DALLAS COUNTY
County Offices
411 Elm Street
Dallas 214-653-7011
www.dallascounty.org
Chamber of Commerce
700 North Peal Street
Dallas 214-746-6600
https://www.dallaschamber.org/
Services
Deeply committed to excellence in education, Dallas County public schools offer innovative programs that stimulate and challenge students, encouraging each individual to reach his or her full potential of expression. Parents who are interested in private education will discover a wide selection of independent and parochial schools that vary in academic and social atmospheres. Many students earn scholarships to come of the nation’s most prestigious private colleges and universities, although an abundance of opportunities for higher education is available close to home. Vital partnerships bring together the business and educational communities in dynamic programs that benefit our most precious natural resource: Our children.
Newcomers to Dallas County can look forward to quick and easy access to some of the most progressive and respected healthcare centers and skilled professionals in the nation and the world. Quality care is available in a strong network of facilities, from sprawling medical centers with more than 13,000 hospital beds to intimate community hospitals and highly specialized institutions. Also available throughout the county are emergency clinics, long-term care, rehabilitation, nursing homes, and home care services. Exceptional referral services are ready to assist those who are uncertain of the best resource for a specific need.
Lifestyle
Although a booming local economy may be the magnet that draws many newcomers to Dallas County, the unparalleled quality of life is the deciding factor in making this dynamic region their permanent home. Dallas County offers virtually endless opportunities for cultural stimulation, professional and college sports excitement, glittering nightlife, and outdoor adventure. New residents will want to take their time exploring all the world-class attractions, from the Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center and The Sixth Floor Exhibit honoring John F. Kennedy to the Dallas Arboretum on White Rock Lake.
Although Dallas County is home to the vibrant metropolis of Dallas, this region also offers a selection of thriving suburbs, impressive cities, and small towns. Wherever you settle in the county, you’ll be living in close proximity to modern shopping malls, a pulsating nightlife, and more restaurants per capita than New York City. The housing selection in Dallas County is diverse, attractive, and surprisingly affordable. Newcomers will discover magnificent mansions set on rolling hills in the heart of Dallas, vintage architecture in historic districts, elegant country manors, executive homes in upscale suburbs, and modest bungalows in quiet neighborhoods. Waterfront properties, country club enclaves, golf-course and master-planned communities, and downtown lofts are just a few of the lifestyle choices in panoramic Dallas County.
Addison
Town Hall
972-450-7001
https://addisontexas.net/
Chamber of Commerce
972-416-6600
https://metrocrestchamber.com/
Growing up along scenic White Rock Creek, the Addison community of approximately 15,000 has experienced rapid residential and commercial over the past three decades. Addison Circle is a charming European-style enclave with cafes along shaded sidewalks, attractive shops, offices, and upscale housing. The business sector is so active that the daytime population of the town reaches 100,000. The construction of the town’s first park launched a citywide beautification program in 1980. Today, the town boasts nearly 120 acres of parks that are widely recognized as some of the finest in the state. Residents enjoy some of the most exclusive shops in the Dallas area at the Dallas Galleria. The WaterTower Theatre is distinguished as one of the most innovative cultural facilities in the nation, while the Cavanaugh Flight Museum showcases fully restored war birds. The local airport is one of the nation’s largest general aviation facilities. Special events draw record crowds to the town for festivals that celebrate jazz, great food, local history, and Oktoberfest.
Balch Springs
City Hall
972-557-6070
www.cityofbalchsprings.com
Chamber of Commerce
972-557-0988
https://www.balchspringschamber.org/
Approximately 20,000 residents return to their homes in Balch Springs, known as the southeastern gateway to the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. Enjoying a strategic location in the NAFTA corridor, the city is only 20 minutes from downtown Dallas. Balch Springs shares its northeastern border with the City of Mesquite and its south and west borders with Dallas. Depending upon their address, youngsters in Balch Springs either attend Dallas Public Schools or schools in the Mesquite Independent School District. The city enjoys a prime location on Interstates 20 and 635 as well as accessibility to a number of major thoroughfares, adding to the convenience of daily life for commuters. Residents enjoy local amenities that include a recreation center, community center, sports fields, and the “kidstown pavilion.” Hickory Creek, part of the Trinity River tributary system, flows south through the city to create a scenic backdrop.
