours

Schlitterbahn Waterpark: 3.75 hours

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VILLAGE ON THE PARKWAY, ADDISON

PHOTO: THE RETAIL CONNECTION

Not malls, but still awesome Modern mixed-use centers are where people live, work, and play—and shopping is a large part of the latter. Here are a few that have come online in recent years. They’re not malls, but they offer lots of opportunity for fashionable acquisitions. 7

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Dallas is a fashionable place in every respect. Our ladies love to dress, our men love to look good, and we all love our houses and gardens to seem like something right out of a magazine. Home and high-end clothing retailers Neiman Marcus and Stanley Korshak, as well as more casual companies such as JCPenney, Fossil, and Pier 1, help us come by it naturally. And there’s no shortage of places to shop. Dallas-Fort Worth has every modern retail wonder you might imagine: posh indoor malls packed with amenities (think: modern sculpture, an ice skating rink, spas, and more) and every major retail brand; relaxed, open-air centers that encourage you to wear out your credit cards, grab a bite, and linger long after you meant to go home; and boutique districts that beckon with independent businesses with individual flair. We’ve got outlet malls for bargain shoppers and scores of vintage shops for those who love history. In short, you’ll find whatever your heart desires. 75

SHOPPING CENTERS

17 16

24 3

22

8 THE SHOPS AT WILLOW BEND 10 TOWN EAST MALL

20

615

15 VALLEY VIEW CENTER 16 THE VILLAGES AT ALLEN

18

10 635

30

17 THE VILLAGES AT FAIRVIEW 18 SIX FLAGS MALL 19 HULEN MALL 20 FIREWHEEL TOWN CENTER 21 ARLINGTON HIGHLANDS 22 20 SOUTHLAKE TOWN SQUARE

4 21

23 GOLDEN TRIANGLE MALL

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24 CENTRE AT PRESTON RIDGE

= SHOPPING CENTER SOURCE: Dallas Business Journal, DRC Research

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12 VISTA RIDGE MALL 13 LA GRAN PLAZA

14

9

7

11 COLLIN CREEK MALL

14 IRVING MALL

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9 RIDGMAR MALL

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5 GRAPEVINE MILLS MALL 7 SOUTHWEST CENTER MALL

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4 THE PARKS AT ARLINGTON 6 GALLERIA

12

100

7

7

3 STONEBRIAR CENTRE

8

13

7

2 NORTHEAST MALL

35W

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7

1 NORTHPARK CENTER

23

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Mockingbird Station - Dallas West Village Dallas Victory Park Dallas Southside on Lamar - Dallas Park Lane Place - Dallas Montgomery Plaza - Fort Worth Museum Place Fort Worth Sundance Square Fort Worth Legacy Town Center - Plano Frisco Town Square - Frisco Village on the Parkway Addison Rockwall Commons - Rockwall Midtowne - Midlothian Southlake Town Square Southlake Parker Square Flower Mound

Historic downtowns are being redeveloped into regional shopping destinations, including those in Plano, McKinney, Denton, Carrollton, and Grapevine.

25 ALLIANCE TOWN CENTER 26 UPTOWN VILLAGE AT CEDAR HILL 27 THE SHOPS AT PARK LANE

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DALLAS STARS CENTER TYLER SEGUIN

LIVING IN DFW PHOTO: DALLAS STARS

ROOT FOR THE HOME TEAM

GET YOUR TICKETS Texas Rangers vs. Los Angeles Angels October 3 Globe Life Park in Arlington texas.rangers.mlb.com

inception. The Dallas Stars hold two President’s Trophies and the 1999 Stanley Cup. And that’s just the tip of the hockey stick, so to speak. We’ve got minor league and other teams galore. The Texas Revolution indoor minor league football team, the Dallas Diamonds women’s professional football team (with four national championships!), the Texas Legends minor league basketball team, the Allen Americans hockey team, the Lone Star Brahmas hockey team, the Frisco Roughriders baseball team, the Grand Prairie AirHogs baseball team, the Fort Worth Cats baseball team, and the Dallas Sidekicks soccer team all keep sports fans happy in their seats. Plus, the DFW area is home to the AT&T Byron Nelson Championship and Crowne Plaza Invitational at Colonial golf tournaments each spring, as well as Texas Motor Speedway.

Baseball. Basketball. Football. Hockey. Soccer. Whatever your passion, Dallas has a winning professional team to cheer on (and if you prefer to cheer for a professional team from somewhere else, that’s cool, too, because chances are good that team will be in town to play one of ours at some date in the future). The Dallas Mavericks won three division titles (1987, 2007, 2010) and the 2011 NBA Championship. Their games are always a sellout. The Dallas Cowboys—with their great, big, beautiful new stadium in Arlington—hold five Super Bowl titles (1971, 1977, 1992, 1993, and 1995), and they have those awesome Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders. The Texas Rangers brought the World Series to the ballpark in Arlington in 2010 and have made six appearances in the MLB postseason. Major League Soccer’s FC Dallas (formerly the Dallas Burn) has been part of the league since its 35

FC Dallas vs. Houston Dynamo October 4 Toyota Stadium fcdallas.com Dallas Stars vs. Pittsburgh Penguins October 8 American Airlines Center stars.nhl.com Dallas Cowboys vs. Seattle Seahawks November 1 AT&T Stadium dallascowboys.com

SPORTS VENUES

AAA Texas 500 November 8 Texas Motor Speedway Texasmotorspeedway.com

1 3

35E 121

2

75

4

1 TOYOTA STADIUM

35E

2 DR PEPPER BALLPARK 3 ALLEN EVENT CENTER

121

4 TEXAS MOTOR SPEEDWAY

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35W

5 NYTEX SPORTS CENTRE 6 COWTOWN COLISEUM

635

7 LAGRAVE FIELD 8 PENNINGTON FIELD

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10 AT&T STADIUM

30

11 LONE STAR PARK AT GRAND PRAIRIE 12 QUIKTRIP PARK

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30

78

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8

6 7

9 GLOBE LIFE PARK IN ARLINGTON

13

5

11 12 9 10 360

13 TPC FOUR SEASONS LAS COLINAS

14

80

12

15

14 AMERICAN AIRLINES CENTER 15 RESISTOL ARENA

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LIVING IN DFW

CEDAR HILL STATE PARK Cedar Hill 7 Fishing, boating, and kayaking on Joe Pool Lake 7 1,200 acres with 15 miles of mountain biking trails 7 Walking trails through open fields and wooded areas 7 More than 350 wooded campsites 7 Penn Farm Agricultural History Center

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RIVER LEGACY PARK Arlington 7 1,300 acres of forests and greenbelts 7 10 miles of cross-country trails 7 A treetop playground that looks like a giant treehouse 7 A canoe launch with access to up to 8 miles of paddling 7 River Legacy Living Science Center

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PHOTO: CHELSEA STOVER

DALLAS ZOO

PARKS AND RECREATION

Big cities are known for their big, pretty, and functional parks. And though parks are not the first things that come to mind when you think of Dallas, our city is no exception. Downtown’s Klyde Warren Park isn’t just a green space—it’s an award-winning innovation. Situated over Woodall Rodgers Freeway between Pearl and Saint Paul streets, it is a park built on thin air. And it is an urban wonder. Within its 5 acres are a performance pavilion, a restaurant, walking trails, a mini dog park, a children’s playground, water features, an expansive lawn, and much more. White Rock Lake lies in East Dallas. The crown jewel of Dallas’ park system, the lake itself comprises more than 1,015 acres and offers a view of downtown. The lake and surrounding park areas attract walkers, bicyclists, and rollerbladers, and offer kayak, canoe, and paddleboard rentals. Or you can just lay out a picnic for a lazy day along the shore. But these are only two of the lovely parks in Dallas-Fort Worth. You won’t have to go far to find your favorite spot.

Nature Centers Who says there’s no nature in Dallas? We know better. Here are a few more spots to take in the bounty and beauty of the land.

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Cedar Ridge Preserve - Dallas Children’s Aquarium at Fair Park - Dallas 7 Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden - Dallas 7 Dallas World Aquarium - Dallas 7 Dallas Zoo - Dallas 7 Dinosaur Valley State Park Glen Rose 7 Dogwood Canyon Audubon Center - Cedar Hill 7 Fort Worth Botanic Garden Fort Worth 7 7

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Fort Worth Japanese Garden Fort Worth 7 Fort Worth Nature Center and Refuge - Fort Worth 7 Fort Worth Zoo - Fort Worth 7 Fossil Rim Wildlife Center Glen Rose 7 Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary - McKinney 7 River Legacy Park - Arlington 7 Trinity River Audubon Center - Dallas

ARBOR HILLS NATURE PRESERVE Plano 7 200 acres of rolling hills for exploring 7 Off-road biking trails 7 Picnic pavilion and kids’ playground 7 Butterflies, birds, and other wildlife 7 Dog friendly

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MEADOWMERE PARK Grapevine 7 252 acres on the shore of Lake Grapevine 7 Sloping sandy beaches and camping 7 Swimming, paddleboarding, kayaking 7 Large, colorful children’s playground area 7 Migratory bird viewing

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TRINITY PARK Fort Worth 7 Next to the Fort Worth Zoo, along the banks of the Trinity River 7 Annual events such as Mayfest and the National Veterans Day Run 7 Miniature Railroad 7 Natural surface trails for hiking, biking, and running 7 Fishing and duck feeding

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GREEN SPACE IN DFW 3 4

WHITE ROCK LAKE PARK Dallas 7 9.33-mile hike and bike trail 7 Shoreline picnic areas 7 Kayak and paddleboard rentals 7 Audubon Society bird watching area 7 Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden

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PHOTO: MICHAEL SAMPLES

KLYDE WARREN PARK Dallas 7 5.2 acres downtown 7 Performance pavilion, walking trails, dog park, children’s playground, games area 7 Free events such as book signings, group exercise, movies, music, and more 7 Food trucks every day 7 Accessible by M-Line Trolley, DART, and D-link

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SOURCE: DRC Research

WHITE ROCK LAKE PARK

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1 MCKINNEY DOG PARK

35E

2 FRISCO DOG PARK

3

2 121

3 CANINE COMMONS DOG PARK 4 JACK CARTER PARK DOG PARK

75

5 TOYOTA OF LEWISVILLE RAILROAD PARK

4

6 NORTHBARK DOG PARK

5

7 BOOBOO’S BUDDIES DOG PARK (AT BOB JONES PARK)

6 7

8 WAGGING TAIL DOG PARK 9 COPPELL DOG PARK 10 REDDING TRAIL DOG PARK

121

114

35W

9

11 LES LACS TRAIL DOG PARK

8 11 10 635

12 TIPPS CANINE HOLLOW 13 BEDFORD BARK PARK 15 WESTMINSTER DOG PARK

75

12

14 EULESS DOG PARK 35W

14

13

16 MOCKINGBIRD POINT DOG PARK

15 183

820

17 CENTRAL DOG PARK 19 THE POOCH PATIO

360

21 MEADOWS FOUNDATION DOG PARK 20

23 FORT WOOF DOG PARK 24 CENTRAL BARK DOG PARK

25

25 TAILS N’ TRAILS 35E 35W

IT’S A DOG’S LIFE

Pets are the best, and being a pet owner is fun. To wit: there are more than two dozen public dog parks in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Some are small, with just enough room for curious canines to romp a bit, but others are magnificent puppy playgrounds with separate areas for large and small dogs, agility equipment, and even places for dogs to swim. Being a pet owner is also a responsibility. Here’s what you need to know about having a pet in DFW. If you are uncertain about something, contact animal control in your community or ask your veterinarian.

Texas requires that your pet be vaccinated against rabies every year and that he wear current proof of that vaccination on his collar.

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Dogs (and cats) must be registered with the city you live in and wear current registration tags. To register your pet, you will have to provide a current certificate of vaccination and pay a small annual fee.

Although Texas state law requires that only dogs known to be dangerous be leashed, most DFW-area cities have laws that require your dog to be leashed if he isn’t inside your house or in a fenced yard.

D A L L A S - F O R T W O R T H R E L O C AT I O N + N E W C O M E R G U I D E

80

PRIVATE PARKS

24

22 BARK PARK CENTRAL

30

12

30

23

20 MY BEST FRIEND’S PARK (AT KLYDE WARREN PARK)

78

18 19 20 21 22

161

18 MUTTS CANINE CANTINA

16

17

Likewise, many cities in our area have passed pooper scooper laws, so if your pet poops on someone else’s property or public property, pick it up. It’s not only the nice thing to do, it’s illegal not to.

Though there are scores175 of restaurants with pet-friendly 20 patios all over DallasFort Worth, it’s the rare establishment that caters specifically to those who don’t want to leave home without their furry best friends. That’s where Mutts Canine Cantina (muttscantina.com) and The Pooch Patio (thepoochpatio. com), both in Uptown Dallas, 45 come in. Tucked among the shops and apartments of the West Village, Mutts is a privately owned park for dogs of all sizes to play off-leash and owners to socialize with friends and make new acquaintances. Separate areas for large and small pups, and a patio where people can eat without having to share their meals with their pets, mean everybody’s happy. Membership is by the day or month. Pooch Patio is a dog wash, doggie daycare, and bark boutique that also has a coffee and wine bar. Dogs are free to romp around both inside the building and out, and you’re welcome to bring in a doggie bag, er, lunch if you wish. No membership required.

S U M M E R / FA L L 2 0 1 5

ARBOR HILLS NATURE PRESERVE, PLANO

LIVING IN DFW

MORE NOTEWORTHY TRAILS Arbor Hills Nature Preserve - Plano 7 Big Cedar Wilderness Trails - Dallas 7 Blue Ridge Park Trail Allen 7 Cedar Hill State Park Cedar Hill 7 Connemara Conservancy - Allen 7 Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge - Fort Worth 7 Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary - McKinney 7 Joppa Preserve Dallas 7 Oak Cliff Nature Preserve - Oak Cliff 7 Parkhill Prairie – near Farmersville 7 Post Oak Preserve Seagoville 7 Scyene Overlook/ Piedmont Ridge Southeast Dallas 7 Spring Creek Forest Preserve Garland 7 Spring Creek Nature Area - Richardson 7 Tandy Hills Natural Area - Fort Worth 7 Texas Buckeye Trail – Southeast Dallas 7 Trinity River Audubon Center - Southeast Dallas 7 Twelve Hills Nature Center - Oak Cliff 7

PHOTO: ANDREW SMITH

WALK AND ROLL

On average, there are 232 sunny days a year in Dallas-Fort Worth, and lots of sunshine means lots of time to be outside. Walking, running, hiking, and biking are popular here, and we’ve got plenty of places to explore outdoors. The city of Dallas has more than 100 miles of hike and bike trails—and outside the city, where urban life gives way to more pastoral pursuits, you’ll find so many more. The Katy, Santa Fe, and White Rock trails are lovely paved paths, but if a walk (or ride) in the woods is more to your liking, it’s only a matter of effort. Certified Master Naturalist Bill Holston recommends Cedar Ridge Preserve in South Dallas for its wooded hills and wildlife, Dogwood Canyon in Cedar Hill for its hilly terrain and flowering trees in spring, and Oak Point Park and Nature Preserve in Plano for its creeks, ponds, and easy-to-follow routes.

TRAILS

1 ERWIN PARK

1

2 FRISCO NW COMMUNITY PARK TRAIL

35

2

3 KNOB HILLS 4 ARBOR HILLS

35E 121

3

4 35E

THE FIVE MOST POPULAR TRAILS, ACCORDING TO DORBA* 1 2 3 4 5

Big Cedar Wilderness Trail - Dallas Boulder Park - Dallas Northshore Trail – Flower Mound River Legacy Parks Mountain Bike Trail - Arlington Rowlett Creek Preserve - Garland

*Dallas Off-Road Bicycle Association For more information, go to dorba.org.

5 9

114

35W

5 NORTHSHORE TRAIL

75

6 KATIE JACKSON

6

121

7 8

635 75

78

10 HARRY MOSS PARK

30

183

820

12

161

11

80

12

30

15

175

14

20

11 L.B. HOUSTON NATURE TRAILS 12 RIVER LEGACY

13

360

20

8 ROWLETT CREEK PRESERVE 9 HORSESHOE

10 35W

7 SQUABBLE CREEK

16

35E 35W

13 OAK CLIFF NATURE PRESERVE 14 BOULDER PARK 15 BIG CEDAR 16 GOAT ISLAND PRESERVE

45

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LIVING IN DFW

LAKE RAY HUBBARD

PHOTO: CITY OF ROCKWALL

UNTROUBLED WATERS People used to living near an ocean or one of the Great Lakes often look at Dallas-Fort Worth on a map and lament its landlocked state. It just seems so far from water—how do we live without a surfboard or a sailboat? The answer to that is we don’t! We’ve got shores galore (though we do have to replace the surfboard with a wakeboard). The roughly 8,000-acre Grapevine Lake in Grapevine (where else?) is best known for its diversity of watersports. You can engage in many types of activities there, from swimming and boating to jet skiing and windsurfing. The lake also has good fishing and nice campgrounds. Joe Pool Lake, southwest of Dallas, is nearly as big, at roughly 7,000 acres. Joe Pool Marina and Lynn Creek Marina have hundreds of wet slips for all kinds of boats; rentals are available, too. Though the lake has great camping in Cedar Hill State Park and nice beaches, it is best known for its excellent fish stock: largemouth black bass; white, striped, and yellow bass; carp; catfish; crappie; gar; and sunfish. Reeling one in is as easy as baiting a hook.

