Garland, Texas

We don’t mean to speak for how anyone already living in Garland may feel about the the city but the statistics indicate that things are happening in Garland that speak to opportunities they may not find elsewhere.

1. Millennials &/or first-time home buyers do very well in Garland. In fact it is rated #1 in Texas and #8 in the entire country for first-time home buyers. This is in part about home prices being reasonable and in part about relatively high wages in the city. https://www.garlandtx.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=1955

2. Garland is incredibly diverse in population and opportunity. Garland is a majority minority city that is rated one of the most diverse suburbs in the U.S. It dboasts a high percentage of home ownership and income levels across all race/ethnicities.

A good part of this opportunity comes from a large manufacturing base that creates a larger middle-class in Garland than other cities whose economies are more service-based.
Texas is a booming state and Garland feels like some of the best of what Texas has to offer. For those considering leaving a state like California that thinks Texas is going to be one-dimensional, Garland would like to have a word with you.

Here's a local's summary of Garland:
I think so. My family has lived here for 28 years. City services are second to none in the area. I live in a great neighborhood. The city has a large manufacturing base, both large and small companies which you would recognize, that number about 400. In total, there are over 9,000 businesses in our city of 240,000 souls within our 57 square miles. Unemployment here is usually below the US and Texas state numbers. Currently, unemployment is about 3%. Anyone who wants a job can find one.

So lots of people move to suburban cities for a pure experience of big homes, big yards and peace and quiet. And Garland has plenty of neighborhoods with that kind of vibe. But Garland is also a legit city all on its own with; manufacturing, industrial areas, and a mix of safe and not so safe neighborhoods. If you’re looking for pure quiet throughout your suburban city you won’t like the more city-like mix of Garland.

Note from a local about the city:
Garland is a city you really have to know in order to live there. Places like Monica park can be sketchy and anywhere to the south in some spots. It's not uncommon to see DPS helicopters circling there. crime has increased there over the last year and a half and the population continues to decrease. Wonderful food and Plenty of diversity…Garland has everything from Vietnamese, Chinese, Thai, Mexican, Guatemalan, Salvadorian, Honduran, Ghanan, Nigerian and Ethiopian businesses and Food. But like others said, There are some neighborhoods that are no go spots.

You also don't have to limit yourself to Garland, just because your job is there. Surrounding areas are nice too, such as Plano, North Dallas, Rowlett, Sachse, etc. None of those would be a terrible commute. I grew up in Rowlett and Garland, but I moved closer to downtown dallas because there are far more options as far as nightlife and events here than in the suburbs.

Garland lifestyle is an interesting mix. There are quiet neighborhoods with parks for kiddos and doggos, trails for biking and walking, a growing downtown commercial district with bars and restaurants for going out for young professionals and family date-nighters, and big plans for expansion of the central downtown and arts district area.

Perhaps most importantly for those looking for an active lifestyle, Garland borders Dallas. For many Garland residents, particularly those on the Southwest sides, Dallas lifestyle opportunities are just as close as those in Garland. As with many dense suburban cities that have a robust commercial district, it is often the case that people do “low-key” nights or days out in downtown Garland, but then head into Dallas for bigger nights out or more cultural adventures.

It isn’t necessary though as the Granville Arts Center in Garland is a beautiful facility with three theaters for live performances including; appearances by the Dallas Ballet, the local Symphony, concerts, movies, theater productions and more. While Dallas is still the major draw for culture, Garland holds its own. http://www.garlandarts.com/calendar.aspx?CID=25,42,32