Updated June 22, 2026 · 471 residents
First Centerville is a residential enclave in Garland defined by its mid-century housing and a surprisingly vibrant local dining scene. While the area offers a quiet, suburban atmosphere with minimal industrial presence, prospective residents should note the limited access to health insurance and the necessity of flood awareness in this established community.
Key Highlights

The historical community of Centerville was settled in the 1850s on the original land grants of John Little, J. Mills, and J. W. Keen along Duck Creek. Centerville Road, a key local thoroughfare, still traces the old community's location. Centerville established a local school by the late 19th century but remained a tiny rural settlement, reporting a population of just ten residents by the 1930s and 1940s. As Garland rapidly expanded and industrialized in the mid-20th century, it absorbed the rural community. Today, the residential neighborhood of First Centerville features mid-century housing stock, with many of its single-family homes dating back to the mid-1950s, preserving the name of the pioneer settlement that preceded modern suburban development.
The neighborhood maintains a distinct suburban identity, characterized by its mid-century single-family homes and a lively social atmosphere that exceeds the city average. Residents have convenient access to diverse culinary options, including local favorites like Del Rancho and Market Latina, which contribute to the area's high livability score regarding community engagement. The layout favors a quieter, residential lifestyle with minimal industrial intrusion, making it a stable environment for those seeking a traditional suburban experience.
Living in the area involves specific trade-offs. While acoustic comfort is generally favorable with manageable traffic noise, the neighborhood faces challenges regarding environmental factors, including air quality and significant flood risk. Additionally, the area shows very low health insurance coverage among residents, which may be a consideration for families or individuals prioritizing healthcare access. With the support of the Garland Independent School District, which offers a flexible choice-based enrollment model, the neighborhood remains a practical option for those who value established community roots over modern, high-density developments.
Residential spacing is mixed, providing some buffer between neighbors. According to iHuus data, this level of privacy is slightly higher than the Garland city average.
Sidewalks are available on one side of the street alongside safe pedestrian crossings, though overall ease of walking is slightly below the Garland average according to iHuus data.
Large residences and frequent upscale amenities contribute to a landscape that is more visually appealing than the Garland average, according to iHuus data.
Connected green spaces and wide, traffic-safe paths provide decent opportunities for pet owners; however, the area is slightly below the Garland average for dog-friendly infrastructure.
Open land and scattered homes amidst fields or woodland characterize this area. The landscape is slightly less developed than the typical Garland neighborhood, according to iHuus data.
Local dining and community spaces provide a much higher level of activity than the typical Garland neighborhood. Residents can access a concentrated mix of social hubs and diverse eateries, including Market Latina and local churches, set against a backdrop of suburban streets and green space.
Local traffic from nearby busy streets creates a consistent level of ambient noise. This acoustic environment is slightly more active than the typical experience found across Garland.
Frequent unhealthy air quality levels pose a significant risk to sensitive groups. According to iHuus data, conditions in this area are slightly worse than the Garland city average.
Industrial activity and heavy warehouses are entirely absent from this area, providing a much cleaner environment than the Garland average. According to iHuus data, the neighborhood consists solely of residential streets and light commercial zones with no detected hazards.
Health insurance access is notably lower in this area than the Garland average, according to iHuus data. Most residents in the neighborhood lack comprehensive medical coverage.
Political leanings in this area skew slightly more liberal than the Garland average. Residents may notice a modest presence of opposing viewpoints alongside a liberal majority.
Residents will find a balanced demographic spread of young adults, families, and older individuals. This age distribution is consistent with the broader Garland area according to iHuus data.
Properties in this area are located within a designated floodplain, which carries a higher risk of flooding than the Garland average. According to iHuus data, residents may find that flood insurance is typically required for homes in this neighborhood.
iHuus Neighborhood Intelligence Insights
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| Dimension | First Centerville | Almeta,Bonita, Bella Vista |
|---|---|---|
| 🚶 Walkabilityavg 7.61 | ||
| 🔊 Acoustic Comfortavg 4.47 | ||
| 🤫 Privacy Indexavg 5.66 | ||
| 🎨 Visual Appealavg 6.66 | ||
| 🐕 Dog Friendlinessavg 6.45 | ||
| 🗺️ Urban-Rural Indexavg 6.72 | ||
| ✨ Neighborhood Vibeavg 4.25 | ||
| 🏥 Health Insurance Coverageavg 4.8 | ||
| 🌿 Air Qualityavg 3.41 | ||
| 🏭 Industrial Proximityavg 8.38 | ||
| 🌊 Flood Safetyavg 3.27 | ||
| 🗳️ Ideological Leanavg 6.34 | ||
| 👥 Population Age Profileavg 4.65 | ||
| 🔥 Fire Safety | ||
| 🏫 School Quality |
Garland ISD is a solid, high-performing district characterized by its unique 'Choice of School' model and a heavy emphasis on specialized magnet and CTE pathways. With nearly a third of its campuses achieving top-tier ratings and its high schools serving as regional anchors, the district demonstrates strong academic results and infrastructure stability through successful bond-funded modernizations. While a performance gap exists between elite magnet programs and traditional neighborhood schools, and some growth-related overcrowding persists in areas like Rowlett, the district's proactive management of teacher retention and school safety maintains its standing as a stable and desirable educational organization.
Schools
Below average outcomes; significant attendance and academic challenges.
School Insights
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