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MORE PLACES TO MAKE A SPLASH Lake Arlington Arlington 7 Benbrook Lake Southwest Tarrant County 7 Eagle Mountain Lake Northwest Tarrant County 7 Lake Lavon near Wylie 7 Lake Worth Fort Worth 7 Lake Tawakoni near Greenville 7 Cedar Creek Reservoir Henderson & Kaufman counties 7

S U M M E R / FA L L 2 0 1 5

LAKES

LIVING IN DFW

RAY ROBERTS LAKE

LAKE BRIDGEPORT LAVON LAKE

LEWISVILLE LAKE

GRAPEVINE LAKE NORTH LAKE

EAGLE MOUNTAIN LAKE LAKE MINERAL WELLS

WEATHERFORD LAKE

WHITE ROCK LAKE

LAKE WORTH

NEW TERRELL CITY LAKE

MOUNTAIN CREEK LAKE

LAKE ARLINGTON

LAKE PALO PINTO

LAKE TAWAKONI

LAKE RAY HUBBARD

JOE POOL LAKE

BENBROOK RESERVOIR

KAUFMAN LAKE

LAKE GRANBURY ALVARADO PARK LAKE SQUAW CREEK LAKE

LAKE WAXAHACHIE

LAKE PAT CLEBURNE

CEDAR CREEK RESERVOIR

LAKE BARDWELL

RICHLAND CHAMBERS RESERVOIR

PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK

PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK

PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK

PHOTO: MICHAEL SAMPLES

LAKE HALBERT

WHITE ROCK LAKE

LAKE RAY ROBERTS

LAKE RAY HUBBARD

LAKE LEWISVILLE

East Dallas 7 Fishing and picnicking 7 Kayak, canoe, and paddleboard rentals 7 Corinthian Sailing ClubWhite Rock Rowing 7 9-mile running and biking trail around the lake

Northeast of Denton 7 Great fishing (bass, catfish, crappie) 7 Lake Ray Roberts Marina 7 Boating, including boat rentals 7 Walk-in campsites and picnic pavilions 7 Lantana Resort, with horse stalls

Dallas, Kaufman, Collin, and Rockwall counties 7 Great fishing (bass, catfish, crappie) 7 Boating, including boat rentals 7 Three marinas, a number of boat ramps, and several yacht clubs 7 The Harbor Rockwall, featuring restaurants, shops, and entertainment

Lewisville 7 Boating, including boat rentals 7 Five marinas 7 Lots of beaches and picnic areas 7 Nice campgrounds 7 Party cove

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Each year, DFW hosts two PGA Tour tournaments: the AT&T Byron Nelson at the TPC Four Seasons Resort and Club in Las Colinas and Crowne Plaza Invitational at Colonial Country Club in Fort Worth. No, you don’t have to be a pro to play these courses, but you’ve got plenty of other options, too. We have more than 100 public golf courses in the area, and they touch on all skill levels and price points. Golf Digest named Dallas National Golf Club in Southwest Dallas the top course in the state. Cowboys Golf Club in Grapevine makes several “best” lists. It’s an “overthe-top NFL-themed golf course once owned by Jerry Jones,” according to the Golf Channel—and a superb course despite the theme-park-sounding description. The Tribute and Old American golf clubs in The Colony also pop up on list after list, but there are many more worth a swing.

BYRON NELSON CHAMPIONSHIP AT TPC FOUR SEASONS, LAS COLINAS

PHOTO: IRVING CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU

LIVING IN DFW

GOLF LEADERBOARD

1

TOP-RATED DFW COURSES 1 THE BRIDGES 2 BROOK HOLLOW

35

3 CLEBURNE GOLF LINKS 4 COLONIAL 5 COUNTRY VIEW

2414

6 THE COURSES AT WATTERS CREEK

16

121

675

21

7 COWBOYS GOLF CLUB

35E

8

8 COYOTE RIDGE 9 DALLAS NATIONAL

15

121 114

7

10 FRISCO LAKES

200

635

11 THE GOLF CLUB FOSSIL CREEK

35W 75

12 HIDDEN CREEK

11

13 IRON HORSE

23

78

30

2

183

13

19 161

14 OLD AMERICAN

80

820

15 PRESTON TRAIL

17

30

16 RIDGEVIEW RANCH

360

4

17 STEVENS PARK

12

9

20

20

19 TEXAS STAR

35E

20 TIERRA VERDE

35W

21 TOUR 18 DALLAS

5

No.

12

22 TPC CRAIG RANCH

45

23 TPC FOUR SEASON LAS COLINAS 24 THE TRIBUTE GOLF CLUB 25 TWIN LAKES 3

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Number of golf courses in the Dallas-Fort Worth area

175

20

18 SUGARTREE

18

22

10

35E

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This list was compiled by cross-referencing lists from Golf Advisor, Golf Channel, Golf Digest, Golf Week, and the Dallas Business Journal.

1

Golf Digest ’s ranking of DFW on its list of Top 20 Cities for Golf (2011)

S U M M E R / FA L L 2 0 1 5

Dallas-Fort Worth is a marvelous mix of people of all faiths, Christian and non-Christian alike. Members of every Protestant group will find church homes here, as well as Catholics, Mormons, Lutherans, SeventhDay Adventists, and Unitarian Universalists. Non-Christian faiths represented here include Judaism, Islam, Buddhism, and Hinduism, as well as smaller groups such as Bahá’í Faith, Jain, Sikh, Tao, and Zoroastrian.

> MegaFest, a family-oriented inspirational festival led by Bishop T.D. Jakes, drew 80,000 attendees from more than 30 countries to Dallas in August. PHOTO: FIRST BAPTIST DALLAS

> Cathedral Shrine of the Virgin of Guadalupe, in the Arts District portion of downtown Dallas, has the largest Latino parish congregation in the nation. > Approximately two dozen Buddhist temples are located in the region, among them the Kadampa Meditation Center, offering meditation classes and workshops.

CHUA DAO QUANG BUDDHIST TEMPLE, GARLAND

> Temple Emanu-El, founded in 1875, was the first Jewish congregation in North Texas and is the largest synagogue in the South and Southwest United States. > There are five Sikh temples— among them the Gurudwara Singh Sabha in Richardson.

PHOTO: MICHAEL SAMPLES

S U M M E R / FA L L 2 0 1 5

SOURCE: DRC RESEARCH

> Dallas hosts the “world’s largest gay church,” Cathedral of Hope, with more than 4,000 members.

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LIVING IN DFW

RELIGIOUS GROUNDS

FIRST BAPTIST DALLAS

$100

Dallas-Fort Worth is home to exemplary medical facilities operating with the newest technology and seasoned and qualified professionals. Our state-of-the-art healthcare is supported by aggressive research and educational programs, and residents here find it easy to maintain a healthy lifestyle with world-renowned physicians and top-notch hospitals providing the highest-quality healthcare. Wherever you live, there is a medical expert nearby able to treat conditions ranging from bunions and backaches to broken bones and brain tumors. But don’t take our word for it: in 2014, 18 Dallas-Fort Worth general hospitals were listed as either nationally ranked or high performing by U.S. News & World Report. Two children’s hospitals made the list.

AVERAGE DOCTOR’S VISIT

U.S NEWS BEST HOSPITALS 2014-15

$116

CHILDREN’S MEDICAL CENTER DALLAS Dallas > Nationally ranked in 8 specialties

AVERAGE OPTOMETRIST VISIT

$94

PHOTO: BAYLOR UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER

LIVING IN DFW

TOP-NOTCH HEALTHCARE

AVERAGE DENTIST VISIT SOURCE: ACCRA Q2, 2015

MAJOR HOSPITALS 35

23 31

BAYLOR UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER Dallas > Nationally ranked in 6 specialties > High performing in 6 specialties > Ranked the No. 2 hospital in Texas

22 35E 121 75

14

24

30

121

114

35W

12

25

35E

26

635

21

5 753

35W 820

19

183 20

27

11 2 7

78

30

1

161

80

10

13 30 17 16 4 9 6

12

360

8

15

175

20

28

COOK CHILDREN’S MEDICAL CENTER Fort Worth > Nationally ranked in 7 specialties

18

20

35E

29

UT SOUTHWESTERN MEDICAL CENTER Dallas > Nationally ranked in 2 specialties > High performing in 9 specialties > Ranked the No. 5 hospital in Texas TEXAS HEALTH HARRIS METHODIST HOSPITAL Fort Worth > High performing in 11 specialties > Ranked the No. 9 hospital in Texas

35W

SOURCE: DRC Research

1 BAYLOR UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER AT DALLAS

11 UT SOUTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL

2 PARKLAND MEMORIAL HOSPITAL

12 THE MEDICAL CENTER OF PLANO

3 TEXAS HEALTH PRESBYTERIAN HOSPITAL DALLAS

13 TEXAS HEALTH ARLINGTON MEMORIAL HOSPITAL

4 TEXAS HEALTH HARRIS METHODIST FORT WORTH

14 TEXAS HEALTH PRESBYTERIAN HOSPITAL PLANO

5 MEDICAL CITY DALLAS (INCLUDES MEDICAL CITY CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL)

15 MEDICAL CENTER OF ARLINGTON

6 BAYLOR ALL SAINTS MEDICAL CENTER AT FORT WORTH

17 COOK CHILDREN’S MEDICAL CENTER

7 CHILDREN’S MEDICAL CENTER DALLAS

16 PLAZA MEDICAL CENTER OF FORT WORTH 18 METHODIST CHARLTON MEDICAL CENTER

45

22 MEDICAL CENTER OF MCKINNEY 23 TEXAS HEALTH PRESBYTERIAN HOSPITAL OF DENTON 24 MEDICAL CENTER OF LEWISVILLE 25 BAYLOR MEDICAL CENTER AT CARROLLTON 26 BAYLOR REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER AT GRAPEVINE 27 DOCTORS HOSPITAL AT WHITE ROCK LAKE 28 TEXAS HEALTH HARRIS METHODIST SOUTHWEST

8 VETERANS AFFAIRS MEDICAL CENTER

19 TEXAS HEALTH HARRIS METHODIST HOSPITAL H-E-B

9 JOHN PETER SMITH HOSPITAL

20 BAYLOR MEDICAL CENTER AT IRVING

30 METHODIST RICHARDSON MEDICAL CENTER

21 BAYLOR MEDICAL CENTER AT GARLAND

31 DENTON REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER

10 METHODIST MEDICAL CENTER

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29 HUGULEY MEMORIAL HOSPITAL

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PEOPLE

PEOPLE

BREAKING DOWN THE DEMOGRAPHICS

MY DALLAS STORY | DEMOGRAPHIC OVERVIEW | POPULATION MARKET TAPESTRY | INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITIES | DIVERSITY

S U M M E R / FA L L 2 0 1 5 PHOTO: UNIVERSITY OF NORTH TEXAS

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MY DALLAS STORY

CREATING A CAJUN/ AUSTRALIAN/TEXAN FAMILY JUSTIN BACK OCCUPATION: North Texas Regional VP, Acadian Ambulance CURRENT CITY: Oak Lawn, Dallas You recently moved from Louisiana but are originally from Australia. Why Dallas? I was invited to move here by my company. It was a very easy decision given the size and growth activity in Dallas, and the inherent potential therein. Good friends spoke extremely highly of the lifestyle, business opportunities, and the environment for raising young children. My wife is a speech therapist and she easily found work in a great clinic, working with kids from a wide variety of nationalities and backgrounds, so it has been a positive move for us both. What makes Dallas a good place to start a family? Right now, my wife and I are standing by to welcome our first baby into the world. A Cajun and an Aussie having a native Texan born bub is going to make for exciting times. The quality of hospitals, access to early development, childcare, and other specialist services here are incredible. My wife is very happy in Dallas. We have established strong friendships with other young families, and so all in all, the future looks bright to raise a young family here. How do you interact with your Aussie community? I have played a couple of games with the local Australian Rules Football Club (Dallas Magpies,) who are a top group of guys. Will living in Dallas affect your travels home? When it comes time to take the bub to Australia for Christmas, DFW is going to make it easier than it otherwise would be. DFW is only 16 hours to Sydney, which is closer to home than any other airport in the U.S.! How is the business climate for you? Working at an employee-owned company, I am excited to see Acadian Ambulance growing in this market. We have invested a lot in growing the size of our team here, and developing the Acadian way of looking after our patients, their families, the facilities we work with, and each other. The general growth in Dallas is setting the conditions for the future. Seeing more multinational companies moving to the Dallas area is very exciting. Having lived and worked around the world, I have never been as optimistic about an economy as this one. It’s still far from the salt water, but that’s a small sacrifice.

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PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK

PHOTO: KEVIN MARPLE

JUSTIN BACK

DEMOGRAPHICS With regard to key demographics, Dallas-Fort Worth competes favorably with other worldclass metropolitan areas across the United States. Residents here are young and well-educated, perhaps because our central location draws people with lower prices and less congestion than a city such as Chicago and more depth than other fast-growing markets such as Denver or Phoenix. The region’s low cost of living means we enjoy a higher standard of living on a lower median household income than in many other large markets, such as those located on the East or West coasts. Our area is rich in diversity—with half of our residents being of a race other than white and more than 17 percent being foreign-born—and continues to diversify with each passing year.

MORE THAN 1,200,000 RESIDENTS

WERE ADDED TO THE DFW AREA FROM 2000 TO 2010 THE RAPID INFLUX OF RESIDENTS HAS LED DFW TO BECOME ONE OF THE FASTER GROWING U.S. METROS IN THE PAST DECADE

TOTAL POPULATION: 6,954,330

10,500,000 WILL LIVE IN THE DFW AREA BY 2040 S U M M E R / FA L L 2 0 1 5

30.1% 21.5% 28.9% 15.7% 3.8% 33.9

FOREIGN-BORN POPULATION

17.4%

PEOPLE

AGE

0-19 YEARS 20-34 YEARS 35-54 YEARS 55-74 YEARS 75+ YEARS MEDIAN AGE

WORLD REGION OF BIRTH OF FOREIGN BORN

FOREIGN BORN

EUROPE ASIA AFRICA OCEANIA LATIN AMERICA NORTH AMERICA

4.6% 24.7% 5.6% 0.3% 63.7% 1.1%

RACE/ ETHNICITY

WHITE HISPANIC BLACK OR AFRICAN AMERICAN ASIAN OTHER

50.2% 27.6% 14.7% 5.5% 2.3%

LABOR FORCE

MANAGEMENT AND PROFESSIONAL SERVICE SALES AND OFFICE CONSTRUCTION, EXTRACTION, MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR PRODUCTION, TRANSPORTATION, AND MATERIAL MOVING

37.4% 15.8% 25.9%

EDUCATION

LESS THAN 9TH GRADE 9TH TO 12TH GRADE, NO DIPLOMA HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATE/GED SOME COLLEGE/NO DEGREE ASSOCIATE’S DEGREE BACHELOR’S DEGREE GRADUATE/PROFESSIONAL DEGREE

7.7% 8.5% 22.9% 22.7% 6.5% 21.3% 10.4%

HOUSEHOLD INCOME

AVERAGE HOUSEHOLD SIZE $0-$34,999 $35,000-$74,999 $75,000-$149,999 $150,000+ MEDIAN HOUSEHOLD INCOME

[OCCUPATIONS OF PERSONS 16 AND OLDER]

PHOTOS: ISTOCKPHOTO

[PERSONS 25 AND OLDER]

9.5% 11.4%

2.78 29.5% 31.8% 27.0% 11.7% $58,356

SOURCE: US Census Bureau, 2013

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PEOPLE

1980–2014 CITY AND COUNTY

POPULATION FINAL CENSUS 4/1/80

FINAL CENSUS 4/1/90

FINAL CENSUS 4/1/00

FINAL CENSUS 4/1/10

COLLIN COUNTY ALLEN ANNA CELINA FAIRVIEW FARMERSVILLE FRISCO LAVON LOWRY CROSSING LUCAS MCKINNEY MELISSA MURPHY PARKER PLANO PRINCETON PROSPER WYLIE

144,762 8,314 855 1,520 893 2,360 3,499 185 443 1,371 16,256 604 1,150 1,098 72,331 3,408 675 3,152

264,036 18,309 904 1,737 1,554 2,640 6,141 303 865 2,205 21,283 557 1,547 1,235 128,713 2,321 1,018 8,716

491,675 43,554 1,225 1,861 2,644 3,118 33,714 387 1,229 2,890 54,369 1,350 3,099 1,379 222,030 3,477 2,097 15,132

782,341 84,246 8,249 6,028 7,248 3,301 116,989 2,219 1,711 5,166 131,117 4,695 17,708 3,811 259,841 6,807 9,423 41,427

885,241 94,179 10,571 7,086 8,361 3,427 145,035 2,600 1,779 6,554 156,767 6,703 20,230 4,247 278,480 8,140 14,416 45,913

290,666 40,692 7,024 4,167 4,604 183 83,275 1,832 482 2,276 76,748 3,345 14,609 2,432 37,811 3,330 7,326 26,295

59.12% 93.43% 573.39% 223.91% 174.13% 5.87% 247.00% 473.39% 39.22% 78.75% 141.16% 247.78% 471.41% 176.36% 17.03% 95.77% 349.36% 173.77%

DALLAS COUNTY ADDISON BALCH SPRINGS CEDAR HILL COCKRELL HILL COPPELL DALLAS DESOTO DUNCANVILLE FARMERS BRANCH GARLAND GLENN HEIGHTS GRAND PRAIRIE HIGHLAND PARK HUTCHINS IRVING LANCASTER MESQUITE RICHARDSON ROWLETT SACHSE SEAGOVILLE SUNNYVALE UNIVERSITY PARK WILMER

1,556,390 5,553 13,746 6,849 3,262 3,826 904,078 15,538 27,781 24,863 138,857 1,033 71,462 8,909 2,837 109,943 14,807 67,053 72,496 7,522 1,640 7,304 1,404 22,254 2,367

1,852,810 8,783 17,406 19,976 3,746 16,881 1,006,877 30,544 35,748 24,250 180,650 4,564 99,616 8,739 2,719 155,037 22,117 101,484 74,840 23,260 5,346 8,969 2,228 22,259 2,479

2,218,899 14,166 19,375 32,093 4,443 35,958 1,188,580 37,646 36,081 27,508 215,768 7,224 127,427 8,842 2,805 191,615 25,894 124,523 91,802 44,503 9,751 10,823 2,693 23,324 3,393

2,368,139 13,056 23,728 45,028 4,193 38,659 1,197,816 49,047 38,524 28,616 226,876 11,278 175,396 8,564 5,338 216,290 36,361 139,824 99,223 56,199 20,329 14,835 5,130 23,068 3,682

2,518,638 15,457 25,120 48,084 4,306 40,678 1,281,047 51,934 39,707 32,560 235,501 11,915 185,453 8,950 5,430 232,406 38,453 144,416 108,617 58,407 23,681 15,723 5,766 24,396 3,848

149,240 -1,110 4,353 12,935 -250 2,701 9,236 11,401 2,443 1,108 11,108 4,054 47,969 -278 2,533 24,675 10,467 15,301 7,421 11,696 10,578 4,012 2,437 -256 289

