The Federal Bureau of Investigations ranked Irving as the fifth safest city in America. The city’s crime rate has been at record-setting lows each year for the past nine years – and continues to fall. The Irving Police Department recognizes that improved public safety is achieved through emphasis on community engagement and crime prevention. City police officers have established a number of programs to assist Irving youth in developing communication and leadership skills, which, in turn, creates more responsible and engaged residents of all ages. The Police Athletic League, a nonprofit organization managed by Irving police officers and residents, helps at-risk kids develop self-esteem, discipline and mental courage.

Also to be noted is the award-winning Irving Fire Department. The Fire Department has been recognized by the Texas Fire Chiefs Association for its outstanding efficiency and effective delivery of services to the Irving community. Additionally, the police and fire departments team up each Christmas to collect toys and food for needy Irving families in the “Blue Christmas” program.

More than any other public amenity, Irving’s libraries serve as community hubs. The four library buildings located around Irving not only provide valuable resources, they also include quality family friendly programs that are filling demands from the community – and they are growing. The city recognizes the importance of libraries in the community, to the extent that each quadrant of the city has a dedicated facility. Furthermore, the Irving Library’s master plan ensures all Irving residents are no farther than four miles away from a local library branch.

Irving is home to several unique museums in the United States, including the Ruth Paine House Museum, dedicated to preserving history related to the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. The house is where alleged assassin Lee Harvey Oswald spent the night before the shooting. The Jackie Townsell Bear Creek Heritage Center honors the African-American history of the area dating back to 1850. Irving’s Central Library is home to the Irving Archives, a collection of images and documents that preserves the history of Irving and its past residents. And located in the heart of the Las Colinas area is The Mustangs of Las Colinas, one of the largest equestrian sculptures in the world. Adjacent to the sculpture is The Mustangs of Las Colinas Museum that chronicles the years and detail of the work put into creating The Mustangs of Las Colinas.

Irving offers several major events throughout the year to entertain kids and adults. Events hosted by the city’s Parks and Recreation Department include the Underwater Easter Egg Hunt in the spring, a six-week summer concert series, a comedy show, Taste of Irving, Fourth of July activities and Canal Fest, held on the shore of Lake Carolyn each fall. Irving’s high-quality reputation has even attracted international events, including Red Bull’s Flugtag competition. These events are just a small sample of the opportunities Irving residents can take advantage of each year.

The DFW Metroplex is full of artistic and cultural entertainment opportunities, and Irving is no exception. The Irving Arts Center hosts art exhibits and performances year-round. It also teams with the local libraries and school district to create opportunities for children to become invested in the arts at a young age. Music is an integral part of the city’s arts scene, and the Irving Symphony Orchestra plays an integral role in bringing internationally-known musicians to play for Irving residents.

Hiking, biking and walking also are readily available for residents who like to stay active. Irving residents can enjoy access to Campión Trail, a master-planned, 22-mile greenbelt along the Elm Fork and West Fork of the Trinity River that will connect to the regional trail systems linking all cities within the Metroplex. The city also has hosted several events for runners, including the GE Irving Marathon.

Golf and tennis also abound. Irving is home to fantastic courses including the award winning TPC Four Seasons Las Colinas; Cottonwood Valley, also at the Four Seasons; Las Colinas Country Club, Hackberry Creek Country Club and Twin Wells Golf Course.

Reliable mass transit options make it easy to access Dallas and Fort Worth without driving. Both Dallas and Fort Worth’s transportation systems have a presence in Irving. Bus routes and light rail lines operate daily, thanks to the Dallas Area Rapid Transit, or DART. The Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport also will be accessible from Irving when DART completes work on the Orange Line in late 2014. A commuter rail service jointly operated by the Fort Worth Transit Authority and DART, called the Trinity Railway Express, operates seven days a week between downtown Dallas and downtown Fort Worth.