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Is Rowlett, Texas a good place to live? For families seeking suburban tranquility with urban accessibility, the answer is increasingly “yes.” This Dallas County city of approximately 65,000 residents offers a unique blend of small-town charm and metropolitan convenience that continues to attract new residents.
Is Rowlett, Texas a Good Place to Live?
Table of Contents
Overview: Why Rowlett Attracts Residents
Rowlett consistently ranks among the best places to live in Texas, offering residents a rural feel while maintaining all the amenities of modern suburban living. Most residents own their homes, contributing to stable neighborhoods and strong community ties.
Key Attraction Factors
- Superior water quality (frequently cited by residents)
- Lake Ray Hubbard waterfront access
- Strong sense of community
- Family-friendly atmosphere
- Proximity to Dallas employment centers
- Excellent municipal services
- Active recreational opportunities
Population Growth Trends
56,199
60,892
65,000+
2-3%
This controlled growth indicates healthy community development without the rapid expansion that can strain infrastructure and community character.
Housing Market & Neighborhoods
Current Market Conditions (2025)
$385,000
25-35
4-6%
| Home Category | Price Range |
|---|---|
| Starter Homes | $275,000 – $350,000 |
| Mid-range Homes | $350,000 – $550,000 |
| Luxury Homes | $550,000 – $1,200,000+ |
Premier Neighborhoods
Pecan Grove
Features: Established trees, larger lots, Herfurth Elementary proximity
Demographics: Families with school-age children
Amenities: Walking trails, neighborhood parks, active HOA
Rowlett Creek Preserve
Features: Newer construction, modern amenities, some gated sections
Demographics: Young professionals, growing families
Amenities: Community pools, fitness centers, playground areas
Waterview
Features: Lake access, established community, mature landscaping
Demographics: Mix of ages, many retirees and families
Amenities: Private lake access, boat ramps, community center
Sachse/Rowlett Border Area
Features: Newer developments, larger lots, rural feel
Demographics: Families seeking space and privacy
Amenities: Proximity to both Rowlett and Sachse amenities
Housing Types & Styles
40%
15%
10%
Cost of Living Analysis
Rowlett’s cost of living sits approximately 8-12% above the Texas average but remains below major metropolitan areas like Dallas proper.
Overall Cost Comparison
| Category | Cost Index (US Average = 100) |
|---|---|
| Overall Cost of Living | 108 |
| Housing | 115 |
| Transportation | 105 |
| Healthcare | 102 |
| Groceries | 95 |
| Utilities | 110 |
Monthly Housing Expenses (Median)
| Expense Category | Monthly Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Mortgage Payment | $2,200 – $2,800 |
| Property Taxes | $650 – $850 |
| Insurance | $180 – $250 |
| HOA Fees | $50 – $200 |
| Utilities | $180 – $250 |
Property Tax Details
- Effective Tax Rate: 2.1 – 2.4%
- Tax Entities: Dallas County, Garland ISD, City of Rowlett, various MUDs
- Homestead Exemption: Available for primary residences
Schools & Education
Garland Independent School District
Rowlett students primarily attend Garland ISD schools, which serves as a significant attraction for families.
B Grade
89.2%
65%
57,000
Elementary Schools Serving Rowlett
Herfurth Elementary
Enrollment: ~650 students
Strengths: STEM programs, strong parent involvement
Performance: Above district and state averages
Coyle Elementary
Enrollment: ~550 students
Strengths: Arts integration, reading programs
Special Programs: Dual-language immersion options
Brand Elementary
Enrollment: ~600 students
Strengths: Technology integration, gifted programs
Community: Active PTA, volunteer programs
High Schools
Rowlett High School
Enrollment: ~2,200 students
Graduation Rate: 92%
Advanced Placement: 25+ courses offered
Programs: Competitive athletics, award-winning fine arts
Lakeview Centennial High School
Enrollment: ~2,000 students
Focus: College and career readiness
Programs: International Baccalaureate, STEM academy
Recognition: Multiple state academic awards
Higher Education Access
- University of Texas at Dallas (20 minutes)
- Texas A&M Commerce (30 minutes)
- Dallas College campuses (various locations)
- Southern Methodist University (35 minutes)
Recreation & Lifestyle
Lake Ray Hubbard Activities
🏊♂️
⛵
🎣
🏄♀️
Major Parks & Facilities
Wet Zone Water Park
Features: Pools, slides, lazy river, children’s area
Season: Memorial Day through Labor Day
Programs: Swimming lessons, aqua fitness
Community Park
Size: 15 acres
Amenities: Playground, pavilions, walking trails
Sports: Tennis courts, basketball courts
Events: Concerts, festivals, community gatherings
Annual Events
- Sounds of Summer Concert Series
- Freedom Fest (July 4th celebration)
- Fall Festival
- Christmas Tree Lighting
- Easter Egg Hunt
Employment & Economy
Employment by Sector
25%
20%
20%
15%
Commuting Patterns
Where Rowlett Residents Work:
- Dallas: 35% of working residents
- Plano/Richardson: 20%
- Garland: 15%
- Local (Rowlett): 12%
- Other DFW areas: 18%
Average Commute Times
| Destination | Commute Time |
|---|---|
| Downtown Dallas | 35-45 minutes |
| North Dallas | 25-35 minutes |
| DFW Airport | 45-55 minutes |
| Local employment | 10-15 minutes |
Transportation & Commuting
Major Highways
- Interstate 30: Primary east-west corridor
- Highway 66: Main commercial and commuter route
- Dalrock Road: North-south arterial
- Rowlett Road: East-west connector
Public Transportation
DART (Dallas Area Rapid Transit)
Current Service: Limited direct service to Rowlett
Connections: Bus connections to rail stations
Future: Regional transportation planning underway
Alternative Transportation
- Ride-sharing services (Uber, Lyft)
- Taxi services available
- Airport shuttle services
- Bicycle infrastructure developing