6.73% -7.84% 22.47% 40.30% -5.63% 7.51% 0.78% 30.28% 6.77% 4.03% 5.15% 56.12% 37.64% -3.14% 90.30% 12.88% 40.42% 12.29% 8.08% 26.28% 108.48% 37.07% 90.49% -1.10% 8.52%

662,614 3,282 2,595 1,469 119,097 1,334 19,935 113,383 2,867 64,669 3,247 15,056 3,246 4,157 7,105 95,290 25,898 1,724 2,786 3,856 1,395 4,786 5,962 6,916 2,612 36,328 8,024

753,363 3,717 2,814 1,659 128,353 1,418 20,836 128,205 3,034 69,650 4,007 15,995 3,372 4,919 7,429 102,889 35,414 1,916 3,178 4,056 1,484 5,311 6,974 7,601 2,790 41,352 11,227

229,638 917 1,095 376 9,521 118 8,610 32,846 688 13,967 1,169 2,883 1,355 2,178 939 17,553 22,252 803 1,039 318 888 N/A 3,152 2,382 1,151 9,797 1,674

53.04% 38.77% 73.00% 34.40% 8.69% 9.70% 76.03% 40.78% 31.57% 27.55% 56.26% 23.68% 71.66% 110.06% 15.23% 22.58% 610.31% 87.19% 59.47% 8.99% 175.15% N/A 112.17% 52.54% 78.78% 36.93% 26.36%

149,610 18,513 2,436 1,863 18,037 1,298 3,492 2,000 10,769 29,621

159,317 18,823 2,508 1,883 20,934 1,349 3,619 2,036 11,560 32,344

38,250 2,468 261 -130 10,557 89 87 226 6,468 8,195

34.35% 15.38% 12.00% -6.52% 141.14% 7.36% 2.56% 12.74% 150.38% 38.25%

DENTON COUNTY ARGYLE AUBREY BARTONVILLE CARROLLTON COPPER CANYON CORINTH DENTON DOUBLE OAK FLOWER MOUND HICKORY CREEK HIGHLAND VILLAGE JUSTIN KRUM LAKE DALLAS LEWISVILLE LITTLE ELM NORTHLAKE OAK POINT PILOT POINT PONDER PROVIDENCE ROANOKE SANGER SHADY SHORES THE COLONY TROPHY CLUB

143,126 1,111 948 441 40,595 465 1,264 48,063 836 4,402 1,422 3,246 920 917 3,177 24,273 926 143 387 2,211 297 Not Incorporated 910 2,574 813 11,586 NI

ELLIS COUNTY ENNIS FERRIS ITALY MIDLOTHIAN OAK LEAF OVILLA PALMER RED OAK WAXAHACHIE

59,743 12,110 2,228 1,306 3,219 Not Incorporated 1,067 1,187 1,882 14,624

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273,525 1,575 1,138 849 82,169 978 3,944 66,270 1,664 15,527 1,893 7,027 1,234 1,542 3,656 46,521 1,255 250 645 2,538 432 Not Incorporated 1,616 3,508 1,045 22,113 3,922 85,167 13,883 2,212 1,699 5,141 984 2,027 1,659 3,124 18,168

432,976 2,365 1,500 1,093 109,576 1,216 11,325 80,537 2,179 50,702 2,078 12,173 1,891 1,979 6,166 77,737 3,646 921 1,747 3,538 507 Not Incorporated 2,810 4,534 1,461 26,531 6,350 111,360 16,045 2,175 1,993 7,480 1,209 3,405 1,774 4,301 21,426

D A L L A S - F O R T W O R T H R E L O C AT I O N + N E W C O M E R G U I D E

ESTIMATED POPULATION 7/1/14

DECENNIAL GROWTH 2000-2010

DECENNIAL GROWTH RATE 2000-2010

S U M M E R / FA L L 2 0 1 5

FINAL CENSUS 4/1/80

FINAL CENSUS 4/1/90

FINAL CENSUS 4/1/00

FINAL CENSUS 4/1/10

ESTIMATED POPULATION 7/1/14

DECENNIAL GROWTH 2000-2010

DECENNIAL GROWTH RATE 2000-2010

17,714 3,332

28,981 4,045

41,100 5,718

51,182 7,978

53,921 9,052

10,082 2,260

24.53% 39.52%

HUNT COUNTY CADDO MILLS COMMERCE GREENVILLE QUINLAN WEST TAWAKONI WOLFE CITY

55,248 1,060 8,136 22,161 1,002 840 1,594

64,343 1,068 6,825 23,071 1,360 932 1,505

76,596 1,149 7,742 24,117 1,370 1,462 1,581

86,129 1,338 8,078 25,557 1,394 1,576 1,412

88,493 1,432 8,599 26,180 1,416 1,623 1,415

9,533 189 336 1,440 24 114 -169

12.45% 16.45% 4.34% 5.97% 1.75% 7.80% -10.69%

JOHNSON COUNTY ALVARADO BURLESON CLEBURNE GRANDVIEW JOSHUA KEENE VENUS

67,649 2,701 11,734 19,218 1,205 1,470 3,013 518

97,165 2,918 16,113 22,205 1,245 3,828 3,944 977

126,811 3,288 20,976 26,005 1,358 4,528 5,003 1,892

150,934 3,785 36,690 29,337 1,561 5,910 6,106 2,960

157,456 3,911 41,818 29,848 1,584 6,002 6,153 3,224

24,123 497 15,714 3,332 203 1,382 1,103 1,068

19.02% 15.12% 74.91% 12.81% 14.95% 30.52% 22.05% 56.45%

71,313 1,788 2,774 5,588 6,490 1,133 2,151 1,028 13,606

103,350 1,942 2,858 14,661 6,703 1,154 3,035 1,535 15,816

111,236 2,053 3,119 17,536 6,982 1,214 3,224 1,823 16,561

32,037 154 84 9,073 213 21 884 507 2,210

44.92% 8.61% 3.03% 162.37% 3.28% 1.85% 41.10% 49.32% 16.24%

64,785 1,169 672 711 2,322 1,740 14,804 2,328

88,495 1,726 1,108 1,637 2,441 2,062 19,000 2,849

116,927 2,716 1,288 1,662 2,494 2,658 25,250 3,982

123,164 3,110 1,383 1,974 3,262 2,756 27,769 4,738

28,432 990 180 25 53 596 6,250 1,133

32.13% 57.36% 16.25% 1.52% 2.17% 28.90% 32.89% 39.77%

25,604 475 2,108 646 10,486 2,206

43,080 463 4,149 914 17,976 2,957

78,337 6,357 6,921 1,373 37,490 9,349

87,809 8,812 7,999 1,877 41,785 10,757

35,257 5,894 2,772 459 19,514 6,392

81.84% 1273.00% 66.81% 50.22% 108.56% 216.17%

5,360 1,949

6,809 2,122

8,490 2,444

8,694 2,544

1,681 322

24.69% 15.17%

1,170,103 261,721 8,868 43,762 19,564 2,133 12,724 6,974 1,758 2,715 38,149 5,672 11,482 447,619 29,202 32,856 795 33,574 13,683 4,096 4,591 816 15,607 45,895 2,371 1,271 7,978 6,580 8,551 3,928 7,065 20,009 2,350 15,472

1,446,219 332,969 9,600 47,152 20,208 2,388 19,636 7,467 2,186 2,550 46,005 5,836 12,949 534,694 42,059 39,018 1,134 36,273 27,345 5,850 4,618 1,040 28,031 55,635 2,318 1,505 8,132 6,985 12,374 4,181 21,519 21,908 2,124 14,831

1,809,034 365,438 10,947 46,979 21,234 2,394 22,807 12,838 2,259 2,776 51,277 6,108 12,355 741,206 46,334 42,409 1,517 37,337 39,627 6,763 4,584 1,307 56,368 63,343 2,394 1,547 7,801 7,427 19,806 4,686 26,575 23,497 2,472 16,116

1,945,360 383,204 11,530 48,908 22,419 2,475 24,952 14,572 2,355 2,953 53,630 6,315 12,795 812,238 50,844 43,913 1,719 38,733 43,924 7,394 4,727 1,372 62,246 68,529 2,505 1,615 8,041 7,671 21,703 4,825 29,086 24,345 2,632 16,896

362,815 32,469 1,347 -173 1,026 6 3,171 5,371 73 226 5,272 272 -594 206,512 4,275 3,391 383 1,064 12,282 913 -34 267 28,337 7,708 76 42 -331 442 7,432 505 5,056 1,589 348 1,285

25.09% 9.75% 14.03% -0.37% 5.08% 0.25% 16.15% 71.93% 3.34% 8.86% 11.46% 4.66% -4.59% 38.62% 10.16% 8.69% 33.77% 2.93% 44.91% 15.61% -0.74% 25.67% 101.09% 13.85% 3.28% 2.79% -4.07% 6.33% 60.06% 12.08% 23.50% 7.25% 16.38% 8.66%

34,679 865 1,041 3,581 800 4,252 651 605 700

48,793 1,007 1,099 4,827 947 5,201 887 551 1,104

59,127 1,334 1,207 5,976 1,002 6,042 1,005 1,522 1,286

61,638 1,377 1,287 6,239 1,052 6,339 1,043 1,590 1,381

10,334 327 108 1,149 55 841 118 971 182

21.18% 32.47% 9.83% 23.80% 5.81% 16.17% 13.30% 176.23% 16.49%

KAUFMAN COUNTY COMBINE CRANDALL FORNEY KAUFMAN KEMP MABANK TALTY TERRELL PARKER COUNTY ALEDO ANNETTA HUDSON OAKS RENO SPRINGTOWN WEATHERFORD WILLOW PARK ROCKWALL COUNTY FATE HEATH MCLENDON-CHISHOLM ROCKWALL ROYSE CITY SOMERVELL COUNTY GLEN ROSE TARRANT COUNTY ARLINGTON AZLE BEDFORD BENBROOK BLUE MOUND COLLEYVILLE CROWLEY DALWORTHINGTON GARDENS EDGECLIFF VILLAGE EULESS EVERMAN FOREST HILL FORT WORTH GRAPEVINE HALTOM CITY HASLET HURST KELLER KENNEDALE LAKE WORTH LAKESIDE MANSFIELD NORTH RICHLAND HILLS PANTEGO PELICAN BAY RICHLAND HILLS RIVER OAKS SAGINAW SANSOM PARK SOUTHLAKE WATAUGA WESTWORTH VILLAGE WHITE SETTLEMENT WISE COUNTY ALVORD BOYD BRIDGEPORT CHICO DECATUR NEWARK RHOME RUNAWAY BAY

39,015 688 831 2,483 4,658 1,035 1,443 Not Incorporated 13,225 44,609 1,027 454 309 1,174 1,658 12,049 1,113 14,528 263 1,459 Not Incorporated 5,939 1,566 4,154 NI 860,880 160,113 5,822 20,821 13,579 2,169 6,700 5,852 1,100 2,695 24,002 5,387 11,684 385,164 11,801 29,014 262 31,420 4,156 2,594 4,394 957 8,102 30,592 2,431 Not Incorporated 7,977 6,890 5,736 3,921 2,808 10,284 3,651 13,508 26,575 874 889 3,737 890 4,104 466 478 504

52,220 1,329 1,652 4,070 5,238 1,184 1,739 Not Incorporated 12,490

PEOPLE

HOOD COUNTY GRANBURY

SOURCE: U.S. Census Bureau

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The market tapestry is a fascinating snapshot of lifestyle choices. Based on demography and geography, the main purpose of this type of data is targeted marketing efforts, but the high-level picture of types of neighborhoods and the people who live in them based on the activities and expenses of those people is a compelling story all on its own. Some segments develop as a result of age, some show up as a result of money, and still others result from ethnic influence.

PHOTO: AMON CARTER MUSEUM OF AMERICAN ART

PEOPLE

MARKET TAPESTRY

SOURCE: DRC Research

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POPULATION

PERCENTAGE OF DFW POPULATION

$100,100$116,100

1,204,307

17.8%

$80,000$101,900

186,341

2.7%

$55,100$100,100

196,383

2.9%

$56,000$86,900

848,362

12.5%

$47,000$67,700

413,573

6.1%

$40,300$75,600

273,769

4.0%

$26,800$65,100

1,675,790

24.7%

$27,200$61,400

374,076

5.5%

$16,300$64,800

92,366

1.4%

$29,100$44,400

285,068

4.2%

$17,600$40,600

561,481

8.3%

$21,700$40,600

236,992

3.5%

$21,900$41,700

378,388

5.6%

$17,600$42,500

55,396

0.8%

MEDIAN HOUSEHOLD INCOME

AFFLUENT ESTATES

Established wealth— educated, well-traveled married couples

UPSCALE AVENUES

Prosperous, married couples in higher density neighborhoods

UPTOWN INDIVIDUAL

Younger, urban singles on the move

FAMILY LANDSCAPES

Successful younger families in newer housing

GEN X URBAN

Gen X in middle age; families with fewer kids and a mortgage

COZY COUNTRY LIVING

Empty nesters in pastoral settings

ETHNIC ENCLAVES

Established diversity— young, Hispanic homeowners with families

MIDDLE GROUND Lifestyles of thirtysomethings

SENIOR STYLES

Senior lifestyles reveal the effects of saving for retirement

RUSTIC OUTPOSTS

Country life with older families, older homes

MIDTOWN SINGLES

Millennials on the move; single, diverse, and urban

HOMETOWN

Growing up and staying close to home; single householders

NEXT WAVE

Urban denizens; young, diverse, hardworking families

SCHOLARS & PATRIOTS College campuses and military neighborhoods

PEOPLE

ESRI’s Tapestry Segmentation, shown on the map below, combines the who of lifestyle demography with the where of local neighborhood geography to create a model of various lifestyle classifications or segments of actual neighborhoods with addresses—distinct behavioral market segments. To create this map, U.S. residential areas are divided into 65 distinctive segments based on socioeconomic and demographic characteristics to provide an accurate, detailed description of U.S. neighborhoods. These segments are then grouped into the 12 Tapestry Segmentation LifeMode Summary Groups, which are characterized by lifestyle and lifestage and share an experience, such as being born in the same time period, or a trait, such as affluence.

SOURCE: ESRI Market Tapestry 2014

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PLANO INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL

Folks from Argentina to Zimbabwe call DFW home. According to the DFW International Community Alliance, more than 230 languages are spoken here. With a vibrant and growing immigrant population, the region provides all kinds of opportunities for people of many nations and ethnic groups to come together and share their cultures, talents, and perspectives on the world. The maps below represent clusters of various foreign-born populations in the region. SOURCE: U.S. Census American Community Survey 2012 five-year estimates. Population groups are mapped by census tract. Individual dots are randomly located within a particular tract. 35

PHOTO: CITY OF PLANO

PEOPLE

INTERNATIONAL STUDIES

35

CHINA

INDIA

35E

35E 75 121

75 121

35E 35E 114

35W

114

35W

635

635

75

75 78

30

183

820

78

35W 35W

80 30

30

183

820

161

161

12

80 30

12

35E 360 35E 360

175

20

20 20

175

20

20 20

1 DOT = 20 PEOPLE

35W

1 DOT = 20 PEOPLE 35W

35

35 45

EL SALVADOR

JAPAN

45 35E

35E

75 75

121

121 35E 35E

35W

114

35W

114

635 635 75 75 78 78

30

30

183

820

183

820

35W

35W

161 80

161 30

80 30

12

12 35E 360

35E 360

175

20

20

175

20

20

20

20

1 DOT = 20 PEOPLE

1 DOT = 5 PEOPLE 35W

35W

35

35 45 45

VIETNAM

KOREA 35E

35E

75

75

121

121

35E

35E

114

35W

114

35W 635

635 75

75 78

30

78

183

820

35W 161

161

80 30

80 30

12 35E 360 175

20

20

175

20

20

20

20

1 DOT = 20 PEOPLE 35W

1 DOT = 20 PEOPLE 35W

45

/

12 35E

360

118

30

183

820

35W

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PEOPLE

ALL PHOTOS: SHUTTERSTOCK

A DIVERSE REGION The racial makeup of the Dallas-Fort Worth area is more diverse than you may think. Though the majority of our residents are Caucasian or Hispanic, our racial representation spans the world, encompassing ethnicities from every corner of the globe. Pockets of people from various countries pepper the metro area, giving the region a rich, international texture. POPULATION DIVERSITY

35

WHITE BLACK 35E

ASIAN

121

HISPANIC

75

OTHER RACE / NATIVE AMERICAN

35E

1 DOT = 50 PEOPLE

121 114

35W

635 75 35W

78

30

183

820

161 80

12

30 360

175

20 20

35E 35W

45

SOURCE: U.S. Census Bureau

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JOBS

JOBS AN OVERVIEW OF DFW EMPLOYMENT

PHOTO: SOUTHWEST AIRLINES

MY DALLAS STORY MAJOR EMPLOYERS WHAT PEOPLE EARN KEY OCCUPATIONS INDUSTRY CLUSTERS FORTUNE 1000 HEADQUARTERS

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PHOTO: TANNER GARZA

LAUREN DRAKE

TO BEGIN A CAREER, START HERE. LAUREN DRAKE COMPANY: Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital - Southlake CURRENT NEIGHBORHOOD: Dallas - Lowest Greenville

What made you decide to choose Dallas? I had just finished graduate school, and I was looking for a great place to begin my career. I grew up in Dallas and knew moving back would give me a great opportunity. How’s the work environment for you here? The economy here is so big and diverse that jobs are available in almost any sector, so I feel great about my advancement opportunities. I have a long commute, but it is fairly easy to drive. Our highways are predictable so I’m not often caught in unpredictable traffic. How has your opinion of DFW changed since you moved here? I moved back from almost 10 years in D.C. and Baltimore, and I thought I was settling down into a less active life. The opposite is true. My neighborhood is so active and affordable. I can walk to many of the hottest restaurants in town, and I can afford to eat in them! I regularly go downtown to lectures at the DMA or relax in Klyde Warren Park because they are so close that it is super easy to get there. What advice would you give someone who is looking to move here?

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Don’t be scared of the heat! The beautiful months far outnumber the hot ones. Nothing beats sitting by White Rock Lake reading a book in late October! Also, don’t miss the State Fair of Texas. What makes your neighborhood different? Lowest Greenville is such a walkable neighborhood! I thought I was giving that up when I moved here, but thankfully, I haven’t had to. Between the grocery stores and restaurants and parks that are only a few minutes away, I rarely use my car on the weekends or in the evenings. I love that I live so close to the nightlife but can come home to a quiet, leafy street in just a couple blocks. How do you connect to your community? I am an advocate with Dallas CASA. I work with kids in foster care and help make sure they get the best outcome out of a very difficult situation for them and their families. I love being part of making a major impact in the lives of children in our community. It is hard work, but it is so worth it. Discover Lauren’s favorite neighborhood spots online at MyDallasStory.com.

