Best Southwest facts for kids
The Best Southwest is a special name for four towns near Dallas, Texas. These towns are Cedar Hill, DeSoto, Duncanville, Texas, Duncanville, and Lancaster. They are all located in Dallas County, Texas, in the United States. In 2010, about 168,960 people lived in these four towns combined.
The name "Best Southwest" started when the business groups (called chambers of commerce) from these four towns decided to work together. They wanted to help their towns cooperate better. In 1986, they created the Best Southwest Chamber Partnership. This group became an official organization in 1990.
These four towns are similar in size. They also have a very diverse population. They often work together on local events and different projects. This area is an important part of the larger Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex.
Contents
Population Growth Over Time
The Best Southwest area has grown a lot over the years. Here's how the population of each town and the total area has changed:
| City | 1970 | 1980 | 1990 | 2000 | 2010 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cedar Hill | 2,610 | 6,849 | 19,988 | 32,093 | 45,028 |
| DeSoto | 6,617 | 15,538 | 30,544 | 37,646 | 49,047 |
| Duncanville | 14,105 | 27,781 | 35,008 | 36,081 | 38,524 |
| Lancaster | 10,522 | 14,807 | 22,117 | 25,894 | 36,361 |
| Total | 33,854 | 64,975 | 107,657 | 131,714 | 168,960 |
Education in the Best Southwest
The Best Southwest area has many schools and colleges. These help students learn and grow.
Colleges and Universities
- Northwood University is located in Cedar Hill.
- Cedar Valley College is in Lancaster. It is part of the Dallas College system.
Public Schools
Most students in the Best Southwest area go to one of four main school districts. These districts manage many schools for different age groups.
- Cedar Hill Independent School District
- This district serves most of Cedar Hill. It also covers small parts of Grand Prairie and Ovilla.
- In 2005-2006, about 7,972 students were enrolled.
- The district has 14 schools. This includes two high schools, two middle schools, and six elementary schools.
- DeSoto Independent School District
- This district covers most of DeSoto. It also includes the Dallas County part of Glenn Heights and a small part of Ovilla.
- In 2005-2006, about 8,409 students were enrolled.
- The district has 12 schools. This includes one high school, three middle schools, and seven elementary schools.
- Duncanville Independent School District
- This is the largest school district in the Best Southwest area. It serves Duncanville, part of DeSoto, and a large part of southwest Dallas.
- In 2005-2006, about 12,327 students were enrolled.
- The district has 16 schools. This includes one high school, three middle schools, and nine elementary schools.
- Lancaster Independent School District
- This district is growing quickly. It covers most of Lancaster and a very small part of Hutchins.
- In 2005-2006, about 5,822 students were enrolled.
- The district has nine schools. This includes one high school, one middle school, and seven elementary schools.
Other school districts also serve small parts of the Best Southwest area. These include the Dallas Independent School District (for parts of Lancaster and DeSoto) and the Midlothian Independent School District (for the small Ellis County part of Cedar Hill).