Carrollton
City Hall
972-466-3000
https://www.cityofcarrollton.com/
Chamber of Commerce
972-416-6600
https://metrocrestchamber.com/
Sprawling between Dallas and Denton Counties, the growing City of Carrollton claims a population that is nearing 115,000. Civic planners and local residents share a desire to protect the town’s heritage in the midst of considerable corporate growth, evidenced by the charming town square and gazebo. Vibrant and well-balanced, the city brings together excellent transportation services, outstanding schools, parks and greenbelts, convenient services, award-winning sports complexes, natural areas, and libraries. The city’s pro-business attitude has resulted in a top ranking for job creation, adding to the favorable tax base. Bustling commerce has not diminished the quality of life in Carrollton, honored as a national “Kid Friendly City” and also “Tree City USA.” Newcomers can choose from well-kept older homes or new construction in planned developments. Many lovely subdivisions are spring up in the northern part of the city where Carrollton spills into Denton County.
Cedar Hill
City Hall
972-291-5100
www.cedarhilltx.com
Chamber of Commerce
972-291-7817
https://www.cedarhillchamber.org/
https://bestsouthwest.org/
Distinguished as the county’s oldest organized community, Cedar Hill is situated along the old Chisholm Trail. While the city’s 33,000 residents are committed to retaining the serene “country” atmosphere of their home, their attitude toward controlled growth and expanding amenities is positive. Diverse housing options include attractive, large subdivisions like Cedar Hills Sleepy Hollow and the Lake Ridge development near Joe Pool Lake. The Cedar Hill Independent School District and the Cedar Valley Campus of the Dallas County Community College District provide a quality education to students of all ages. Downtown shopping, colorful festivals and celebrations, lakeside recreation, and the vast expanse of Cedar State Park are just a few of the attractions in and near Cedar Hill. The natural beauty of the state park has made it one of the most visited in the state, drawing two million visitors each year.
Coppell
City Hall
972-462-0022
https://www.coppelltx.gov/
Chamber of Commerce
972-393-2829
https://coppellchamber.org/
Newcomers to the City of Coppell will discover a warm and friendly community of approximately 37,000 that fringes the Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport. This prime location spurred tremendous growth and development in this relatively young city incorporated in 1995. Both the census and the household income seem to be on the rise in Coppell, indicating a city that is becoming more affluent over time. Harmonizing the relaxed atmosphere of rural living with the finest of urban amenities, this “city in the country” nestles along the edge of a bustling metropolis. Local attractions include the Coppell Arts Center, an active YMCA, the Coppell Community Garden, Coppell Historic Society, and 300 acres of preserved open space and parkland. New residents will find homes from modest to magnificent.
DeSoto
City Hall
972-230-9600
www.ci.desoto.tx.us
Chamber of Commerce
972-224-3565
www.desotochamber.org
The progressive community of DeSoto covers 21 square miles to offer a hometown atmosphere for nearly 40,000 residents DeSoto. Incorporated in 1949, the city is characterized as a diverse community rich in the cultural arts. Civic leaders are dedicated to providing a high quality of life, from municipal services and employment opportunities to retail activity and leisure attractions. Situated in the southwestern corner of Dallas County, DeSoto is known for its attractive housing, friendly neighborhoods, recognized school system, updated parks, popular restaurants, and convenient shopping. Residents enjoy a convenient location between Interstates 20 and 35 and U.S. 67, in close proximity to Interstate 45. Traditionally considered a “bedroom community,” the area is welcoming more business and commerce with residential growth. Housing varies from modestly priced homes to beautiful manors set on hillside lots beside spring-fed creeks.
