By Brian O’Keefe
My wife Gladys and I moved to Haslet a year ago after spending three years in Houston and two decades in Atlanta.
What we found here has been a refreshing upgrade to our quality of life.
One of the things we appreciate most is the opportunity to live in a safe, peaceful community where coming home is truly the best part of the day.
I serve as general manager of California Closets North Texas, and even my commute to Irving has become something I enjoy. The drive provides valuable “think time” before and after work — a chance to clear my head and prepare for the day ahead.
If renowned artist Norman Rockwell were painting a modern slice of Americana, he could easily find inspiration in downtown Haslet. With a population of just over 5,500, the town embodies the kind of small-town spirit that feels increasingly rare today.
Haslet offers a unique blend of hometown warmth, authentic Texas character and metropolitan convenience. It’s a place where neighbors still wave, stars are visible at night, and the shopping, dining and opportunities are just minutes away at Alliance Town Center.
Part of Haslet’s appeal is its collection of locally owned businesses. One of our favorites is Haslet Feed and Farm Market, a classic Texas store that serves farmers, pet owners, gardeners, and anyone who appreciates a little hometown character.
We also have two favorite spots that perfectly capture the town’s community-oriented personality.
Most mornings begin at Free State Coffee on Schoolhouse Road. We love their breakfast burritos, and our go-to drink is the siphon cold brew – a medium roast that’s been siphon cold brewed for at least 24 hours as a refreshing pick-me-up in the Texas heat.
When it comes to dinner, we have yet to find a better New York-style pizza than the one served at Big Joe’s Pizza & Pasta. Gladys is partial to the lasagna pizza, while I’m more of a calzone-and-stromboli guy.
Since I occasionally travel for business, easy access to the Dallas Fort Worth International Airport is another benefit we value. We enjoy the tranquility of small-town living without sacrificing convenience.
As more people discover what attracted us to Haslet, the community continues to grow.
New roads and infrastructure improvements are underway to accommodate that growth.
While the town’s access points may change, I believe its friendly spirit and welcoming character will remain intact.
Gladys and I also enjoy fishing, and we’re fortunate to have Sendera Fishing Pond just minutes from home. It is not a trophy-fishing destination, but it’s family-friendly, convenient and the perfect place to unwind after a busy week.
When we relocated to North Texas, we could have chosen to live almost anywhere within commuting distance of my office. After years in major metropolitan areas like Atlanta and Houston, we found exactly what we were looking for in Haslet — a place where we feel safe, connected, and able to slow down and enjoy life together.
For us, Haslet isn’t just where we live. It’s our own little slice of heaven on earth.
Brian and Gladys O’Keefe have lived in Haslet for four years. He is general manager of California Closets North Texas, a home storage design company.
Haslet
Total population: 5,947
Male: 47% | Female: 53%
Age
0-9: 13%
10-19: 11%
20-29: 10%
30-39: 10%
40-49: 15%
50-59: 17%
60-69: 14%
70-79: 6%
80 and older: 3%
Education
No degree: 3%
High school: 19%
Some college: 35%
Bachelor’s degree: 27%
Post-graduate: 16%
Race
White: 66% | Asian: 6% | Hispanic: 20% | Black: 3% | Two or more: 4%
Click on the link to view the schools’ Texas Education Agency ratings:
Source: Census Report
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