The city of Carrollton is situated approximately eighteen miles north of Dallas on the Interstate Highway I-35. It is surrounded by some Texas communities; Addison to the east, Farmer's Branch to the south and Coppell to the west. Because of its central location, it is part of three Texas counties: Collin, Denton and Dallas. Carrollton City is technically a suburb of Dallas City and as such is considered a part of the Forth Worth-Dallas metropolitan area. The Texas State Highways 121 and 190 likewise service Carrollton City.
The name of Carrollton, is believed to have come from Carrollton, Illinois, that was the birthplace of the cities earliest settlers. Carrollton, Texas was initially settled in the year 1840 and was officially incorporated by the year 1913. In the beginning it was exclusively an agricultural community, but when the railway lines ran through the city of Carrollton in 1888 it became a shipping hub for livestock, grain, gravel, cotton and cottonseed. The city grew significantly at the end of WWII World War II and was later enhanced by the surplus of individuals arriving from North Dallas.
Because of it's business cost advantages and central location, Carrollton City could attract a wide variety of different businesses. More than 5,000 businesses are situated within the city with the majority of them being involved with manufacturing, construction and wholesale trades, insurance, real estate or finance.
The amount of developed park land is presently over 1,230 acres, making it amongst the highest park land per capita within the area. The city provides several amenities to its residents, including two recreation centers, two swimming facilities, a senior center, homestead museum, tennis center, and an amphitheater. There are several playgrounds, playing fields, hiking and biking trails, and picnic areas littered all through Carrollton City. Carrollton boasts two of the top municipal golf courses in the state.
The city's economy is kept fairly stable with a largely diversified economic base. Within the labor force, there are now over 71,000 individuals. Carrollton is home to numerous small business enterprises, that creates an entrepreneurial community.
In the city; there are some world class museums and art galleries, an opera, a theater, a ballet and a symphony. 60 acres are devoted purely to the Dallas Arts District, making it the largest downtown arts district within the US.
More than 50 different lakes and approximately one hundred private and public golf courses sit in a 100-mile radius of Carrollton City.
There are more than 25 major shopping malls, 30 antique districts, and some unique boutiques in Carrollton City that sell an eclectic variety of gifts. There are also some malls close by, including Dallas Galleria, The Shops at Willow bend and the Stonebriar Mall. Additionally, the 1.9 million square foot Grapevine Mills Outlet mall is situated nearby.