By Randa Goode
Azle has always been home. It’s where my husband and I grew up, raised our two children, and now have the joy of watching our 3-year-old granddaughter grow up in the community we love.
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For the past 23 years, I have worked at Pinnacle Bank, where I currently serve as vice president of lending at our Azle branch. Four years ago, I was elected to the Azle City Council and, in May, I stepped into the role of mayor — an honor I hold with deep gratitude. Being able to live, work and serve in my hometown is a privilege I cherish.
Located just 30 minutes west of Fort Worth, Azle offers the best of both worlds — the close-knit feel of a small town with the convenience of city life just down the road.
Over the years, our population has grown to around 15,000 residents and, while we are nearing the limits of available land for new development, opportunities for thoughtful redevelopment and potential boundary expansion remain part of our long-term vision.
With strong community input, we recently completed a comprehensive master plan with a key focus on preserving our small-town character and enhancing walkability and revitalizing Main Street — the heart of our city.
Community connection is a defining part of life in Azle. From the annual Sting Fling and Christmas on Main Street hosted by the Azle Chamber of Commerce to the Follow the Flag Fourth of July celebration organized by the Azle Area Ministerial Alliance, our calendar is filled with events that bring neighbors together.
The Azle Memorial Library is another cornerstone of our community, offering year-round programs for all ages — from summer reading and movie nights to gardening workshops and live animal demonstrations.
Our parks also play a vital role in keeping our community connected. Central Park offers something for everyone: basketball and volleyball courts, pickleball, skate park, walking trails, splash pad, playground and an amphitheater.
Every Friday night in May and June, families gather for Music in the Park — an evening of live music, food trucks and fun under the stars. Shady Grove Park is another local favorite, featuring ball fields, lighted walking trails, a playground, tennis courts and the only free public boat launch to Eagle Mountain Lake.
We recently celebrated the first anniversary of The Feedlot, a vibrant food truck park that hosts events most weekends and serves as the home of the Azle Farmers Market, held on the first and third Saturdays of each month. In partnership with Community Link, the market brings fresh, locally grown produce to our residents. One of the newest additions is the “Lettuce Shack,” a hydroponic freight farm capable of growing thousands of crop varieties year-round in just 320 square feet. This produce will support local food pantries like Azle’s Community Caring Center and will also be sold at the market.
Azle is growing, and big things are on the horizon for our little city. But as we look ahead, we remain committed to growing responsibly — protecting the values, character and community spirit that make Azle the place we are proud to call home.
Azle
Total population: 13,734
Female: 51% | Male: 49%
Age
0-9: 18%
10-19: 10%
20-29: 12%
30-39: 16%
40-49: 8%
50-59: 10%
60-69: 14%
70-79: 8%
80 and older: 4%
Education
No degree: 10%
High school: 34%
Some college: 34%
Bachelor’s degree: 17%
Post-graduate: 5%
Race
White: 78% | Asian: 0% | Hispanic: 16% | Black: 1% | Two or more: 3%
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