Located in Dallas County, Irving is an inner-ring suburb of Dallas and part of the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex.
The area anchors several Fortune 500 companies, including ExxonMobil and the U.S. branch of Nokia and Blackberry.
And it’s big enough to have harbored and inspired both Post Malone and Brave Combo.
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Pros of Living in Irving, TX
1. A Great Business Environment
Irving is home to various industries, including technology, finance, and healthcare, with all the jobs with multiple career opportunities for people interested in those fields,
2. City-Based Opportunities
Irving is part of the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, providing easy access to the Dallas area’s amenities, entertainment, and job opportunities.
For example, sports enthusiasts can enjoy events at AT&T Stadium (home to the Dallas Cowboys) and Globe Life Park (home to the Texas Rangers), relatively close to Irving.
3. Family-Friendly
Irving has numerous family-friendly amenities, such as parks, community events, and recreational facilities, making it an excellent area for families.
The Irving Independent School District serves the city and includes several highly-rated schools.
Additionally, there are higher education institutions nearby that offer further educational opportunities.
4. Transportation Infrastructure
The good news is that the city has good transportation infrastructure, with access to major highways, including the Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, making travel convenient.
5. Housing
The city offers a variety of housing options, from apartments to single-family homes, catering to different preferences and budgets.
The city has an active community and often engages in various events and activities, fostering a sense of community among its residents.
6. Arts
If you enjoy the arts and culture, know that Irving has a thriving arts scene with galleries, theaters, and cultural events.
The Irving Arts Center is a hub for artistic and cultural activities.
Irving offers a range of entertainment options, including theaters, shopping centers, restaurants, and parks.
The Toyota Music Factory, for example, is a popular entertainment complex in the city.
7. Points of Historical/Cultural Interest
Explore the Irving Heritage District to learn about the city’s history.
The Heritage House and other historical sites provide insight into Irving’s past.
8. Diversity
Irving is known for its cultural diversity, with a mix of residents from various ethnic backgrounds.
This diversity contributes to a rich cultural tapestry and culinary and cultural experiences.
Cons of Living in Irving, Texas
While Irving, Texas, has many positive aspects, it’s also essential to consider potential drawbacks.
Here are eight cons that some individuals might associate with living in Irving:
1. Dallas/Metro/Irving Area
While the Dallas/Metro/Irving area has a strong business and economic base, specific industries can influence its prosperity, and economic downturns deeply affect the community, and this can cause a form of financial dependency.
2. Education
For example, while there are good schools in Irving, like any city, there may be variations in the quality of education across different neighborhoods.
Researching school districts and individual schools is crucial for families with children.
3. Limited Outdoor Activities
And while there are parks and recreational areas in Irving, some residents might feel that there are limited outdoor activities compared to other areas with more extensive natural amenities.
4. Hot Summers
Texas is known for its hot summers, and Irving is no exception.
High temperatures can be challenging for some people.
Plus, occasional severe weather events like storms and tornadoes can occur.
5. Less Vibrant
And yes, there are entertainment options, although some residents might find the nightlife scene in Irving less vibrant than in larger cities.
Individuals seeking a bustling nightlife may need to venture into nearby areas like Dallas.
6. Infrastructure
Like many cities, Irving can experience traffic congestion, especially during peak commuting hours, leading to longer commute times, increased stress for commuters, and even more commuter jokes and memes.
While Irving has some public transportation options, including buses, the public transit infrastructure might not be as extensive as in some larger cities.
This could be a drawback if you rely heavily on public transit.
7. Cost of Living
While not excessive, the cost of living in Irving can be higher than the national average.
Housing costs are a consideration for those on a tight budget, as they are in many other areas, making things challenging for visitors and locals.
Pros and Cons of Living in Irving, TX – Summary Table
| Pros of Living in Irving, TX | Cons of Living in Irving, Texas |
|---|---|
| 1. A Great Business Environment | 1. Dallas/Metro/Irving Area |
| 2. City-Based Opportunities | 2. Education |
| 3. Family-Friendly | 3. Limited Outdoor Activities |
| 4. Transportation Infrastructure | 4. Hot Summers |
| 5. Housing | 5. Less Vibrant |
| 6. Arts | 6. Infrastructure |
| 7. Points of Historical/Cultural Interest | 7. Cost of Living |
| 8. Diversity |
Irving Safety Overview
READ THE FULL REPORT: Irving Safety Review
Safety Index:
- OVERALL RISK: LOW
- TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW
- PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW
- NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: HIGH
- MUGGING RISK: LOW
- TERRORISM RISK: MEDIUM
- SCAMS RISK: LOW
- WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Irving have any cultural or tourist spots to visit?
Irving offers a variety of cultural points of interest and tourist spots.
