Garland, TX

Garland, Texas, is a city located in Dallas County that is home to nearly 240,000 residents. This city is among the fastest-growing areas in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex and is becoming an increasingly popular destination for those looking for affordable living, diverse cultural experiences, and a plethora of opportunities for both business and entertainment. Don't forget to check out Mesquite, TX , too.

History and Culture

Garland has a rich history and deep cultural roots, with a notable reputation for being a hub of the agricultural industry in North Texas. The city has a strong cultural heritage, and its residents take pride in preserving it. The Historic Downtown Garland area is one of the primary examples of this, retaining much of its original architecture and laying the foundation for a charming shopping and dining area, with frequent events and festivals occurring throughout the year.

One of the prominent attractions in Garland is the Garland Landmark Museum, which provides insights into the city's history, heritage, and cultural achievements. The Museum has a range of exhibits that showcase the city’s history and diverse cultural influence, featuring artifacts, photographs, and other historical items that represent the city's growth over time.

The city also has abundant public art, with towering sculptures, murals, and other unique pieces, adding a creative vibe to the urban landscape. Garland ISD’s official Fine Arts program is dedicated to providing students with the opportunity to engage in visual and performing arts in the public education system.

Recreation and Entertainment

Whether you want to explore the outdoors, experience various forms of the arts and culture, or enjoy entertainment options, the city of Garland, Texas, has something for everyone. The city offers several parks nestled either side of the Duck Creek and Rowlett Creek that provide sports facilities, playgrounds, pavilions, jogging trails etc. Jim Miller Park is a popular destination, adding to the city's appeal through a usage of over 80 acres of land for sports, a skate park, picnic areas, walking trails, and waterfalls.

For shopping, the Firewheel Town Centre is a favorite destination for residents and visitors alike, featuring over 125 retailers, dining options, and entertainment. A visit to the Granville Arts Center could be an excellent choice if you want to indulge in performing arts. This center includes a 720-seat theater showcasing live performances of music, theater, and dance, as well as a smaller theater that showcases independent cinema.

The Hawaiian Falls Water Park is an excellent spot to escape the summer heat and enjoy refreshing aquatic adventures. The park boasts several water slides, a lazy river, wave pool, and children’s play area. Hawaiian Falls hosts several themed events throughout the year, so there's always something exciting going on.

Housing and Education

Garland, Texas, offers residents a reasonable cost of living that attracts both families and businesses alike. Homebuyers will find a vast variety of housing options. From affordable starter homes to luxury residences, the city has something for everyone’s requirements. The median home value in Garland is around $190,800, which is lower than many of the bigger cities in the Metroplex and provides more affordable options for those looking to move into the area.

Education is essential to the residents of Garland, and the city’s Independent School District (GISD) has been nationally recognized for its excellence. GISD oversees more than 70 schools throughout the city and serves over 56,000 students. It is known for its award-winning arts, music programs, and STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Math) curriculum. In addition, Garland is also home to several higher education institutions such as Richland College and Amberton University.

Business

The city's economic development centers around the continuation of building a stable business environment, and Garland encourages economic growth by providing incentives for local businesses that allow them to thrive. Major companies headquartered in Garland include Kraft-Heinz, Raytheon, Bass Pro Shops, and C.H. Robinson. The city also offers opportunities for small entrepreneurs to thrive, with business resource centers and grant programs, providing successful business owners to share their experiences with young entrepreneurs and help nurture growth.

Transportation

Garland sits alongside several important transportation routes, with convenient access to I-30, George Bush Turnpike, I-635, and US-190. Access to mass transit is also readily available, with DART (Dallas Area Rapid Transit) allowing reliable access to downtown Dallas and across the Metroplex. In addition to this, there is a plan to develop a 10-story, 4600 car-capacity parking garage in Downtown Garland in 2020 which would further public transport and help alleviate traffic congestion in the city.

Final Thoughts

Garland is a vibrant city that offers an excellent quality of life. The town's rich heritage, a focus on education, and access to amenities are just a few of the reasons why it continues to grow. Whether you're looking for natural beauty, cultural enrichment, excellent education, or business opportunities, you can find it all in Garland. The city is a perfect example of an area that has plenty to offer both its residents and its visitors. If you are looking to relocate or simply planning a visit to the DFW Metroplex, be sure to include Garland on your list of destinations. If you are in need of a limousine service, click here.