Duncanville
City Hall
972-780-5017
https://www.duncanvilletx.gov/
Chamber of Commerce
972-780-4990
www.duncanvillechamber.org
Home to nearly 40,000 residents, the City of Duncanville has been dubbed “The City of Champions.” Residents enjoy a quiet community and relaxed small-town lifestyle with all the advantages of the Metroplex close at hand. Duncanville is nestled in the gently rolling hills and lush woodlands of southwest Dallas County, just 10 miles from downtown Dallas. Accessibility to Interstate 20 and U.S. Highway 67 ensures an quick connection to world-class amenities and attractions. Recreational opportunities abound in this bedroom community that enjoys a reputation for a family oriented lifestyle. Nearby is Joe Pool Lake, a 7,500-acre body of water surrounded by 5,000 acres of panoramic parks. Within Duncanville, families can visit Armstrong Park and the world’s largest volunteer-built timber playground. An attitude of educational excellence is evident in the public school system, and a campus for the Dallas Community College District is available for higher education close to home.
Farmers Branch
City Hall
972-247-3131
https://www.farmersbranchtx.gov/
Chamber of Commerce
972-416-6600
https://metrocrestchamber.com/
The community of Farmers Branch is home to approximately 28,000 residents who enjoy a prime location between LBJ Freeway or Interstate 635, Interstate 35, and the Dallas North Tollway. The city’s name reveals its early heritage, although Farmers Branch is no longer an agricultural center. The community offers a quick commute to Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport as well as the home of Southwest Airlines, Dallas Love Field. Residents of the city also enjoy easy access to the sporting events, theaters, museums, shopping, historical sites, and amusement parks that make Dallas an international tourist attraction. Locally, the charming Farmers Branch Historical Park hosts free musical concerts and holiday events; while the Galleria offers a spectacular three-story mall with an ice-skating rink. Many newcomers are drawn to the city for the attractive housing and excellent values. The city balances residential neighborhoods with thousands of businesses and corporations including the Fortune 500 for an excellent tax base.
Garland
City Hall
972-205-2000
https://www.garlandtx.gov/
Chamber of Commerce
972-272-7551
https://www.garlandchamber.com/
Offering a vibrant and beautiful home to nearly a quarter of a million residents, the City of Garland harmonizes the spirit of a small town with first-rate urban amenities. Located 15 miles northeast of downtown Dallas, Garland is now one of the largest cities in Texas. Thousands of thriving businesses have already transformed Garland into a high-tech center, although growth along State Highway 190 continues at a rapid rate. Residents enjoy the benefits of excellent services that include an active parks and recreation department. More than 2,500 acres of parkland and award-winning facilities anchor the wide range of recreational programs, classes, and leisure opportunities. Attractions include a water park, Spring Creek Forest Preserve, Lake Ray Hubbard, recreation centers, senior centers, swimming pools, tennis courts, playgrounds, sports fields, picnic areas, a marina, and more than 20 miles of trails. In spite of phenomenal growth, Garland has managed to preserve its family oriented atmosphere and the tranquility of residential neighborhoods.
Glenn Heights
City Hall
972-223-1690
https://www.glennheightstx.gov/
Chamber of Commerce
972-223-5509
https://www.glennheightstx.gov/
The developing residential community of Glenn Heights is home to a growing population nearing 8,000. Commercial expansion has kept pace with the booming home construction to create a balanced and desirable hometown atmosphere. Modern neighborhood schools are ideally located near the beautiful subdivisions. Established in 1968, this relatively new community is located just 25 miles south of downtown Dallas. Residents enjoy an easy commute to cosmopolitan amenities like fine restaurants, entertainment spots, transportation facilities, healthcare institutions, and shopping centers. At the same time, they enjoy the open space of a community characterized as a “residential gem,” where visionary planners are determined to maintain a low-density environment. Those who appreciate the intimacy of a small town will find a warm and friendly home in Glenn Heights.
