Texas has famous big cities, but there are hundreds of smaller ones, like Aubrey, TX, that live happily in their shadows. Some of these smaller communities offer the best of both worlds. They’re close enough to the big cities that you can easily dine in world-class restaurants and attend big-league sporting events.
Even better, they’re far enough away that you can enjoy a comfortable, laid-back lifestyle in a more rural setting. There are even nature preserves nearby to let you stretch out in solitude and see Texas the way it used to be.
Are you ready to get acquainted with Aubrey, TX? Let’s go!
About Aubrey, TX
Situated in Denton County in the northeastern part of the Lone Star State, Aubrey traces its beginnings to 1867. The town’s founder, Lemuel Noah Edwards, was a Civil War veteran and a somewhat generous landowner. He gave land to each of his 10 children so they could build houses of their own. He also donated the sites for the town’s original churches.
Image Credit: Seth Ilys at English Wikipedia., CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
The town picked up steam when a railroad built a station there in 1881. In later years, the town became known for its peanut farms and horse ranches. Like most cities in the area, Aubrey has grown considerably in the last few decades. Its population has skyrocketed since 2000, from around 1,500 up to almost 7,500.
Is Aubrey, TX, Safe?
Those more famous Texas cities – places like Dallas, Houston, Austin, and San Antonio – all have a lot they can brag about. They may envy Aubrey, TX’s, crime rates, however. AreaVibes gives Aubrey an A+ rating and says crime rates are “60% lower than the national average.”
More than half of the crimes that do occur are burglaries. Violent crimes are almost unheard of — 76% lower than average. This reputation for being such a safe place to live may very well be contributing to Aubrey, TX’s, rapid growth.
Which Major City is Near Aubrey, TX?
Aubrey is on the northern end of the greater Dallas/Fort Worth area, also known as the Metroplex. Some of the other suburban cities include Arlington, Plano, Irving, Grape Vine, and Denton.
The town of Aubrey is about 40 miles from Dallas itself and about 40 miles from the Oklahoma line. It’s just 12 miles from Denton, which has almost 150,000 people and is home to the University of North Texas.
Traveler’s Tip: Not 30 minutes away from Aubrey is another great small town, Celina. Learn how to visit this football town like a local.
5 Reasons to Take a Trip to Aubrey, TX
There are lots of big, fun cities nearby, but Aubrey offers a change of pace with its own satisfying flavor. Here are five of the best things to do in Aubrey, TX.
1. Enjoy the Small Town Texas Vibes
Aubrey is an easy escape from a bustling metropolis. If you’ve never experienced DFW traffic during rush hour, it’s a real rat race, probably even worse than you imagine. Aubrey is fast-growing, for sure, but it retains a pastoral nature.
The farming culture so prevalent for generations may be disappearing, but there’s enough left to remind you you’re in Texas. Lots of the people here are the friendly types who seem to have time for others.
2. There Are Multiple Lakes to Visit Nearby
There are two sizable lakes just outside town for outdoor recreation, with a Greenbelt Corridor connecting them. The centerpiece of a state park, Lake Ray Roberts is just 7.4 miles to the northwest. Lewisville Lake is a straight 14-mile shot down U.S. Route 377. Each lake is around 29,000 acres.
Take your pick for fishing, boating, water skiing, swimming, or lounging at a sand beach. If you’re feeling ambitious, you can also hike the 10 miles from one to the other.
3. Play at the Local Water Works Park
If you’re traveling through Aubrey, TX, in the summer, there’s a good chance you’ll want a way to beat the Texas heat. If the ice cream at the Hula Hut concession stand doesn’t do it, go ahead and make a splash.
Water Works Park is one of the DFW area’s favorite water parks for a few cool reasons. Their most popular features include four main slides, a wave pool, and a lazy river.
4. Visit Sharkarosa Wildlife Ranch
You might expect to see some horses and cows in Texas, but this wildlife ranch has a more unusual menagerie. You’ll find cute miniature versions of those common ranch animals plus many exotic species you wouldn’t expect. There are more than 100 animals in all.
To name a few, they have white lions and white tigers, porcupines, an albino kangaroo, squirrel monkeys, and four kinds of lemurs. This walk-through petting zoo is a fun and educational experience for all ages.
5. Relax at Clear Creek Natural Heritage Center
There’s so much concrete and asphalt in the Metroplex that it’s somewhat hard to visualize what the area used to look like. In that sense, a visit to this 2,900-acre nature preserve is like stepping back in time.
The four miles of trails through prairie and wetlands are a microcosm of the past. You may be surprised at the amount of wildlife along this Trinity River bottomland.
Don’t Miss Out on Aubrey, TX
The DFW area seems to be bursting at its seams, but little Aubrey, TX, still has room to grow. Now is an excellent time to experience this warm community north of Dallas. It’s right next to the big city action but moves more slowly to a different rhythm. The outdoor opportunities alone are a great excuse to exit off the superhighways toward Aubrey.
The people may just welcome you with a big ol’ Texas smile as a nice bonus. Tell us about your favorite small towns in Texas.
