Community Profile for Tyler, Texas/Smith County and surrounding areas
Community Profile Description
Located in the rolling hills of East Texas in Smith County mid-way between Dallas and Shreveport, Tyler has a wide range of appeal. Tyler's lifestyle is cosmopolitan, yet has the feel, benefits and safety of a small town. From education to world-class golf courses, walking trails, and art museums, Tyler has something for everyone. Tyler is the ideal location for young professional families, and also has become a popular retirement destination with its close proximity to lakes, golfing, shopping, and medical facilities coupled with a warm climate and low cost of living.



Tyler also bears the nickname "Rose Capital of the Nation" and hosts America's largest rose garden. Annually, the Texas Rose Festival draws thousands of tourists to Tyler. The festival, which celebrates the role of the rose-growing industry in the local economy, is held in October and features a parade, the coronation of the Rose Queen, and other civic events. There is also a Rose Museum featuring the history of the Festival. Tyler is home to Caldwell Zoo, several local museums, Lake Palestine, Lake Tyler, and numerous golf courses and country clubs. There is also an "Azalea Trail," which are 2 officially designated routes within the city that showcase homes or other landscaped venues adorned with azalea shrubs. Tyler State Park is a few miles away where visitors can camp, canoe, and paddle boat on the lake. Activities include picnicking; camping; boating (motors allowed - 5 mph speed limit); boat rentals; fishing; birding; hiking; mountain biking and hiking trails; lake swimming (in unsupervised swimming area); and nature study. The Smith County Historical Society operates a museum and archives in the old Carnegie Library. The East Texas State Fair is held annually in Tyler. Tyler also has a Cotton Belt Railroad Depot Museum located near the Chamber of Commerce office.