With a population of over 100,000, Lewisville is one of the largest suburbs of Dallas, Texas. Nestled along Interstate 35 between Dallas and Denton, this lively city has a fascinating history and a bright future.
History
Lewisville was established in the 1840s along the Elm Fork of the Trinity River. It was named after General William Lewis, a hero of the Battle of San Jacinto. The coming of the railroad in 1881 helped Lewisville grow into a thriving agricultural community known for its cotton production.
In the later half of the 20th century, Lewisville’s population boomed as it became a popular bedroom community for Dallas workers. The city has expanded its residential and commercial development, bringing in major employers. Today, modern neighborhoods, shopping centers, and recreational facilities make Lewisville an attractive place to live, work, and visit.
Geography and Population
Lewisville covers over 46 square miles in Denton County, Texas. It is part of the Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan area, the 4th largest metro in the United States. As of the 2020 Census, Lewisville’s population was 113,793. It is the 16th largest city in Texas and one of the fastest growing cities in the nation.
Lewisville Lake forms part of the city’s eastern border. This scenic 29,000 acre lake offers recreational opportunities like boating, fishing, and more. Lewisville’s climate is humid subtropical with hot summers and mild winters.
Attractions and Things to Do
Despite its suburban nature, Lewisville offers many fun attractions and activities for visitors and residents alike:
- Old Town Lewisville – This historic downtown area has restaurants, shops, cultural sites, and community events in restored 19th century buildings.
- MCL Grand Theater – See concerts, plays, and films at this 1,200 seat performing arts venue.
- Lewisville Lake Park – Enjoy hiking, picnicking, fishing, and relaxing by the lake.
- Railroad Park – Site of the city’s historic 1881 train station, now a museum and community park.
- Lewisville Lake Environmental Learning Area – Nature center with hiking trails through prairies, wetlands, and forests.
In addition to outdoor recreation at Lewisville Lake, residents have access to many city parks, trails, public golf courses, athletic fields, swimming pools, and recreation centers.
Economy and Major Employers
Lewisville has a diverse and thriving business economy. Many corporate campuses and industrial parks are located along I-35. The city’s major employers include:
- Toyota – Automaker with a 2 million square foot regional headquarters in Lewisville.
- JCS Industries – Major distribution and logistics company with a 500,000 square foot regional center.
- Vivint – Home security and smart home technology provider with a large call center.
- Signature Career College – For-profit higher education institution with a campus in Lewisville.
- Baylor Scott and White Medical Center – Large hospital and medical center.
Other major Lewisville employers include food distributors like Ben E. Keith Company and Sysco, as well as companies like Crow Holdings Industrial, GEICO, and LA Fitness.
The city also has many shopping and dining options that employ thousands of local residents. Vista Ridge Mall is a large indoor shopping mall with over 120 stores and restaurants. High-end shopping centers like Castle Hills Village provide additional retail options.
Sports and Recreation
Residents are passionate about local sports in Lewisville. The city is home to several athletic facilities and teams:
- Lewisville High School Football – The Fighting Farmers have won multiple state championships.
- Lewisville ISD Athletics – All the district’s high schools have successful athletic programs.
- Lewisville High School Lariettes – Award-winning drill team that performs across the state.
- Toyota Stadium – Home of FC Dallas Major League Soccer team.
- Sports Complexes – Baseball, softball, soccer fields and more.
The city’s parks, trails, lakes, and recreation centers also allow residents to participate in sports of all kinds year-round.
Education
Most of Lewisville is served by the Lewisville Independent School District, the 9th largest district in Texas with over 52,000 students. LISD operates high schools, middle schools, elementary schools, and special program academies that serve the educational needs of local families.
Higher education options include a satellite campus of North Central Texas College, which offers associate’s degrees and certifications. The city is also less than an hour from several major universities in Denton and the Dallas/Fort Worth metro area.
Housing and Demographics
Lewisville has housing options to fit different income levels and family sizes. Popular neighborhoods include Old Town, Hebron Estates, College Street, Lake Park Estates, Lake Vista, and many more. The median home value is around $250,000.
Lewisville has a diverse population. The racial breakdown according to the 2020 census is:
- White – 63%
- Hispanic or Latino – 24%
- Black or African American – 9%
- Asian – 7%
- Two or more races – 4%
Over a quarter of residents speak a language other than English at home. Spanish, Vietnamese, Hindi, Korean, and Chinese are among the popular languages.
Transportation
Lewisville enjoys excellent transportation infrastructure. Interstate 35E and the Dallas North Tollway run through the city, providing connectivity throughout DFW. It’s about a 25 minute drive to Dallas Fort Worth International Airport.
Lewisville is served by several major roads like Corporate Drive, Main Street, Valley Ridge Boulevard, Josey Lane, and more. The city has a bus system called Connect that offers public transportation.
Conclusion
With its long history, family-friendly amenities, recreational opportunities, diverse economy, and convenient location, it’s easy to see why Lewisville remains such a sought-after Dallas suburb. The city combines small town charm with big city assets for a high quality of life. Lewisville’s vibrant present and promising future ensure it will continue thriving for generations to come.