Mesquite embodies Texas mystique, representing the Texas of yesterday, today and tomorrow. The big city with the small-town attitude is home to everything from high- tech computer companies to the ultimate cowboy competition.

Mesquite is truly well connected: major high- ways serving the city are I-20, I-30, I-635 (LBJ Freeway), Highway 80 and Highway 352.  This system makes Mesquite convenient for two-income, commuting families, as well as for commercial, industrial and distribution enterprises. Mesquite is only a 15-minute drive from Dallas’ central business district.

Mesquite’s housing market continues to grow and diversify with options that include mid-level executive housing and custom home sites. Recently developed areas are located in southeast Mesquite and offer the luxuries of city living with the rural appeal of extensive open space, lakes and other design amenities. All neighborhoods are accessible to the city’s award-winning parks, shopping, dining and entertainment areas.

Originally founded as a small village sustained by a trading post, Mesquite’s retailers now post retail profits totaling more than $1 billion. There is no shortage of places to shop or dine here. With a regional shopping mall and numerous retail centers and specialty shops, the city is a paradise for shoppers.

Mesquite is also known for hosting the famous Mesquite Championship Rodeo, where cowboys have achieved world-renowned status. Visitors from all over the world can attend the rodeo every Friday and Saturday from April through September for an evening of home-cooked barbecue, live Texas music and professional cowboy competition.

Education gets strong support in Mesquite. The award-winning Mesquite Independent School District enjoys a national reputation for its outstanding educational system. Most MISD teachers hold master’s degrees, and Mesquite is tops in Texas for the ratio of employees who hold doctorates.

For higher education, the Dallas County Community College District’s Eastfield College emphasizes a strong academic program in technical fields and works with business and industry to create tailor-made training programs to meet the area’s needs. Mesquite is also home to Texas A&M Univer- sity’s (TAMU) Metroplex Center, an extension of the TAMU Campus in Commerce.