Designed in the ’70s as an urban paradise for modern professionals and their families, Las Colinas is a stunning planned community in Irving, Texas that is known for innovation and prosperity. Residential neighborhoods blend with green areas, entertainment districts, cultural landmarks, educational institutions, and more, putting everything residents need within arms’ reach. Fine dining experiences, luxurious hotels, sporting activities, and good weather are just a few of the aspects locals love about living in Las Colinas.
As part of the Dallas metropolitan area, Las Colinas locals can take advantage of the many great economic and cultural opportunities available in the big city without having to live in the urban center. Whether you live in a luxury apartment or a traditional family home, Las Colinas residents are all part of a single, bustling community made up of tens of thousands of workers and residents.
Inspired Urban Development
Las Colinas began as El Ranchito de Las Colinas (Spanish for “The Little Ranch of the Hills”), a substantial property originally owned by cattle ranching tycoon Ben H. Carpenter. In 1973, Carpenter began working with urban developers and architects to expand Las Colinas. Their combined efforts led to one of the country’s largest planned communities, spanning more than 12,000 acres of land.
Since its founding, Las Colinas has quickly grown to incorporate more inhabitants, millions of square feet of office space, and communal development initiatives—all while maintaining the community’s unique charm.
Transportation
It’s no mistake that Las Colinas is in such a convenient geographic location. Carpenter and his planners recognized the appeal of developing a town that was less than a ten minute drive from both the newly opened Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW) airport and Dallas Love Field. Today, Las Colinas residents can also easily access transportation like the Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) light-rail and national highways including SH-114, SH-161 and I-635 to get wherever they need to go in a flash.
Parks and Recreation
Well situated amongst rolling hills and 125-acre Lake Carolyn (created by Carpenter and named after his sister), a significant amount of the land in Las Colinas is devoted to recreational use and greenways. In fact, Las Colinas boasts having over 190 acres of parks, 50 charming lakes, 17 miles of Venetian canals, and 10 miles of lush hiking and biking trails.
Residents love using the Las Colinas’ canals to explore the area and even commute from place to place. Several of Las Colinas’ main attractions are situated along the city’s plentiful waterfront promenades, offering stunning views for patrons all year long. There is something to do for children of all ages and families love to swim in the community’s lakes or spend a day on the hiking trail.
Economic Growth and a Booming Job Market
Today, Las Colinas has a population of about 45,000 people and over 120,000 employees who move in and out of the city of Irving, Texas every day. “Las Colinas continues to maintain its competitive advantage as the most central business location in North Texas,” says J. Hammond Perot, Las Colinas Association president and CEO. Seven Fortune 500 companies call Las Colinas home, including Exxon-Mobil, Kimberly-Clark, and McKesson. Popular television programs like ESPN Dallas and Fox News programming are also filmed in Las Colinas.
Hundreds of companies have set up shop in Las Colinas to take full advantage of the city’s convenient location next to the Dallas metro area and major transportation hubs. Las Colinas apartments are readily available for mobile workers throughout the city of Irving. Forbes ranked Irving, Texas as the best city for jobs in the country in 2018 with a sustained annual increase in jobs of 25 percent. Irving also ranked 7th nationwide for overall population growth since the recession in 2007.
Cultural Icons and and Entertainment Galore
There’s no shortage of entertainment and cultural activities to keep the lucky residents of Las Colinas occupied either. One of the first things visitors to the community often notice is the Mustangs of Las Colinas statue that adorns Williams Square, renowned as the largest equestrian sculpture in the world and sought out by thousands of tourists annually. The sculpture is in front of the Mustangs of Las Colinas Museum, showcasing the work of artist Robert Glen.
Restaurants and Local Food
Hundreds of restaurants pepper the landscape of Las Colinas, giving patrons the chance to sample a wide variety of cuisines within miles of their home. Old Texan steakhouses like The Ranch offer mouthwatering cuts with live entertainment, while cozier eateries like the Italian Cafe dish up pizza and heaping bowls of traditional pasta. Le Peep is the morning go-to spot for pancakes and eggs for many Las Colinas locals, while creative spots like the Thirsty Lion Gastropub & Grill or the salad-centric Bread Zeppelin make lunchtime a treat for foodies living in the area.
Cooking at home can be a real pleasure in Las Colinas too. With the Dallas Farmers Market just miles away, residents of the area can easily access fresh produce, meat, and dairy products from local farmers. With an entire section dedicated to fresh floral arrangements, there’s something for everyone at Dallas Farmers Market—one of the biggest farmers markets in the country.
Fun and Lodging
Pairing a scrumptious dinner with a concert or event at the 250,000 square-foot Toyota Music Factory is a favorite pastime for many locals and visitors alike. Guests of the Factory can choose from events at its 8,000 seat amphitheater, The Pavillion, or the event plaza. MainStage Irving-Las Colinas regularly stages theatrical productions for smaller audiences too.
Visitors coming to town for friends or entertainment can stay at one of Las Colinas’ many luxurious hotels or resorts, choosing from some of the highest-rated lodging options in Texas. One of Las Colinas’ most popular hotels is the Four Seasons Resort and Club, Dallas at Las Colinas, providing guests with 400-acres of private land to enjoy, including two golf courses, tennis and squash ball courts, and a world-class spa.
Learn More About Life in Las Colinas
In Las Colinas, passionate residents have come together to build a strong and innovative community that attracts talent from around the world. With luxurious housing options like Crest at Las Colinas Station, this modern paradise leaves little to be desired for both single professionals and families.
To learn about Draper and Kramer’s luxury apartments in Las Colinas or to schedule a virtual tour of any of our properties, please visit www.draperandkramer.com today.
Residents love using the Las Colinas’ canals to explore the area and even commute from place to place. Several of Las Colinas’ main attractions are situated along the city’s plentiful waterfront promenades, offering stunning views for patrons all year long.
