5 Reasons to Call Tyler, TX, Home

Nathan Lambrecht

Thinking of moving to Tyler, Texas? Get ready for a warm welcome and a city brimming with vibrant culture, college spirit and a deep love for football. And don’t forget your appetite for delicious food either. Here are five tidbits to know before packing your bags. 

1. Football Fever 

If you are moving to Tyler, get ready for plenty of great football. This East Texas community is a breeding ground for football legends. From the iconic Earl Campbell to the dynamic Patrick Mahomes and the Heisman Trophy winner Johnny Manziel, Tyler has produced some of the game’s brightest stars. Football isn’t just a sport here; it’s a way of life. The Friday night lights are a staple during high school football season, creating an electric atmosphere that showcases the community’s deep passion for the game. So, gear up for spirited game nights and join the locals in cheering for their homegrown talent.

2. Satisfyingly Situated 

Nestled midway between Dallas and Shreveport, moving to Tyler offers convenient proximity to big-city vibes. A mere 90-minute drive will take you to the bustling streets of Dallas, while heading in the opposite direction lands you in Shreveport, Louisiana. Tyler’s central location provides the best of both worlds, allowing you to explore neighboring cities while also enjoying the laid-back pace of life in this picturesque Texan gem of a city. 

3. Music Matters 

Tyler has a rich musical heritage that echoes through its historic venues. The Historic Mayfair Building, which was once graced by legends like Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis and Elvis Presley, was recently renovated and now serves as an event hall with a stage and dance floor. The East Texas music scene thrives in restaurants, amphitheaters and historic venues, hosting local talent and big-name acts. From classic tunes to modern beats, Tyler’s diverse music culture hits all the right notes. 

4. Fantastic Food 

Your taste buds are in for a treat for those who are moving to Tyler. The food scene here is nothing short of exceptional, offering a melting pot of international flavors and cuisines. Indulge in authentic Italian dishes at Roma Italian Kitchen and Bar, savor the Mediterranean delights at Bernard’s, experience the vibrant Mexican cuisine at Don Juan on the Square or enjoy modern Japanese fare at GoFish – whatever suits your fancy. Another popular spot is Culture ETX, a Southern restaurant with a rotating menu. Tyler’s restaurants cater to every palate, ensuring high-quality options. 

5. College and Career 

Tyler is brimming with youth and energy, in large part due to it being a vibrant college town. With over 24,000 students across institutions like the University of Texas at Tyler, Texas College and Tyler Junior College, the city practically buzzes. And once you’ve earned your degree, Tyler boasts a wide array of career opportunities in health care, advanced manufacturing, information technology, corporate services and more. Tyler isn’t just a place where you might come for your education, it’s a place where you can grow your career and put down roots. 

Bonus: Tyler Has an Excellent Chamber

There are more than 7,000 chambers in the nation, but only 140 have earned prestigious 5-star accreditation from the Washington, D.C.-based United States Chamber of Commerce. The Tyler Area Chamber is one of those 140 top organizations. 

To achieve 5-star status, the Tyler Area Chamber diligently worked to collect three months of data and document information on how the chamber conducts its business, and how it is involved in the community. Categories that staffers focused on highlighting included program development, communications, finance, human resources, facilities, technology and governmental affairs. 

Those qualities proved to be an award-winning blend for the chamber, as it received recognition in 2023. 

“The U.S. Chamber says this award is based on sound policies, effective organizational procedures and a positive impact on the community, and we are, obviously, pleased to receive the highest accreditation,” says Henry Bell, president of the Tyler Area Chamber. “It’s a nice marketing tool to say we are a 5-star chamber.” 

According to the U.S. Chamber, the 5-star status shows a chamber’s dedication to improving and promoting strong business practices, recognizing outstanding contributions to the community, and staying in step with industry changes. 

“We focus on helping our 2,000 member businesses to be as healthy as possible because strong businesses add to the overall quality of life in the Tyler area,” Bell says. “I’m proud of our organization, and we will continue to be an effective advocate for our members.” 

– Kevin Litwin contributed to this article.