Crowley, Texas

Small But Surging Ahead With Growth

Building Momentum: Infrastructure, Parks, and Economic Revival

Crowley, Texas, may be small, but it has a deep sense of history and a bright future. Situated on the southwestern edge of the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, this close-knit community has grown considerably over the past two decades while preserving its small-town charm. To gain insight into what makes Crowley special, we spoke with key city officials: Cristina Winner, Assistant City Manager; Jay Hinton, Media Relations Coordinator; and Matt Elgin, Assistant City Manager.

Small-town feel in a growing city

While the city has expanded significantly, much of Crowley’s historical charm remains intact, a quality cherished by its residents. Winner notes, “Crowley spans about seven and a half square miles. It’s not a very big city and maintains that small-town feel, even though it has experienced much growth over the last couple of decades.” The population has doubled in the past 20 years, reaching approximately 21,000 residents, marking a notable increase for a city of its size.

The growth has primarily been residential, with many young families attracted to Crowley’s peaceful yet connected environment. “Our demographics skew young, with many families in their mid-30s,” says Winner. This trend is further supported by the local school district, which covers a much larger area—59 square miles—than the city itself. This can sometimes lead to confusion, as people often associate the larger school district with Crowley’s size.

Conveniently located just 12 to 15 miles from downtown Fort Worth, Crowley offers residents a unique balance. Elgin explains, “We’re on the outskirts of the Metroplex, which is convenient for people who want to live away from the hustle and bustle of a big city but still have access to it.” This proximity to Fort Worth has contributed to the city’s appeal for those looking to settle in a quieter, more community-focused setting.

The town’s historical roots lie in agriculture and dairy farming, which has shaped its enduring values. Winner notes that Crowley was once a dairy town and continues to be “rooted in family and faith.” Even as the city has grown, these values remain central to the community, creating a strong sense of belonging among residents.

Future-proofing infrastructure

Major infrastructure projects have accompanied Crowley’s growth to ensure the city’s development is sustainable and well-supported. One of the most substantial undertakings in recent years has been the transformation of Main Street, which serves as the city’s central artery.

“We did a major stormwater drainage improvement about four years ago to enhance drainage from Main Street, and that set the stage for a larger downtown project,” says Elgin. This $12 million project, supported by $4.5 million in state and federal funding, involved roadway improvements, installing a curbed bike lane, sidewalks, and a new underground drainage system. “We wanted to create a visual and functional space that would attract residents and new businesses,” Elgin adds.

This transformation included burying overhead power lines to enhance the downtown area’s aesthetics and functionality. “The goal was to create a walkable downtown where people feel connected and can engage with the local businesses,” Elgin explains. The project also introduced two new roundabouts—Crowley’s first—which initially required some adjustment for local drivers.

In addition to Main Street’s improvements, Crowley has focused on upgrading its utility infrastructure to support new residential developments. One of the most significant projects in this area was the completion of a 42-inch sanitary sewer main in 2018. In partnership with Fort Worth, this project improved wastewater services for Crowley and surrounding areas. “We’re a wholesale customer of Fort Worth for water and wastewater, so we don’t have our own treatment facilities,” Elgin explains. “The upgrades we’ve made are crucial for supporting the city’s northern development, where a lot of new housing is being built.”

Currently, Crowley is in the planning stages of another major project: a new 24-inch potable water transmission line to serve the northern side of the city. This, along with plans to install an elevated water storage tank and ground storage tanks, will ensure that Crowley has the necessary infrastructure to meet the demands of its growing population.

Main Street makeover

Crowley’s Main Street revitalization project emphasizes upgrading infrastructure, attracting businesses, and creating a lively, dynamic city center. “The goal behind the Main Street project was to encourage economic development in the city’s heart,” says Hinton. With many businesses on Main Street having closed in recent years, the city recognized an opportunity to reinvigorate the area.

Several new businesses have already set up shop on Main Street, with more on the way. One of the most popular newcomers is Moontower Pizza, a local favorite known for its record-breaking pizza size. “They have a bit of a cult following, and their food is great,” says Winner. Another exciting addition is Fred’s Texas Cafe, a beloved local chain opening its third location in Crowley. “Fred’s has been featured on *Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives*, so we’re thrilled to have them here,” says Hinton.

These new businesses are just the beginning of Crowley’s downtown transformation. The city’s Economic Development Corporation (EDC) has played a crucial role in acquiring properties along Main Street, which will help guide future development. “We’ve purchased land to foster growth, and now we’re working on building relationships with developers to bring new businesses to the area,” says Elgin.

The goal is to create a walkable downtown that offers a variety of dining and shopping options for residents and visitors alike. “We’re trying to keep people in our city,” says Hinton. “By bringing in new restaurants and businesses, we can offer residents more reasons to stay local rather than going to nearby cities like Burleson or Fort Worth.”

Recognizing the work the city is undertaking to transform the core of the city, The Crowley downtown improvements and Main Street Plaza Park have been nominated for 2 different awards in the 2024 Texas Downtown Association’s statewide call for projects. 

On Friday October 4, 2024 the Texas Downtown Facebook page announced the Crowley Crossing Plaza Project had won the People’s Choice vote for the Best New Construction and in other categories it won Best Public Improvement and Best New Construction in the Under 50k Population category.

Future-proofing infrastructure

Major infrastructure projects have accompanied Crowley’s growth to ensure the city’s development is sustainable and well-supported. One of the most substantial undertakings in recent years has been the transformation of Main Street, which serves as the city’s central artery.

“We did a major stormwater drainage improvement about four years ago to enhance drainage from Main Street, and that set the stage for a larger downtown project,” says Elgin. This $12 million project, supported by $4.5 million in state and federal funding, involved roadway improvements, installing a curbed bike lane, sidewalks, and a new underground drainage system. “We wanted to create a visual and functional space that would attract residents and new businesses,” Elgin adds.

This transformation included burying overhead power lines to enhance the downtown area’s aesthetics and functionality. “The goal was to create a walkable downtown where people feel connected and can engage with the local businesses,” Elgin explains. The project also introduced two new roundabouts—Crowley’s first—which initially required some adjustment for local drivers.

In addition to Main Street’s improvements, Crowley has focused on upgrading its utility infrastructure to support new residential developments. One of the most significant projects in this area was the completion of a 42-inch sanitary sewer main in 2018. In partnership with Fort Worth, this project improved wastewater services for Crowley and surrounding areas. “We’re a wholesale customer of Fort Worth for water and wastewater, so we don’t have our own treatment facilities,” Elgin explains. “The upgrades we’ve made are crucial for supporting the city’s northern development, where a lot of new housing is being built.”

Currently, Crowley is in the planning stages of another major project: a new 24-inch potable water transmission line to serve the northern side of the city. This, along with plans to install an elevated water storage tank and ground storage tanks, will ensure that Crowley has the necessary infrastructure to meet the demands of its growing population.

Main Street makeover

Crowley’s Main Street revitalization project emphasizes upgrading infrastructure, attracting businesses, and creating a lively, dynamic city center. “The goal behind the Main Street project was to encourage economic development in the city’s heart,” says Hinton. With many businesses on Main Street having closed in recent years, the city recognized an opportunity to reinvigorate the area.

Several new businesses have already set up shop on Main Street, with more on the way. One of the most popular newcomers is Moontower Pizza, a local favorite known for its record-breaking pizza size. “They have a bit of a cult following, and their food is great,” says Winner. Another exciting addition is Fred’s Texas Cafe, a beloved local chain opening its third location in Crowley. “Fred’s has been featured on *Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives*, so we’re thrilled to have them here,” says Hinton.

These new businesses are just the beginning of Crowley’s downtown transformation. The city’s Economic Development Corporation (EDC) has played a crucial role in acquiring properties along Main Street, which will help guide future development. “We’ve purchased land to foster growth, and now we’re working on building relationships with developers to bring new businesses to the area,” says Elgin.

The goal is to create a walkable downtown that offers a variety of dining and shopping options for residents and visitors alike. “We’re trying to keep people in our city,” says Hinton. “By bringing in new restaurants and businesses, we can offer residents more reasons to stay local rather than going to nearby cities like Burleson or Fort Worth.”

Recognizing the work the city is undertaking to transform the core of the city, The Crowley downtown improvements and Main Street Plaza Park have been nominated for 2 different awards in the 2024 Texas Downtown Association’s statewide call for projects. 

On Friday October 4, 2024 the Texas Downtown Facebook page announced the Crowley Crossing Plaza Project had won the People’s Choice vote for the Best New Construction and in other categories it won Best Public Improvement and Best New Construction in the Under 50k Population category.

AT A GLANCE

Who: Cristina Winner, Assistant City Manager; Jay Hinton, Media Relations Coordinator; and Matt Elgin, Assistant City Manager.

What: A growing suburban city known for its family-friendly atmosphere, affordable housing, and community-oriented events.

Where: North Texas, primarily in Tarrant County, within the Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan area.

Website: https://www.ci.crowley.tx.us/