Grand Prairie
City Hall
972-237-8035
https://www.gptx.org/Home
Chamber of Commerce
972-264-1558
https://www.grandprairiechamber.org/
Situated in the heart of the Metroplex, the City of Grand Prairie claims a population of 140,000. A strategic location just 15 minutes from the downtown areas of both Dallas and Fort Worth combines with quick access to Interstates 20 and 30 for unparalleled convenience. Residential neighborhoods and multi-family developments have both expanded in recent years, resulting in a fine selection of housing that spans a wide range of architectural styles and prices. Commercial and recreational growth is accompanying the residential boom, including a simulcast pavilion with live racing at Lone Star Park and a popular new championship golf course near Joe Pool Lake. Area youth receive a quality education at Grand Prairie and Arlington Independent School Districts, and a number of quality institutions of higher education are available close to home.
Highland Park
Town Hall
214-521-4161
https://www.hptx.org/
Chamber of Commerce
214-746-6600
https://www.dallaschamber.org/
Natural beauty and lush greenery abound in Highland Park, home to over 10,000 residents who are encouraged by the city planners to plant trees. The town’s park department is responsible for maintaining and beautifying 22 park locations and many of the cityscapes. Lakeside park is the largest of the recreational areas, located adjacent to Turtle Creek between Beverly Drive and Armstrong Parkway. Tennis courts, playgrounds, and a swimming pool are available for public enjoyment. Each spring, Highland Park bursts into glorious color with the annual azalea blooming. More than 8,000 azaleas begin their blooming season in the latter weeks of March, complemented by spring flowering bulbs, pansies, dogwoods, crabapple, and redbud trees. New residents to Highland park will discover a serene and pleasing community with a family oriented attitude and friendly neighborhoods.
Irving
City Hall
972-721-2600
https://www.cityofirving.org/
Chamber of Commerce
972-252-8484
https://irvingchamber.com/
Home to a growing population of over 230,000, the City of Irving is ideally situated between Dallas and Fort Worth at the edge of the Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport. In addition, the city is home to more than 8,500 local and multi-national companies, including the global headquarters of five Fortune 500 corporations and more than 45 Fortune 1,000 companies, Irving’s convenient location to two major airports and its urban business districts are major attractions to the corporate world. The combination of transportation efficiencies and workplace opportunities make Irving a popular residential choice. Irving claims an enviable tax base. New residents will find diverse housing options from charming homes near the historic downtown district to luxurious master-planned developments like Valley Ranch. Las Colinas is a sprawling community that harmonizes homes, schools, retail areas, and recreational facilities. A true live, work, play environment, there are 56 small lakes and water amenities throughout the community, with jogging trails, public and private parks, museums, colleges, hospitals, country clubs, and cultural and recreational institutions. Northlake College, the University of Dallas and the Las Colinas Medical Center have campuses here. There are also several museums including the Irving Arts Center and the National Scouting Museum located nearby. The 125-acre man-made Lake Carolyn is located at the core of the urban center and The Mandalay Canals a unique system of Venetian style canals, flank one side of Lake Carolyn and meander through the nearby offices, shops, restaurants and residential areas.
In addition to shopping, dining and workplace opportunities, Irving offers its residents plenty of outdoor activities with amenities such as the Campion Trails – a world-class 30-mile bike and hike greenbelt located on the shores of the Trinity River’s Elm and West Forks. For history buffs the Heritage District in Irving preserves the city’s rich history. Visitors to the Heritage District can shop in colorful antique shops, visit the historic Heritage House, dine at a classic soda shop and enjoy the outdoors in a relaxing small town square atmosphere. Irving offers its residents a very high quality of life with easy access to everything that they could need, right on their doorstep.
