Irving Texas - A Growing City with Low Cost of Living

 Irving Texas, located within the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, is rapidly becoming a sought-after destination for people looking to relocate. It offers plenty of activities and an affordable cost of living. At its main entertainment complex, Toyota Music Factory, you can catch a show, grab drinks, eat at top restaurants, and watch movies. Plus, there are plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy as well.

History

Irving Texas has a colorful past. Established in 1903 by Otis Brown and J. O Schulze, it was named for Washington Irving due to his wife Netta Brown's admiration of his works. At the dawn of the 20th century, Irving was primarily an agricultural and cotton-growing community. As electricity became available to residents, fire departments were established, and an industrial base emerged. Irving blossomed during the 1920s into a manufacturing hub, producing paint, cement blocks, aluminum products, millwork, roofing tiles, and chemical supplies as well as petroleum. Additionally, it developed into one of the world's largest trucking terminals. By the 1970s, Irving's population had reached almost 100,000 and it boasted many businesses, an arts center, and a university.

Today, Irving is a vibrant city that boasts numerous cultural and recreational amenities. It boasts several museums such as the Irving Archives and Museum, Jackie Townsell Bear Creek Heritage Center, and Irving Arts Center. The Irving Arts Center is a 10-acre complex featuring two theaters, four galleries, a sculpture park, and multipurpose rooms. Its permanent collection showcases artwork by both local and international artists. The Irving Arts Center also hosts concerts and events featuring internationally-renowned musicians, as well as classes and workshops for the public. As a result, it has become an attractive destination for both locals and visitors alike.

If you're interested in exploring the area's African-American history, take a visit to Jackie Townsell Bear Creek Heritage Center. This freedmen community in Texas dates back over 150 years, and its three museums tell its story from its start as a free settlement through to the Civil Rights movement of the 1950s and 1960s. Over the past decade, Irving's population has drastically shifted. Attracted new residents from all over America and beyond, creating a shift in its racial composition; there are now more Hispanic and Latino residents than ever before.

Entertainment

Irving offers a wealth of great places to explore, such as museums, heritage centers, and art centers. Plus, it boasts world-class trails and an exciting music factory - perfect for date night or just having a fun-filled day! No matter what you're in the mood for - Irving has plenty of activities waiting! One of Irving's top attractions is the Pinstack Museum, which showcases a multimedia presentation telling the story of President Kennedy's assassination. Housed in a historic house once owned by Ruth Paine - who was involved in plotting to kill President Kennedy - this museum offers visitors insight into this infamous event. Another amazing attraction in Irving is the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, a Hindu temple that serves as a place of spiritual worship. With its stunning architecture and serene environment, this is an ideal destination for those looking to spend quality time with their loved ones.

Irving Texas offers plenty of thrilling activities for couples to do, like axe throwing at Stumpy's Hatchet House to strengthen your bond while having a blast. Or for something more daring, head over to Six Flags over Texas for an afternoon full of thrills. Spend a romantic day on Lake Carolyn and Mandalay Canal by taking a gondola ride. You can choose either an electronic gondola or a paddle one for an unforgettable experience that will remain in your memory. Other attractions to see in Irving include the Irving Arts Centers, a 10-acre complex featuring theaters, galleries, a sculpture park, and rehearsal facilities. This is an excellent spot for appreciating arts and culture in Dallas/Fort Worth area - only 15 minutes away from Love Field! At Toyota Music Factory, a world-class music venue opened in September 2017 that offers various forms of entertainment. You can catch concerts from local bands or international stars alike and even grab some food at one of its many restaurants located within the complex.

Outdoor Activities

Irving is a city that provides visitors with plenty of outdoor activities. Situated close to Dallas, visitors have easy access to all the attractions in the region. Additionally, Irving boasts various museums and art galleries for those interested in discovering different cultures. For an outdoor adventure in Irving, check out River Hills Park. This expansive park offers various trails for hiking and biking, a lake for fishing, as well as picnic areas. Plus, it has pavilions and shelters overlooking Trinity River so you can take in the sights while exercising or pedaling your bicycle. California Crossing Park in Irving offers outdoor enthusiasts a wonderful spot for recreation. It boasts wide, paved trails with plenty of scenic views along its path. Plus, it connects with West Fork Trail and Elm Fork Trail to form an expansive 22-mile loop suitable for hiking or biking.

Hiking and biking are popular activities in Irving, with plenty of stunning trails to discover. One popular trail that visitors should check out is the Campion Trail which provides stunning views and combines natural and urban scenery. Take a cruise along the Mandalay Canals in Las Colinas Urban Center to admire its picturesque waterways and views of the area. These canals are perfect for relaxing, plus there are several restaurants and shops to explore as well. Take a romantic gondola ride on Lake Carolyn to take in the breathtaking sights of the area from above. There are plenty of options to choose from, so you can pick which one best suits your needs and budget.

The Heritage House in Irving is a historic landmark that allows you to step back in time and discover the city's vibrant past. Open for tours, it also hosts fun events like vintage fashion shows, teas, and speakers. No trip to Irving would be complete without visiting the Jaycee Park Center for the Arts, featuring two galleries and a duck pond. Throughout the year, this free-to-enter facility hosts various art shows, workshops, and classes related to Irving's art scene. This a great opportunity for those new to Irving to get acquainted with its vibrant arts community!

Restaurants

When searching for a place to eat in Irving, there are plenty of choices. Enjoy authentic Indian food, an old-world pub style meal or indulge in some delectable sushi dishes. Whatever your preference may be - Irving has got something perfect for you! Irving's top restaurants offer breakfast, lunch, dinner, and brunch every day of the week. These dining spots are ideal for celebrating special occasions with friends and family members alike. Restaurants in Irving offer affordable food delivery to customers. Popular establishments for taking out orders include Original ChopShop, 54th Street Restaurant & Drafthouse, Oasis Aroma, and Lucas Tacos.

For Tex-Mex and Mexican cuisine fans, there's plenty to choose from. Brisket nachos with queso fresco, slow-braised brisket, pico de gallo, cilantro, and tostada chips come as standard items; tacos can be had with beef tenderloin and ancho chile sauce as well. If you're in search of something more exotic, Vila Brazil in Irving offers Brazilian cuisine with an unmistakably unique atmosphere and mouth-watering dishes that will have you eager to return again and again. Farm-to-table eateries are also prevalent in Irving. Whiskey Cake Las Colinas, for instance, draws inspiration and flavors from a nearby farm because "food just tastes better" this way.

Grimaldi's Pizzaria is another popular restaurant in Brooklyn that serves brick-oven pies and calzones alongside wine and beer. Their pizzas are deliciously made with high-quality ingredients. In Irving, you'll find several LGBTQ-owned and -operated restaurants that provide a welcoming environment for those who identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender or queer. These establishments are listed on OpenTable website so it's easy to book a table and show your support for your community. If you're a sports enthusiast, Twin Peaks North Irving is the perfect spot for you. They feature wall-to-wall TVs with regional and primetime matches as well as friendly Twin Peaks Girls to hang out with. Additionally, the bar offers an extensive selection of drinks - making it the ideal spot to watch a game!