Mesquite

About Mesquite

Mesquite is a bustling Texas suburb located just east of the major city of Dallas. It's the self-titled "Rodeo Capital of the World," and has been designated as both a "Playful City USA" and a "Tree City USA." It's also known as a very affordable place to live that also supplies plenty of amenities including restaurants, cafes, shopping centers and entertainment complexes. It also has several public parks that provide easy access to nature and recreational facilities.

The History of Mesquite

Mesquite was founded shortly after the Texas and Pacific Railway Co. built a depot in its current location outside of Dallas. In 1887, it became one of the first towns in Dallas County to incorporate. At the time, it was largely a farming community that raised large amounts of cotton and other crops, and the railroad made it easier for entrepreneurial farmers to take their products to market.

Mesquite remained a lightly populated area until the 1950s, when it underwent significant development and became the site of Big Town Mall. The LBJ Freeway, built in 1970, also attracted more people while making it easier for residents to travel between Dallas' satellite communities. As development continued, more people moved to Mesquite. Between 2000 and 2016, the population grew by nearly 55 percent.

Jobs in Mesquite

Like many cities, Mesquite experienced significant unemployment after the Great Recession. However, the job market recovered fairly quickly, which was a good sign for the local economy. Now, the city's unemployment rate is lower than both the national and the state averages and job growth is positive.

A large percentage of locals hold jobs in sales, office and administrative support. Other important industries include production, transportation, business management and finance. If you're going to be looking for a job in Mesquite, there are a handful of major employers where you could start your search, including United Parcel Service, the Dallas Regional Medical Center, the city of Mesquite and Sears.

Mesquite Schools

Most public school students in Mesquite are served by Mesquite Independent School District. In addition to its traditional high schools, the district operates an alternative school for nontraditional students. You can also find a few private schools in the area, including Dallas Christian School.

Resources for Moving to Mesquite

Here are a few helpful resources to make your move to Mesquite as easy as possible:

• Utilities: Because Texas has a deregulated energy market, you'll be able to select your own electricity company rather than use a pre-designated supplier. The city's public works department manages water and sewer services.
• Garbage and Recycling: Trash and recycling are collected curbside throughout the residential area of Mesquite. Your specific collection schedule will depend on your home's location and collection zone.
• Transportation: Limited weekday commuter service and paratransit services are both available in Mesquite.

Mesquite Housing

Mesquite is an extremely affordable place to live, with a median home price that's considerably lower than the national average. It's a budget-friendly alternative to the more-expensive Dallas and it boasts a wide range of housing options including apartments, town houses and many styles and sizes of single-family homes.