This post is part of our Neighborhood Fave Five Series. Check out our other entries to learn more about the different Dallas neighborhoods and suburbs from moms who live there!
I have worked in Rockwall, TX, as a teacher for 8 years. When we decided to buy a new home in 2019, making the move to Rockwall was the only answer. We are close to family and friends, love the small-town atmosphere, and appreciate that we can be just about anywhere in 30 minutes! The lake views don’t hurt either! Keep reading to see my 5 favorite things about Rockwall!
A small town feel, but we have (almost) everything you need.
Founded in 1854, Rockwall has blown up as one of the most sought-after suburbs, located about 22 miles east of downtown Dallas. With a population of 44,000 people, Rockwall can still be classified as a small town, if you ask many locals.
{More Reasons to Live in Rockwall}
Also known as the smallest county in Texas, we have just about everything you need so you don’t have to “cross the bridge”, as Rockwallians say. Restaurants, shopping, and tons of family-friendly places and spaces help make Rockwall a fun place to live. The small-town vibe helps keep the community friendly and always willing to help, especially over the past year. Now if we could just get a Trader Joe’s!
Heroes Memorial Bridge
Several years ago, a Rockwall citizen and retired veteran, Jeffrey Gray, began walking the bridge every day to honor our servicemen and women. Passersby can admire the flags that line the bridge. This past September, the 2 mile stretch between Rowlett and Rockwall was renamed the Heroes Memorial Bridge as a part of the #walkthebridge initiative. The group, along with many other supporters, work to bring attention to the on average 22 veterans and first responders who commit suicide every day. The bridge is a wonderful way to honor and support our veterans and first responders. It’s a great spot to walk, run, or ride your bike and get a great view of the lake!
Downtown Rockwall
Did you know Rockwall is the free, live, music capital of Texas? You can experience tons of free music downtown. In the spring, there is a concert series downtown where you are welcome to bring a chair and a drink and sit with your family.
Every May through September, downtown hosts a Farmers Market featuring produce, spices, and tons of other local, delightful treats. Speaking of food, you will find plenty of locally owned restaurants downtown to choose from, no matter what you’re craving. After you eat, you can shop at any of the many locally owned shops and boutiques. Don’t forget to swing by locally-owned Beer Geeks to grab a drink for your stroll around the square.
Parks & Rec
According to playrockwall.com, Rockwall has over 20 different parks and most families in town live within a mile of one of the beautiful parks. Rockwall’s Parks and Rec maintains green space, so you can fill your days with park adventures, bike riding, or hiking!
The Parks and Rec department also has an event for every holiday. Each year, they sponsor our huge Founders Day Festival, The Rib Rub Run and Roll, and the Concert by the Lake Series in the Harbor, May through July. Most recently, they offered visits with Santa downtown, as well as the annual tree lighting. Next up is the Daddy/Daughter dance!
Family-friendly places and spaces
Rockwall offers tons of family-friendly places and spaces to try out, guaranteeing you will never have a dull moment living here! One of the big events for our small town is Friday Night Lights! Whether you are cheering on our Rockwall Yellowjackets or our Heath Hawks, you’re sure to see a great game. Speaking of sports, the Parks and Rec department and our YMCA has lots of sports programs ranging from football to lacrosse.
After practice or games, you should take the family to one of the family-friendly restaurants. Try Standard Service, which has a great outdoor area for families or Smoke Monkey, which features a huge play area!
We have the Aspasians Marketplace twice a year and several outdoor running events every year. If the kids need to burn some energy, take them to Jungle Trek to climb and explore.
Favorite things in my favorite place
If you’re looking to move to a family-friendly area with a small-town feel, Rockwall might be the place for you. My 5 favorite things about Rockwall are just a snippet of our great town!
I have a ton of favorite things here in my favorite place. And we are 30 minutes from just about anywhere, so you can still visit all over the DFW area!