Looking for a new place to call home? Consider Richardson, Texas. Known as the “Telecom Corridor,” Richardson is the corporate home base for technology giants like Texas Instruments, Ericsson and AT&T.
A Growing Economy—While the rest of the country has endured an economic downturn during the past several years, Richardson’s economy has defied the trend and increased substantially. The telecommunications industry provides a solid base for the city’s economy. Other industries like health care, technology and finance add balance and diversity to Richardson’s employment and property tax base.
In 2008, Money magazine named Richardson the 18th best place to live in the United States, making it the 4th best place to live in Texas. Richardson ranked second in the state on Business Week’s 2009 report on “The Best Places to Raise Kids.” In 2008, the median income for families in Richardson was $90,790, and the city’s per capita income was $29,551.
Academic Excellence—The Richardson Independent School District is recognized each year for sustained academic excellence. The schools also emphasize fine and performing arts, and students regularly attend musical, theater, and opera performances and visit local art museums. University of Texas at Dallas and Richland College, the first community college to receive the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award (2005), offer opportunities for higher education.
Getting Around in Richardson—Bordered by the cities of Dallas and Plano, Richardson lies primarily in Dallas County, with a portion of the city in Collin County. The city’s population is just over 101,000 and its total area is just over 27 square miles. Formerly considered a bedroom community of Dallas and Plano, Richardson has come into its own. Thanks to Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) service, travel to, from and within Richardson is convenient and affordable. The city’s population increases to more than 140,000 each day, and it’s one of only four cities in the state of Texas to earn a rating of “AAA” from Standard & Poor’s.
The Health Care Climate—Richardson residents can access health care services at the 205-bed Richardson Regional Medical Center. A few years ago, the state of Texas begin giving out the Texas Awarrd for Performance Excellence. The award was styled after a similar award given by Richardson Medical Center, and RRMC was the first facility to receive this award.
Life Beyond the Office—So it’s a great place to work. Are Richardson apartments really a great place to live? Mixed-use and transit-oriented developments abound, with apartments, retail space, boutique hotels and luxury condominiums springing up in the east and southeast portions of the city. Richardson Square Mall has been given new life as an outdoor lifestyle mall, and many other retail centers have recently been renovated. Well-maintained public parks and museums make Richardson not only visitor friendly, but resident friendly as well.
A City of Many Cultures—Richardson reflects a broad spectrum of cultural and economic diversity, with a median age of 36. The 2000 census found just over 91,000 people living in Richardson. Of those residents, about 75% are white, 11% are Asian, nearly 7% are African-American, and about 2.5% are from two or more races. The size of the average household is about 2.5 people, and the average family size is just over 3 people. Chinese American, Vietnamese American and Indian American communities embrace a kaleidoscope of cultures in the city.
The Future is Calling—With solid roots in the past and the present, Richardson’s future reflects the vision and energy of its leaders and residents. The future is calling—and Richardson, Texas is answering the call.
