Why Live in Tyler, TX? Ask These Residents
Megan Riaz’s love for Tyler has evolved over time. She grew up about an hour south, then chose to live in Tyler for college. Tyler is where she has since met her future husband, launched her career, bought a home and started raising her family.
“I have always loved Tyler,” Riaz says, “but as my kids have grown up, and I have become more involved in the community, my love for Tyler has grown. It’s the best ‘small town’ but with so many opportunities. The people of Tyler and their love for others is really unlike other places.”
Kristen Brice is a physician relations and outreach market director at Ardent Health Services. She’s only lived in Tyler since 2021 but her experience has been similar.
“Tyler is a great place to live because it’s growing,” she says. “People are generous and kind. It’s a place where you’re welcomed with open arms.”
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Why Live in Tyler? Food, Art & Festivities
Moving from Albuquerque, Brice noticed many differences between New Mexico and East Texas.
“First impression: Coming from the desert, it’s very green,” she says. “But initially, what really hit me was the revitalization and vibrance of downtown Tyler. There’s wonderful art and beautiful murals throughout the city. You can tell that Tyler cares about artists.”
Riaz has high praise for the city center, too, where she works as the director of community affairs for Bethesda Health Clinic.
“I love downtown. I’ve seen its evolution over recent years,” she says. “We have great restaurants and fun places to hang out.”
Brice extols the live music venues and breweries and standout farmers markets. “I think the city really takes a lot of pride in the look and feel,” she says. “Everyone is very invested in pouring resources into the city.”
That includes parks and recreational activities. Riaz has been running in Tyler for more than 10 years.
“I always feel safe, and there are so many places to go,” Riaz says. “The expansion of Legacy Trail has been awesome because I can run from my house. We have plenty of space to run without being on the main roads.”
Enjoy Seasons of Celebrations
Texas is known for hot summers, but Brice acclimated quickly. “I feel like we have four seasons here. Summer stretches the longest, and so far, winters have been fine. I sincerely love fall because you’re in-between. Just a beautiful time.”
Riaz looks forward to budding trees and blooms. “My favorite time of the year is probably spring,” she says. “We have the historic Azalea District and events that commemorate the season like the Azalea & Spring Flower Trail.” There’s also the Azalea Run with 1k, 5k and 10k courses.
“We have wonderful golf courses and other events like the Red Dirt BBQ & Music Festival, which brings in talented artists,” Riaz says. “As a Tyler resident, there’s so much that you can do.”
The Texas Rose Festival happens in October, and late November brings one of Brice’s favorite events: Mistletoe & Magic. “Tyler goes above and beyond in holiday spirit. There’s so much cheer and joy. It makes the city have such a lively environment. It’s exciting,” Brice says.
Community Spirit & Warm Welcomes
Tyler’s spirit of giving is one quality that has particularly impressed Brice. “We have so many amazing nonprofits offering services. It’s something that I’ve never seen at this scale before.”
And while Riaz describes Tyler as a wonderful place to raise a family because of quality schools, parks and sports organizations, what she likes most about the city is Tyler’s oversized heart.
“Kindness and generosity are my favorite things about Tyler,” she says. “I work at a local nonprofit organization and see firsthand the generosity of our community and the willingness that people have to extend their hand to others in need.”
That compassion extends to new residents as well.
“Everyone looks out for their neighbor,” Brice says. “It’s just that sense of people checking in on you, making sure you’re okay. They really take the relationship with their neighborhood and community to heart.”
Have Tons of Fun in Tyler
It’s easy to enjoy yourself in Tyler, with many events and attractions to attend throughout the year.
Azalea Arts & Crafts Fair: Bergfeld Park is where the annual Azalea Arts & Crafts Fair takes place in Tyler for two days in mid- March, when azaleas are in full bloom. More than 70 booths feature handcrafted items for sale, and there are food trucks, kid activities and live music both days.
Red Dirt BBQ & Music Festival: Early May is the time for the annual Red Dirt BBQ & Music Festival, which celebrates its 10th anniversary in 2024. More than 20 celebrated barbecue joints from throughout Texas cook and sell their top-notch brisket, pork ribs and chicken. Country music acts on the 2024 lineup include Mark Chesnutt, Kolby Cooper, Pony Bradshaw and the Randy Rogers Band.
Tyler Art Festival: One of the most popular get-togethers is the annual Tyler Art Festival, which is staged in mid-September on the downtown square and showcases the talents of local and regional sculptors, furniture makers, photographers, ceramics makers, jewelers and other artists.
Rose City Airfest: The Rose City Airfest is a thrilling airshow at Tyler Pounds Airport featuring aerobatic displays, vintage warbirds, modern military aircraft and family-friendly activities. In 2024, the popular annual event takes place in October.
Texas Rose Festival: The city also hosts the annual Texas Rose Festival that takes place on the third weekend in October. The 90th annual celebration takes place in 2024. Highlights include a queen’s Coronation, queen’s tea and Rose Parade – all amid a beautiful backdrop of brilliant roses grown in Tyler.
Get to Know Tyler
Want to learn more about living and working in Tyler, TX? Check out the latest edition of Livability Tyler, Texas.