Lancaster
City Hall
972-227-2111
www.lancaster-tx.com
Chamber of Commerce
972-227-2579
www.lancastertx.org
A thriving municipality of more than 30,000 residents, Lancaster has matured from its genesis as a trading post into an attractive community with a charming, historic town square. Committed to standards of quality growth, the city offers custom homes that are nestled in planned residential developments as well as carefully zoned industrial and commercial sites. Many of the residential neighborhoods feature attractive housing in a wide variety of architectural styles at comparatively affordable prices. The cities leisure complex includes a library, the community park, and a well-equipped recreation center with a swimming pool and many other first-rate facilities. Transportation conveniences include access to Interstates 35, 45, and 20. Beautiful parks add to the family oriented atmosphere. Students of all ages will find opportunities for higher education close to home at the Cedar Valley College of the Dallas County Community College District, and the Medical Center at Lancaster provides quality healthcare services.
Mesquite
City Hall
972-288-7711
https://www.cityofmesquite.com/
Chamber of Commerce
972-285-0211
https://www.mesquitechamber.com/
Covering more than 43 square miles, Mesquite offers its over 125,000 residents a high quality of life and exceptional services. The city has received numerous accolades from the Governor’s Community Achievement Award to the National League of Cities Award of Excellence. Complementing the lush local parks, nearby Lake Ray Hubbard is available for outdoor adventure and water sports. Home of the internationally famous Mesquite Championship Rodeo, the community also boasts an art center with a symphony orchestra, theatre company, choral groups, and other cultural organizations. Mesquite has a longstanding reputation as a retail, restaurant, and entertainment destination, claiming millions of square feet of retail and office space as well as the largest concentration of industries on the east side of the Metroplex. Abundant housing options feature architectural diversity and a wide range of home sizes and prices. High school graduates and students of all ages can pursue a higher education close to home at the local Eastfield Campus of the Dallas Community College District.
Richardson
City Hall
972-744-4100
https://www.cor.net/
Chamber of Commerce
972-234-4141
https://www.telecomcorridor.com/
Sprawling into Collin County from Dallas County, the City of Richardson is home to more than 100,000. Once a small bedroom community, Richardson has evolved into the heart of a bustling area known as “telecom corridor.” One of the nation’s largest concentration of telecom companies and other businesses enjoy an easy connection to downtown Dallas via the North Central Expressway. The strong tax base has made possible a high quality of life for residents of Richardson. Amenities include an expansive public library, nationally recognized school system, a symphony orchestra and other cultural groups, Eisemann Center for the Performing Arts, acres of lush parklands, vast recreational facilities, major medical centers, rich retail services, and diverse housing options. Richardson is home to the University of Texas at Dallas and shares the Richland College campus of the Dallas County Community College District with neighboring Garland.
Richardson has found its place as a modern suburb featuring award winning family festivals, nationally ranked championship golf courses, 30 beautiful parks, more than 40 miles of hike and bike trails and the Charles W. Eisemann Center for the Performing Arts. The city is committed to supporting cultural arts, leisure entertainment, and programs that foster the arts with its own Symphony Orchestra, Richardson Community Band, Theatre Centre, Repertory Company Theatre, Chamber Music Society, Visual Art Society and a number of Ballet troupes and other Dance Groups.
For those looking to enjoy the great outdoors, the 8 acres that make up the Galatyn Park Woodland Preserve include a play area for children with climb-friendly versions of critters one might see in the park, such as beavers, snakes, rabbits and turtles. There is also a wooden boardwalk over a marshy area, perfect for observing birds and wildlife, picnic tables, a chess/checkers table, a horseshoe pit and wetland ponds. The park’s hike-and-bike trail connects to the DART light-rail system and the Spring Creek Nature Area that are part of the city’s 40-mile trail system. Spring Creek Nature Area offers approximately 2 miles of hike-and-bike trails in 51 acres of hardwood forest with natural overlooks and a pedestrian bridge over the winding Spring Creek. The 417 acres that compose Breckinridge Park include 4.5 miles of multi-use trails, pavilions, playgrounds, picnic tables, rest stops, a woodland nature area, a 10-acre lake and a number of athletic fields.