These cultural points of interest and tourist spots contribute to Irving’s diverse and dynamic character, offering something for history buffs, art enthusiasts, nature lovers, and those looking for entertainment and recreation.
Some notable places to explore include:
- Irving Arts Center: This cultural hub hosts a range of performances, exhibitions, and events showcasing visual and performing arts. It’s a great place to experience local and international talent.
- Mustangs of Las Colinas: The Mustangs at Las Colinas is one of the largest equestrian sculptures in the world, representing a group of wild mustangs running through a stream. The iconic sculpture is set off handsomely in Williams Square.
- Irving Heritage District: The Heritage District preserves the city’s history and features historic buildings, like the Heritage House, a restored pioneer home.
- Ruth Paine House Museum: This museum is associated with the Kennedy assassination.
- Ruth Paine’s house was the spot where Lee Harvey Oswald laid his head the night before the tragedy.
- Cottonwood Creek Park: A beautiful park offering walking trails, a pond, and recreational areas, providing a relaxing escape in urban surroundings.
- Toyota Music Factory: This vibrant entertainment complex features restaurants, bars, and live music venues, making it an excellent spot for nightlife and entertainment.
- Irving Convention Center at Las Colinas: Known for its unique architecture, the convention center hosts various events and conferences annually.
- Trinity View Park: A fantastic park with walking trails, sports facilities, and a lake, Trinity View Park is a beautiful spot and a peaceful environment for a range of outdoor adventures and activities.
Is Irving, Texas, famous for some ghost stories?
Irving, Texas, has its share of ghost stories and supernatural tales, just like many places (only being in Tejas, they’re bigger and told better. And much more modestly, too!).
One of Irving’s most famous ghost stories involves a ghostly apparition known as the Lady of the Lake.
According to local legend, a young woman drowned in the lake that once existed in what’s now Irving’s Trinity View Park.
It’s claimed her ghost haunts the area, particularly around the lake.
Witnesses claim to have seen a figure in a white dress walking near the water’s edge or floating on the lake’s surface.
Some have reported hearing cries or whispers on quiet nights.
Or so say the local lore and legend.
What should I know before heading to Irving?
Visitors to the city might want to know several key aspects to enhance their experience in the city:
Irving boasts big about a diverse culinary landscape.
Beyond Tex-Mex, visitors can explore a variety of international cuisines, including Asian, Middle Eastern, Indian, and more.
And keep an eye on the cultural calendar.
Irving hosts various events, performances, and festivals annually, providing opportunities to engage with the local arts and community.
Embrace the Southern hospitality and friendliness of the community.
Locals are often happy to offer recommendations and share insights about their city.
Is Irving walkable, or do you need a car?
Define need.
While Irving has some public transportation options, having a car is often more convenient for exploring the larger Dallas-Fort Worth area.
Consider renting a car for flexibility in getting around.
When's the best time to visit Irving?
The best time to visit is– arguably (and Texans hardly ever argue.
When you’re right, and that never seems to get old!) during the fall and spring seasons.
The weather’s comfortably mild in the fall from September to November, with temperatures ranging from the 60s to the 80s.
This is an ideal time for outdoor activities, festivals, and enjoying the vibrant autumn foliage.
Take advantage of the city’s parks and outdoor spaces.
Trinity View Park and Cottonwood Creek Park offer opportunities for walking, picnicking, and enjoying nature.
Similarly, spring (March to May) brings enjoyable temperatures ranging from the 50s to 80s, making it another favorable period to explore the city.
During these seasons, you can avoid the extreme heat of summer and the occasional severe weather in the winter.
Whether you’re interested in outdoor recreation, cultural events, or simply exploring the city, the moderate weather in fall and spring enhances the overall experience of visiting Irving, offering travelers a comfortable and enjoyable atmosphere.
Is anyone noteworthy from Irving?
Irving is part of the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex; all the region does is produce superstars.
However, to help you get a handle on the range, here are a few folks associated with the Dallas-Fort Worth area, including Irving:
- The Man, the Myth, the Post Malone (Austin Post)!
- The famous rapper and singer, known for hits like “Rockstar” and “Congratulations,” was born in Syracuse, New York; however, the Renaissance Man spent his formative years in Grapevine, a suburb near Irving.
- Another prominent musical phen from the area is the supernova musical phenomenon known as Brave Combo, a polka fusion band based in Denton, Texas, that has been putting some severe moves on some serious sounds for over 35 years.
- Actress and singer Demetria McKinney, known for her roles in Tyler Perry’s productions, was born in Albuquerque, New Mexico, but raised in Fort Worth, near Irving.
- Grammy-winning country singer Maren Morris is from Arlington, Texas, also part of the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. That counts in Texas terms. That’s like second cousins.