JOBS

BIG-TIME BUSINESSES

MY DALLAS STORY

Dallas-Fort Worth is a magnet for corporate headquarters and major company operations, including 18 Fortune 500 company headquarters and 40 headquarters among the Fortune 1000. A diverse group of household names such as ExxonMobil, Texas Instruments, AT&T, American Airlines, JCPenney, Kimberly-Clark, and Fluor call the region home, providing our communities with tens of thousands of jobs. DFW’s corporate powerhouse companies are an indication of our quality of workforce and ease of commuting between cities and corporate centers. Scanning the roster of major employers, it’s easy to see the breadth and depth of the business community, from high-tech industry leaders, telecommunications, logistics, and finance to consumer brands that enhance the daily lives of families across the globe. Here are just a few of the companies that call DFW home.

PROFESSIONAL & BUSINESS SERVICES ACE Cash Express Alliance Data Systems Corp. Americredit Corp. AT&T BancTec Cash America Comerica Compucom Systems Holding Corp. Container Store Dell Services FedEx Office HKS Inc. HP Enterprise Services Integrated Systems L-3 Communications Lincoln Property Co. Mosaic Sales Solutions Primoris Services Sabre Holdings Corp. Safety-Kleen Sammons Enterprises Source HOV Sun Holdings Supermedia Xerox Business Services CONTINUED ON P.127

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JOBS

MONEY TALKS

Though median wages and salaries in the Dallas-Fort Worth region generally track slightly below national levels, it is less expensive to live here than in some other major metropolitan areas. An abundance of affordable housing, lower grocery bills, and cheaper healthcare tip the cost-of-living scale in our favor. Below you can see the numbers of workers in various job sectors, median wages, and salaries in the DFW area compared to the entire United States.

MANAGEMENT

LEGAL

180,831 | TOTAL WORKERS $96,803 | DF W MEDIAN $87,636 | U.S. MEDIAN

29,256 | TOTAL WORKERS $88,899 | DF W MEDIAN $85,940 | U.S. MEDIAN

BUSINESS & FINANCIAL OPERATIONS

FOOD PREPARATION & SERVING RELATED

CONSTRUCTION & EXTRACTION

294,259 | TOTAL WORKERS $20,114 | DF W MEDIAN $20,102 | U.S. MEDIAN

176,772 | TOTAL WORKERS $34,549 | DF W MEDIAN $39,100 | U.S. MEDIAN

EDUCATION, TRAINING & LIBRARY

BUILDING & GROUNDS CLEANING & MAINTENANCE

INSTALLATION, MAINTENANCE & REPAIR

206,423 | TOTAL WORKERS $66,747 | DF W MEDIAN $63,567 | U.S. MEDIAN

188,157 | TOTAL WORKERS $46,571 | DF W MEDIAN $46,546 | U.S. MEDIAN

129,508 | TOTAL WORKERS $21,486 | DF W MEDIAN $22,930 | U.S. MEDIAN

COMPUTER & MATHEMATICAL

ARTS, DESIGN, ENTERTAINMENT, SPORTS & MEDIA

PERSONAL CARE & SERVICE

132,382 | TOTAL WORKERS $78,291 | DF W MEDIAN $77,055 | U.S. MEDIAN

53,620 | TOTAL WORKERS $43,805 | DF W MEDIAN $42,860 | U.S. MEDIAN

128,222 | TOTAL WORKERS $21,112 | DF W MEDIAN $21,371 | U.S. MEDIAN

ARCHITECTURE & ENGINEERING

HEALTHCARE PRACTITIONER & TECHNICAL

68,798 | TOTAL WORKERS $79,581 | DF W MEDIAN $76,021 | U.S. MEDIAN

179,152 | TOTAL WORKERS $75,816 | DF W MEDIAN $72,805 | U.S. MEDIAN

LIFE, PHYSICAL & SOCIAL SCIENCE

HEALTHCARE SUPPORT

19,986 | TOTAL WORKERS $62,816 | DF W MEDIAN $64,440 | U.S. MEDIAN

81,977 | TOTAL WORKERS $28,787 | DF W MEDIAN $26,927 | U.S. MEDIAN

SALES & RELATED 396,693 | TOTAL WORKERS $36,005 | DF W MEDIAN $32,779 | U.S. MEDIAN

148,197 | TOTAL WORKERS $40,102 | DF W MEDIAN $41,407 | U.S. MEDIAN

PRODUCTION 195,406 | TOTAL WORKERS $30,077 | DF W MEDIAN $32,849 | U.S. MEDIAN

TRANSPORTATION & MATERIAL MOVING 251,681 | TOTAL WORKERS $30,826 | DF W MEDIAN $31,054 | U.S. MEDIAN

OFFICE & ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT 619,378 | TOTAL WORKERS $34,570 | DF W MEDIAN $33,217 | U.S. MEDIAN

COMMUNITY & SOCIAL SERVICE

PROTECTIVE SERVICES

FARMING, FISHING & FORESTRY

39,734 | TOTAL WORKERS $44,845 | DF W MEDIAN $41,356 | U.S. MEDIAN

79,066 | TOTAL WORKERS $39,291 | DF W MEDIAN $40,169 | U.S. MEDIAN

4,586 | TOTAL WORKERS $22,942 | DF W MEDIAN $22,216 | U.S. MEDIAN

SOURCE: Texas Department of Insurance, Economic Modeling Specialists Intl., Q1, 2015

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KEY OCCUPATIONS IN DFW TARGET INDUSTRIES OCCUPATION

2016 JOBS

2017 JOBS

2018 JOBS

DFW MEDIAN INCOME

56,667

57,537

58,345

59,107

$107,662

7,828

8,003

8,162

8,309

$130,266

Financial Managers

11,611

11,845

12,060

12,262

$121,670

Accountants and Auditors

38,276

38,989

39,641

40,239

$69,147

9,186

9,361

9,521

9,660

$76,233

Loan Officers

12,828

13,160

13,457

13,724

$57,850

Computer Systems Analysts

17,892

18,387

18,831

19,238

$80,781

Computer Programmers

11,732

11,873

11,987

12,082

$77,320

Software Developers, Applications

19,395

19,887

20,331

20,737

$94,096

Software Developers, Systems Software

15,549

15,834

16,103

16,361

$96,381

4,226

4,298

4,363

4,423

$78,481

Network and Computer Systems Administrators

12,447

12,612

12,767

12,909

$79,728

Computer Support Specialists

21,742

22,187

22,597

22,980

$45,441

6,399

6,438

6,483

6,533

$88,826

Registered Nurses

59,683

61,579

63,272

64,816

$70,949

First-Line Supervisors of Non-Retail Sales Workers

11,354

11,344

11,355

11,372

$65,752

First-Line Supervisors of Office and Administrative Support Workers

40,293

41,046

41,739

42,380

$54,590

Bill and Account Collectors

18,400

18,776

19,126

19,458

$32,786

Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks

43,275

44,032

44,730

45,383

$37,665

Customer Service Representatives

80,202

81,237

82,241

83,227

$31,603

Loan Interviewers and Clerks

14,044

14,349

14,619

14,864

$39,088

Receptionists and Information Clerks

19,465

19,958

20,392

20,785

$27,183

Executive Secretaries and Executive Administrative Assistants

20,321

20,460

20,571

20,664

$52,194

Office Clerks, General

84,853

85,804

86,659

87,447

$30,121

First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers

12,107

12,079

12,085

12,113

$53,954

6,021

5,945

5,905

5,888

$25,104

Team Assemblers

25,010

25,167

25,351

25,550

$23,021

Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers

12,260

12,341

12,439

12,553

$34,510

820

786

760

738

$33,103

General and Operations Managers Computer and Information Systems Managers

Financial Analysts

Database Administrators

Mechanical Engineers

Electrical and Electronic Equipment Assemblers

Semiconductor Processors SOURCE: Texas Department of Insurance, Economic Modeling Specialists Intl, Q1, 2015

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2015 JOBS

JOBS

WHERE THE JOBS ARE

The Dallas area is home to a large and diverse array of companies. Whatever your field, you will find many choice options for work here. These maps illustrate the industry clusters—from high-tech to hospitality—in DFW.

75

HIGH-TECH 35E

121

35W

190

820

30

635

183 360 30

12

20

20

Number of HIGH-TECH Advanced Services Businesses NUMBER OF INDUSTRY BUSINESSES 175

1

17

1

75

67 35E

ADVANCED SERVICES ADVANCED SERVICES traditionally have meant headquarters, but also include financial, professional, and technical services ranging from management consulting firms to business insurers, accountants, and legal services.

760

121

35E 35W

88

60

35W

45

190

183

820

30

635

360 30 20

12

20 175

Number Advanced Services Businesses NUMBER of OF ADVANCED SERVICES BUSINESSES 67

1 35E

Source: DRC Research

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60

1

60

45

760

760

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75 35E

75 35E

121

35W

MANUFACTURING

FINANCIAL

121

35W

190

190

360

30

635

183

820 360

30

30

12

20

20

12

20

20 175

175

Number Advanced Services Businesses 67 MANUFACTURING BUSINESSES NUMBERofOF

Number Advanced Services Businesses NUMBER of OF FINANCIAL INDUSTRY BUSINESSES 67

35E

1

5

1

35W

JOBS

30

635

183

820

60

45

35E

75

41

760

12

1

35W

121

TELECOMMUNICATIONS

35E

1

60

45

170

760

HOSPITALITY

35W

121 35W

35E 75

190 190

30

635

635

183

820

30

183

820

12 30 20

360 30

20

12

175

20 Number Advanced Services Businesses NUMBER OFofTELECOMMUNICATIONS BUSINESSES

Number of Advanced Services Businesses NUMBER OF HOSPITALITY BUSINESSES 35E

67

175 35W

1

1

4

45

1

39

60

67

10

1

760

60

112

760

35E

HEALTHCARE

45

35W

35E 121

35W 75

190

635

75 820 360 30

30 12

175

20

20

45

67

20

35E

35W

Number AdvancedINDUSTRY Services Businesses NUMBER OFofHEALTHCARE BUSINESSES 1 Source: DRC Research

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PHOTO: AMERICAN AIRLINES

FORTUNE 1000 HEADQUARTERS

Dallas-Fort Worth continues to draw Fortune and Global 500 headquarters by growth and expansion of local companies as well as by relocations of headquarter operations. It is both a testament to the vibrant, diverse economy in DFW today as well as a natural progression for this region that is so recognized internationally for its strengths in advanced services and headquarter operations.

DENTON SALLY BEAUTY

McKINNEY (#643)

TORCHMARK CORP.

PLANO ALLIANCE DATA SYSTEMS CINEMARK HOLDINGS INC. DENBURY RESOURCES INC. DR PEPPER SNAPPLE GROUP JCPENNEY RENT-A-CENTER

RICHARDSON

(#571) (#789) (#831) (#430) (#235) (#711)

FOSSIL LENNOX INTERNATIONAL

ATMOS ENERGY BRINKER INTERNATIONAL TEXAS INSTRUMENTS VALHI INC.

(#612) (#761) (#227) (#982)

DALLAS LOVE FIELD (#112) (#399) (#370) (#002) (#501) (#109) (#305) (#139) (#542) (#605) (#712)

SOUTHWEST AIRLINES

(#160)

DOWNTOWN/UPTOWN AT&T COMERICA CROSSTEX ENERGY INC. DEAN FOODS ENERGY FUTURE HOLDINGS ENERGY TRANSFER EQUITY HOLLYFRONTIER CORP. NEIMAN MARCUS PRIMORIS SERVICES CORP. REGENCY ENERGY PARTNERS TENET HEALTHCARE TRINITY INDUSTRIES

FORT WORTH CBD DR HORTON RADIO SHACK

(#691) (#689)

DALLAS-LBJ CORRIDOR

FORT WORTH / GRAPEVINE / IRVING / SOUTHLAKE AMERICAN AIRLINES GROUP CELANESE COMMERCIAL METALS EXXONMOBIL FLOWSERVE FLUOR GAMESTOP KIMBERLY-CLARK MICHAELS STORES INC. PIONEER NATURAL RESOURCES SABRE CORP.

(#622)

(#418) (#657)

(#11) (#810) (#986) (#285) (#438) (#54) (#145) (#527) (#987) (#829) (#229) (#559)

9 FORBES TOP PRIVATE COMPANIES (2014) 60 81 82 88 97 126

| ENERGY FUTURE HOLDINGS, Dallas | SAMMONS ENTERPRISES, Dallas | NEIMAN MARCUS GROUP, Dallas | HUNT CONSOLIDATED/ HUNT OIL, Dallas

108 133 139 170

| GLAZER’S, Dallas | MARY KAY, Addison | BEN E KEITH, Fort Worth | GOLDEN LIVING, Plano

| CONSOLIDATED ELECTRICAL DISTRIBUTORS, Irving

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BIG-TIME BUSINESS CONTINUED FROM P135

MANUFACTURING

Austin Industries Balfour Beatty Construction US D.R. Horton Custom Homes Fluor Corporation Lehigh Hanson Co. TD Industries Inc. Turner Construction

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7-Eleven ACE Cash Express Amerisource Bergen Specialty Group Aviall Inc. Brinker International Cinemark Holdings Inc. Consolidated Electrical Distributors Inc. Copart USA Ennis Inc. First Cash Financial Services Inc. Fossil Inc. Freeman Corp. GameStop Corp. JCPenney Corp. Lennox International Mary Kay Inc. Mattress Giant Corp. MetroPCS Michaels Stores Moneygram Neiman Marcus Nokia-Siemens Pier 1 Imports Inc. RadioShack Rent-a-Center Sally Beauty Holdings Inc. Torchmark Corp. Tuesday Morning Valhi Inc. Zale Corp.

HOSPITALITY Ben E. Keith Foods Brinker International CEC Entertainment ClubCorp Dave & Buster’s Fiesta Restaurant Group Glazer’s Distributors Hotels.com LQ Management LSG Sky Chefs USA Inc. NYLO Hotels Omni Hotels Pizza Hut Inc. Silverleaf Resorts Inc. Six Flags Entertainment Park Taco Bueno Co. TGI Friday’s

American Airlines Group Burlington Northern Santa Fe MV Transportation Neovia Logistics Southwest Airlines Toyota North America Trinity Industries

JOBS

CONSTRUCTION

TRANSPORTATION

HEALTHCARE TEXAS HEALTH RESOURCES

PHOTO: TEXAS HEALTH RESOURCES

Alcatel-Lucent Holding Inc. Atrium Companies Inc. Bell Helicopter BlackBerry Builders FirstSource Celanese Corp. Commercial Metals Dallas Airmotive Inc. Dean Foods Co. Diodes Inc. Dr Pepper Snapple Group Inc. Essilor of America Inc. Flowserve Frito-Lay Furmanite Corp. General Motors GKN Aerospace Interstate Batteries Kimberly-Clark Kronos World Wide Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control Mission Foods Peterbilt Motors Co. STMicroelectronics NA Holding Inc. TXI/Texas Industries Texas Instruments Titanium Metals Corp. Trinity Industries Inc. Triumph Aerostructures - Vought Aircraft Williamson-Dickie Manufacturing

TRADE AND SERVICES

Baylor Scott & White Health Christus Health Concentra Inc. Golden Living HMS Holdings Home Care Services Odyssey Healthcare Inc. Outreach Health Services Tenet Healthcare Corp. Texas Health Resources United Surgical Partners International Inc.

ENERGY Alon USA Energy Atmos Energy Corp. CrossTex Energy Denbury Resources Inc. Dresser Energy Future Holdings Corp. Energy Transfer Partners Exco Resources ExxonMobil HollyFrontier Corp. Hunt Oil Company The North American Coal Co. Oncor Electric Delivery Co. Pioneer Natural Resources Quicksilver Resources Inc. Range Resources Regency Energy Partners

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EDUCATION

EDUCATION CHOOSING THE RIGHT SCHOOL FOR EVERY CHILD

MY DALLAS STORY | PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICTS | THE DISTRICTS SPEAK CHOOSING A DISTRICT | BEST HIGH SCHOOLS | PICK YOUR PATH PRIVATE SCHOOLS | HIGHER EDUCATION | MONTESSORI SCHOOLS FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS | ALTERNATIVE SCHOOLING

METHODIST UNIVERSITY 1 2 8SOUTHERN / D A L L A S - F O R T W O R T H R E L O C AT I O N + N E W C O M E R G U I D E

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MY DALLAS STORY

JENNIFER FORD OCCUPATION: Executive Director – The Down Syndrome Guild of Dallas

EDUCATION

A SPECIAL WELCOME TO DOWN SYNDROME FAMILIES JENNIFER FORD

CITY: Melissa

What are some school options? If you go the private route, for younger kiddos, there is The Rise School of Dallas in Highland Park. Notre Dame School of Dallas in downtown starts at age 8 and goes through adult. Children with disabilities are eligible to attend public school in Texas at age 3. It varies from school-to-school and district as to what programs they offer. People call and ask where to go, and we always say that’s the million-dollar question. That’s why we pair them with families, to give them perspective from people who are actually in the school and working with those teachers and special ed directors. Get in touch with the special ed director and say, “Hey, we’re thinking of moving here. Can you tell me about what programs you have?” What programs does the Down Syndrome Guild offer? The new parent group is prenatal to age 4. Currently, we do quarterly Dinner and Discovers for parents, siblings, and their children with Down syndrome. We have child care for the little ones. Parents

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What are resources for families who move here with a Down syndrome member? Give the Downs Syndrome Guild a call first. Our membership database has over 1,500 members. We can connect them with a family in their perspective city that’s more than willing to talk with them about their area and tools. The Down Syndrome Partnership of North Texas covers the Fort Worth side of the region—anything west of about Grapevine. We recommend that families check out the Down Syndrome Clinic at Children’s Medical Center. They are a comprehensive consult clinic that sees patients from birth to age 18. We give a list to families of churches and organizations that offer respite programs so parents and siblings can get a night out. Two are Night Lights and Night OWLS. And we also have a list for our members of therapists and physicians that our families have used in the past.

can network. Then a speaker talks about different therapies or whatever else may pertain. We also do quarterly social events. Again, it is that networking and connection. Parents are the best resources for one another. Our youth age group is age 5–12. We do quarterly events for them and their families. For our teen and adults, we do monthly events. It can vary from educationaltype seminars and conferences to social outings. And then outside of our membership we do a Fall conference every year when we host different therapists, medical professionals, educators and then our parents as well. We also have a two-hour educational series on Saturdays that we do in January, February, April, and May. All of these offerings are free, except for our Fall conference. There is a minimal fee to attend it, which basically covers

your food. Is there financial support in Texas? That’s a biggy when people are moving from other states. Parents may be used to getting a stipend. There could be a 10-14year waiting period for the Medicaid Waiver Program in Texas. We have a one sheet that explains it with all the phone numbers for each county. We also have a new parent and adult resource guide that explains what the programs cover and how to get on the lists. Where are some fun places to go that are accommodating? The Dallas Children’s Theater does a sensory friendly performance of several of their shows. We partner with the Cistercian Preparatory School to host a dance for our teens and adults that partner with some of their students. Hawaiian Falls does a champions day for children with special needs.