Richardson offers its residents a small-town lifestyle while still offering the appeal, advantages and entertainment of living in the D/FW Metroplex.
Rowlett
City Hall
972-412-6100
https://www.ci.rowlett.tx.us/
Chamber of Commerce
972-475-3200
https://www.rowlettchamber.com/
Offering a welcome retreat from a bustling urban metropolis to approximately 40,000 residents, the City of Rowlett remains convenient to world-class shopping and entertainment. Situated on Lake Ray Hubbard in northeastern Dallas County just 25 miles from downtown Dallas, Rowlett is characterized by an atmosphere of relaxation and lakeside tranquility. Transportation amenities are excellent, including commuter bus and major highways. Numerous parks and picnic areas grace the area, which also offers boating and fishing facilities. Area youth receive a quality education in their own centralized school district. Although Interstate 30 bypassed the city, the development of Lake Ray Hubbard in the 1970s spurred Rowlett’s development as a desirable lakefront community. Beautiful parks, nature trails, a water park, community playground, and golf club are just a few of the local amenities.
Sachse
City Hall
972-495-1212
www.cityofsachse.com
Chamber of Commerce
972-496-1212
https://www.sachsechamber.com/
The relatively small but rapidly growing community of Sachse, home to approximately 10,000 residents, is located on State Highway 78 just 20 miles from downtown Dallas. The expansion of the North Dallas “telecom corridor” and Highway 190 is creating a magnet for intensified growth and development in every sector. Already an outdoorsman’s paradise, Sachse is ideally located near Lake Lavon and Lake Ray Hubbard. The annual Sachse Fallfest attracts more than 10,000 visitors from surrounding areas to an arts and crafts country fair. An active library with children’s programs and a diversity of service and civic groups add to the friendly spirit of the community. Abundant parks and local activities combine with easy access to major colleges, sporting events, and cultural attractions. Primarily a rural community, Sachse is maturing and transforming as it welcomes many new residential neighborhoods as well as retail and commercial businesses.
Seagoville
City Hall
972-287-2050
www.seagoville.us
Chamber of Commerce
972-287-5184
www.seagoville.us
The close-knit community of Seagoville is home to approximately 12,000 residents who enjoy a southeastern location in Dallas County. The city borders Mesquite to the north, Kaufman County to the east, and the City of Dallas to the west. Seagoville provides all the benefits and pleasures of small-town living, yet it offers easy access to the world-class attractions in Dallas. Some of the more convenient destinations for Seagoville residents include the shopping and entertainment center of nearby Town East Mall as well as the waterfront attractions of Lake Ray Hubbard, Tawakoni, and Cedar Creek Lake. Commuters into Dallas can take advantage of Highway 175. Seagoville is only a 20-minute drive from two campuses of the Dallas County Community College District, Eastfield College in Mesquite and Cedar Valley College in Lancaster. The business community in this thriving suburb blends small companies with national corporations for a strong tax base.
University Park
City Hall
214-363-1644
https://www.uptexas.org/
Chamber of Commerce
214-746-6600
https://www.dallaschamber.org/
Offering the “best of all worlds” with an upscale twist, University Park offers a scattering of attractive neighborhood stores, shops and fine restaurants. The community is encompassed within the exclusive “Park Cities” area of Dallas, surrounded by a thriving metropolis and regional facilities that include North Park Mall and Preston Center. Within University Park, the major shopping destination is Snider Plaza. Home to Southern Methodist University, the community creates a stimulating environment with its strong support of education, sports and the arts. Area youth attend the Highland Park Independent School District, one of the most well respected in Texas. Just five miles from downtown Dallas, this close-knit community covers only 3.7 square miles but provides a prestigious home for nearly 25,000 residents.
