Irving is a booming north Dallas suburb with plenty to offer beyond proximity to the Big D. Let’s take a look at some of the attractions and statistics that make this community of nearly 250,000 a comfortable and desirable place to live.
1. Campion Trail
When complete, Irving’s Campion Trail will stretch 22 miles along the Trinity River’s tributaries. Currently, the trail consists of two separate sections totaling 13 miles in length. The well-maintained, multipurpose recreational trail is offers a mix of urban and natural scenery, and is easily accessible from AMLI Campion Trail. Campion Trail is especially nice for runners and cyclists, but is just one of several lovely green spaces in Irving. The city’s Parks and Recreation department manages 43 parks in total.
2. Community engagement
Irving residents on the whole work hard, play hard, and give back to their community. The city has hundreds of clubs and civic organizations residents can join, including two Rotary clubs and a Kiwanis club. Volunteer opportunities abound for adults and teens.
3. Gondola rides
One of the most iconic Irving experiences you can have is a ride along the Mandalay Canal and beautiful Lake Carolyn. Gondola Adventures operates romantic rides for two, larger group rides, and dinner cruises. Even if you wind up only riding the gondolas when guests visit from out of town, the charming, narrow boats make for nice scenery all the time.
4. Jobs
Home to five Fortune 500 corporations and 8,500 companies, Irving’s economy is thriving and diverse. If you find yourself drawn to Irving and would like to live and work in the same community, it’s a great place to look for jobs.
5. Mustangs of Las Colinas
At the center of Las Colinas Urban Center’s William’s Square sits a magnificent work of public art. The Mustangs of Las Colinas, created over eight years on three different continents, attract visitors from around the world. Not all public art displays are easy to get on board with, but this Irving example sure is.
6. Quality museums
After admiring the Mustangs of Las Colinas, you can brush up on the sculpture’s history at the Mustangs of Las Colinas Museum. This is one of several community museums with a good reputation. Others include the National Scouting Museum, Irving Arts Center, Ruth Paine House, and Jackie Townsell Bear Creek Heritage Center and native plant garden.
7. Outstanding schools
Irving Independent School District is one of the largest and highest achieving in Texas. In addition to academics, the district is known for its competitive, community-supported sports programs. High school football is as big of a deal in Irving as it is anywhere.
8. Summer fairs and festivals
Irving hosts celebratory fairs, festivals, and other community events all year long. But the north Dallas suburb really lets loose in the summertime. The International Concert Series, Taste of Irving food festival, and North Texas Beer and Wine Festival are summer event highlights.
9. Shin’s Donuts
Tucked away in a nondescript shopping center 10 minutes’ drive from AMLI at Escena and AMLI on Riverside, Shin’s Donuts may not look like very much. But if you’re a sweet tooth who has indulged in Shin’s doughnuts or kolaches, you probably don’t need convincing why Shin’s presence in Irving is a reason to love living there. You’re a short drive from some of the state’s most beloved sweet and savory pastry delights.
10. Other grub
Shin’s is far from the only eatery worthy of mention on this list. Irving’s dynamic and relatively diverse culinary scene has several stars. Bread Zeppelin‘s crunchy baguette salad concept has earned it a large following. Via Real‘s southwestern cuisine is delectable. And Andalous Mediterranean Grill serves satisfying bites and mains prepared with fresh, local ingredients.
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View All Posts by Jason Ernst