Overview
The Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex, or simply The Metroplex, has the distinction of being the largest metropolitan area in Texas, encompassing more than 14,500 square miles with a population of over 6.5 million people.
Texana abounds in this 12-county area located within the Prairies and Lakes region of Texas – cowboy traditions are alive and well here and there are many preserved historical and cultural landmarks, all blending seamlessly with the energy and sophistication of a modern metropolis. This makes the varied communities of the DFW Metroplex an ideal place to live for would-be homeowners who want the best of both worlds.
Apart from Dallas and Fort Worth, among the principal cities in the Metroplex are Arlington, Plano, Irving, McKinney, and Denton.
Local Attractions
- See the many wild residents of Dallas Zoo or Fort Worth Zoo. The former is the oldest zoological park in Texas, having been established in 1888, and has about 2,000 animal residents. The latter has a collection of 556 species and is the only Texas zoo with pygmy chimps or bonobos.
- Get your fill of arts and culture at the Dallas Museum of Art and the Nasher Sculpture Center just across the street where you can spot a few Rodins and Matisses.
- Take a gander at the living museum in Fort Worth’s Stockyards and see what it’s like to be a cowboy.
- Watch one of the many Metroplex-based professional sports teams like the Texas Rangers and Dallas Cowboys play home games at the AT&T Stadium, American Airlines Center, or Globe Life Park, to name a few.
- The DFW Metroplex, particularly Dallas, is a popular shopping spot. Visit the Dallas Galleria, Fort Worth’s Sundance Square, or Frisco’s sprawling, 1.6 million square feet Stonebriar Centre.
Signature Events
The Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex hosts many local events every year. Here are a few of the more notable ones:
- Cowtown Marathon in Fort Worth is a two-day event with multiple-distance races, making it the largest event of its kind in Texas.
- Denton’s North Texas State Fair and Rodeo seeks to promote the area’s western heritage and culture by holding rodeos, concerts, and livestock shows. Many other cities in North Texas also hold rodeo and fair events like the Mesquite Rodeo and Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo.
- Kaboom Town in Addison, Texas has a frequently-lauded Fourth of July fireworks display and celebration.
- The Cotton Bowl Classic played at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington is one of the six most popular bowl games in the College Football Playoff.