Burleson, TX

Burleson got its start in 1881 as a depot stop along the Missouri-Kansas-Texas railroad south of Fort Worth. The town took its name from Rufus Burleson, a Baylor University president, and you can still see that early heritage preserved in Old Town with a restored 1912 interurban depot and passenger railcar. Sitting about 15 miles south of downtown Fort Worth along Interstate 35W and State Highway 174, the community spans both Johnson and Tarrant counties. Rapid growth has expanded the population from around 47,000 in 2020 to well over 55,000 today, transforming the former agricultural center into one of the area's most active suburbs.

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That expansion gives newcomers two distinct styles of living. Closer to Old Town, you will find traditional street grids, mature shade trees, older single-family homes, and a walkable hub of local restaurants and shops. Further out along the main highway corridors, the landscape opens up into modern master-planned subdivisions and newer apartment communities. Daily life generally requires a car, and typical commutes run around 30 minutes. Traffic on I-35W and Highway 174 builds up quickly during peak hours, so it is wise to test-drive your route at commute time. With several local creeks running through town, it is also smart to look into neighborhood drainage and flood maps before picking a specific street.

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Many residents commute into the broader Dallas-Fort Worth metro area, but Burleson also supports a growing local job market. HighPoint Business Park right off I-35W accommodates major logistics, food processing, and light manufacturing facilities that employ thousands of workers. Local healthcare offices, retail centers, schools, and city services provide steady day-to-day employment across town. Higher education has a local footprint as well, thanks to Hill College's renovated center near Old Town serving hundreds of area students each term. Having these industries close to home gives the city a solid economic footing of its own.

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Old Town remains the centerpiece for weekend outings and community gatherings. Mayor Vera Calvin Plaza regularly hosts outdoor concerts, farmers markets, and annual celebrations like the BTX Honey Tour. For arts and quiet strolls, Russell Farm Art Center provides historic farm buildings, walking grounds, art workshops, and a community garden. Anyone wanting fresh air can explore more than a dozen city parks and miles of paved paths, including the Oak Valley Trail connecting Old Town to neighborhood green spaces. The overall atmosphere combines everyday suburban conveniences with a grounded small-town heritage.