Are you considering a move to the Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) area but can’t decide between Grand Prairie and Arlington? These two centrally located cities offer distinct lifestyles, and this guide will help you choose the one that best suits your needs.
I’m Keela McGraw, your favorite DFW realtor. I often help clients relocating to the area explore both cities. Let’s dive into the highlights of Grand Prairie and Arlington, covering amenities, housing, schools, and overall lifestyle.
Location and Accessibility
Arlington
Located in Tarrant County, Arlington is home to 392,000 residents across nearly 100 square miles. Centrally positioned between Dallas and Fort Worth, Arlington offers excellent connectivity with major highways like Interstate 20, Interstate 30, Highway 360, and Highway 287.
Travel times:
- DFW International Airport: 15–20 minutes
- Dallas Love Field: 30 minutes
- Downtown Dallas or Fort Worth: 20–30 minutes
Grand Prairie
Situated east of Arlington, Grand Prairie spans 81 square miles and has a population of 204,000. Split between Dallas and Tarrant counties, it is also centrally located with convenient access to Interstate 20, Interstate 30, and the George Bush Turnpike (toll road).
Travel times:
- DFW International Airport: 20 minutes
- Dallas Love Field: 25 minutes
- Downtown Dallas or Fort Worth: 20–25 minutes
Lifestyle and Entertainment
Arlington
Arlington’s Entertainment District is packed with attractions:
- AT&T Stadium: Home of the Dallas Cowboys and major events.
- Globe Life Field: Where the Texas Rangers play.
- Six Flags Over Texas & Hurricane Harbor: Theme parks for family fun.
- Texas Live!: A lively hub of restaurants, bars, and live music.
- Parks and Trails: Over 100 parks, including River Legacy Park, perfect for outdoor activities.
Upcoming: The National Medal of Honor Museum (2025).
Grand Prairie
Grand Prairie boasts Epic Central, a multi-attraction destination featuring:
- Epic Waters: A massive indoor water park.
- Boulder Adventure Park: Indoor recreation for all ages.
- Joe Pool Lake: Ideal for boating, fishing, and kayaking.
- Lone Star Park: Horse racing and entertainment.
Other highlights include Texas Trust CU Theater for concerts and comedy shows and a nightly light show at Epic Central.
Housing and Community
Arlington
- Median Sales Price (July 2024): $340,000
- Mostly older homes built between the 1960s and 2000s.
- Viridian: A standout master-planned community with homes ranging from $300,000 to $1M+. Viridian offers lakes, trails, and parks, fostering an outdoor lifestyle.
Grand Prairie
- Median Sales Price (July 2024): $350,000
- Mix of older homes and new construction.
- Mira Lagos: A popular master-planned community with housing options from $300,000 to $900,000.
- Nearby Greenway Trails offers newer homes built after 2020.
Schools and Education
Both cities offer a range of school districts rated “B” by the Texas Education Agency (TEA).
Arlington
- Served by Arlington ISD, Mansfield ISD, Grand Prairie ISD, and HEB ISD.
- Arlington ISD has 76 schools and serves over 55,000 students.
- Higher education: University of Texas at Arlington and Tarrant County Community College.
Grand Prairie
- Served by Grand Prairie ISD, Arlington ISD, Mansfield ISD, and Midlothian ISD.
- Grand Prairie ISD has 39 schools and serves over 27,000 students.
Final Thoughts
Both Arlington and Grand Prairie are fantastic options for those wanting to live in the heart of the DFW metroplex. With excellent amenities, central locations, and housing for various budgets, your choice ultimately depends on your lifestyle preferences.
Have questions about moving to Arlington or Grand Prairie? Reach out by call, text, or email—I’d love to help you make the right move!
Let me know if you’d like any other adjustments!