Tyler, TX: Small-Town Support, Big-City Amenities
The region is as much a bustling metropolis as it is a quaint town.
An East Texas community of more than 240,000 nestled between Dallas and Shreveport, Louisiana, Tyler/Smith County is as much a bustling metropolis as it is a quaint town.
It’s the major economic, medical, educational and cultural hub in the region, hosting 10,000 students at the University of Texas at Tyler, several corporate headquarters and a strong health care system.
While the economic stability of Tyler makes it an attractive area, it’s the people who make it a truly special and welcoming place to call home.
In This Article
Making Connections
Tyler residents are passionate about making their home the best possible version of itself, and no one understands what their city needs better than its own people.
Leadership Tyler is a community-led organization enriching the lives of Tyler residents by providing programs and classes to educate members on community issues and giving them the leadership and stewardship skills to address those problems and motivate others, as well.
For career-minded individuals looking for personal and professional growth, the Tyler Young Professionals Network is an organization dedicated to mentoring, leadership and professional development.
“We’ve got a really good mix of people promoting their industries,” says Judson Hinsley, president of the Tyler Young Professionals Network.
Members have a place to connect on business and personal topics, such as managing stress and networking, and also volunteer with different nonprofits throughout the city.
“It’s little old East Texas – everyone’s always just trying to get involved with the community, and try and help where they can,” Hinsley says.
Looking After Their Own
There are over 150 nonprofits in Smith County, whose seat is Tyler. From organizations focused on the arts and theater to environmental causes and youth programs, there is a place for anyone looking to give back and get involved.
“It’s polite, it’s family-oriented and it doesn’t have the burden of the socioeconomic stigmas that other big cities or small towns have. Neighbors help neighbors here, and we protect our own,” says Mark Shaw, community engagement manager at CampV, a nonprofit organization in Tyler.
The organization’s mission is to support active military and veteran personnel in their transition to civilian life. CampV has been a pivotal organization to Smith County, which has the second-largest veteran population in the state, by providing resources and advocating for veteran needs.
Active and Engaged
Local leaders in Tyler are not only improving their community economically and professionally, but also personally by creating community spaces for neighbors to come together in their free time.
One prime example is Simpson’s Fitness and Adventure Sports.
As mountain biking rose in popularity in the U.S. in the 1980s, Tyler Simpson recognized the need for a bike shop and opened Simpson’s Fitness and Adventure Sports in 1984. Now the longest-tenured bike retailer in East Texas, Simpson’s has played a hand in developing local trail systems at Tyler State Park, Faulkner Park, Lindsey Park and the University of Texas at Tyler.
“I’ve been here for 23 years – it has just exploded,” says Laurie Simpson, daughter and now part owner of Simpson’s Fitness and Adventure Sports. “There’s so many cyclists now.”
From trail rides to group work days and competitions, Tyler’s trail systems are as busy as its streets. This abundant activity encourages those looking for outdoor adventure to head to the city limits for a thrill.
“Every Tuesday and Thursday, Justin and I are leading rides,” Laurie says about the community rides she and her husband began five years ago.
Celebrating Beauty
The region is home to several eye-catching attractions, and they are celebrated in Tyler. Not far from downtown is the Azalea Residential Historic District, where each March and April visitors can view eye-pleasing sites along the corresponding Azalea & Spring Flower Trail. The trail features gardens of azaleas, tulips, wisterias and dogwoods growing next to quaint, historic homes. The Azalea & Spring Flower Trail stretches 8 miles and attracts about 100,000 visitors each year, with the self-guided driving tour beginning from the Smith County Courthouse on North Broadway and proceeding southward along several streets specifically marked with Azalea Trail signs. Also worth viewing is the architecture within the Azalea Residential Historic District itself, a neighborhood of early 20th-century homes built in Queen Anne, Craftsman, Classical Revival and International styles. Suggestions on where to eat, stay, shop and enjoy attractions while in Tyler are available at visittyler.com.
Kevin Litwin contributed to this article.
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