Thinking about moving to Tyler? This vibrant East Texas city blends warm Southern hospitality, affordable living, and natural beauty with growing career opportunities and a strong sense of community.
Here’s everything new residents should know about life in the Rose Capital of America.
Big Opportunities in a Midsize City
Tyler may not be a major metro area, but it offers a surprisingly wide range of career opportunities for a city of its size. Tyler serves as the economic heart of East Texas, supporting a regional population of over 225,000 with jobs, healthcare, and education.
Healthcare is one of the city’s largest employers, with UT Health East Texas and CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances offering opportunities for nurses, physicians, technicians, and support staff. Tyler is also home to Brookshire Grocery Company—a regional grocery chain headquartered here—as well as a robust manufacturing sector.
- Trane Technologies employs around 1,450 people at its HVAC manufacturing plant in Tyler.
- Tyler Pipe, a subsidiary of McWane Inc., produces soil and utility pipe products.
- Sanderson Farms operates a poultry processing plant in the Tyler metro region, employing nearly 1,750 people in the area.
- Delek US Refining processes East Texas crude and contributes to regional energy logistics and manufacturing employment.
Remote workers also find Tyler a desirable home base, thanks to its relatively low cost of living and improved broadband access.
A Stronghold for Education & Upskilling
Tyler offers impressive educational opportunities for both families and students. The city is home to The University of Texas at Tyler, which has nationally recognized programs in nursing, business, education, and engineering. The Ben and Maytee Fisch College of Pharmacy and a UT medical school campus provide excellent training for healthcare professionals.
Tyler Junior College (TJC) is another standout, serving over 10,000 students and offering career-focused associate degrees, certificates, and continuing education. TJC also boasts a renowned nursing program and its own planetarium and performing arts center. Texas College, a historically Black college founded in 1894, adds further diversity and cultural depth to the local academic landscape.
For K–12 families, Tyler ISD includes top-rated magnet and specialty schools like Caldwell Arts Academy and Moore Math, Science, and Technology Magnet School, as well as Chapel Hill ISD’s Early College High School, which has been ranked one of the top academic high schools in East Texas.
Life in the Rose Capital of America
Tyler’s beauty is more than skin-deep, but its nickname is well earned. Home to the nation’s largest municipal rose garden—boasting more than 38,000 bushes and 500+ varieties—the city blooms every October with the Texas Rose Festival, a weeklong celebration of tradition, parades, and pageantry.
Tyler also offers 28 city parks, a 985-acre state park, and multiple lakes ideal for fishing, paddling, and camping. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy the area’s top-ranked disc golf courses, mountain biking trails, and scenic drives.
- Tyler State Park – 985 acres of pine forest with trails, campsites, and a spring-fed lake for paddling and fishing
- Rose Rudman Trail – A paved walking and biking path winding through woods and creek beds
- Faulkner Park – Features tennis courts, playgrounds, disc golf, and wooded hiking trails
- Lake Tyler & Lake Palestine – Popular spots for boating, fishing, and waterfront relaxation
- UT Tyler Trail System – Scenic mountain biking and hiking trails open to the public
- Tyler-area Disc Golf Courses – Several top-ranked courses, including Lindsey Park, known nationwide
Small-Town Feel, Growing Scene
Downtown Tyler is walkable and full of character, with boutique shops, art galleries, historic architecture, and local restaurants like Rick’s on the Square, Prime 102, Culture ETX, and Crema, a cute and comfy coffee shop.
The Liberty Hall theater and Tyler Museum of Art anchor a growing arts and culture scene, while community events like the Downtown Tyler Film Festival, Andina Fest, and Juneteenth celebrations reflect the city’s inclusive and creative energy.
Tyler’s food scene is thriving too—from farm-to-table brunches to old-school diners, classic BBQ joints, and Oprah-approved desserts from Janie’s Cakes. Join friends and neighbors on a patio in the Mosaic District off Earl Campbell Parkway.
- Sola Bread Co. – Local bakery offering fresh breads and pastries that complement the coffee shop vibe
- JoyFull Bites – A vegan- and gluten-free café and bakery known for nutritious, flavorful options
- The Apple Gal – Charming gift and specialty shop selling gourmet caramel apples, hand-dipped daily
- True Vine Brewing Company – Family- and dog-friendly brewpub with housecrafted beers and a casual outdoor pavilion
- Foster – An artisan boutique showcasing mom‑and‑daughter–created accessories and home décor, now with a permanent storefront in the district
- Lemon Yellow Latin Bites – A vibrant, chef-driven restaurant, serving modern Latin American cuisine with bold flavors and artistic presentation
What to Expect When You Move
Pros:
- Affordable home prices and cost of living
- Thriving healthcare and education sectors
- Beautiful green spaces and lakes for outdoor fun
- Friendly, family-focused community with low crime in many areas
Cons:
- Hot, humid summers with occasional severe weather
- Fewer entertainment/nightlife options than big cities
- Need to drive 90+ minutes for major airport access or urban amenities
- Limited public transportation options make a vehicle essential
Tips for a Smooth Relocation
- Visit in spring or fall to enjoy the best weather and city events.
- Research school zones early, especially if you’re interested in magnet programs or early college access.
- Explore neighborhoods like The Woods, Hollytree, or The Reserve on Lake Tyler to get a feel for Tyler’s different living styles.
- Check the job market or remote work infrastructure if you’re changing careers.
Ready to Make the Move?
Relocating to Tyler, TX, means more than just a change of address. It’s a chance to enjoy meaningful work, quality education, and a community that values connection. Whether you’re launching your career, raising a family, or planning your retirement, Tyler offers a lifestyle that’s rich in beauty and opportunity.
Need help finding the right neighborhood or property in Tyler? The Edwards Team is here to guide you. Call or text 903-284-5354 to get started.
