Arlington, TX

Named after the home of the famous Civil War General Robert E. Lee, Arlington was founded in 1857 along the Texas and Pacific Railroad and soon became a booming cotton-ginning area. Today, Arlington is a center of education, recreation, and residential development - still booming, but in an entirely different way. With a population of more than 370,000, plus a strategic location halfway between Dallas and Fort Worth, Arlington has enjoyed impressive growth in recent years.

ECONOMY AND INDUSTRIES

Some of the most common industries for the residents of Arlington include education, health and social services, retail trade, manufacturing, and tourism.

Arlington draws over 6 million visitors to the city each year, making tourism a major source of revenue for the city. Sites such as the Ballpark at Arlington (home of the Texas Rangers baseball team) and the newly built Dallas Cowboys football stadium are branding the city as a sports destination, adding to the appeal it has developed for family recreation with attractions like Six Flags and Hurricane Harbor.

More than 100 square miles of the city, including five business parks, are devoted to business interests, taking advantage of Arlington's proximity to major highways and to DFW International airport. The city is home to major operations of national corporations such as the General Motors Arlington Assembly Plant and National Semiconductor Corp. Some other major employers include Arlington Memorial Hospital, University of Texas at Arlington, and Siemens Energy & Automation.

Arlington has unemployment rate of 8.6 percent.

NEIGHBORHOODS AND DISTRICTS

Most of the population in Arlington is urban. Neighborhoods and districts of Arlington accommodate around 130,000 houses, out of which more than 120,000 are occupied. Of the occupied houses, around 55 percent are owner-occupied while renters occupy the remaining 45 percent.

The city of Arlington has more than 100 registered neighborhoods, such as Bentley Village, Central Meadowbrook, Parkway Central and Woodhaven.

The walkability of Arlington is very good. Most places such as grocery stores, restaurants, coffee shops, schools and drug stores are located close to the center of the city.

FOR VISITORS

• Six Flags Over Texas: This fun-filled amusement park features some 50 exciting rides including Tony Hawk's Big Spin and Superman: Tower of Power.
• Six Flags Hurricane Harbor: Visitors can enjoy this family-friendly water park that includes Hook's Lagoon and the Sea Wolf.
• Johnnie High's Country Music Revue: Country music fans from all over the U.S. flock to this lively revue, which features an entertaining variety show at the Arlington Music Hall.
• American Airlines C.R. Smith Museum: The museum showcases American Airlines and aviation history. Kids can enjoy the hands-on, interactive airplane exhibits.
• Fielder House: Built in 1914 by James Park Fielder, this historical site is one of the first brick homes constructed in Arlington.
• Knapp Heritage Park: This local historic park houses a schoolhouse, Joplin-Melear Cabin, and the Watson Cabin, which are three of Arlington's oldest buildings.
• Planetarium: Located at the University of Texas at Arlington, visitors can watch a show of planet and star-gazing in an auditorium-style theatre.
• Legends of the Game Museum: Located inside the Texas Rangers' Ballpark, the museum highlights baseball's legendary heroes. Exhibits include a special Texas Rangers' section and a display honoring women in professional baseball.
• Texas Scottish Festival and Highlands Game: Held in June, this festive event features native Scottish games, music, food, and children's activities.

ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT

Arlington residents have access to world-class cultural institutions in both Dallas and Fort Worth. But the city also maintains a local arts presence, including:

• Arlington Museum of Art: This local art museum features unique cultural and contemporary exhibits. The museum also presents art lectures and children's programs.
• Levitt Pavilion for the Performing Arts: The performing arts center presents concerts in a variety of music types, from Latin to world music.
• Metropolitan Classical Ballet and Orchestra: The ballet company features performances such as the Nutcracker and is accompanied by the Metropolitan Classical Ballet Orchestra.
• Symphony Arlington: Located at the MetroCenter, the symphony presents a wide variety of classical concerts.

FAMILY FUN

Arlington - home to the Texas Rangers professional baseball team and the NFL's Dallas Cowboys football team - is paradise for sports spectators. But there are also plenty of opportunities for active participation, including:

• River Legacy Parks: Located along the scenic Trinity River, nature lovers will enjoy Arlington's 1,300-acre parks featuring hiking, picnicking, and recreational areas. The parks, which include both woodland and prairie features, are home to diverse animal species. The Living Science Center showcases interactive science exhibits and special conservation programs.
• Lake Arlington: This popular recreational area features disc golf, a dog park, and paddling trail along the lake.
• Golfing: Golfers can enjoy the various golf courses around the city including: Lake Arlington Golf Course, Chester W. Ditto Golf Course, Tierre Verde Golf Club, and Meadowbrook Golf Course.

COMMUNITIES

Arlington takes special pride in the educational opportunities available to its residents.

• The University of Texas at Arlington: Founded in 1895, this private liberal arts college is known for its school of architecture, nursing program, and scientific research in biochemistry and bioengineering.

Visitors can stroll through outdoor retail centers and enjoy fine dining, retail stores including antiques and western wear, and entertainment venues. Arlington features the following popular shopping areas:

• Lincoln Square Shopping Center
• Parks at Arlington Mall
• Arlington Highlands