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EDUCATION

SCHOOL DISTRICTS School districts in the DallasFort Worth region are locally administered and independent of each other. District lines generally relate to city boundaries, but they are not exclusive to them. For example, the Richardson ISD includes students in Richardson and parts of Dallas and Garland. The Dallas Independent School District—or DISD, as it is known locally—is the region’s largest school district, with nearly 160,000 students and a nationally recognized magnet program. Students attending Dallas ISD schools live in Addison, Balch Springs, Carrollton, Cockrell Hill, Dallas, Farmers Branch, Garland, Highland Park, Hutchins, Mesquite, Seagoville, University Park, and Wilmer. Since 2007, the district has more than quadrupled the number of schools that have reached the state’s highest accountability rating. In Tarrant County, Fort Worth ISD dominates, with more than 83,000 students.

ALVORD 703 | 1465

SANGER 2673 | 1455

SLIDELL 234 | 1304

CHICO 600 | 1403 KRUM 1995 | 1391

D 26,0

DECATUR 2974 | 1468 PONDER 1255 | 1527 BRIDGEPORT 2124 | 1470 PARADISE 1103 | 1499

ARGYLE 1947 | 1569 BOYD 1155 | 1384 NORTHWEST 18,893 | 1495

POOLVILLE 530 | 1459 SPRINGTOWN 3374 | 1463

CARRO 7791 | 1 KELLER 33685 | 1545 AZLE 5970 | 1415

PEASTER 1027 | 1558

EAGLE MT-SAGINAW 18155 | 1452

BIRDVILLE 24,252 | 1458

LAKE WORTH 3213 | 1245 WHITE SETTLEMENT 6552 | 1372

HURST22

CASTLEBERRY 3938 | 1330 FORT WORTH 84360 | 1317

WEATHERFORD 7710 | 1503

6

ALEDO 4861 | 1581

EVERMAN 5507 | 1218

KENNEDALE 3181 | 1439

CROWLEY 15,002 | 1348

MAN 32,73

BURLESON 10711 | 1434 GODLEY 1727 | 1401

JOSHUA 4989 | 1471

GRANBURY 1096 | 1463

KEENE 895 | 1299

WHICH DISTRICT?

ALVARADO 3458 | 1346

CLEBURNE 6566 | 1409

Visit mydallasmove.com to find out which school districts serve your city.

GLEN ROSE 1650 | 1453

RIO VISTA 775 | 1291

Source: Texas Education Agency

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GRANDVIE 1096 | 146

PILOT POINT 1414 | 1418

PROSPER 6395 | 1576

MCKINNEY 24,440 | 1590

FRISCO 45,892 | 1587

LITTLE ELM 6607 | 1387

PRICETON 3616 | 1472

CELESTE 451 | 1659

FARMERSVILLE 1527 | 1443

BLAND 599 | 1521

GREENVILLE 4788 | 1382

LOVEJOY 3722 | 1649

LAKE DALLAS 3952 | 1488

ALLEN 20,262 | 1619

LEWISVILLE 52,698 | 1611

WYLIE ISD 13,673 | 1499

PLANO 54,551 | 1689

OLL 1719

COPPELL 11,329 | 1684 CARROLLTONFARMERS BRANCH GRAPEVINE26,289 | 1460 COLLEYVILLE 13,469 | 1628

BOLES 520 | 1378

ROYSE CITY 5008 | 1375

RICHARDSON 38,169 | 1530

GARLAND 57,504 | 1426

HIGHLAND PARK 7012 | 1780

IRVING 35259 | 1238

CADDO MILLS 1546 | 1530

COMMUNITY 1675 | 1472

QUINLAN 2587 | 1398

ROCKWALL 14,523 | 1545

SUNNYVALE 1366 | 1466 TERRELL 4191 | 1309

ARLINGTON 64,629 | 1435

NSFIELD 35 | 1440

BLUE RIDGE 655 | 1368

EDUCATION

AUBREY 2060 | 1466

-EULESS-BEDFORD 2,129 | 1465

WOLFE CITY 610 | 1300

MELISSA 1890 | 1551

DENTON 047 | 1476

MESQUITE 39,806 | 1337

GRAND PRAIRIE 27,637 | 1344

FORNEY 8633 | 1426

DALLAS 159,487 | 1260 DUNCANVILLE 13,074 | 1368

CEDAR HILL 7848 | 1324

MIDLOTHIAN 7694 | 1469

DESOTO 9399 | 1261

CRANDALL 3164 | 1442

LANCASTER 6820 | 1168

RED OAK 5571 | 1401

KAUFMAN 3848 | 1372

FERRIS 2470 | 1341 SCURRY-ROSSER 975 | 1421 PALMER 1157 | 1412

VENUS 1928 | 1358

EW 63

ANNA 2578 | 1445

CELINA 2071 | 1482

WAXAHACHIE 7795 | 1436

KEMP 1435 | 1411

ENNIS 5691 | 1460

MABANK 3392 | 1494

LEGEND

MAYPEARL 1036 | 1405

ISD NAME

2014 ENROLLMENT | 2013 SAT SCORE

CITY BOUNDARIES

US NEWS & WORLD REPORT BEST HIGH SCHOOLS (2014)

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THE DISTRICTS SPEAK PHOTO: WYLIE ISD

ALLEN ISD SIZE: 20,500 students, pre-K through 12th grade KEY ATTRIBUTES: Allen ISD has a nationally recognized high school, academic excellence demonstrated through standardized testing (advanced placement and IB exams), modern facilities for all students, and state-of-the-art technology in all classrooms and resource areas. PHILOSOPHY: Allen ISD cultivates innovation in education that empowers every learner to realize his or her full potential.

AZLE ISD SIZE: 6,200 students, pre-K through 12th grade KEY ATTRIBUTES: Azle ISD is located 15 miles west of Fort Worth, near Lake Worth and Eagle Mountain Lake. It is a rural school district focused on engaging students in relevant and meaningful work to prepare them for the real worlds of work and college. All Azle ISD students have individual access to one-to-one iPad technology. Azle ISD has partnered with the Schlechty Leadership Center for the past five years to prepare teachers to provide quality instruction that meets the needs of today’s digital learners. PHILOSOPHY: Azle ISD is a district in which students, educators, parents, and community collaborate to create an engaging educational environment that promotes lifelong learning.

BURLESON ISD SIZE: 11,000 students, pre-K through 12th grade KEY ATTRIBUTES: Burleson ISD is recognized as a premier school district in the DFW area. A variety of specialized programs are offered at each campus to ensure that students are both college and career ready. Burleson ISD provides a dynamic and inviting learning environment that is preparing our 21st-century workforce. PHILOSOPHY: The mission of the Burleson ISD is to engage and support every learner with a rigorous curriculum.

CARROLL ISD SIZE: 7,900 students, pre-K through 12 grade KEY ATTRIBUTES: Carroll ISD is a three-time University Interscholastic League 5A Lone Star Cup Champion for academic, athletic, and fine arts achievement; the district has five National Blue Ribbon schools, 14 National Merit semifinalists, 14 National Hispanic Scholars, and 40 Commended students. Carroll was included among Newsweek’s Top 500 U.S. High Schools; th

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Though all school districts strive to give students a quality education, there are differences from district to district. The following information was provided to us by each of the school districts. School districts not included here simply didn’t respond to our survey prior to press time, but they may have responded later. For more extensive information on these and other DFW-area school districts, go to mydallasmove.com. If possible, before you choose a school or a district, call and ask for a tour. There’s no substitute for getting a personal feel for a school and the people who run it.

the district has earned three consecutive AP Honor Roll Awards as announced by the College Board. Our dropout rate is 0 percent, our graduation rate is 99 percent, and our collegebound seniors are 97 percent. PHILOSOPHY: Our mission is to provide a caring and creative learning environment that promotes excellence, fosters integrity, and encourages each student to reach his or her academic, extracurricular, and social potential. In Carroll ISD we value excellence, relationships, character and integrity, innovation, and open and honest communication.

CARROLLTONFARMERS BRANCH ISD SIZE: 26,000 students, pre-K through 12th grade KEY ATTRIBUTES: Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD offers academies and programs for high school students, including BioMed Academy, Law Academy, Academy of Media and Technology, Math Engineering Technology Science Academy, International Business Academy, International Baccalaureate (Elementary through High School Diploma Programme), and an Early College High School. We offer award-winning fine arts programs, including orchestra, band, dance, visual arts, choir, theater, speech, mock trial, debate, and more. PHILOSOPHY: Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD has one goal: high achievement for all students. Every employee is committed to ensuring that each student receives the very best education and reaches his or her full potential. We focus on each student individually and work with parents as a team to provide the best educational experience. Our district prides itself on providing teachers exceptional professional development. We offer the very best staff, facilities, technologies, and individualized plans, so that every student excels.

CEDAR HILL ISD SIZE: 7,900 students, pre-K through 12th grade KEY ATTRIBUTES: Cedar Hill Collegiate High School (a 9th-12th Early College High School) opened in 2008 and was ranked the sixth-best Early College High School in the nation by Newsweek in 2014. Collegiate Middle School will open in 2015 with an inaugural class of sixth graders. Also opening in the fall of 2015: Collegiate Prep Elementary School (pre-K through fifth grade). PHILOSOPHY: Learning to lead. Engaging in excellence.

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CROWLEY ISD SIZE: 15,000 students, kindergarten through 12th grade KEY ATTRIBUTES: Crowley ISD is an acclaimed school district serving the southwest Fort Worth and Crowley communities. CISD has the highest percentage of high school students in Tarrant County enrolled in career and technical courses at the district’s Bill R. Johnson CTE Center. Support is provided by dedicated families, educators, corporations, and community leaders. PHILOSOPHY: Crowley ISD students benefit from a laser focus on excellence in education— academics, arts, athletics, and real-world applications. Our mission is to provide all students with excellence in education so that they achieve their full potential. Crowley ISD provides a world-class, high-quality education that inspires students and empowers them to succeed in the global community.

DALLAS ISD SIZE: 160,000 students, pre-K through 12th grade KEY ATTRIBUTES: Dallas ISD is the 14th-largest school district in the country and home to two of the top schools in the nation: School for the Talented and Gifted and School of Science and Engineering, both located at the renowned Yvonne A. Ewell Townview Center. The district is also home to four 2014 National Blue Ribbon Schools, one of the more prestigious national honors bestowed on schools by the U.S. Department of Education. PHILOSOPHY: Dallas ISD is guided by three core beliefs. Our main purpose is to promote student success through a high-quality education. We believe every student can achieve, and that we must hold students and ourselves to high expectations. We believe only the courageous pursuit of excellence will lead to success.

DECATUR ISD SIZE: 3,000 students, pre-K through 12th grade KEY ATTRIBUTES: Decatur ISD has two-to-one student technology in the elementary schools and one-to-one student technology in grades six through 12. Facilities are state of the art. Partnerships with Weatherford College and other schools in Wise County have led to successful student/teacher collaborations. PHILOSOPHY: Learn digitally. Think creatively. Compete globally. S U M M E R / FA L L 2 0 1 5

DESOTO ISD

SIZE: 13,000 students, pre-K through 12th grade KEY ATTRIBUTES: The mission of Duncanville ISD is to provide each student with the necessary skills to achieve lifelong success and contribute to a global society. Our vision is that Duncanville ISD students will develop personal and academic excellence, tolerance, responsibility, and selfconfidence within a diverse educational setting. Duncanville ISD recognizes that individual student needs are best served by a well-balanced curriculum delivered using a range of instructional techniques. PHILOSOPHY: Duncanville ISD’s educational philosophy is based on five core beliefs: > Purposeful engagement is the most effective long-term way to learn and is our primary responsibility. > Quality teachers are the single most important influence on the quality of learning. > We are a learning organization with a culture of continuous improvement and collaboration. > Each person is unique and of infinite value; therefore, we embrace and celebrate diversity. > Quality schools encourage and sustain quality of life, freedom, democracy, and economic growth.

FRISCO ISD SIZE: 49,000 students, pre-K through 12th grade KEY ATTRIBUTES: Frisco ISD is at the top of the fastest-growing school districts in the state and nation, growing by 7-30 percent annually since the early 1990s. The district continues to add 2,500-3,500 students each year, opening three schools, on average, annually. We are committed S U M M E R / FA L L 2 0 1 5

EDUCATION

DUNCANVILLE ISD

PHOTO: DALLAS ISD

SIZE: 9,500 students, pre-K through 12th grade KEY ATTRIBUTES: DeSoto ISD is a small, suburban district 15 miles south of Dallas in North Texas. The 23-square mile district serves students in DeSoto, Glenn Heights, and Ovilla with 12 campuses and 1,100 employees. Student have choices in school programming, including high school (Collegiate Magnet Program, Early College High School, International Baccalaureate Diploma Program [2015-16]), Middle School (iSTEAM3D Magnet Academies [All three middle schools]), West International Male Leadership Magnet Academy [201516], Middle Years Programme International Baccalaureate [seeking candidacy, 2016-17], East Medical Magnet Academy [2015-16], McCowan Fine Arts Magnet Academy [201516], Elementary (Cockrell Hill Linguistics Magnet Academy [Opens 2015-16]), Frank D. Moates Digital Arts & Technology Magnet Academy [Opens 2016-17], Northside Business and Law Magnet Academy [2015-16], Ruby Young Medical & Environmental Sciences Magnet Academy [2015-16], The Meadows STEAM Magnet Academy [2015-16], Woodridge Fine Arts Magnet Academy, Primary Years Programme International Baccalaureate [seeking candidacy, 2016-17]; and Pre-k (DeSoto Discovery & Design Early Childhood Academy [2015-16]). PHILOSOPHY: Prepare each student academically and socially to be a problem solver and productive citizen for a 21st-century global society. When we think students first, we think with their end result in mind.

to smaller schools as a way to allow students the opportunity to participate and excel in activities and to connect to their schools through meaningful relationships with peers and adults. Our high schools are built to accommodate up to 2,100 students and are classified as 5A under the new University Interscholastic League system. We believe collaboration with community and parents is key to student success. Partnerships with the City of Frisco have resulted in public-private endeavors that have brought world-class facilities and programs to our area, providing young people with exceptional opportunities. PHILOSOPHY: Our mission is to know every student by name and need. We want our students to graduate with the skills to pursue whatever paths they choose upon completion of high school and to be successful and well-rounded citizens in this ever-changing world.

FORT WORTH ISD SIZE: 85,532 students, pre-K through 12th grade KEY ATTRIBUTES: Fort Worth ISD enjoys a diverse student population and strong community partnerships. The district is undergoing a series of initiatives that will redesign, transform, and revitalize schools. The Fort Worth ISD is controlled locally through a Board of Education Trustees elected by voters within each district. Nine trustees serve as single-member district representatives. All of the trustees serve fouryear terms without pay. Every Fort Worth ISD high school will offer Gold Seal Programs of Choice— rigorous courses of study based on students’ interests as well as the needs of the modern workplace. Stand-alone Schools of Choice, in all age groups, largely serve students who desire a nontraditional approach to the learning process. Offered at several elementary and middle schools across the district, in Programs of Choice, students receive a full range of learning experiences along with a more intensive curriculum in such fields as math, science, communications, art, and foreign language. PHILOSOPHY: With a singleness of purpose, preparing students for success in college, career, and community leadership. Igniting in every child a passion for learning.

GRAND PRAIRIE ISD SIZE: 28,428 students, pre-K through 12th grade KEY ATTRIBUTES: Schools and programs of choice, single-gender schools, pre-K/K early education center, elementary fine arts academies, elementary leadership academies, elementary STEM academy, elementary environmental science academy, 6-12 fine arts academy, 6-12 collegiate prep in-district charter, school dedicated to the highly gifted, career-focused high school with 11 comprehensive career education pathways, accelerated alternative high school, HOPE Academy, fifth-grade center, school for law and public safety. PHILOSOPHY: The quality of education of our children is essential to the performance and long-term success of our society. In light of global competition for jobs and a growing demand for more effective, student-focused experiences, we believe that parents and their children must have a portfolio of choices in selecting their educational experience. Grand Prairie ISD offers schools of choice and programs of choice to meet this need.

GRAPEVINE-COLLEYVILLE ISD SIZE: 13,366 students, kindergarten through 12th grade KEY ATTRIBUTES: In the fourth year of its 10-year strategic plan, the district is transforming its culture to provide the foundation that today’s 21st-century learners will need to be successful now and in life beyond high school. GCISD’s strategic plan, LEAD 2021, stands for Leading Excellence-Action Driven. Through four core objectives—preparing students to be college and career ready, harnessing technology for learning, fostering citizenship and mutual respect, and building community involvement—the district is creating an innovative environment where students are inspired, encouraged, and supported. GCISD has 11 National Blue Ribbon Schools and three recipients of the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching. PHILOSOPHY: GCISD believes that providing a topquality education is the first priority of the school system, and we work to inspire, encourage, and empower students to achieve their full potential.

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THE DISTRICTS SPEAK Our goal is to redefine education because our students’ future—the future of our society— matters today. This is being accomplished through the expectations GCISD has for its students and teachers, the positive relationships built across the district and throughout the community, and the innovations taking place in our teaching and students’ learning.

