Newcomer’s Guide to Living in Tyler, TX

Frank Ordonez

Thinking about moving to Tyler, Texas? Here is everything you need to know to feel right at home: 

Your Guide to Living in Tyler, Texas

Where is Tyler? 
Tyler is an East Texas city deep in the piney woods. Known as the Rose Capital of America, Tyler truly lives up to its moniker. During spring and summer, the city bursts into a riot of color, with roses and azaleas lining streets and filling neighborhoods. 

Tyler also prioritizes outdoor living, offering residents 28 parks, two green spaces, and 14 walking and biking trails. Plus, with Dallas-Fort Worth and Shreveport just a short drive away, and other destinations like Texarkana and Nacogdoches within easy reach, Tyler provides the perfect blend of small-town charm and big-city access. 

What’s the housing market like? 
The Tyler housing market is competitive, but the area’s wealth of real estate professionals facilitates a relatively quick transaction process for those relocating. The region offers diverse housing options, including downtown lofts and apartments, residences in historical or modern neighborhoods, and properties in rural or lakeside areas. The average home value in Tyler is around $249,000 (Zillow, March 2025) and the average rent for a two-bedroom apartment is around $1,300 a month (Zillow). 

What career opportunities are available in Tyler? 
Anchored by CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital, UT Health East Texas and Baylor Scott & White Texas Spine & Joint Hospital, the region boasts a strong health care industry with nationally recognized pediatric, neonatal, and orthopedic care. Plus, competitive hospital salaries rival Dallas and Austin, considering cost of living. The University of Texas at Tyler became the first medical school in East Texas when it opened in 2023. Agribusiness also thrives in the region, with diverse food production companies offering above-average wages. As the economy grows, emerging industry sectors are advanced manufacturing, information technology and corporate services. 

Are there any colleges or universities nearby? 
Tyler is a college town with three different esteemed institutions: 

• With over 10,000 students, the University of Texas at Tyler is a four-year university with over 90 undergraduate and graduate programs. 
• Texas College is a liberal arts and faith-based historically Black college where students can choose from 12 bachelor’s degree programs across four distinct divisions. 
• Tyler Junior College is known for its small class sizes and community and campus engagement. Its online classes are consistently highly ranked, and it’s among the nation’s top community colleges. 

What’s the weather like throughout the year? 
Spring and fall in Tyler are ideal, with temperatures ranging from lows in the 50s to highs in the 70s, making it easy to get outdoors. The winters here can be wet and cold, lasting from December through February, with the occasional snowfall. Tyler gets a surprising amount of rain throughout the year, with late spring and early summer being some of the wettest times of the year, making it a great spot for gardeners. 

Nathan Lambrecht

Are there any pet-friendly parks in Tyler? 
Sunrise Paw Park is a local favorite because it has separate parks for small and large dog breeds. There is also an enclosed coin-operated wash station with all the tools you need to get your pup cleaned year-round. Bossart Bark Park is another favorite, offering 8 acres of open space for pups with plenty of shade and seating. It is also known for its consistently friendly and communal atmosphere. 

What’s another reason Tyler is a good place to live? 
Tyler has a surprising history of cultivating a thriving music scene, with many different venues and stages for live performances, and is the birthplace of many famous musicians and well-known bands. In 2024, Tyler received the Texas Music Friendly Designation from the Texas governor’s office. 

A Resident’s Perspective on Living in Tyler

It’s been a few years since Kristen Brice accepted a job transfer to Tyler from her hometown of Albuquerque, New Mexico. Her adjustment was fairly quick and smooth because she started by joining the familiar – church – and then expanded her community by following her passion for volunteering. Here’s what Brice has to say about living in Tyler, TX.

Tell us about your transition and how you first got to know people. 
I relocated to Tyler by myself and had to move within 30 to 45 days. So, I thought, “How can I get connected?” I wanted to meet as many people as I could and plant some roots. So, I joined a church.

From there, I wanted to get even more plugged into the community and give back. I attended a Power of the Purse luncheon with the Women’s Fund of Smith County. I was just so impressed by this incredible group of women and realized it was something that I wanted to be a part of. From the relationships I’ve made, it’s blossomed from there.

I’m a current member of the Junior League of Tyler, and I had the opportunity to participate as a Woman of Impact for the American Heart Association. 

What suggestions do you have for newcomers who want to integrate themselves into Tyler right away? 
My advice is to lean in on community resources, such as local churches, follow social media for events and meetups, and visit the city and Tyler Area Chamber of Commerce websites.

There are so many things you can plug into so you can understand the community you’re moving to. The groups I belong to – these are all organizations that I would not have known about had I not done initial research and connected with members. 

When starting a new job in a new place, it’s easy to isolate yourself. What tips do you have for getting over culture shock? 
I think it’s really important to explore and take in the vibrance of the new place. I’m a social person. I like to see what cities offer. Downtown is one area of Tyler that I thoroughly enjoy. I remember walking around the square and learning what downtown has to offer. It’s just a really lively place to socially plug in. 

You moved to Tyler by yourself. Do you feel safe, and do you feel like you belong? 
As a woman, I feel safe and secure here. Everyone has been so welcoming. They’ve been encouraging, caring and kind. It’s been an overwhelming sense of “We’re so happy you’re here!”

So many people, who I was a complete stranger to, opened up their homes, saying “Come to dinner, come join us!” What an incredible gesture to extend yourself to someone you barely know. It really gave me a sense of home. 

– Greg Phillips contributed to this article.