View Life throughrose coLored gLasses

Tyler: A Natural Beauty

As Mayor of the City of Tyler, Texas, it is my pleasure to extend greetings and a most cordial welcome to Tyler, one of the last great places to live, work and raise a family.

Tyler, considered the capital of East Texas, is among the most beautiful cities in the state. We are a vibrant, growing community serving a population of more than 100,000 citizens that grows to more than 250,000 each day with people coming from around the region to shop, dine, work, seek medical care and attend one of our four colleges or universities.

Whether you are an outdoor enthusiast or a lover of the arts, I’m certain you will find exactly what you are looking for right here in Tyler. From crystal-clear lakes and challenging golf courses to symphony concerts and world-class art museums, our community truly has something for everyone.

In addition to the high quality of life our residents enjoy, our local businesses also benefit from a favorable economic climate and strong workforce – which is why so many companies are choosing to make Tyler home.

Again, welcome to the rose capital! I hope you enjoy your stay, whether it is for a few days or a lifetime.

Sincerely,

Barbara R. BassMayor

Quality of lifeTyler: A Beautiful Life

Quality of Life Welcome to Tyler, Texas ~ a beautiful place to

live, work and raise a family.

Tyler is naturally beautiful with a community

working together to create a remarkable

quality of life.

Tyler’s beauty can be experienced through

scenic lakes and any of our 26 parks that offer

everything from fishing ponds and running

trails to pools, spray grounds and disc golf.

A must see while visiting The Rose Capital

of America is the renowned Tyler Rose

Garden. The garden is one of the largest rose

gardens in the United States. You need only

to look around you to understand why Tyler

is “A Natural Beauty.”

Tyler State Park offers more than 985 acres

of adventure including a 64-acre lake prime

for fishing and water recreation. Cyclists also

enjoy Tyler State Park as a leg of Tyler’s one-

of-a-kind, four trail

biking experience,

the Four Pedals of

the Rose.

In Tyler

family time

is a way of

life with many

options for

quality time with the family, like the Caldwell

Zoo which features more than 2,000 animals,

the acclaimed Discovery Science Place, or one

of our community events and festivals like

Rose Season, Tyler Azalea and Spring Flower

Trail or the East Texas State Fair.

Tyler is a city where people feel welcome, and

truly at home.

Fun Fact:Discovery Science Place has been ranked among the Top 25 science centers according to Parents magazine. It was also voted as Best Downtown Business in Texas in 2009 by the Texas Downtown Association.

Brian Brandt, Proprietor: Summit Solution Group Husband and father of three

“In Tyler, we’ve discovered the

benefits of a smaller community,

while enjoying the offerings of

a forward thinking city that has

banded together to offer

so much more.”

Art, EntErtAinmEnt & CulturETyler: A Dynamic Arts Experience

Art, Entertainment & Culture

Fun Fact:For decades, Tyler has welcomed thousands of visitors to the Azalea and Spring Flower Trail. The official greeters of the Trail are the Azalea Belles. Azalea Belles are local students who complete an application process and are selected from many to hold this historic and honorable role.

Beverly Abell, ManagerMain Street Tyler

“Tyler has a marvelous depth and breadth of cultural opportunities to enjoy. We have more than two dozen buildings on the National Register of Historic Places, numerous museums that feature everything from science to history to art, Broadway productions, open-air concerts and activities year around – so much so that practically every week there is something new and different to do in this community.”

Begin your exploration of Tyler’s arts and

culture in Downtown, the historic heart of

the community.

Our architectural gems include more than

two dozen buildings listed on the National

Register of Historic Places, some of which

house our five downtown museums. The

world’s first Earthkind™ botanical garden is

located at the Goodman-LeGrand Museum.

Tyler’s award-winning downtown is

brimming with special events such as

gallery openings, outdoor concerts on our

historic brick streets and ArtWalks, where

downtown buildings turn into art galleries.