HIGHLAND PARK ISD

HURST-EULESS-BEDFORD ISD SIZE: 22,416 students, K through 12th grade KEY ATTRIBUTES: The Hurst-Euless-Bedford ISD was founded in 1958 when three cities kept their local governments separate but merged their school districts in order to become even more competitive and high performing. HEB ISD’s rich history of excellence is demonstrated today through International Baccalaureate, Asian languages, Spanish Immersion, Core Knowledge Pre-K, and partner schools in China and India. These international programs provide HEB ISD students a world-class education that prepares them to compete in a global economy. HEB ISD is rich with diversity, which gives the district a distinctly international flavor. Students come from homes where more than 70 different native languages are spoken. These include children from Pakistan, the Sudan, Mexico, India, Vietnam, and South Korea. The HEB community has one of the largest Tongan populations outside of the South Pacific.

PHOTO: CARROLL ISD

SIZE: 7,025 students, kindergarten through 12th grade KEY ATTRIBUTES: Highland Park High School consistently receives national recognition for its academic achievements. U.S. News & World Report and Newsweek list HPHS as one of the top high schools in the nation and the top comprehensive high school in Texas. PHILOSOPHY: Highland Park ISD, with an unyielding commitment to excellence, provides an exceptional academic program that recognizes the unique potential of each student and integrates the intellectual, social, cultural, and physical aspects of learning. We empower each student to become an eager lifelong learner, committed to academic excellence, integrity, responsible citizenship, and service to others.

advantage of the dual-credit program with Hill College. In order to better integrate technology, a bring-your-own-device program has been implemented in grades nine through 12. PHILOSOPHY: Joshua ISD develops productive citizens of exceptional character who are lifelong learners. Our core value statements: > Provide a safe and orderly environment. > Inspire students to set goals and achieve high levels of success. > Manage resources effectively and efficiently to promote student success. > Be a source of pride and unity for students, staff, parents, and community.

KELLER ISD

PHILOSOPHY: The mission of the HurstEuless-Bedford Independent School District is to continue its proud tradition of excellence as a diverse, high-performing organization committed to ensuring each student is empowered today to excel tomorrow.

SIZE: 33,700 students, K through 12th grade KEY ATTRIBUTES: Keller ISD has been one of the fastest growing school districts in the state of Texas over the last 20 years. Of the district’s 39 campuses, 23 of them are less than 15 years old. Keller ISD serves a diverse population composed primarily of students living in Keller and Fort Worth, but includes families from seven other municipalities as well. The vertically aligned curriculum allows students to build upon each year’s subject matter without excessive review, also making it easier to transfer from one district school to another seamlessly. PHILOSOPHY: The community of Keller ISD educates our students to achieve their highest standards of performance by engaging them in exceptional opportunities.

JOSHUA ISD

LAKE DALLAS ISD

SIZE: 5,050 students, kindergarten through 12th grade KEY ATTRIBUTES: The district writes its own rigorous curriculum maps with objectives that are designed to challenge students at every grade level. Lessons are evaluated on a regular basis using the continuous improvement model for student success. Students are encouraged to take advanced placement classes and to take 134

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SIZE: 4,000 students, pre-K through 12th grade KEY ATTRIBUTES: Lake Dallas ISD is adjacent to Lewisville Lake in North Texas. The school district covers 9.8 square miles in Denton County, with the beauty of the lake as a backdrop. Lake Dallas, Shady Shores, Corinth, and Hickory Creek are the four towns within the boundaries of Lake Dallas ISD. With a focus on family and community, Lake Dallas ISD provides three neighborhood

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elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school, so all students, from kindergarten through 12th grade, can be Falcons. PHILOSOPHY: Our mission is to provide a quality education so that students may reach their full academic and social potential.

LAKE WORTH ISD SIZE: 3,210 students, pre-K through 12th grade KEY ATTRIBUTES: Lake Worth ISD is a small district in northwest Tarrant County. The heart of the district is nestled between Lake Worth and Marine Creek Lake. The district serves the City of Lake Worth, along with small portions of Sansom Park and Fort Worth. The district has an elementary school, an intermediate school, and a high school within the City of Lake Worth. Two elementary schools and the middle school are located within Fort Worth. PHILOSOPHY: Lake Worth ISD creates an educational experience that inspires and empowers educators and students to be extraordinary.

LANCASTER ISD SIZE: 7,000 students, kindergarten through 12th grade KEY ATTRIBUTES: Lancaster ISD is one of the largest predominantly African-American districts in the state, and we are proud of the significant accomplishments of our students. For four consecutive years, more than 95 percent of our students graduated with a diploma and a letter of acceptance to a college, university, trade school, or the military. We have the highest graduation rate of the Best Southwest cities and one of the higher in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. One hundred percent of our schools met standard on the most recent state assessment, and our schools received multiple distinctions from the Texas Education Agency. Our middle school is the highest-performing middle school in our area. In addition, we are a leader in early childhood educational programs and offer a fullday academic option for 3-year-olds, providing S U M M E R / FA L L 2 0 1 5

CHARTER SCHOOLS

HARMONY PUBLIC SCHOOLS

LEONARD ISD SIZE: 875 students, pre-K through 12th grade KEY ATTRIBUTES: Leonard ISD offers small class sizes, low studentto-teacher ratios, a rural location that is close to the metro area, an easy commute, academic excellence, a wide variety of extracurricular offerings (including UIL athletics, band, and fine arts), vocational education opportunities, and an emphasis on college readiness. PHILOSOPHY: Leonard ISD is dedicated to being a safe, secure, studentcentered, parent-friendly school district where students enjoy the excitement of learning and are challenged to increase their readiness for college or the world of work.

LEWISVILLE ISD SIZE: 52,000 students, pre-K through 12th grade KEY ATTRIBUTES: Lewisville ISD has four 5A high schools and one 4A high school. The district provides school choice opportunities for residents residing in LISD. PHILOSOPHY: LISD’s vision is, “All of our students enjoy thriving, productive lives in a future they create.” A 26-member community committee known as the Strategic Design team developed this vision statement, as well as LISD’s mission statement, goals, and objectives. This team was formed after more than 3,000 citizens from across the district shared their highest hopes for their children. The Strategic Design group meets frequently throughout each school year to assist in moving our district forward. This high level of engagement is a reflection of our district’s philosophy in partnering with our parents and community to provide a world-class education.

LITTLE ELM ISD SIZE: 7,000 students, pre-K (select campuses) through 12th grade KEY ATTRIBUTES: Little Elm ISD is a fast-growing district with a diverse student population. The campuses are unique with open spaces designed for collaborative learning. It is most evident in the newest Project Based Learning campus, Prestwick STEM Academy. High school students can earn college credit hours through the University of Texas OnRamps program, with the dual credit cost paid 100 percent by the district. Special Education students run the nationally recognized Vynami Café. Students in grades 4-12 receive their own laptop for the entire school year. PHILOSOPHY: Little Elm ISD’s mission is to educate and prepare every student to adapt and excel in a competitive global community through partnerships and programs that facilitate academic excellence within a secure and supportive learning environment.

EDUCATION

early academic exploration and social development. We are the first district in Texas to offer a K-through-12 STEM curriculum to all students. Each elementary campus is STEM-focused, with an emphasis on Health Science Technology, Engineering, Information Systems and Software Design, or Global Arts Communications and Entrepreneurship. PHILOSOPHY: The mission of Lancaster ISD, in collaboration with parents and communities, is to ignite learning that translates into sustainable success for all students in an ever-changing society. We aim to prove that it is possible for students from diverse ethnic backgrounds and challenging economic situations to perform at levels that are commensurate to students from more economically advantaged backgrounds; and that it is possible to succeed and break the predictive power of economics, ethnicity, and their inverse relationship with academic excellence. Therefore, we have systems, programs, and people in place to provide our students with an exceptional learning experience to ensure that our students leave us knowing, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that they are equipped to take advantage of choices and opportunities in life. Simply put, we want our students to graduate with “More Than a Diploma.”

SIZE: 8,600 students, kindergarten through 12th grade KEY ATTRIBUTES: Each campus focuses on providing a quality science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education. Many of our schools have also had the honor of being Texas Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (T-STEM) schools. Extracurricular activities include robotics, schoolwide science fair competitions, graphic arts, and computer science. Older students can specialize in coursework that includes cyber security training, biomedical training, and more. PHILOSOPHY: At Harmony Public Schools, we strive to prepare each student for higher education by providing a safe, caring, and collaborative atmosphere featuring a quality, student-centered educational program with a strong emphasis on STEM.

INTERNATIONAL LEADERSHIP OF TEXAS

SIZE: 4,600 students, kindergarten through 12th grade KEY ATTRIBUTES: College-preparatory, trilingual program—all students learn English, Spanish, and Mandarin Chinese. PHILOSOPHY: To prepare students for exceptional leadership roles in the international community by emphasizing servant leadership; mastering the English, Spanish, and Chinese languages; and strengthening the mind, body, and character.

KIPP DFW

SIZE: 1,200 students, pre-K through 2nd grade and 5th through 8th grades KEY ATTRIBUTES: KIPP DFW is part of the Knowledge Is Power Program (KIPP), a national network of 162 free, open-enrollment, collegepreparatory public charter schools serving more than 55,000 students in 20 states and the District of Columbia. KIPP DFW focuses on a small but unique set of commitments. These guiding principles include strong leadership, a commitment to serve scholars who truly need assistance, a focus on character, a sacred promise to our students, the strength of our national KIPP network, and a goal to grow deeply in the heart of underserved areas of our community in order to create the most impact. PHILOSOPHY: The mission of KIPP DFW is to provide students in underserved communities with a free, rigorous, high-quality education that offers the knowledge, skills, and character traits necessary to thrive in school, college, and the competitive world beyond. With high expectations for students and an extended school day and year, KIPP DFW builds a partnership among parents, students, and teachers that puts learning first.

TRINITY BASIN PREPARATORY

SIZE: 1,800 students, pre-K through 8th grade KEY ATTRIBUTES: Trinity Basin Preparatory is a free public charter school of choice with four campuses in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Classroom sizes are smaller compared to public schools, limited to 22 students or fewer. Strict discipline is enforced, and school uniforms are required. PHILOSOPHY: Our mission is to inspire every student to do more, expect more, and be more.

UPLIFT EDUCATION

SIZE: 12,000 students, kindergarten through 12th grade KEY ATTRIBUTES: Uplift schools emphasize a college-going mindset and a global outlook. With academic and college counselors on every high school campus, Uplift scholars are prepared from the beginning to be successful, both during the college application process and then as they work toward their degrees. Through Uplift’s Road to College program, Uplift scholars visit colleges and universities both in Texas and around the country. They learn to navigate the application process and secure scholarships, grants, and financial aid while keeping debt to a minimum. Uplift alumni counselors then support all graduates through college until they earn their degrees. PHILOSOPHY: Uplift is dedicated to providing a free, high-quality college preparatory education to all students, regardless of socioeconomic status.

FOR EXPANDED DISTRICT PROFILES, VISIT MYDALLASMOVE.COM. S U M M E R / FA L L 2 0 1 5

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THE DISTRICTS SPEAK LOVEJOY ISD SIZE: 3,900 students, pre-K through 12th grade KEY ATTRIBUTES: Lovejoy ISD will always be a district with just one high school with a projected enrollment not to exceed 1,900 students. In addition to required credits for graduation, each senior must complete a senior project in order to satisfy the Lovejoy ISD graduation requirements. PHILOSOPHY: Lovejoy ISD is committed to closing the real gap in public education, which is the gap for each student between his or her current performance and his or her potential. Lovejoy is a district that creates a learning environment that supports each of the six pillars of our Graduate Profile. In Lovejoy we work to ensure that each student is: > Intellectually equipped > Open to the challenges of learning > Well-rounded > Fair and respectful of others > Engaged in a healthy lifestyle > Works for justice through community service

MCKINNEY ISD

MANSFIELD ISD SIZE: 33,000 students, K through 12th grade KEY ATTRIBUTES: Mansfield ISD is one of the faster-growing school districts in Texas, with district boundaries that encompass sections of Mansfield, Arlington, Grand Prairie, and small portions of Burleson, Fort Worth, Venus, Alvarado, and Kennedale. As leaders in education, we facilitate community involvement, cultural awareness, instructional practice, curriculum depth, and teacher development, while creating learning environments that provide students with the greatest opportunities for success. PHILOSOPHY: We believe strongly in cultivating strong partnerships among our students, staff, parents, and the greater school district community. Mansfield Independent School 136

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PHOTO: WYLIE ISD

SIZE: 24,500 students, pre-K through 12th grade KEY ATTRIBUTES: McKinney ISD is one of the few school districts in Texas that establishes middle and high school attendance zone boundaries based on socioeconomic factors. This approach allows the district to maintain greater socioeconomic parity among its secondary schools, resulting in greater opportunities for all of our students. The effectiveness of this approach can be seen in the 2014 U.S. News & World Report ranking of the country’s top high schools. In that report, all three McKinney high schools ranked high among Texas schools and did well nationally. In the national ranking, McKinney High School falls within the top 2.1 percent, McKinney Boyd is in the top 2.4 percent, and McKinney North is in the top 2.58 percent of the country’s schools. McKinney High School and McKinney Boyd High School each received Gold Distinction; McKinney North High School received a Silver Distinction. PHILOSOPHY: We are a cohesive, diverse community providing engaging learning experiences so that students can become effective communicators, quality contributors, and socially responsible citizens.

District ensures educational and personal success by aspiring to high academic standards, fostering a community built on mutual support and excellence, delivering innovative educational opportunities, and cultivating productive, lifelong learners.

MESQUITE ISD SIZE: 40,000 students, pre-K through 12th grade KEY ATTRIBUTES: > State recognition for fiscal responsibility (superior achievement on Schools FIRST) > One of 14 Texas school districts named to College Board’s AP Honor Roll > Recipient of the Texas Award for Performance Excellence > Recipient of the Annual Award for Urban School Board Excellence from the Council of Urban Boards of Education > Named one of America’s Top 150 Workplaces in 2013 by the website topworkplaces.com > One of the National Association of Music Merchants’ best communities for music > American Heart Association Fit-Friendly Workplace > Healthy Zone Schools Program PHILOSOPHY: We value all students, all employees, family involvement, continuous improvement, and accountability for all, and lifelong learning.

NORTHWEST ISD SIZE: 19,000 students, pre-K through 12th grade KEY ATTRIBUTES: Northwest ISD is in Fort Worth but serves families in parts of three counties (Denton, Tarrant, and Wise). As a fast-growth district, Northwest ISD operates strategically, planning for new facilities to enhance the student

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learning environment. Each student receives the Profile of a Graduate, a list of specific skills and attributes for graduates to be future ready. Selected as a member of the Texas HighPerformance Schools Consortium, the district is tasked with working toward educational transformation and informing Texas legislators about methods to improve student learning and accountability systems in Texas. PHILOSOPHY: Northwest ISD, in partnership with parents and community, will engage all students in a premier education, preparing them to be successful, productive citizens. The district’s vision is to be the best and most sought-after school district where every student is future ready: ready for college, the global workplace, and personal success.

PLANO ISD SIZE: 55,000 students, pre-K through 12th grade KEY ATTRIBUTES: Steeped in a history of excellence spanning more than 100 years, Plano ISD is a highly-regarded district known for the continual accomplishments of its diverse and competitive student population. Through a comprehensive selection of electives, academic courses, and extracurricular activities, Plano ISD is able to meet the individual needs and talents of its students. PHILOSOPHY: Plano ISD believes that today’s classroom, community, and global environments demand new learning standards for students so that they will have the ability to successfully live in, learn in, lead in, and contribute to a world that is truly global, connected, and increasingly competitive in scope and character.

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RICHARDSON ISD SIZE: 38,283 students, pre-K through 12th grade KEY ATTRIBUTES: Strong emphasis on college and career readiness; schoolwide enrichment model implemented districtwide at K-6, blending gifted instruction and techniques into general curriculum for all students; classroom focus on differentiated instruction for each student based on individual learning profile and understanding/ mastery of curriculum; commitment to smaller, neighborhood schools; magnet school options at all grade levels; wide range of career and technical education offerings across many industries, resulting in license and certification opportunities while simultaneously preparing for college; high community expectations and exceptional community support for schools; commitment to classroom instructional technology and student engagement through wide range of co- and extracurricular options; strong investment in teachers and staff development for all professional and paraprofessional employees; emphasis on school safety and security. PHILOSOPHY: Richardson ISD’s mission is to serve and prepare all students for their global future. Whether students will continue their education in college or are interested in entering the workforce, RISD seeks to equip all graduates with the knowledge, skills, and ability to confidently succeed in whatever path they choose.

WAXAHACHIE ISD SIZE: 8,003 students, pre-K through 12th grade KEY ATTRIBUTES: Waxahachie ISD is located centrally to both Dallas and Fort Worth. The district values lifelong learning for all age groups, with instructional programs for school-age children as well as adult community education. DISTRICT PHILOSOPHY: Waxahachie ISD is committed to support and empower our community of learners for success in the 21st century by developing well-educated, responsible citizens through a cooperative effort with the home and community.

WEATHERFORD ISD SIZE: 7,700 students, pre-K through 12th grade KEY ATTRIBUTES: Located in the heart of Parker County, Weatherford ISD is approximately 20 miles west of Fort Worth and offers a small-town community with all the amenities of the nearby metro area. The district is projected to grow by 100 students each year through the year 2024. PHILOSOPHY: The mission of the Weatherford ISD is to teach, challenge, and inspire each student in a safe, nurturing environment to succeed in the global community. We value and respect all students, employees, parents, partners, and our community. We demonstrate visionary leadership. We engage in and promote personal and organizational learning. We make data-driven decisions. We practice ethical behavior and personal integrity. With a dedicated staff, involved parents, and outstanding community support, our students receive a 21st-century learning experience.

WYLIE ISD SIZE: 13,300 students, pre-K through 12th grade KEY ATTRIBUTES: Wylie ISD and the communities it supports cherish their smalltown feel. From homecoming parades through downtown to numerous volunteer and charitable opportunities, students (and their families) can truly experience the Texas quality of life that many larger cities have lost. PHILOSOPHY: Wylie ISD offers an outstanding academic program with a focus on character education beginning in elementary school. The curriculum includes a wide range of programs, from culinary arts to television production. The district emphasizes technology in the classroom and as a communications tool for parents.

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PHOTO: WYLIE ISD

SIZE: 7,500 students, pre-K through 12th grade KEY ATTRIBUTES: Prosper ISD is one of the faster-growing districts in the state of Texas; PISD pays 100 percent of dual-credit cost and AP cost, allowing students to earn college credit while in high school at no cost to them. Our state-of-the-art facilities are rivaled by few. PHILOSOPHY: PISD strives to provide an elite private school experience in a public school setting, equipping our graduates with a competitive advantage as they apply to prestigious colleges and universities across the country. Academics are extremely important, but a major component of our graduate profile is that our students understand the importance of service above self. In the end, we want our graduates to be good people and contributing members of society.

EDUCATION

PROSPER ISD

CHOOSING A DISTRICT You have lots of choices for schooling in the Dallas area: public, public charter, private or parochial, or home schooling. Should you want to send your kids to public school, rest assured that the Dallas-Fort Worth area has many fine public schools. In Texas, public school districts operate independently and are governed by elected school boards that implement state guidelines through a selection of instructional programs, curriculum, and local expectations that often exceed state minimums. Districts are governed by an independently elected school board of trustees that hires a superintendent as CEO; sets a district philosophy (vision and mission) and local policies; selects a curriculum within the state guidelines; and sets the ISD tax rate, budget, and district boundaries. Here’s what you need to consider in finding the right school district for you. THE DISTRICT AND SCHOOL’S PHILOSOPHY VS. YOUR FAMILY’S INTERESTS AND NEEDS > > > > >

Vision, mission, goals Size of school and class size Grade-level alignment (K-4, K-5, K-6, etc.) Curriculum variations Parent engagement

STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT AND PERFORMANCE (INCLUDING STAFF AND TEACHER PERFORMANCE) The Dallas County area education coalition, COMMIT!, and its partners offer a way of best assessing student achievement within schools and districts. Find it online at commit2dallas.org. PROGRAM OFFERINGS AND COMPATIBILITY WITH YOUR CHILD’S INTERESTS AND NEEDS > Athletics > Career and technology > Dual credit > Extracurricular activities > Fine arts > Gifted and talented > Performing arts > Special education DISTRICT CHARACTERISTICS Each district has a unique profile. Visiting district websites and reading the expanded district profiles at mydallasmove.com will reveal their distinct features and offerings.

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THE BEST HIGH SCHOOLS Fifty-four schools in the Dallas-Fort Worth region were featured in U.S. News & World Report’s 2015 America’s Best High Schools list. The ranking of the best 2,000 public high schools in the nation identified those that have proven the most effective in turning out college-ready graduates based on variables such as graduation rate, college acceptance rate, SAT/ACT scores, students enrolled in AP/IB/AICE courses, and others. SCHOOL

CITY

NATIONAL RANK

1

School For The Talented And Gifted

Dallas

791

Creekview HS

Carrollton

5

School of Science and Engineering Magnet

Dallas

797

Richardson HS

Richardson

75

Irma Lerma Rangel Young Women's Leadership School

Dallas

826

Rockwall-Heath HS

Heath

104

Highland Park HS

Dallas

903

Keller HS

Keller

118

Uplift Williams Preparatory

Dallas

930

Centennial HS

Frisco

127

Booker T. Washington HS for the Performing and Visual Arts

Dallas

1003

Trinidad Garza Early College at Mountain View

Dallas

156

Uplift Education - North Hills Prep HS

Irving

1033

Newman Smith HS

163

Harmony School of Innovation Fort Worth

Fort Worth

1041

Wakeland HS

170

Judge Barefoot Sanders Law Magnet

Dallas

1123

Paschal HS

220

Lovejoy High School

Lucas

1151

Allen HS

Allen

270

School of Health Professions

Dallas

1158

Frisco HS

Frisco

287

Rosie M. Collins Sorrells School of Education and Social Services

Dallas

1173

Marcus HS

Flower Mound

331

Harmony Science Academy - Dallas

Dallas

1179

Aledo HS

Aledo

395

Coppell HS

Coppell

1192

Argyle HS

Argyle

448

School of Business and Management at Yvonne A. Ewell Townview Center

Dallas

1229

Rockwall HS

472

Colleyville Heritage HS

Colleyville

1243

Lake Highlands HS

502

Prosper HS

Prosper

1340

Birdville HS

North Richland Hills

512

McKinney North HS

McKinney

1398

Heritage HS

Frisco

525

Fort Worth Academy of Fine Arts

Fort Worth

1406

Berkner HS

Richardson

606

Grapevine HS

Grapevine

1450

Lone Star HS

Frisco

657

McKinney Boyd HS

McKinney

1491

Richland HS

North Richland Hills

662

Pearce HS

Richardson

1522

Wylie HS

Wylie

704

McKinney HS

McKinney

1583

Celina HS

Celina

735

Hebron HS

Carrollton

1605

John Dubiski Career HS

750

Flower Mound HS

Flower Mound

1913

Fossil Ridge HS

Keller

757

Harmony Science Academy - Grand Prairie

Grand Prairie

1969

L. D. Bell HS

Hurst

757

Liberty HS

Frisco

1972

Ranchview HS

Irving

1982

Granbury HS

NATIONAL RANK

SCHOOL

CITY

Carrollton Frisco Fort Worth

Rockwall Dallas

Grand Prairie

Granbury

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PHOTO: ANDREW SMITH

NAVIGATING THE SYSTEM: FAQ Q: I JUST HAD A BABY. HOW DO I FIND A DAY CARE OR PRESCHOOL?

of the book and check out tepsac.org for information on private schools in your area.

A: To search for a licensed child care center or home, go to the Department of Family and Protective Services website (dfps.state.tx.us). Other resources include DFW Child (dfwchild. com) and Child Care Group (childcaregroup.org).

Q: DOES TEXAS FOLLOW THE NATIONAL COMMON CORE STATE STANDARDS?

Q: MY CHILD IS READY FOR KINDERGARTEN. WHAT DO I NEED TO KNOW ABOUT ENROLLING HER? A: Kindergarten is encouraged but not required in Texas. Students turning 6 as of September 1 are required to attend school. To enroll your child in any Texas school, you must have: > Birth certificate or other proof of identity > Immunization records > Student records from recently attended school > Proof of residency in the district Q: WHAT IS THE SCHOOL YEAR CALENDAR? A: Public schools begin the last week in August and include 180 days of instruction per year. Each district sets its own holiday calendars, typically including winter and spring breaks. Testing typically takes place in the spring for public schools. Private schools typically start earlier in August, and testing takes place in January or February.

A: No. Texas does not follow the Common Core State Standards program. State of Texas learning standards are called the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS). Every grade level and every subject have learning standards that drive curriculum development. Q: WILL MY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL STUDENT NEED TO RETEST FOR GIFTED AND TALENTED? A: Yes, most likely. You’ll need to confirm with your new district and school. Q: WILL MY MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENT HAVE TO TEST-IN FOR HIS GRADE LEVEL? HOW ARE THE GRADE LEVELS ALIGNED IN TEXAS? A: No. If your child has passed the sixth grade in your state, he or she will start in the seventh grade in Texas. Grade-level alignment varies by district. Q: MY SON WILL BE STARTING HIGH SCHOOL RIGHT AFTER WE MOVE. WILL HE BE ABLE TO JOIN THE BASKETBALL TEAM? A: Each district schedules its own tryouts, summer practices, and calendars. Speak with your new school to determine eligibility.

Q: WHAT ARE MY OPTIONS FOR PRIVATE OR PAROCHIAL SCHOOL? HOW ABOUT HOME SCHOOLING?

Q: MY DAUGHTER WILL BE STARTING 10TH GRADE. WILL SHE LOSE HER CREDITS TOWARD GRADUATION?

A: You have many options. Explore tea.state. tx.us for information on charter schools and home schooling. See the map in this section

A: Probably not. Meet with your new school counselor as soon as possible to discuss graduation requirements.

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Q: MY CHILD HAS ALWAYS TAKEN AP CLASSES. WILL THEY BE OFFERED IN TEXAS? WHAT ABOUT DUAL CREDIT? A: Yes. Most districts in the DFW region offer AP classes, International Baccalaureate programs, and dual-credit learning opportunities. You’ll need to confirm with your individual district and school to be sure. Q: WILL TRANSPORTATION TO AND FROM SCHOOL BE PROVIDED FOR MY CHILD? A: It depends. Bus service is provided to students living more than 2 miles away from their schools. Transport is also provided in cases where students might face hazardous conditions, such as crossing a major roadway or no crossing guard. Confirm with your new school. Q: MY SON HAS AUTISM. WILL THE DISTRICT PROVIDE SERVICES UNTIL THE AGE OF 22? A: Yes. Your son will continue to be educated under an IEP as dictated by federal and state law. Get in touch with the district as soon as you can to ensure a seamless transition. Q: IF MY CHILD WANTS TO START COLLEGE AT A PUBLIC TEXAS SCHOOL, DO WE HAVE TO PROVE TEXAS RESIDENCY? A: Yes. To be classified as a Texas resident and be entitled to pay resident tuition, a person must establish a domicile and maintain continuous residence in Texas for 12 months preceding the school census date.

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PICK YOUR PATH

FINAL PickYourPath-DallasRegionalChamber-Generic Print.pdf 1 7/18/2014 4:00:26 PM

This step-by-step guide will help you move down the path to High School graduation. Check off milestones as you go to keep track of your progress.

START

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There was a time that making a career choice came after high school graduation— sometimes well into college for some students. But Foundation High School Program requirements for 2018 graduates mean that students in Texas now select one of five careerrelated pathways at the end of the eighth grade. It’s a big decision, which is why the Dallas Regional Chamber launched Pick Your Path, step-by-step guidelines designed to identify the requirements and track milestones for an endorsement in one of five areas of study: STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics), business and industry, public service, arts and humanities, or multidisciplinary studies. The effort launched in the Dallas Independent School District in the spring of 2014 in both English and Spanish and is being used in other school districts as well.

D A L L A S - F O R T W O R T H R E L O C AT I O N + N E W C O M E R G U I D E

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GET YOUR SCHEDULE

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JUNIOR YEAR SPRING: TAKE SAT/ACT/TSI TESTS

JUNIOR &

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WHAT IS THE FOUNDATION HIGH SCHOOL PROGRAM?

WHAT IS AN ENDORSEMENT? An endorsement is a broad area of interest that guides a student’s path of study through his or her high school years. All eighth-grade students select this plan to complete the required credits for graduation.

EDUCATION

The Foundation High School Program is a core set of classes in the areas of math, English, science, social studies, foreign language, fine arts, physical education, and electives that all students must complete as a foundation to graduate from high school in Texas.

LOOK FOR VIDEOS ON JOBS

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TALK WITH ADULTS ABOUT THEIR JOBS

NSIDER YOUR OPTIONS AFTER HIGH SCHOOL

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PRIVATE SCHOOLS Parents choose to send their children to private schools for all kinds of reasons. Some elect private schools for their kids for religious or moral reasons. Others are concerned about having smaller class sizes and more individual attention for their students. Others still are focused on the highest possible learning standards and rigorous college prep. To find the private school that’s right for your child, you’ll need to do your homework.

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RESEARCHING SCHOOLS The Dallas region offers a variety of private school options. Some of the terms you will encounter as you look at private school options include:

> Learning differences schools – These schools provide for students with learning differences across the spectrum and can range from pre-K through 12th grade. > Boarding schools – Several of the singlegender private schools offer full-time boarding as well as day student options. > Language/culture specific – Some schools offer immersion in specific languages, such as French, Chinese, and Japanese. Many of these schools offer Saturday and summer options for families who want students to attend a traditional school and supplement with cultural and language immersion. > Montessori method – A child-centered educational approach based on scientific observations of children from birth to adulthood. Schools incorporating this self-direction and discovery method are located across the region, but they generally do not extend beyond elementary. A number of public districts also have a Montessori choice option within the district. > Classical – Usually characterized by small class sizes and a classics-based education, normally with fewer team athletic options. > College preparatory – Focused on academic rigor in preparation for demanding collegiate programs. > Religious/parochial – Some schools are associated with specific religious denominations or churches and incorporate religious teaching as part of the curriculum.

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114

35W

35W 820

11 12

34

14 21

26

35W

Private School Calendar > Testing for private schools often takes place in the fall > Enrollment is in January or February > School typically starts earlier in August

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PHOTO: DALLAS INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

EDUCATION EDUCATION

PHOTO: GREENHILL SCHOOL

GREENHILL SCHOOL

DALLAS INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

PRIVATE SCHOOLS ( RANKED BY TUITION ) 1 THE WINSTON SCHOOL DALLAS, $26,200

35E

2 THE EPISCOPAL SCHOOL OF DALLAS, $26,190

121

3 ST. MARK’S SCHOOL OF TEXAS, $26,004

35E

23

4 THE HOCKADAY SCHOOL, $25,050

75

5 GREENHILL SCHOOL, $23,900 6 SHELTON SCHOOL, $23,150

18

7 ALCUIN SCHOOL, $22,551 8 PARISH EPISCOPAL SCHOOL, $22,300

20 10 29 6

121

19

9 THE LAMPLIGHTER SCHOOL, $21,221 10 ANN AND NATE LEVINE ACADEMYA SOLOMON SCHECHTER SCHOOL, $20,800

58

30 7 635 4 9 13 13 24 2 27 15 31

11 TRINITY VALLEY SCHOOL, $19,200

33

17

13 DALLAS INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL, $18,900 14 FORT WORTH COUNTRY DAY, $18,780

75

183

12 THE OAKRIDGE SCHOOL, $19,030

22

28 16

15 OAK HILL ACADEMY, $18,750

78

30

16 DALLAS ACADEMY, $18,270 17 CISTERCIAN PREPARATORY SCHOOL, $18,120 18 PRESTONWOOD CHRISTIAN ACADEMY, $17,929

161 80

12

30

19 HILL SCHOOL OF GRAPEVINE, $17,700 20 TRINITY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY ADDISON, $17,630 21 KEY SCHOOL, $17,600 22 LAKEHILL PREPARATORY SCHOOL, $17,525

360

23 GREAT LAKES ACADEMY, $17,500 175

20

24 THE CAMBRIDGE SCHOOL OF DALLAS, $16,770 25 LIBERTY CHRISTIAN SCHOOL, $16,740 26 HILL SCHOOL OF FORT WORTH, $16,650

20

27 URSULINE ACADEMY OF DALLAS, $16,600

32

26 ST. JOHN’S EPISCOPAL SCHOOL, $16,339

35E

29 THE FAIRHILL SCHOOL, $15,570 30 JESUIT COLLEGE PREPARATORY SCHOOL, $15,385 31 PROVIDENCE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL OF TEXAS, $14,750 32 CANTERBURY EPISCOPAL SCHOOL DESOTO, $14,400 33 DALLAS LUTHERAN SCHOOL, $11,900 45

34 STARPOINT SCHOOL, $11,700

Source: Texas Private School Accreditation Commission, Dallas Business Journal

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HIGHER EDUCATION The Dallas-Fort Worth region offers a variety of public and private institutions, with robust programming in life sciences, engineering, and the arts. The University of North Texas, the University of Texas at Dallas, and the University of Texas at Arlington are among Texas’ seven emerging research universities and are currently expanding program capabilities and funding in an effort to become world-class “tier one” research institutions, which are nationally recognized for the highest levels of innovation and academic excellence. UT Southwestern Medical Center is among the nation’s best in biology and biochemistry research, boasting countless clinical breakthroughs and innovations.

De 4 1

35W

114 81 199

820

INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER LEARNING Below is a sample of other institutions of higher learning in Dallas-Fort Worth.

Weatherford 30

20

Fort Worth

Bethel University

9 7

A 20

Grand Canyon University Kaplan College

377

287

Le Cordon Bleu Institute of Culinary Arts LeTourneau University National University Ogle School - Dallas Parker University Platt College Texas Barber Colleges and Hairstyling Schools

35W

l l l

PRIVATE UNIVERSITY PUBLIC UNIVERSITY COMMUNITY COLLEGE

University of Phoenix West Coast University

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EDUCATION

SOUTHERN METHODIST UNIVERSITY PHOTO: SMU

PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK

MAJOR UNIVERSITIES UNIVERSITY

enton

75 121

35E

Plano

Lewisville

78

190 3

Grapevine

Richardson

2014 ENROLLMENT

1 University of North Texas (UNT) - Denton

36,164

2 The University of Texas at Arlington (UTA)

34,848

3 The University of Texas at Dallas (UTD)

23,095

4 Texas Woman’s University (TWU)

14,889

5 Southern Methodist University (SMU)

11,490

6 Texas A&M University (TAMUC) - Commerce

11,272

7 Texas Christian University (TCU)

10,012

8 Dallas Baptist University (DBU)

5,445

9 Texas Wesleyan University (TWU)

2,606

10 University of Dallas (UD)

2,548

11 University of North Texas (UNT) - Dallas

2,575

12 UT Southwestern Medical Center (UTSW)

2,310

6

66

Garland 635

360

Irving

12

12

80

Dallas

2

Arlington

30

5

10

183

Mesquite

175

Terrell

8

20 11

67

DeSoto 35E

Lancaster

COMMUNITY COLLEGE DISTRICTS

45

INSTITUTION

2014 ENROLLMENT

Dallas County Community College District

71,433

Tarrant County College District

57,424

Collin County Community College District

27,525

North Central Texas Community College District

10,112

Navarro College

9,825

Trinity Valley Community College

6,755

Weatherford College

5,620

DFW Total Community College Students

188,684 Source: Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board

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In addition to the state’s more than 1,000 public school districts, Texas offers a variety of alternative schooling options for parents. These include public charter schools, which are monitored and accredited under the statewide testing and accountability system; private schools, which may or may not be accredited through various organizations; and home schooling, which is not accredited or regulated by any state agency or commission in Texas. Families may also be interested in online learning programs and high school equivalency programs.

CHARTER SCHOOLS In 1995, the 74th Texas Legislature passed legislation giving the state the authority to create open-enrollment charter schools. These schools are subject to fewer state laws than other public schools with the idea of ensuring fiscal and academic accountability without undue regulation of instructional methods or pedagogical innovation. Like school districts, charter schools are monitored and accredited under the statewide testing and accountability system.

PRIVATE SCHOOLS The Texas Education Agency does not have oversight of private schools in Texas; however, the agency works with the Texas Private School Accreditation Commission to ensure that students can easily transfer from nonpublic to public schools and that teacher service at nonpublic schools is recognized at public schools for salary purposes. Private schools may be accredited by a variety of organizations, but many private schools in Texas are not accredited by any organization.

