Arlington, TX vs. Grand Prairie, TX: Which City is Right for You?

Deciding between Arlington and Grand Prairie, two neighboring cities in the Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) Metroplex, can be challenging. Both offer unique advantages, and your choice will depend on what fits your lifestyle and needs. Below, we’ll dive into the details of these two cities to help you make an informed decision.

Overview of Arlington, TX

Arlington is a well-established city located in Tarrant County with a population of approximately 392,000. Spanning nearly 100 square miles, it ranks as the 50th most populous city in the United States. Despite its size, Arlington maintains a welcoming, community-driven atmosphere and consistently earns spots on "Best Places to Live" lists.

In 2023, it was named the 22nd best real estate market among large U.S. cities by a reputable source. Additionally, Arlington was recognized as the fifth most diverse city in the country in 2024, and it consistently garners high marks for livability. Notably, it’s considered one of the most diverse suburbs in Texas, offering a wide array of cultures, cuisines, and community experiences.

Location and Connectivity

One of Arlington’s biggest perks is its central location within the Metroplex. It’s positioned midway between Dallas and Fort Worth, with several major highways running through the city, including Interstate 20, Interstate 30, Highway 360, and Highway 287.

This connectivity ensures that most destinations in the Metroplex are just 30 to 45 minutes away, whether you’re heading to downtown Dallas, downtown Fort Worth, or the Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport. For travelers, Arlington also offers close proximity to Dallas Love Field, about 30 minutes from most parts of the city.

Lifestyle in Arlington

Arlington is a hub of entertainment and recreation. The Entertainment District is one of the city’s defining features, boasting major attractions like:

• AT&T Stadium: Home to the Dallas Cowboys and host to concerts and events.

• Globe Life Field: Where the Texas Rangers play.

• Hurricane Harbor: A family-friendly water park.

• Six Flags Over Texas: A renowned amusement park.

  
  

In addition to these venues, the city offers Texas Live!, a lively destination with restaurants, sports bars, and live music. Nearby, the luxury Live by Loews hotel makes it a great area to explore or host visitors.

Nature lovers will appreciate Arlington's over 100 parks, trails, pools, and recreation centers. Highlights include River Legacy Park and Nature Center in North Arlington, offering an ideal spot for families and outdoor enthusiasts.

Arlington is also working on revitalizing its downtown area. The development of modern amenities like a new city hall and library, as well as an influx of trendy restaurants, is turning this once-sleepy area into a walkable, vibrant urban center.

Overview of Grand Prairie, TX

Grand Prairie lies just east of Arlington, extending into both Dallas and Tarrant Counties. With a population of 204,000 and covering around 81 square miles, it’s a smaller but equally vibrant community. Grand Prairie is known for its diversity and affordability, with the city receiving a B+ rating for overall quality of life.

Like Arlington, Grand Prairie ranks high for diversity, being the 17th most diverse suburb in Texas. It’s a city that combines family-friendly amenities with convenient access to urban centers.

Location and Connectivity

Grand Prairie’s location leans slightly closer to Dallas than Arlington, making it a great choice for those who commute to downtown Dallas. It’s about 20 minutes from downtown Dallas and 25 minutes from downtown Fort Worth.

Major highways such as Interstate 20, Interstate 30, and the George Bush Turnpike (a toll road) provide excellent connectivity. Similar to Arlington, it’s a short drive to both Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport and Dallas Love Field, making travel easy and convenient.

Lifestyle in Grand Prairie

Grand Prairie is home to exciting attractions and recreational options, with EpicCentral standing out as a major entertainment hub. This area features:

• Epic Waters: A large indoor water park.

• Bolder Adventure Park: A multi-recreational indoor facility perfect for families.

EpicCentral also offers a variety of dining options and continues to grow as a hotspot for entertainment and relaxation.

Beyond the attractions, Grand Prairie provides excellent green spaces and parks. It’s a city designed for families and individuals who value a mix of modern amenities and a quieter suburban lifestyle.

When deciding between Arlington and Grand Prairie, your priorities will guide your choice. If you’re looking for a larger, more established city with abundant entertainment and revitalized urban spaces, Arlington is likely the better option. On the other hand, if affordability, diversity, and proximity to Dallas are more important, Grand Prairie might be the right fit.

Both cities offer excellent amenities, convenient locations, and a high quality of life, making either choice a great place to call home in the DFW Metroplex.

Post written by Kimberly Mendoza from Living Local Texas.