Valley Ranch

Lore & Background

Before becoming a bustling community, Valley Ranch was largely undeveloped ranch land shared with much of Irving. The turning point arrived with the construction of the I-635 loop around Dallas in the 1970s, which opened new opportunities for development north of the highway. By the time the highway connected to Highway 121 and the full loop in the 1980s, development began to soar. It was during this era that the area became the home of the Dallas Cowboys' practice facilities in 1985. The site also hosted the Dallas Stars hockey team's operations before both franchises relocated to Frisco in 2016, marking a significant shift in the region's sports history.

In Their Own Story

The transformation of Valley Ranch began as local officials determined how to maximize the potential of the land north of the new interstate. As the highway network expanded in the late 1970s and 80s, the area evolved into a mixed-use destination featuring winding canals and walkways designed for recreation and flood control. The community grew to include dozens of Indian restaurants and grocery stores, reflecting a large population of Asian Indians moving into Valley Ranch and neighboring Las Colinas. Today, the area remains bounded by Coppell to the north, Las Colinas to the south, Cypress Waters to the west, and Farmers Branch to the east, sitting just 30 minutes from downtown Dallas near the DFW International Airport.

Reader's Guide

Visitors to Valley Ranch can explore over five miles of landscaped canal walkways that wind through parks and ponds. The centerpiece of local recreation is Cimarron Park, an Irving city park featuring a gymnasium, tennis courts, two basketball courts, an outdoor swimming pool, and large fields for soccer or other activities. The park also offers playground equipment and a covered picnic area with a barbecue pit, accessible via trails. The community is governed by the Valley Ranch Association, where five volunteer board members serve two-year terms on the Master, Residential, and Commercial boards, ultimately reporting to the city of Irving.

Did You Know?

• The name 'Valley Ranch' comes from the land being a former cattle ranch located below a large ridge.
• Dallas Cowboys practice facilities were located here starting in 1985 until the team moved to Frisco in 2016.
• Development of the area surged after Interstate 635 connected with Highway 121 in the 1980s.
• The community features over five miles of winding, landscaped canal walkways.
• Children living in Valley Ranch attend schools in either Coppell ISD or Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD.