Photo courtesy City of Lancaster

Lancaster Mayor Clyde Hairston is darn near poetic about the city he’s called home for more than three decades, and he’s not shy at all about telling people how great the city is.

Lancaster Mayor Clyde Hairston (Photo by Bethany Erickson)

“Neighbors know each other,” he said at a recent gathering of local business leaders, city leaders, and press. “It’s a special place that I’ve called home for more than 30 years.”

“We are the shining star in Texas, located in a golden box, and there are golden opportunities here in Lancaster.”

That “golden box” Hairston is referring to is Lancaster’s geographic location — bordered by I-20, I-45, I-35, and Loop 9, the city is geographically primed to be a key location for businesses and homebuyers looking for a shorter commute to downtown alike.

And with that location, community leaders are ready to tout the 15-minute commute to downtown, the good schools, and the affordable real estate, as well as its family-friendly parks and recreation, which includes a 170-acre community park with a 6-acre pond and fishing pier, walking trails, waterside amphitheater, youth football and soccer fields, picnic pavilions, playgrounds, and the Royce Clayton/Texas Rangers Youth Ballpark with a covered grandstand for 500 spectators.

And that’s not even counting the indoor water park with lazy river, lap pool, party area, double loop water slide, and more.

Why move to Lancaster? Hairston names off the community’s accolades — its been recognized by Scenic City, Tree City USA,  and Playful City USA. And in 2019, Lancaster was named an “All-American City” by the National Civic League, joining only 29 communities in Texas that have gotten the nod since the award was first doled out in 1949.

And the heart of Lancaster remains — despite a tornado in 1994 that wrought so much destruction — its historic downtown square, dotted with city offices and businesses new and old (including Lovin’ Oven Bakery, which has been around for 40 years).

Photo courtesy City of Lancaster

Hairston also took the opportunity to crow about Lancaster ISD’s Texas Education Agency rankings, which were released just last week. The district earned a B grade, but even better, Hairston said, was the phone call he got the night before.

“The superintendent told me that Lancaster was the most improved school district in all of Dallas County,” he said, beaming. “That’s just awesome.” (more…)