Located in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, Mesquite is one of the fastest-growing spots in the area. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Mesquite saw a 12.3 percent climb in population from 2000 to 2010. Everything seems to be bigger in Texas, and this city's size is no different. Expanding over 46 square miles, finding Mesquite apartments for rent should be an easy task. With Dallas-Fort Worth a short distance away, Mesquite is a great place to enjoy all of the perks of city life without the expense.
Celebrating its 125th year in 2012, Mesquite was incorporated in 1887, but its history goes back a bit further, according to the city government's website. Originally a desert, Mesquite was conceived in 1873 after a plat was built here for the Texas & Pacific Railroad. As the country began to move westward in search of wealth and a new landscapes to set down roots in, many Americans made a home and new identity in central Texas. The original township consisted of a blacksmith, saloon, candy shop, post office, depot, and only four homes on Front Street.
As commerce began to move westward, the city grew and eventually developed a brick plant, revolutionizing the way homes would be built in the city. Replacing wooden structures that would frequently catch on fire due to dry heat, the city began to become lucrative and expanded. Although no one knows exactly how the town got its name, many attribute it to the many mesquite trees that are common throughout the area.
Although there are several trade schools in the area, Eastfield College is one most frequented by Mesquite residents. Finding Mesquite apartments and roommates in this area should be relatively easy since many of the students here work and go to school. For a traditional four-year college, there is Amberton University located five miles outside of Mesquite. Amberton offers bachelor's and master's degrees in business, counseling and project management.
The largest employers in the city are the popular Town East Mall and UPS, according to the city government's website. However, there are several other small enterprises nearby, including a Pepsi-Cola bottling plant.
Although close to one of the largest cities in the United States, Mesquite enjoys a cost of living index 7 points below the national average, according to city-data.com. For those wanting to commute to the Dallas-Fort Worth area, living in Mesquite is a great place to find an apartment, seeing as the median gross rent as of 2009 was $883 per month.
Although you might not expect a city of Mesquite's size to even have an art museum, it boasts a very impressive one that has 90,000 visitors per year. With the help of volunteers and professionals, the center houses music, drama, visual arts and spoken word programs that often take advantage of the museum's 500-seat concert hall underneath beautiful modern architecture. Complete with an active children's program and theater camps, the Mesquite Arts Center is a great place to take the kids, too.
It just wouldn't be Texas without the rodeo, and Mesquite is home to the famous PRCA World Championship Rodeo. Complete with giant video screens that capture live-action replays, this is a great place to experience everything Texas is about. Selected as one of the top 5 "PRCA 2011 Small Rodeos of the Year," only the finest cowboys and animals compete, and every Friday and Saturday night, the Mesquite Arena is open to the public. Be sure to grab your ten-gallon hat and get your tickets early, because these seats are known to sell like hot cakes.
Explore the Texas spirit of Mesquite's finest neighborhoods on Rent.com® and see what apartments for rent in Mesquite, Texas, are right for you.