Catch a blues performance at one of our

locally owned downtown restaurants, or

enjoy happy hour while you take in the

Downtown vibe.

Speaking of great performances, don’t miss

our newly renovated Liberty Hall, a fabulous

Art Deco performing arts facility.

The heart of Downtown is Gallery

Main Street, which will

surely intrigue the fine art

lover with new exhibits

every six weeks.

The arts aren’t limited to Downtown. The

Cowan Center on the University of Texas

at Tyler campus offers world-class concerts,

Broadway acts, comedy, Ballet

Tyler and much more.

The Tyler Museum

of Art provides a

dynamic arts

experience with

fine art exhibits,

lectures and other

activities.

Another must see

in Tyler is the Kiepersol

Winery and KE Cellars, which feature an

array of tempting Texas wines.

Tyler’s unique combination of small-

town charm and big-city cosmopolitan

entertainment offers the best of both worlds

for a stay of a few days or a lifetime.

Dining anD ShoppingTyler: Satisfy Your Cravings

Dining and ShoppingRegardless of your palate or wallet, Tyler

has what you are looking for.

Here you will find a unique mix appeal-

ing to the boutique shopper and bargain

hunter alike. Tyler’s Bergfeld and La Piazza

Shopping Centers offer upscale boutiques

where you can find many of the designers

you crave. For more of a collective shopping

experience, pop into the Broadway Square

Mall, a premier shopping destination

with big-name stores and more than

60 specialty retailers!

The Rose Capital of America is full of

local eateries with unique menus. The brick

streets of downtown play home to several

distinctive dining options. Don Juan’s, a

locally owned Mexican restaurant, has been

earning accolades in Tyler for many years.

Just down the street is Rick’s, which boasts

live music and a lively menu. Another

option is Jakes on the Square, a fine dining

experience offering rooftop seating

to add a little something extra to

your evening.

Of course what would

a Southern town be

without world

famous barbecue?

Recognized by Texas

Monthly, Stanley’s

Famous Pit Bar-B-Q

is a “must-visit”.

In Tyler, no matter what your

style or taste, you’ll always

leave satisfied.

Carlos and Mundo Villapudua; OwnersVilla Montez, Latin Kitchen

“More so than ever, patrons

are looking for a unique dining

experience. The diversity of

dining opportunities in Tyler is

impressive for a town of its

size. Tyler has something for

everyone.”

Fun Fact:Tyler is home to the original Brookshire’s grocery store. Brookshire’s began in 1928 in downtown Tyler with one tiny store. Today the supermarket giant has expanded to more than 150 stores operating in three states.

EducationTyler: Where Children Blossom

EducationTyler is a town where education matters and

is home to ten private schools, two charter

schools as well as an extensive public school

district, Tyler ISD. TISD is a growing, success-

ful district that strives to ensure all students

reach their highest potential and become

citizens of character and integrity.

TISD offers many specialized programs to

promote career and college readiness among

its graduates. At the middle school level,

TISD offers a Math, Science,

and Technology Magnet

Program, as well as

a highly successful

Science, Technology,

Engineering and

Math Academy in

partnership with The

University of Texas at Tyler.

TISD high school students regularly earn

national recognition, including National

Merit Scholar commendations and Gates

Millennium Scholar selections.

TISD also provides excellent extracurricular

opportunities for students. Music and art are

taught on every elementary campus, and

elementary students who wish

to further focus on the arts

can apply to attend the

Caldwell Elementary

Arts Academy, which

is an arts magnet

school. TISD high

schools and middle schools offer

activities including band, choir,

orchestra, and theater, as well as

athletic activities like football, basketball,

volleyball, and soccer, among many

others. TISD students regularly compete at

the regional, area, and state level in many of

the UIL activities offered.

The district is currently involved in a

capital improvement campaign, which

aims to rebuild or renovate all of its existing

campuses, as well as to build additional

facilities to prepare for the district’s growth

and to incorporate emerging technologies.

