Garland, TX Community Guide: Downtown, Firewheel, DART & Homes

Garland at a glance

Garland is a large city northeast of Dallas, with about 250,000 residents at the 2020 census across about 57 square miles. Most of it is in Dallas County, with small parts in Collin and Rockwall counties.

Its historic downtown square hosts festivals and concerts near the Granville Arts Center, while the Firewheel area in the north adds an open-air shopping center and newer neighborhoods.

CountiesDallas, Collin, and Rockwall

RegionEast of Dallas

PopulationAbout 250,791 (2020 census)

Major roadsI-30, I-635, President George Bush Turnpike, SH 66, SH 78

RailDART Blue Line: Downtown Garland and Forest/Jupiter stations

School districtsMostly Garland ISD; parts in Dallas, Mesquite, and Richardson ISDs

Areas to explore

Downtown Garland

The historic square, listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2017, with the arts center and a DART station.

Firewheel

North Garland around Firewheel Town Center, with newer neighborhoods near the Bush Turnpike.

Forest/Jupiter area

Neighborhoods near the southwestern DART station.

East Garland

Neighborhoods toward Lake Ray Hubbard and Rowlett.

Housing market

Market data: August 2026Page reviewed: October 2026

Typical home value · August 2026$283,276Down 3.3% from August 2025 ($293,076)

Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) for the city of Garland: a model estimate of the typical home value for single-family homes and condos in the middle third of values, smoothed and seasonally adjusted. It is not a median sale price or list price. Source: Zillow Research data.

Garland has a broad mix: established single-family neighborhoods across much of the city, newer homes in the Firewheel area, townhomes, and apartments near the DART stations and downtown. Because it is large, prices vary a lot by area and home age.

Parks, recreation & things to do

In GarlandGranville Arts Center — A city-owned arts center downtown, built in 1982, with a 720-seat auditorium, a smaller theater, and the Plaza Theatre.
In GarlandHistoric Downtown Square — The center of community festivals, markets, and free concerts.
In GarlandCity parks — More than 2,880 acres of parkland across the city.
Nearby · RowlettLake Ray Hubbard — Boating, fishing, and lake parks just east.

Dining, shopping & culture

In GarlandFirewheel Town Center — An open-air, Main Street–style shopping center with more than 100 businesses and a movie theater, opened in 2005.
In GarlandDowntown Garland — Local restaurants around the square.
Nearby · RichardsonRichardson’s CityLine — Restaurants and shops a short drive west.

Getting around

I-30 and I-635 serve the south and west, and the President George Bush Turnpike runs through north Garland.
DART’s Blue Line stops at Downtown Garland and Forest/Jupiter stations, with service to downtown Dallas.
Dallas Love Field and DFW Airport are reachable by highway.

Schools

Garland ISD serves most of the city, with parts in Dallas ISD, Mesquite ISD, and Richardson ISD. Confirm the district and campus assignment for each address.

School assignments depend on the exact property address and can change. Confirm the district and assigned campuses with the district before you make an offer or sign a lease.

Frequently asked questions

Does DART serve Garland?

Yes. The Blue Line stops at Downtown Garland and Forest/Jupiter stations.

Which school district serves Garland?

Mostly Garland ISD, with parts in Dallas, Mesquite, and Richardson ISDs. Confirm for each address.

What is Firewheel?

The northern part of Garland around Firewheel Town Center, an open-air shopping center that opened in 2005.

How big is Garland?

About 57 square miles, with 250,791 residents at the 2020 census.

Keep exploring

Local guideLiving in Garland, Texas: Downtown, Firewheel, and Rail AccessA large, varied city with a historic square, an open-air shopping district, and DART. Nearby communityRichardsonUT Dallas, the CityLine district, big parks, and six rail stations. Nearby communityRowlettA lake city on Lake Ray Hubbard with a paddling trail and a DART station downtown. Nearby communitySachseA growing two-county suburb with a newly renovated, railroad-themed Heritage Park. Nearby communityMesquiteThe “Rodeo Capital of Texas,” with a historical park, arts center, and four interstates. DirectoryAll 30 DFW communitiesCompare areas by region across Dallas–Fort Worth.

Planning a move? Start with our home buying guide, home selling guide, or rental guide.

Sources

Information is provided for general guidance and was reviewed in October 2026. Attractions, businesses, transit service, and school boundaries change; confirm details with the official sources linked above. Clever Realtors is a virtual brokerage serving Dallas–Fort Worth.