Hurst, TX

Boasting a population of around 38,000, Hurst benefits from its central location between the two major cities of the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. Just 10 miles from downtown Fort Worth and 25 miles from downtown Dallas, Hurst attracts families who want access to both cities — but also seek a high quality of life. Hurst is an active community that emphasizes attractive, well-maintained surroundings, as well as social commitment. Hurst was the only area to host four shelters for evacuees after Hurricane Katrina.

ECONOMY AND INDUSTRIES

Following a vision plan that began in 1999, Hurst is in the process of redeveloping several areas and making major investments in the city to attract economic development. Wholesale trade dominates the business community over manufacturing, with more than 50 establishments. Manufacturing establishments number around 40. The services sector is also booming in Hurst, with more than 150 establishments. Major businesses in this sector are legal services, tax consultancies and other commercial services.

The city's population first grew to 31,000 due in part to the construction of the Bell Helicopter plant and the arrival of the Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW) Airport. As part of the DFW 'mid-cities' area, Hurst benefits from the employment generated by the airport and related services.

Hurst shoppers can take advantage of the North East Mall. Complete with 140 stores, this mall is the second largest of its kind in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. Every year, Hurst publishes and distributes a free guide to city shopping entitled 'Shop First in Hurst' to encourage residents to support local businesses. The guide is also available online.

The city's largest employers include Bell Hellicopter Textron-Hurst, the North East Mall, and Tarrant County College. Hurst is developing public-private partnerships to speed up development, and it looks forward to adding some new urban polish to its traditional suburban advantages.

NEIGHBORHOODS AND DISTRICTS

The neighborhoods and districts of Hurst accommodate around 14,750 houses, out of which more than 14,100 are occupied. Of the occupied houses, more than 9,300 are owner-occupied, while renters occupy around 4,800 houses.

Setting a good example of sustainable development, the Hurst plan calls for converting an old shopping mall into an arts center. And in keeping with the city's emphasis on social responsibility, a new senior center is planned, surrounded with park area and connected by a walking trail with nearby apartments, shopping and dining.

North Hurst is an upscale area composed of several neighborhoods and subdivisions, such as Chantilly, Chisholm, Greentree, Lorean, Mayfair, Owens Oaks, Shady Oaks and Thousand Oaks.

South Hurst is less expensive than the north side of the city. This region is ideal for young families and commuters. South Hurst has a stop on the Trinity Railway Express, which offers easy access to downtown Dallas and downtown Fort Worth.

BEST BETS

• Artisan Center Theater: This theater features shows for the whole family, including musicals and comedies.
• Central Aquatics Center: This center includes an activity pool, slides, a children's pool, tumble buckets, a picnic area and a volleyball area.
• Chisholm Aquatics Center: This center offers lap lanes, slides, an activity pool, a picnic area and a diving area.
• NRH2O Family Water Park:USA Today ranked this water park one of America's 10 best. It houses water slides, concession areas, an Endless River, a 'Splashatory' and other water-based activities.

EDUCATION

The city provides residents with excellent educational opportunities, partnering with nearby cities in the Hurst-Euless-Bedford Independent School District. Parts of Hurst are also served by several other school districts (Grapevine-Colleyville, Birdville, and Keller).

Hurst is also site of the northeast campus of Tarrant County Community College, which enables residents to begin post-secondary education close to home.

EVENTS

• Holiday Tree Recycling Program: Held annually in January, this program offers free mulching services to Hurst residents. After the holiday trees are mulched, locals can collect the mulch to use in their yards and gardens. Mulch is available on a first-come, first-served basis.
• Daddy and Daughter Valentine's Ball: This event is held every February in the Hurst Recreation Center.
• EGGStravaganza: Hurst hosts this Easter egg hunt every year in Hurst Community Park.
• Hurst Stars and Stripes: This is the city's annual Fourth of July celebration and fireworks show, held in Hurst Community Park.
• Christmas Tree Lighting and Santa's Workshop: Every year, Hurst celebrates the holidays with this festival in City Hall.

FAMILY FUN

Parks in and around Hurst include:

• Bellaire Park
• Chisholm Park (Hurst's largest, spread over 50 acres)
• Echo Hills Park
• Hurst Community Park
• Hurst Hills Park
• Jaycees Park
• Mayfair Park
• Red Bud Park
• Smith Barfield Park
• Tesco Park
• Wells Park

Chisholm Park is the site of an urban fishing program project sponsored by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department's Inland Fisheries Division, which stocks the pond annually.

Hurst residents can also take advantage of several public golf courses:

• Fossil Creek Golf Course: Avid Golfer Magazine ranked this course the number-one, mid-priced golf club and number-one, most-underrated golf club in the country.
• Iron Horse Golf Club: Because of its unique variety of holes-18 total-this course has been referred to as the 'thinker's course.'
• Texas Star Golf Course: Located in nearby Euless, this course offers a design that Avid Golfer Magazine rated as the best in Northern Texas.

LOCAL MEDIA

Hurst has 24 TV stations and publishes its own city magazine, Where We Live. Hurst is also served by the Dallas Morning News.