As part of the campaign, TISD has already

rebuilt 15 of its 17 elementary schools.

Tyler schools ensure the future

of our city remains bright.

Fun Fact:In 1973, Earl Campbell (Professional Football Legend) led John Tyler High School to the Texas 4A State Championship. His nickname is The Tyler Rose.

Julianna Wynn, Visual Arts teacher Global Communications Academy

“Tyler schools teach the whole

child with cutting edge academic

programs, state of the art fine

arts facilities and competitive

sports programs.”

HigHer educationTyler: A College Town

Higher Education

Fun Fact:In 1947, Tyler Junior College launched their first pep squad, the Apache Roses whose name later changed to the Apache Belles. After more than 60 years the Apache Belles are nationally recognized and have traveled far and wide performing in front of crowds at professional sporting events, in front of presidents, and military families.

Candace PorterUT Tyler Graduate

“At UT Tyler, students receive

the same level of education

that they would at much

larger universities, with the

convenience of a smaller

campus. Having UT Tyler

nearby allowed me to further

my education without putting

my career on hold.”

Tyler is home to more than 18,000 students,

and is truly a college town that provides

quality choices for higher education.

Since 1926, Tyler Junior College has been

fulfilling three promises to its students by

providing a quality education, a vibrant

student life and service to the community.

Here you will find caring faculty, support

services, and a student life like none other

at the two-year level.

Texas College, a historically black college

providing liberal arts education since

1894, motivates students to be active in

setting and achieving goals. Texas College

is dedicated to providing the opportunity

for life-long learning and 16 baccalaureate

degree programs.

Nationally recognized for academic

excellence, The University of Texas

at Tyler is dedicated to pioneering

research and outstanding education.

The campus features state-of-the art

facilities, lakes, forests and wildlife.

The natural beauty combined with

academic excellence has attracted

more than 6,500 diverse students

who represent 45 nations,

35 states and 131 Texas

counties.

As the academic medical center for

Northeast Texas, The University of Texas

Health Science

Center at Tyler

oversees physician-

training programs

in family medicine,

internal medicine,

and occupational

medicine. It also

educates health care and health sciences

professionals and provides continuing

medical education.

From certificate programs to advanced

graduate education, Tyler offers a program

to meet your needs.

HealtHcareTyler: A Medical Destination Community

HealthcareTyler is a regional healthcare hub with four

hospitals earning accolades and distinctions

for the care they offer.

The East Texas Medical Center Regional

Healthcare System is a network of 15

hospitals and 50 clinics, caring for more

than 300,000 patients annually. ETMC is

committed to the highest standards of care

by offering advanced technology and

resources throughout East Texas.

For The University of Texas Health Science

Center at Tyler, providing excellent patient

care, especially in lung disease and cancer,

is just the beginning. As the only academic

medical center in Northeast Texas, UTHSCT

also conducts biomedical research and trains

family and occupational medicine doctors

for many communities throughout Texas

and beyond.

Trinity Mother Frances Hospitals and Clinics

include multiple high level facilities offering

state-of-the-art care including Trinity Clinic.

Trinity Clinic is the area’s preferred multi-

specialty medical group, with more than

280 physicians and mid-level providers

representing 38 specialties in 36

clinic locations serving East Texas.

The Louis and Peaches Owen Heart Hospital,

the area’s only freestanding heart hospital,

will open in the fall of 2012. It will provide

cardiac care on par with some of the finest

heart hospitals in the United States.

Texas Spine & Joint Hospital, ranked number

one in Texas for spine surgery, specializes

in the treatment of spine and joints. That

specialty care means the very latest in tech-

nology and procedures that can help ease the

healing process and speed recovery.

Thanks to the highly educated and skilled

professionals here, residents can rest assured

that the care they receive is of the highest

quality.

Tyler...here’s to your health!

