By Rick Mauch
Special Contributor
East Arlington is proof that you don’t have to spend a lot of money to live near where things are happening.
East Arlington is a more affordable option for folks looking to live in the American Dream City, Arlington’s marketed brand since 2014. The proof is in the nearly 100,000 people who have chosen to call it their home.
But you won’t feel crowded or congested.
The neighborhood is defined by the Arlington area mostly east of State Highway 360 south of Interstate 30 and north of I-20 bordered on the west by South Collins Street. It goes a few blocks east of SH 360 from East Arkansas Lane to I-30.
Around 40 percent of the households are married with families. The average household ranges from the early 20s to mid-30s in age. The typical employment is administrative (14 percent) and construction (11 percent).
East Arlington is characterized by outdoor recreational experiences and green surroundings. Popular parks include Bob Cooke Park, the 103-acre Vandergriff Park with plenty of greenery and sports fields, and Meadowbrook with its popular sculpture garden.
East Arlington is also home to several recreation centers, including Hugh Smith, Meadowbrook, and the East Library and Recreation Center.
June Redmon, a broker associate with Keller Williams Lonestar DFW, said she and another agent will coordinate a monthly focus group starting in June to assist seniors.
“We will answer their questions, etc about downsizing, available services, etc.,” Redmon said.
East Arlington is also a sports and entertainment hub. The neighborhood is close to the city’s professional sports venues and theme parks. Down the road are the homes of the Texas Rangers Major League Baseball team and the Dallas Cowboys of the National Football League.
Also nearby is Six Flags Over Texas. The theme park is home to popular activities such as the roller coaster New Texas Giant and Justice League: Battle For Metropolis, an interactive dark ride.
The New Texas Giant originally debuted in 1990 as the Texas Giant, and was then the world’s tallest wooden roller coaster. Following an 18-month refurbishment (there were complaints it had gotten too rough), it re-emerged as New Texas Giant in 2011.
If you’re a bowling enthusiast, the International Bowling Museum and Hall of Fame is in the neighborhood. It honors the best ever in the game, with a special exhibit for Dick Weber, the sport’s greatest legend.
Although it’s not downtown, it’s only a few minutes from concerts and activities in the heart of Arlington and eating establishments such as Pioneer Restaurant, Pappadeux Seafood Kitchen, VB Steakhouse, Bay 34th Street Diner, and Pita Hot.
Sure, East Arlington has a lot of residents, more than other neighborhoods, but the approximately 30,000 homes are spread out, leaving lots of comforts and opportunities to enjoy space.