HOME SCHOOLING In 1995, the Texas Supreme Court affirmed the decision in the class action lawsuit Leeper vs. Arlington Independent School District that home schools can legally operate as private schools in Texas. According to the ruling, home schools must be conducted in a bona fide manner, using a written curriculum consisting of reading, spelling, grammar, math, and a course, in good citizenship. The Texas Education Agency has no regulatory authority over home schools, and the state of Texas does not award diplomas to students who are home schooled.

TEXAS VIRTUAL SCHOOLS NETWORK Texas Virtual Schools Network (TxVSN), which launched in 2009, provides Texas students and schools access to interactive, collaborative, instructor-led online courses taught by state-certified and appropriately credentialed teachers. The TxVSN is made up of two components: the TxVSN statewide course catalog, which provides supplemental online courses to students in grades 8-12; and the TxVSN online schools program, which offers full-time virtual instruction through eligible public schools to Texas public school students in grades 3-12.

HIGH SCHOOL EQUIVALENCY PROGRAM The High School Equivalency Program, or In-School GED Option Program, is designed to provide an alternative for high school students ages 16 and over who are at risk of not graduating from high school and earning a high school diploma.

TEXAS CERTIFICATE OF HIGH SCHOOL EQUIVALENCY Anyone age 18 and older who has not earned a high school diploma and is not currently enrolled in an accredited high school is eligible to earn a Texas Certificate of High School Equivalency. Any exceptions must meet eligibility requirements to test for the high school equivalency. This information was provided by the Texas Education Agency. For more, go to tea.texas.gov.

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PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK

EDUCATION

PHOTO: GREENHILL SCHOOL

ALTERNATIVE SCHOOLING

WHAT IS A MONTESSORI SCHOOL? While the education reform debate for public schools rages on, schools that adhere to the Montessori method take a different path. “The underlying philosophy of Montessori is that children are individual, self-motivated learners who are assisted in learning by their teachers, or ‘guides,’ as they are called,” says educational consultant Eleanor Munson, Ph.D. Instead of focusing on test taking, highly trained educators encourage their students, who are typically in mixedaged classes, to move at their own pace, follow their own interests, and work independently. The schools you’ll find in Dallas, which may serve kids from pre-K through 12th grade, are governed by one of two accrediting bodies: Association Montessori Internationale (AMI) and American Montessori Society (AMS). “If you’re looking for a ‘pure’ Montessori experience for your child, you’ll want an AMI school,” says Munson. “If you want your child’s education to include computers, technology, etc., you’ll want an AMS school.” Not sure if this type of education is right for your child? “Your child doesn’t necessarily have to attend a Montessori-accredited school to enjoy the benefits of this type of educational philosophy,” Munson says. “Some preschools take the best of what each educational philosophy offers and combine these to form their curriculum.” For an extensive look at both public and private Montessori schools, and more educational resources in Dallas, browse through the DFWChild Everything guide online at dfwchild.com/everything. — Elizabeth Smith, DFWChild Magazines

PICKING A PRESCHOOL The first step in picking a preschool is making a short list of local preschools and touring each during its next open house. Afterward, take a few minutes to write down your impressions of the visit. Pay attention to your intuition, advises educational consultant Eleanor Munson, Ph.D. Other parents who have already put their kids through preschool can offer firsthand recommendations, but make sure you do your own research and familiarize yourself with the school’s educational philosophy or mission, be it language immersion, the Montessori method, or a traditional approach. Begin your search of Dallas-area resources for education and child care by browsing through the extensive DFWChild Everything guide online at dfwchild. com/everything.

CHOOSING A SPECIAL NEEDS SCHOOL When your child with special needs is ready to begin school for the first time, selecting one that will provide the best education and proper (and affordable) care is paramount to your child’s health and well-being. The key to finding the best fit? According to educational consultant, special needs parenting coach and special education advocate Adina Rich, it takes asking the right questions and being honest about your child’s needs and abilities. To avoid waiting lists, begin your search no later than the previous semester, and even if you’re set on one school, open yourself to more possibilities by giving several programs a closer look. To get started, browse through the extensive directory of special needs resources online at dfwchild.com/thrive.

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MCKINNEY AVENUE TROLLEY

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ACCESS

YOUR GUIDE TO GETTING AROUND MY DALLAS STORY | MAJOR HIGHWAYS | TOLLWAYS | HIGHWAY CONSTRUCTION DRIVE TIMES | PUBLIC TRANSIT | AIRLINES AND AIRPORTS

PHOTO: DALLAS CVB

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MAJOR HIGHWAYS

Source: DRC research

MAKING SENSE OF HIGHWAY NAMES Even those of us who have been here for years still find ourselves wondering, “Which one is Woodall Rodgers again?” Here’s your cheat sheet for highways with more than one name. ALTERNATE NAME

WHAT IT LOOKS LIKE ON A MAP

Airport Freeway

S.H. 183 from S.H. 114 to the south D/FW Airport entrance

President George Bush Turnpike

PGBT, S.H. 190, S.H. 161 in Las Colinas

John W. Carpenter Freeway

S.H. 183 and S.H. 114 from I-35E to the north D/FW Airport entrance

C.F. Hawn Freeway

U.S. Highway 75 south of downtown

Lyndon B. Johnson Freeway (LBJ)

I-635, begins at the north entrance of DFW Airport and circles the city from the north, east, and south; it includes I-20 in the south

Loop 12

Inner-city loop including Northwest Highway on the north, Buckner Boulevard on the east, Ledbetter Drive on the south, and Walton Walker Boulevard on the west

Tom Landry Highway

I-30 between I-35E in Dallas and I-35W in Fort Worth

Marvin D. Love Freeway

U.S. Highway 67 from I-35E to I-635 south of downtown

North Central Expressway

U.S. Highway 75 from downtown to the north

George W. Bush Expressway

U.S. Highway 75 from Walnut Hill Lane to downtown Dallas

Julius Schepps Freeway

I-45 from downtown to the south

Stemmons Freeway

I-35E from downtown to the north

R.L. Thornton Freeway

I-35E south of Dallas and I-30 from downtown to East Dallas

Elmer Weaver Freeway

U.S. Highway 67 from I-635 to the south

Woodall Rodgers Freeway

Spur 366, the short freeway that connects I-35E with U.S. Highway 75 and I-45

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MORE

CMYK

G E M #16

S A N TA F E T R E S T L E T R A I L

More at DART.org/dartable

#dartable

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TOLLWAYS

DALLAS NORTH TOLLWAY

LEWISVILLE LAKE TOLL BRIDGE

8

SAM

Moving around the Dallas area, you might find yourself on one of the North Texas toll roads. Here’s what you need to know before you do.

WAY OLL NT

BUR

RAY

PRESIDENT GEORGE BUSH TURNPIKE

NORTH TEXAS TOLLWAY AUTHORITY (NTTA): The organization sanctioned by the State of Texas to develop and maintain toll roads in North Texas. DALLAS NORTH TOLLWAY (DNT ): Runs northsouth, connecting motorists between downtown Dallas and cities in Collin, Denton, and northern Dallas counties, passing through Dallas, Highland Park, University Park, Addison, Farmers Branch, Plano, and Frisco. It links with the Sam Rayburn Tollway, President George Bush Turnpike, I-635, and I-35. PRESIDENT GEORGE BUSH TURNPIKE (PGBT ): Makes a partial loop around the Dallas area, currently extending from I-20 in the Grand Prairie area west of Dallas; north across I-30 into Irving, Carrollton, and North Dallas; east to Richardson and into Garland; before turning south through Sachse and Rowlett, across Lake Ray Hubbard to the interchange at I-30 in Garland.

MOUNTAIN CREEK LAKE BRIDGE

CHISOLM TRAIL PARKWAY

Existing toll roads

Planned toll roads

Planned toll lanes

Planned partial toll lanes

SAM RAYBURN TOLLWAY (SRT ): Formerly State Highway 121, extends northeasterly from Business 121 near the Dallas/Denton county line to U.S. 75 in Collin County. It links with U.S. 75 and DNT.

Source: DRC Research

If you’re going to be a frequent traveler on one of the tollways or the turnpike, you’ll want to get a TollTag. The self-adhesive transponder sticks on your windshield and debits your NTTA account each time you use a toll road (there are no toll booths on North Texas toll roads). You can skip the whole TollTag business, but you won’t get a free ride (unless you don’t own the car!). The NTTA bills the registered owner of the vehicle by mail via ZipCash, which costs 50 percent more than paying via TollTag.

WHAT DOES IT COST? NTTA toll road rates align to miles traveled. The farther you drive on a toll road, the more you pay. Rates are reset every other year on July 1. The rate as of July 1, 2015, is 17.06 cents per mile. Here are a few examples of what you might pay on your commute. ROAD

ROUTE

TOLLTAG

ZIPCASH

DNT

I-635 to PGBT

$1.06

$1.59

DNT

Legacy to I-35

$3.49

$5.24

PGBT

Frankford to I-75

$1.61

$2.49

PGBT

I-20 to DNT

$4.69

$7.04

SRT

I-35 to Legacy

$1.46

$2.19

SRT

Business 121 to I-75

$4.04

$6.06

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To open a TollTag account, go to ntta.org or call 972-818-6882. You can also apply for a tag in person at a regional NTTA partner, which includes government offices, libraries, and grocery stores all over the area.

PHOTO: J. P. FAGERBACK / CREATIVE COMMONS

DALLAS NORTH TOLLWAY

BONUS: You can use your TollTag to pay for parking and pass-through at D/FW International and Dallas Love Field airports.

WHAT ARE MANAGED TOLL LANES? Texas has a low gasoline tax relative to many other states, which means it needs another way to fund the construction and operation of highways—and that way is tolls, specifically, managed toll lanes. In a nutshell, managed toll lanes are taking the place of what were carpool lanes on freeways. Commuters who want to avoid congestion during peak travel times can take a managed lane for a price.

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HIGHWAY CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS 22 10

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4

11

9

12 1

20

2

6

3

15

19

16 15

5

7

13

17

8

21

18

CDA/key projects awarded or under construction Procurement CDA in development Possible CDA in development Key projects in development

14

Key projects in planning stages A comprehensive development agreement (CDA) is a tool TxDOT uses to enable private development by sharing the risks and responsibilities of design and construction.

SOURCE: Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT)

1

DFW CONNECTOR Rebuild/widen highway and add managed lanes; completed: November 2013

2

NORTH TARRANT EXPRESS SEG. 1 & 2W Rebuild/widen highway and add managed lanes; add managed ramps at 35W/820 interchanges; scheduled completed: June 2015

3

4

LBJ EXPRESS Rebuild/widen I-635 and add managed lanes; add elevated managed lane ramps on I-35E; scheduled completion: December 2015 I-35E MANAGED LANES Add two reversible managed lanes (north of I-635 to Turbeville); add one additional general purpose lane each direction (SH 121 to U.S. 380); scheduled completion: 2016

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NTE SEG. 3A Rebuild highway and add managed lanes; reconstruct remainder of I-35W/I-820 interchange; scheduled completion: 2018 NTE SEG. 3B Rebuild highway and add managed lanes; scheduled completion: 2017 HORSESHOE Rebuild I-35E and I-30 bridges over Trinity River; rebuild/widen existing highway; scheduled completion: 2017 CHISHOLM TRAIL NTTA — Build new 2- to 6-lane toll road in new location; TxDOT — interchanges at I-20 and US 67; completed: 2014 U.S. 75 Reconstruct and widen to eight lanes and 3-lane frontage roads; scheduled completion: 2015

10 U.S. 75 Reconstruct and widen to eight lanes and three-lane frontage roads; scheduled completion: 2015 11 U.S. 75 Reconstruct and widen to six lanes and two-lane frontage roads; scheduled completion: 2016 12 SH 121 SEG. 13 Reconstruct/widen highway; scheduled completion: 2016 13 I-30 Construct managed HOV lanes with wishbone ramps; scheduled completion: 2015 14 U.S. 67 CLEBURNE EAST LOOP Widen to four-lane facility; scheduled completion: 2015 15 SH 183; SH 114; LOOP 12 Phased project to rebuild/widen highway and add managed lanes — phase I and phase 2; scheduled completion: 2019

16 SH 161 Restripe and widen highway to provide peak-hour travel lanes; scheduled completion: 2015 17 SH 360 Phase 2: new four-lane toll road in new location; scheduled completion: TBD 18 SOUTHERN GATEWAY Rebuild/widen highway and add managed lanes; scheduled completion: 2025 19 I-635 LBJ FREEWAY EAST Rebuild/widen highway and add managed lanes; scheduled completion: 2025 20 I-35W SEG. 3C Rebuild/widen highway and add managed lanes; scheduled completion: TBD 21 U.S. 175 Extend U.S. 175 to I-45; scheduled completion: 2016 22 U.S. 75 Rebuild/widen highway; scheduled completion: 2018

D A L L A S - F O R T W O R T H R E L O C AT I O N + N E W C O M E R G U I D E

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151

ACCESS

DRIVE TIME

It’s common to work in one part of the Dallas-Fort Worth area and live in another. It’s only a matter of getting from point A to point B. More than 90 percent of people who commute to work here do so by car, truck, or van, which is easy, thanks to our well-developed network of interstate freeways, state highways, and tollways connecting job centers to fastgrowing new communities. The following maps—based on morning rush hour—give you an idea of how long you can expect it to take.

DOWNTOWN DALLAS

TRAVEL TIME 15 MINUTES

30 MINUTES

45 MINUTES

60 MINUTES

75 MINUTES

90 MINUTES

105 MINUTES

120 MINUTES

HWY 121 & DALLAS NORTH TOLLWAY

152

/

D A L L A S - F O R T W O R T H R E L O C AT I O N + N E W C O M E R G U I D E

HWY 190 AND HWY 75

S U M M E R / FA L L 2 0 1 5

DENTON

ACCESS

PHOTO: KEVIN MARPLE

DFW INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

SOUTHERN DALLAS

GAREY WISDOM

MY DALLAS STORY

TRANSIT TALE GAREY WISDOM OCCUPATION: Training specialist, Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas CURRENT NEIGHBORHOOD: Carrollton Tell us about your commute. I ride the 6:15 a.m. bus each morning from the Addison Transit Center to the stop at Pearl Street and Thomas Avenue. I head in the reverse direction each afternoon, catching the 3:55 p.m. bus back to Addison. It typically takes 20 to 25 minutes. DOWNTOWN FORT WORTH

When did you first start commuting via DART? What influenced your decision? I began riding DART in about 2002. Convenience, saving gas, wear and tear on my car, and the hassle of driving in rush-hour traffic influenced my decision. Not to mention the subsidy I get from the organization I work for. What might surprise someone new to our area about DART? The ease of getting in and out of the center city to the suburbs. How do you make the most of your time on DART? Do you have any habits or rituals that you incorporate into your commute? I almost always read. However, I have gotten to know a number of the people who ride on the same bus (morning and evening), and we chat. In fact, there is a small group of us (everyone has now retired except me) who meet every couple of months for happy hour in Addison. I have actually made some great friends riding the bus as long as I have.

Source: DRC Research S U M M E R / FA L L 2 0 1 5

D A L L A S - F O R T W O R T H R E L O C AT I O N + N E W C O M E R G U I D E

/

153

TO DENTON

FARMERS BRANCH

XX

FARMERS BRANCH

PARKING AVAILABLE

ROYAL LANE DFW AIRPORT TERMINAL A

XX

DFW

RICHLAND HILLS

CENTREPORT/ DFW AIRPORT

FORT WORTH ITC

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CI

JA

N

SA

LL

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W

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HA

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WINNETKA AVE

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IN

RAIL STATIONS

ST

TR

D A L L A S - F O R T W O R T H R E L O C AT I O N + N E W C O M E R G U I D E

58

L

C

ST M

RL CA

AVE LE CO

T

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McKIN

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/

34

MILES OF COMMUTER RAIL

ST

AR

ST

154

13

CITIES

AR

M

Methodist Dallas Medical Center

MAP NOT TO SCALE

LEGEND Dallas Streetcar and Stop Streetcar Future Expansion DART Light Rail and Station Trinity Railway Express(TRE) Commuter Rail and Station

SOURCE: MATA

DART BY THE NUMBERS

Cedars

AR

GREENBRIAR

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ST

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GRIFFIN ST

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COMM

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21

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West Village Cityplace Tower McKinney Plaza The MAC Greenwood Cemetery Uptown Visitors Center Quadrangle Hotel St Germain Maple Manor Hotel Shops at The Crescent Hotel ZaZa The Ritz-Carlton Hotel American Airlines Center Klyde Warren Park AT&T Performing Arts Center COLORADO BLVD Nasher Sculpture Center Dallas Museum of Art Crow Collection of Asian Art Fairmont Hotel Dallas World Aquarium West End ER

E

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1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20. 21.

LA

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SOURCE: Dallas Area Rapid Transit

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POINTS OF INTEREST

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DOWNTOWN ROWLETT

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DOWNTOWN DALLAS

PRESIDENT GEORGE BUSH TURNPIKE

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DOWNTOWN CARROLLTON

P RE S I D E N T

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FORT WORTH

PARKER ROAD DOWNTOWN PLANO

On ly

GREEN LINE

In addition, the Dallas area has two operating streetcar systems. The M-Line trolley system connects the West Village in Uptown with downtown. The new Dallas Streetcar began service this year, and will eventually connect downtown Dallas with the Bishop Arts District. N

PLANO

BLUE LINE

The Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) system, which includes light rail and bus service, is the fastest-growing mass transit network in the United States. It facilitates access to key job centers in Dallas and its suburbs, as well as the Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport. DART also interfaces with the Trinity Rail Express (TRE), a commuter train, to transport passengers between downtown Dallas and Fort Worth, with stops at several suburbs in between. Fort Worth residents are served by The T, which also connects to the TRE. The A-Train, operated by the Denton County Transit Authority (DCTA), connects DART riders in Carrollton to an additional five stations ending in Denton.

W LA

(Operated by DCTA)

RED LINE

DALLAS NORTH TOLLWAY

ACCESS

PUBLIC TRANSIT

DART RAIL SYSTEM

SOURCE: Dallas Area Rapid Transit

73

MILES OF HOV LANES

85

MILES OF LIGHT RAIL

128

BUS ROUTES

700

SQUARE MILES

S U M M E R / FA L L 2 0 1 5

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