Fun Fact:In Tyler, four major hospitals, several specialized clinics and other medical-support outlets create a strong pulse for the Tyler economy and reinforce the city’s status as the heart of health-care services for residents throughout the region.

Dr. David Coultas, Physician in Chief The University of Texas Health Science Center at Tyler

“I moved here because of the

professional opportunities at UT

Health Science Center at Tyler

and the area’s dynamic medical

community.”

RetiReesTyler: Redefining Retirement

Retirees

Fun Fact:Tyler, a Certified Retirement City, offers more than 300 places of worship representing all major denominations.

Mary Gean Smyth Tyler Retiree

“When retirement time came,

my husband and I could not think

of a better place than Tyler; a

church oriented community,

great fellowship, wonderful

activities for senior citizens

and lots of places to entertain

grandchildren!”

Those looking for a beautiful, peaceful place

to retire with plenty to see and do should

definitely consider Tyler, Texas!

A Certified Retirement City, Tyler provides a

vibrant faith-based community, state-of-the-

art healthcare, abundant recreation, and a

lower cost of living reflected by better value

for housing choices, no state income tax and

low property taxes.

Tyler is also home to four colleges that offer

a plethora of lifelong learning opportunities.

Living here means enjoying a warmer

climate and four beautiful seasons with

nearly 250 sunny days a year.

Great weather means you can enjoy our

year around recreation which has spurred

Tyler to be noted as the number one golf city

in Texas. More fun can be found with our

sporting lakes, great for fishing and other

fun as well as 26 parks complete

with ideal hiking and biking trails.

Housing is abundant with many choices

including luxury retirement communities

on beautifully-maintained properties

featuring varying levels of assistance.

Tyler is a community who loves to give

back. With a multitude of non-profits

and churches throughout town, fulfilling

volunteer opportunities are always available.

Tyler - Redefining Retirement!

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENTTyler: A Smart Place to do Business

Economic DevelopmentTyler is, without a doubt, a great place to

do business!

Tyler is located in the amazing state of

Texas where there is no personal income

tax and a low property tax rate. We have a

growing population with just over 100,000

residents and a daytime population of nearly

250,000 with visitors from surrounding

communities coming to Tyler to work, shop,

dine, seek medical care, or attend one of

our four colleges. Tyler is a regional hub in

a market of 840,000.

In addition, there are no state taxes on

property used for pollution control, goods

in transit or on machinery and equipment

utilized in manufacturing.

Tyler’s economy is set to grow! In 2010 the

City and several community boards adopted

and implemented an Industry Growth

Initiative which is a comprehensive economic

development and community growth strategy.

Speaking of resources…Tyler is prepared for

growth with landfill space availability for

the next 100 years and an abundant water

supply for the next 75 years! Tyler’s proximity

to Interstate 20, a local airport with worldwide

connectivity, and easy access to rail

service makes doing business in Tyler

easy. Tyler also has a blooming workforce

with strong skills thanks to four local colleges

offering certificate, under-

graduate, and graduate level

education.

Tyler is also one of the

few areas in the country

that saw an increase in

building permit activity,

average home sales prices, and property

values in 2010.

Tyler has one of the lowest city property tax

rates in the state, a municipal government

with no tax supported debt and a thriving

workforce. All in all, Tyler is a smart place

to do business!

Fun Fact: In 1900 Smith County was known for peaches with almost one million trees in the county. When a peach blight hit and wiped out most of the industry, the growers turned to roses and by 1940 Tyler was supplying over half the country’s roses.

Tom Ellis, Executive Vice President, OperationsJohn Soules Foods, Inc.

“Workforce availability in Tyler/

Smith County has provided John

Soules Foods with the necessary

personnel resources to expand

from 85 employees to more than

450 employees during the past

15 years.”

315 N. BroadwayTyler, TX 75702

(903) 592-1661(800) 235-5712www.tylertexas.com

Design © 2012 Hanson ImageWorks, Tyler, TX