Westlake, Texas

Westlake, Texas. An affluent town located within portions of Denton County and Tarrant County, Westlake is renowned for its exclusive residential communities and as the corporate headquarters for several major companies. Its history is deeply tied to the development of the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex and the influential Ross Perot family. The town operates under a Council–manager government and is served by the highly regarded Carroll Independent School District.

History

The area's modern history began with early settlers in the 19th century, with the town incorporating in 1956. A transformative period commenced in the 1990s when Hillwood Development Company, a firm owned by the Perot family, began master-planning the massive Circle T Ranch development. This project attracted major corporate relocations, most notably the global headquarters of Fidelity Investments and later, the corporate campus for Charles Schwab Corporation. The Dallas Fort Worth International Airport and the AllianceTexas development in nearby Fort Worth significantly influenced the region's growth. Historical landmarks include the Dove Road corridor and remnants of the original Circle T Ranch.

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town encompasses a total area of 5.6 square miles, with a small portion covered by water bodies like Grapevine Lake. It is situated within the Cross Timbers ecoregion and lies just north of the city of Southlake and west of the DFW Airport. The terrain is characterized by rolling hills and stands of Post oak and Blackjack oak, typical of the region. Major thoroughfares include State Highway 114 and FM 1709.

Demographics

As of the 2020 United States Census, the population was 1,662, making it one of the smallest municipalities in the metroplex by resident count. The town consistently records one of the highest median household incomes in the state of Texas, often exceeding $250,000. The racial makeup is predominantly Non-Hispanic White, with significant Asian and other minority populations. The demographic profile is shaped by its status as a haven for corporate executives and high-net-worth individuals associated with companies like Fidelity Investments and Delaware North.

Government

Westlake utilizes a Council–manager government system, with an elected Town Council setting policy and an appointed Town Manager overseeing daily operations. The town contracts law enforcement services from the Denton County Sheriff's Office and the Tarrant County Sheriff's Office. It is part of Texas's 26th congressional district, represented in the United States House of Representatives by Michael C. Burgess. Local governance is notably influenced by major landowners and stakeholders such as Hillwood Development Company.

Economy

The economy is dominated by corporate headquarters and high-value commercial real estate, rather than retail or traditional industry. Major employers include Fidelity Investments, Charles Schwab Corporation, and Delaware North, whose global headquarters is located here. The Circle T Ranch development is a central economic driver, featuring corporate campuses, a data center for Fidelity Investments, and the Marriott-branded DFW Lakes Executive Conference Center. The town has no property tax, with municipal services funded primarily through sales tax revenue from these commercial entities.

Education

Public education is provided by the Carroll Independent School District, known for its academically rigorous programs and the Carroll Senior High School Dragons. The district consistently receives high ratings from the Texas Education Agency and is a major draw for families. Several private schools serve the area, including Trinity Christian Academy and Liberty Christian School. Proximity to major universities like Texas Christian University and the University of North Texas provides additional educational resources. The town is also home to corporate training facilities associated with Fidelity Investments.