Colleyville began as a rural community and draws its name from a physician, Lilburn Howard Colley, who moved to the area in 1880 and practiced medicine for 40 years.
As with so many original communities in this area, the railroad played a significant role. In this case, it was the extension of what became the Cotton Belt from Fort Worth to Grapevine. And like other communities in Northeast Tarrant County, Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport triggered expansive growth. Colleyville had 3,368 residents in the 1970 census but had doubled in size by the 1980 count after the airport opened. Estimated population in 2012 was 23,090.
"I love it that Colleyville is located in the heart of the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex with access to big city glitz, glamour and shopping, but still has a small-town feel," says resident Renova Williams, a retired corporate executive and community volunteer.
"I know most of the people I run into at the post office, grocery store and the many small businesses and boutiques where I shop. Just minutes away from the DFW airport, our community is still "rural" in the best sense of the word," she said.
"But most of all, I love the people. Neighbors know each other here and watch out for each other. There is also an amazing spirit of volunteerism. I found great joy after retirement in helping numerous charities and civic organizations just by playing with my friends in Colleyville," Williams said.
New residents are attracted by "the magnificent homes in quiet neighborhoods, parks and jogging trails, plus the quick commute to the D/FW airport and Dallas/Fort Worth," she said. "The award-winning school district is a huge attraction."
She cites the "wealth of talent" brought by residents who are also corporate CEOs and professionals, many of whom serve in community leadership positions.
