G rapevine, Texas is a magical and enchanting place to live, work, retire or raise a family. One step into this community and its charm will cast a spell on you! Grapevine is one of the oldest settlements in North Texas, originating under the Lone Star Flag in 1844, one year before statehood. The settlement's name was derived from the tart, wild mustang grapes which grew so lavishly in the area.

Today the town of Grapevine has an estimated population of over 45,830 residents. Locals revel in the warm hometown close-knit community ambiance that perforates throughout the city. Walking through Grapevine's Historical Downtown District, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, you will feel like you have been transported back in time. The renovated storefronts have the look and feel of the Old West.

There are bronze statues woven throughout the parks and public places symbolically giving homage to the town's pioneers, forefathers and Native Americans whose spirits and dreams continue to impact the modern community. The centerpiece emblem is the Grapevine Nightwatchman with a lantern in his hand, protecting and keeping vigil from atop the City Hall building. He represents the men who patrolled and cared for the town from the early 1900s into the 1950s. He performed various duties including checking the doors of all the buildings on Main Street each night, making sure the water wells remained in working order, and even served as the local dog catcher. He was a respected community member, always a faithful, trustworthy friend.

Another quaint feature that makes Grapevine so special is the Tarantula Train. Making frequent runs between the city of Grapevine and the Fort Worth Stockyards, the Tarantula Train gives people the chance to ride the rails just like the good ol' days. The train's turn-of-the-century Victorian coaches and open-air patio cars are pulled along over 21 miles of track by "Puffy," a restored 1896 steam locomotive. Grapevine Lake is also a treasure here. The lake is one mile north of downtown and has 146 miles of shoreline. It is a great place for windsurfing, sailing, fishing and creating wonderful memories that will last a lifetime.

Of course with a name like Grapevine, there are wonderfully lush vineyards and wineries in the region! Tastings, tours, as well as bottle and case sales, are available at the wineries. One of the signature events is the annual Grapefest where you can accompany over 85,000 wine novices and connoisseurs at the largest wine festival in the Southwest. The event features wines from Argentina, Australia, Austria, Canada, Chile, France, Italy and Mexico. Another favorite for the whole family is the Butterfly Flutterby. Grapevine falls along the path of the majestic Monarch Butterfly migratory journey from Canada to Mexico. Each October the community marks the event with a celebration that includes releasing butterflies, a Gossamer Parade, butterfly exhibits, gardening seminars, all sorts of interactive butterfly arts and crafts and live entertainment.

Located 16 miles from Arlington, and 22 miles from Dallas and Ft. Worth in the northeastern corner of Tarrant County, residents have a thriving economic environment in which to develop successful careers or start a business. The median household income according to the latest figures from the 2000 Census was $71,680 per year. There are a variety of homes to fit all types of budgets. The market is surprisingly affordable. The average value of existing homes is $157,100. The average price for a new home in 2003 was $245,000.

There is an abundance of shops, restaurants, antique shop and galleries throughout Grapevine to enjoy. Grapevine Mills is located just two miles north of the Dallas/ Fort Worth Airport, and is the first super-regional, value-oriented megamall in Texas and the Southwest. Gentlemen will be happy to know there is something just for them in Grapevine...the Bass Pro Shop, a 20,000 sq. ft. wonderland of outdoor equipment and sportsman goodies.

Grapevine is also home to one of the premier live county music shows in the nation. The Grapevine Opry has developed a reputation of excellence seldom equaled for this type of show in the country music industry. With one of the most celebrated house bands in the Southwest, the high energy, spontaneous arrangement of every show sensationally compliments the truly great music for which the venue is known. Attracting artists from all over the Southwest, the show has become one of the most distinguished showcases for new talent in the region.

Education in Grapevine is very important to its residents and the district delivers. All of the schools within Grapevine-Colleyville Independent School District are ranked exemplary by the Texas Education Agency. Both GCISD high schools have been named to Newsweek Magazine's "America's Best High Schools" list, and are among only five schools in North Texas to be included in the list. Also for 12 consecutive years, Grapevine-Colleyville ISD has been among the top 14 percent of school systems nationwide who have been a recipient of the national SchoolMatch "What Parents Want" award.

With outstanding schools, affordable housing, access to high wages, and an exceptionally high quality of life, Grapevine is an excellent relocation option! If you are considering moving here or would like more information, please feel free to request a "free relocation package" today!