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Community

As the City of Arlington’s historic and geographic center, Downtown Arlington has always been the place where people have come to put down roots. Today, Downtown boasts a very diverse community of commercial and residential hubs both within and adjacent to its defined boundaries. In addition to its blossoming start-up culture, educational opportunities and expanding residential offerings, Downtown’s proximity to the City’s Entertainment District to the north and Shopping District to the south make it an ideal location to work, to visit, and to live.

In Downtown

Abram Street

Abram Street runs east and west through the heart of Downtown, connecting many of the district’s anchor institutions to an eclectic mix of recent residential developments, long-time local hangouts, retailers, restaurants and businesses in several sectors. Anchor institutions along Abram Street include the Levitt Pavilion, 101 Center, Tarrant County Courthouse and Arlington City Hall, and the northern edge of the University of Texas at Arlington.

East and West Main Streets

Decades ago, Arlington’s historic main street was split in the middle by expanding City offices. While still a little confusing to first-time visitors, the resulting separate sections of East Main and West Main streets have since evolved into mini-hubs with distinct personalities. West Main, with its collection of cultural arts institutions, small businesses, and a classic 1950s “main street” sensibility, connects effortlessly with the new, state-of-the-art Downtown Library. East Main retains its tucked-away, warehouse vibe from the 1960s, but is transitioning into an interesting destination with a collection of restaurants and bars as well as hosting one of downtown’s three co-working spaces.

The University of Texas at Arlington

Adjacent to Downtown Arlington is one of the fastest growing research universities in the nation: The University of Texas at Arlington. UT Arlington is a comprehensive research institution of more than 50,000 students. As a result of robust enrollment trends, expanding research activity, and the positive impact of its graduates on the state’s workforce, UTA has an impact of $13.6 billion annually on the State of Texas’ economy. In addition to its stature as an emerging Tier One university, UTA is also a strong destination for arts, entertainment, and NCAA Division I athletics.

Urban Union

Positioned in Downtown Arlington along its northern boundary, Urban Union is the district’s newest mini-hubs for retail, restaurant, office and living spaces. Through thoughtful redevelopment of sixteen existing buildings and properties along Division, Front and East streets, Urban Union is the first of its kind in the City. Already home to several notable restaurants, bars and experiential destinations, once the Urban Union project is complete, it will encompass nearly four full city blocks.

Nearby Downtown

Entertainment District

Less than one mile north of Downtown is the Arlington Entertainment District, which boasts an array of marquis attractions such as Six Flags Over Texas, Six Flags Hurricane Harbor, AT&T Stadium (home of the Dallas Cowboys), the new Globe Life Field (home of the Texas Rangers), Texas Live!, several hotels, shopping, and restaurants. Arlington will also be the home of the National Medal of Honor Museum, expected to open in 2024. All together, Arlington is expected to host more than 17 million visitors in 2020.

Soon, we’ll be welcoming even more attractions to our neighboring district with the recent announcement of a $810 million expansion. The Entertainment District expansion includes the addition of a best-in-class hotel, new convention center, corporate office headquarters, mixed-use residential building, small business coworking and incubator space, and even more dining, retail, and entertainment.

Shopping District

Ready to shop ‘til you, well, you know? Only a couple miles south of Downtown is the City’s premier shopping hub, with several centers of shops including major department stores, boutiques, specialty retailers and restaurants.

Neighborhood Groups

Adjacent to Downtown are several neighborhood associations and groups who work to engage citizens in self-government, property and park improvement projects, the City’s Kindness initiative, and community-building.