Arlington

About Arlington

Arlington is a large city near the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, at the divide of the Eagle Ford prairie and the Eastern Cross Timbers woodlands. It was named after the Virginian city that General Robert E. Lee called home. The city has had a colorful history since European settlers arrived in the area in the 1840s, serving as a frontier outpost, the site of Native American wars, an agricultural center and a hub of horse racing and gambling.

Today, Arlington is a growing city, home to the headquarters of several major businesses, professional sporting teams and universities. The city is also known as the entertainment capital of Texas for its multiple Six Flags theme parks. Recently, Arlington became important in the world of bowling with the arrival of the U.S. Bowling Congress.

Jobs in Arlington

Arlington has experienced substantial growth since the turn of the century, mainly because of its diverse economy and strategic location. It's halfway between Dallas and Fort Worth and close to Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport and several major interstate highways. This location helps make it attractive to businesses of all sizes. Many of them are based in the Great Southwest Industrial Park, one of the largest industrial parks in northern Texas. General Motors, Western Investments, the Texas Turnpike Authority and the city of Arlington are among the park's high-profile tenants.

General Motors' Arlington plant and an emerging aerospace sector fueled rapid job growth in the city toward the end of the 20th century. However, in recent years, job opportunities have increased in the growing hospitality, retail and tourism sectors. These industries have helped diversify Arlington's economy, providing jobs for both white- and blue-collar workers. Office and administrative support, sales and management jobs are also widely available.

Neighborhoods in Arlington

Here are a few great neighborhoods in Arlington that are definitely worth exploring:

West Arlington

One of the most well-known features of West Arlington is Lake Arlington, a large lakeside park that offers a range of activities. You can rent kayaks, explore the walking paths or go for a scenic bike ride around the lake.

Dalworthington Gardens

This Arlington neighborhood was created in the 1930's, as part of revival efforts after the Great Depression. Eleanor Roosevelt suggested the site, and the neighborhood remains true to its original design today, with many of the homes retaining space for livestock and farming.

Pantego

Although Pantego is technically an independent town, it's often considered a neighborhood of Arlington because it's located inside the city limits. The local Youth Leadership Council is a unique program that offers neighborhood children a hands-on experience with government and civic participation.

East Arlington

East Arlington is a family-oriented community, located directly south of the city's Six Flags parks. Recently, community leaders have turned their focus toward expanding access to educational and cultural amenities as part of the area's revitalization efforts.

Arlington Schools

Several different school districts serve Arlington, managing elementary, middle and high schools throughout the city and its suburbs. You can also enroll your child in one of the many charter and private schools in the area.

The University of Texas at Arlington is the largest post-secondary school in the city, providing a variety of four-year degree programs. Other schools in Arlington include Arlington Baptist College and Kaplan College.

Resources for Moving to Arlington

Here is some helpful information to make your move to Arlington as easy as possible:

• Utilities: In Arlington (as in all of Texas), you'll be choosing your electricity provider, so you're free to compare rates and choose the service that fits your needs. The city of Arlington manages water and sewer services.
• Garbage and Recycling: The city provides curbside collection of trash and recyclables. You can schedule pick-up of bulky items.
• Transportation: Public transit options in Arlington are fairly limited, so a personal vehicle is the most popular mode of transportation by far. However, there are city-managed shuttle and ride sharing services available in some parts of the city.

Arlington Housing Information

The median home price in Arlington is lower than the national average, and the fairly active market means you'll have plenty of options. The city has a variety of housing options, ranging from small studio apartments to large single-family homes.