Irving, TX

Once known as Gorbit, Irving is a town of approximately 200,000 in Dallas County. The city is part of the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex. While residents enjoy the benefits of close proximity to these larger cities, such as advanced public transit and world-class cultural events, Irving is proud to retain its own unique identity. Over the years, the city has been home to a number of famous residents, including Lee Harvey Oswald, football player Brian Bosworth, and Hewlett-Packard co-founder William Reddington Hewlett.

ECONOMY AND INDUSTRIES

Irving's workforce is primarily employed in industries such as construction, professional services, finance and health care. The city prides itself on offering a business-friendly environment and is home to more than 10,000 companies, including the global headquarters of 4 Fortune 500 corporations and offices of more than 40 others. The Fortune 500 companies headquaretered in Irving are ExxonMobil, Fluor Corporation, Kimberly-Clark, and Commercial Metals.

Much of the city's industry is located in Las Colinas, a 12,000-acre master-planned community. One of the first such communities in the nation, Las Colinas houses more than 2,000 corporations and is growing rapidly.

Some of the largest employers in the city include ExxonMobil, Kimberly-Clark, Michaels Stores, Mobil Corporation, Fluor Corporation, Zale Corporation and Flowserve Corporation.

NEIGHBORHOODS AND DISTRICTS

Most of the population from Irving is urban. The city accommodates about 80,300 houses, out of which, 76,200 are occupied. Renters occupy 47,800 houses and owners occupy 28,450 houses.

The walkability in Irving is fairly good and many grocery stores, restaurants and coffee shops are situated at a short distance from the center of the city.

Las Colinas, the planned community that is home to thousands of businesses, is also a developed residential area with private country clubs, gated executive enclaves and urban lofts.

Irving's Downtown Heritage District is home to a number of the city's historic sites:

• Caster Cabin, one of Irving's original cabins, built in 1887
• Irving's original water tower
• A windmill original to the area
• A depot symbolizing the Rock Island Depot built in 1903
• Irving's first library building, opened in 1941.

ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT

• The Irving Arts Center: The Irving Arts Center serves the city's residents with four galleries, two state-of-the-art theaters, a sculpture garden, and various meeting and educational facilities. It hosts exhibits, shows, and special events such as Family Funday.
• Irving Symphony Orchestra: The Irving Symphony Orchestra is recognized for its high caliber. The symphony offers performances throughout the year, including a popular holiday pops concert. The symphony often hosts guest musicians as well.
• The Mustangs of Las Colinas: These famed mustangs are the largest equestrian statues in the world. The installation was created in 1984 by Robert Glen, an African wildlife artist, to commemorate Texas heritage.

FOR VISITORS

• Downtown Heritage District: Irving's downtown has been honored by the Texas Historical Commission as a "Texas Main Street." Tourists enjoy the area's unique shops, restaurants, and lodgings. The Downtown Heritage District is also home to Heritage Park, where visitors can see Caster Cabin, one of the city's original buildings (dating back to 1887). The park also houses the town's original water tower and several other historical buildings.
• National Scouting Museum: Irving is home to the national headquarters of the Boy Scouts of America, and the city's National Scouting Museum pays tribute to the organization. It features a Norman Rockwell art gallery, a collection of Boy Scout memorabilia that traces the organization's history, interactive exhibits, and virtual reality adventures.
• Las Colinas Flower Clock: Located at the intersection of State Highway 114 and O'Connor Boulevard, the Las Colinas Flower Clock was inspired by the famous flower clocks of Europe. It measures 37 feet diagonally and is built from a frame of steel and shrubs that are planted with miniature flowers four times a year.

Irving's visitors also have access to the vast resources of Dallas and Fort Worth, which are just a short drive away. Nearby attractions include:

• Dallas Zoo
• Dallas Museum of Natural History
• Fort Worth Museum of Science and History/Omni Theater
• Fort Worth Zoo
• Six Flags Over Texas (Arlington)

FAMILY FUN

• CampiOn Trails: Currently under construction, CampiOn Trails will eventually stretch for 22 miles through the city. It will join many of Irving's existing trails and pass through the city's parks. Irving's trails are open for use year-round.
• Mandalay Canal Walk at Las Colinas: The Mandalay Canal Walk is a shaded cobblestone walkway that winds along the Mandalay Canal.
• Twin Wells Golf Course: Surrounded by wooded areas, Irving's Twin Wells Golf Course is a scenic 18-hole, par-72 course. The course, which is known for its use of water, is the city's only municipal course.

EVENTS

• The Texas Pinball Festival: Every year pinball enthusiasts from around the state and nation gather in Irving for the Texas Pinball Festival. The three-date event celebrates the history of the game, offering attendees the opportunity to play a number of machines (many of them vintage classics), attend seminars, connect with other pinball fans, and enter tournaments.
• Canalfest: Each June, Irving holds Canalfest, a festival that takes place along the city's scenic Mandalay Canal. This event draws a large crowd with a boat parade, clowns, magicians and music.

LOCAL MEDIA

Irving is served by the Irving News, a daily paper.

EDUCATION

The University of Dallas and the North Lake campus of the Dallas Community College are both Located in Irving, along with branches of the University of Phoenix and DeVry University.

SPORTS TEAMS

Irving is home to Texas Stadium, where the Dallas Cowboys played from 1971-2008.

The city is also a stop on the PGA Tour. The HP Byron Nelson Championship is held each spring at the Four Seasons Resort in Irving's Las Colinas area.

Other sports teams and facilities within driving distance of Irving include:

• The Texas Motor Speedway (Fort Worth)
• Horse-racing at Lone Star Park (Grand Prairie)
• The Dallas Desperados (Arena Football)
• The Dallas Mavericks (Basketball)
• The Dallas Stars (Hockey)
• FC Dallas (Soccer)