Ranked 67th by CNN Money on their Top 100 Places to Live in 2008, Garland is the second largest city in Dallas County and the 10th largest in the state of Texas. The residents and visitors of Garland enjoy multiple recreational venues including the Granville Arts Center, the Nicholson Memorial Library System, and Firewheel Golf Park. The city has undergone revitalization during the past decade, during which many new recreational venues were opened throughout the city to provide more options for the residents and visitors of the city.
In 2005 alone the city celebrated the opening of the Garland Independent School District Special Events Center and the Firewheel Town Center, which is an outdoor mall with over 100 stores. The city is also in the process of creating a new transit-oriented development in the downtown area around the city's DART station.
This guide will provide you with some helpful tips and information on just about everything you need to know if you're going to be making the move to Garland. From the city's neighborhoods and school systems to the employment options and recreational activities available within the city, you'll find it all in this guide so that you can go into your move with the knowledge that is needed to make sure everything goes as smoothly as possible.
Garland Climate
Garland's climate is primarily categorized as a humid subtropical climate. The city experiences hot, humid summers and mild to cool winter weather. Temperatures can often reach the triple digits during the hottest parts of the summer in July and August. However, during the winter, the weather is much milder, with temperatures usually staying in the 50s and 60s during the day and dropping into the 30s and 40s at night.
The city's location in north Texas means that it's often susceptible to strong thunderstorms during the spring. The maximum average precipitation during the course of the year usually occurs in May, when the city typically receives the most rainfall. Although snow is rare during the winter, it does happen occasionally.
Garland Geography and Neighborhoods
The city of Garland is a part of the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex and is located in northeast Texas. Most of the city is located in Dallas County, save for small portions which are considered a part of Collin County. The city has a total area of 57.1 square miles and is comprised of several distinct communities and neighborhoods that lend their own unique flavor to the city and the surrounding areas. Some of the neighborhoods in Garland include Centerville, Eastern Hills, Duck Creek, Embree, Rose Hill and Firewheel.
Living Costs in the City
Garland is located within the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex and its proximity to the cities of Dallas and Fort Worth contributes to the cost of living in the city, as do other factors. The costs of living in Garland are relatively low when compared to other large cities throughout the country, and the price of rent is on par with most of the region, as are the various living expenses related to average living costs, such as transportation, food and utilities.
The median family income in Garland is $59,129, which is slightly above the national average for median family income. The median home price for an average home in Garland is around $103,354, well below the national average, but on par with similar real estate prices that exist in other cities throughout the region.
Registering Your Car
The first few weeks can be a busy time for anyone who is new to Texas. One must make sure to register their vehicle as soon as they can. In order to do that one can find a local car service provider who will inspect your vehicle. There are also vehicle inspection stations available where one must show detailed proof of adequate insurance and your driver's license.
Upon moving to Texas, one must also apply for a Texas Driver's license. One must go to a driver's license division office of the Texas Department of Public safety. Unless you are a student or a military member you must submit any existing license and apply for a new license here. One has 90 days upon arrival to have a Texas driver's license. You must also make sure to learn about the Texas point system as getting a ticket in Texas can be very expensive.
Garland Moving Resources
Moving and storage companies are ready and willing to help you with your move to Garland, whether you're moving from out of state or from another county in Texas. Make sure you get estimates from multiple moving services before you commit to hiring any (at least three estimates). Check back to our guides for tips on how to choose your moving service wisely with important questions to ask, differentiating between types of estimates, and mistakes to avoid. Visit the following pages at Movers.com to get quotes for the following services:
Garland Schools
Most of the city's students attend school in the Garland Independent School District, which is the second largest district in Dallas County with more than 57,000 students attending 70 public schools. Three other districts are present in Garland, including the Dallas Independent School District, the Mesquite Independent School District and the Richardson Independent School District, which serve some small parts of Garland. The city of Garland is also home to several colleges and universities including Dallas County Community College, Richland College and Amberton University. Since there is no formal school zoning in the city, residents of Garland can choose to attend any school they wish, and are not limited to schools based on the district in which they live.
Garland Employment
With over 375 manufacturers, Garland is one of the largest manufacturing cities in the state of Texas. Some of the city's main industries include electronics, steel fabrication, oilfield equipment, aluminum die casting, food processors and dairy products.
The current unemployment rate is right around 6.7 percent as of April 2013, lower than the national unemployment rate, and the job growth rate is currently on the rise at 8.83 percent. Some of the major employers in the city are Raytheon Intelligence and Information Systems, Sears, Atlas Copco, International Truck, General Dynamics, Kraft Foods, US Foodservice and L-3 Communications.
Public Transportation
Garland is served by several major highways, which include Interstate 30, 635, State Highway 78 and the President George Bush Turnpike. Light rail service is also available from the Forest/Jupiter Station and Downtown Garland Station. The local public transportation system is managed by Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART).
The closest major airport is the Fort Worth International Airport which is located between the cities of Fort Worth and Dallas and is the eighth busiest airport in the world based on passenger traffic. The airport is a hub for American Airlines and features flights to over 200 destinations around the world, including domestic.
Culture and Contemporary Life
There's certainly not a lack of things to do and see in Garland. The city's proximity to nearby Dallas provides residents and visitors with the excitement and entertainment of a major city just within reach, while there are also plenty of places to visit within the city limits of Garland as well. For example, the city boasts 2,880 acres of park land spread out over 60 parks that include the Spring Creek Forest Preserve and Park Preserve, the Rowlett Creek Preserve, Firewheel Golf Park, Hawaiian Falls and Surf and Swim at Audubon Park.
For entertainment, look no further than the historic Garland Opry, as well as the Patty Granville Arts Center and The Plaza Theater. The city of Garland also happens to be inspiration for the TV show King of the Hill, which was created by Mike Judge, a former Garland resident.
Moving to Garland
Whatever your reasons for moving to Garland, whether it be for a change of scenery or for employment, the city beckons you with its charm. The first step in the process of moving to Garland is choosing a moving company after first checking their BBB ratings, insurance and license. The moving rates are charged by the hour if you are moving within the state boundary, while for a long distance move the charges will depend on the total weight or volume in cubic feet of your belongings. In the latter case, you can ask about a flat rate or any special discounts that are available with the mover.