Community Overview

Exploring Our Community

A Dynamic Region with Expansive Horizons

As you fly into Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport, the vast Texas landscape stretches beneath you in a tapestry of shimmering lakes, sprawling suburbs, and the gleaming skylines of both Dallas and Fort Worth. From the air, you can trace the web of interstates connecting communities, business hubs, and cultural landmarks across one of the nation’s most expansive and diverse metro areas. Nestled in North Texas, this region balances modern innovation with southern charm, offering an exceptional blend of opportunity, lifestyle, and comfort.

The DFW Metroplex ranks among the fastest-growing regions in the United States, thanks to its pro-business environment, strong economy, and highly livable communities. With more than 7.5 million residents, it encompasses two major urban cores and dozens of distinctive suburbs—each with its own personality. Whether you’re drawn to Dallas’s cosmopolitan energy or Fort Worth’s historic western soul, you’ll find an area that suits your lifestyle.

Centrally located in the U.S., offering easy travel across the country
Recognized by U.S. News as one of the Best Places to Live in America
Home to over 200 cities, each with unique culture and amenities
Warm climate with over 230 days of sunshine annually

Natural Beauty Meets Urban Access

Despite being a major metropolitan area, DFW surprises many newcomers with its natural beauty. The region is dotted with lakes like White Rock Lake, Grapevine Lake, and Lake Lewisville—perfect for weekend escapes. The Trinity River corridor offers scenic trails and greenbelts ideal for biking, jogging, or simply enjoying a quiet afternoon outdoors.

With mild winters and long, sunny summers, outdoor recreation is a year-round way of life. Whether it’s paddleboarding on the lake, hiking a shaded trail, or relaxing on a patio in Dallas’s Bishop Arts District, the region encourages an active, outdoor lifestyle balanced with comfort and leisure.

Dozens of recreational lakes within short driving distance
Renowned botanical gardens in Fort Worth and Dallas
Hundreds of miles of trails and greenbelts for biking and walking
Ideal weather during spring and fall for festivals and events

Connected, Global, and Full of Opportunity

Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport stands as one of the world’s most connected transportation hubs, offering nonstop flights to over 200 destinations worldwide—making both business travel and family visits seamless. The region itself hosts numerous Fortune 500 companies and thriving industries including healthcare, technology, energy, and finance.

For physicians and their families, the DFW area offers not just career opportunity but cultural richness and world-class infrastructure. You’ll find exceptional schools, renowned restaurants, internationally acclaimed museums, and entertainment options for every age and interest—all within a community that values progress, diversity, and quality of life.

DFW Airport offers nonstop flights to Europe, Asia, and both U.S. coasts
Major employers include American Airlines, Baylor Scott & White, and Texas Health Resources
Modern highways make commuting efficient and convenient
Ranked among the best U.S. regions for economic opportunity

This is a place where career ambitions and lifestyle dreams coexist. In the DFW Metroplex, you’ll find the energy of a major metropolitan area combined with the warmth of southern hospitality, all set against a landscape where tradition and progress blend seamlessly.

Your Ultimate Travel Guide

Looking to explore a new destination, but not sure where to start? A travel guide can help you discover the hidden gems and must-see attractions of a new place. Whether you're looking for the best local cuisine, the most scenic views, or the most exciting activities, a good travel guide can provide you with insider knowledge and expert recommendations. With a travel guide in hand, you can make the most of your trip and experience a new place like a local. So why not start planning your next adventure with a travel guide today?

View Guide

History Unveiled: A Journey Through Time

Frontier Roots and Railroads

The story of the Dallas-Fort Worth region begins in the early 1800s, when pioneers, traders, and settlers moved westward into North Texas. Fort Worth was originally established as an army outpost in 1849 to protect the western frontier, while Dallas began to take shape around a trading post along the Trinity River. Both cities were forever changed with the arrival of the railroads in the late 1800s, transforming them into thriving hubs for commerce and cattle.

Fort Worth quickly earned the nickname “Cowtown” as it became a vital stop along the Chisholm Trail for cattle drives. Dallas, meanwhile, evolved into a financial and transportation center. The expansion of the railroads turned both cities into magnets for opportunity, industry, and culture.

