Grapevine, Texas

What It Is Like to Retire in Grapevine

The history of Grapevine, Texas, started in 1843, when General Sam Houston met with members of 10 American Indian nations to negotiate a treaty of peace and friendship, which opened the area to homesteaders. Within a year, the first settlers started arriving, making Grapevine the oldest settlement in Tarrant County. Wild mustang grapes were abundant in the area, from which the town got its name.

Located between Dallas and Fort Worth, Grapevine has a population of about 50,000 residents. It preserves its history with Historic Main Street, the Grapevine Vintage Railroad, and museums.  It is also home to the Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, one of the largest airports in the world, and is  known as a World Fesitval and Event City and is the Christmas Capital of Texas with 1400 events over a 40 day period. USA Today recognized it as saying it “Just may be the most wholesome place to celebrate Christmas", and in 2007, CNNMoney.com rated Grapevine as one of "America's Best Places to Live”.

Picture of Grapeview Lake courtesy of Wikipedia and Army Corps of Engineers in the public domain.

Where to Retire in Grapevine and Home Prices

Zillow reports the median home value to be $393,290 in early 2021. See link at top left for active adult communities in Grapevine.

What Is Special about Grapevine

Grapevine is a mid-sized city with a walkable and historic downtown full of shops, galleries and restaurants, and is host to several events and festivals.  It is also offers transportation throughout the town, a medical center, and is only minutes from an international airport.

What Is Not Special about Grapevine

 Summers are hot.

Who Will Like Retirement in Grapevine

Those looking for a mid-sized city with a walkable downtown, health care, recreation, historical sites, and plenty of events and festivities would enjoy living here.

Local Economy Is Driven by

Grapevine's economy is mainly centered on the hospitality industry due to travelers arriving through the airport. The Gaylord Texan and Great Wolf Lodge are large entertainment hotel and convention complexes that also bring in tourists.  The Dallas/Fortworth International Airport is the town's largest employer.

Climate and Physical Environment

The average January temperature 44 degrees with July's average 84. Although rare, Grapevine has seen snow and ice in the winter, and temperatures can reach above 100 degrees  during the summer months.

Restaurants & Cultural Scene

Grapevine takes pride in its history and heritage and has preserved its Historic Downtown district. History buffs will also enjoy a ride on the Grapevine Vintage Railroad and a trip to Nash Farm for a glimpse of how praire settlers lived.  The town offers plenty for art lovers with galleries, studios and the Public Art Trail. There are also several golf course including Cowboys Golf Club, an NFL-themed golf course. Lake Grapevine is an 8,000 acre lake created by the US Army Corps of Engineers in 1952. Some of the festivals the towns hosts are Grapefest, Main Street Fest and Christmas Capital of Texas. Of course there are plenty of wineries and wine bars to visit, along with shops and a large mall.  LEGOLAND Discovery Center and an an aquarium are also located here.   

Crime

The crime rate is below the national average.

Medical facilities

Baylor Scott & White Medical Center

Transportation

Grapevine is located between Dallas and Fort Worth with easy access to both; Dallas Fort Worth International Airport is located in Grapevine;  The Grapevine Visitors Shuttle stops at restaurants, shopping and attractions for a small fare; The Grapevine Vintage Railroad takes visitors to historic stops around the town.  The town is somewhat bicycle friendly and the downtown is walkable.

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