Fort Worth founded as a military post in 1849
Dallas incorporated in 1856 and became a major rail hub by the 1870s
The arrival of the Texas and Pacific Railway cemented the region’s importance
Cattle, cotton, and commerce defined the early economic identity

Boom, Bust, and Reinvention

The oil discoveries of the early 20th century ushered in a new era of prosperity, fueling skyscrapers, banks, and luxury hotels. The region grew rapidly through the 1920s and ’30s, but like much of the nation, it struggled during the Great Depression. However, Dallas’s strength in banking and insurance and Fort Worth’s military installations allowed both cities to rebound quickly during and after World War II.

The assassination of President John F. Kennedy in Dallas in 1963 remains one of the city’s most infamous historical moments. Yet the decades that followed saw the region transform again—this time into a modern, diversified economic powerhouse defined by innovation and resilience.

Early 1900s oil boom drove development and innovation
World War II spurred growth through aviation and military investment
Dallas gained national attention during the JFK assassination in 1963
The post-war era brought new industries and suburban expansion

Modern Era: Innovation and Integration

In the latter half of the 20th century, Dallas and Fort Worth evolved into complementary economic engines. Dallas became synonymous with high-tech, telecommunications, and finance, while Fort Worth retained its military and aerospace roots. The creation of Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) in 1974 symbolized their growing interconnectedness, propelling the Metroplex onto the global stage.

Today, the region is recognized for its diversity, innovation, and economic vitality. New generations of residents—from across the country and the world—continue to shape its identity, building on a rich legacy that celebrates both tradition and transformation.

DFW Airport opened in 1974, uniting the cities as a global travel hub
The Metroplex is now one of the largest and most diverse urban areas in the U.S.
Fort Worth maintains its western heritage through the Stockyards and rodeo culture
Dallas shines as a center of commerce, innovation, and cultural leadership

The historical journey of the DFW region is one of reinvention. From frontier towns to a globally connected powerhouse, the area’s rich past infuses its modern energy with depth, pride, and a pioneering spirit that continues to define life in North Texas today.

Population & Demographics: Understanding Our Diverse Community

A Mosaic of Diversity and Growth

As one of the most populous and fastest-growing metropolitan areas in the country, the Greater Dallas–Fort Worth region is home to over 7.5 million residents and growing daily. But beyond the numbers, it’s the community’s rich diversity, cultural inclusivity, and economic vibrancy that shape the daily experience of living and working here.

You’ll find a dynamic mix of cultures, languages, and lifestyles, with international communities thriving in neighborhoods across the metroplex. Whether you’re walking through the bustling streets of Irving’s international district or attending a Diwali celebration in Frisco, the multicultural fabric of DFW is on full display.

Over 7.5 million residents across 13 counties
One of the top metro areas for population growth year over year
Ranked among the most diverse metros in the U.S.
Nearly 25% of residents are foreign-born, adding global flavor to local life

Age, Income, and Opportunity

The population skews slightly younger than the national average, with many young professionals and growing families drawn to the area by abundant job opportunities, highly rated schools, and a relatively affordable cost of living. This trend creates an energetic, forward-looking atmosphere in communities throughout DFW.

Median household income varies by suburb but consistently trends above state and national averages in many areas. A large professional class supports thriving neighborhoods full of high-quality services, parks, and amenities, making DFW one of the most desirable urban regions for both career and family life.

Median age in the mid-30s, contributing to a youthful energy
Strong presence of dual-income professional households
Wide economic diversity with opportunities in healthcare, tech, education, and more
High levels of educational attainment in many school districts

A Place to Belong

Living in DFW means joining a community where relationships still matter and neighbors take time to connect. The friendliness of Texas culture is alive and well, especially in the suburbs and mid-sized cities that ring the metro core.

You’ll find a strong sense of civic pride, local events that bring people together, and a shared enthusiasm for everything from Friday night football to community arts festivals. For physicians relocating with families, the region offers an ideal blend of professional opportunity and community warmth.

Dozens of annual cultural festivals, including Cinco de Mayo, Lunar New Year, and Eid
Bilingual and multilingual services in many public institutions
Active local chambers of commerce and newcomer networks
Communities like Plano, Allen, and Southlake consistently ranked as top places to live

In DFW, diversity isn’t just visible—it’s celebrated. The result is a metro area where you’ll not only find a place to live, but a place to truly belong.