Arlington is situated within the Mid-Cities area of the metropolitan statistical region encompassing Dallas, Fort Worth, and Arlington. It holds a significant position as one of the main cities in this metropolis and region. In terms of size, it ranks as the second-largest city in the county, just behind Fort Worth, and the third-largest in the entire metropolitan area, following Dallas and Fort Worth. Nationally, Arlington stands as the 50th-most populous city in the United States, the seventh-most populous city in Texas, and notably, the largest city in the state that does not serve as a county seat.

The Amber Alert system was established after the abduction and subsequent murder of a 9-year-old girl named Amber Hagerman in Arlington on January 13, 1996. Despite the passage of time, no one has been apprehended or charged with her killing as of 2023.

Arlington is located in close proximity to Johnson Creek, which is a smaller river that joins the Trinity River. Along with the Trinity River, Johnson Creek runs through Arlington. The city of Arlington is bordered by Kennedale, Grand Prairie, Mansfield, and Fort Worth, and it also surrounds the smaller towns of Dalworthington Gardens and Pantego.

In 1980, the temperature reached a peak of 113 °F (45 °C), making it the highest recorded temperature. Conversely, in 1899, the temperature plummeted to a low of -8 °F (-22 °C), marking the lowest recorded temperature. May experiences the most substantial amount of rainfall on average. Severe weather is typically observed during the months of April and May. This area is situated in the renowned Tornado Alley. Winters tend to be moderate with infrequent snowfall, and it is not uncommon to have years without any snow at all.

During the 2020 census in the United States, the city had a population of 394,266 individuals. Additionally, there were 135,240 households and 93,164 families living in the city.

The leading employers in Arlington include Arlington Independent School District with 8,500 employees, University of Texas at Arlington with 5,300 employees, General Motors with 4,484 employees, Texas Health Resources with 4,063 employees, Six Flags Over Texas with 3,800 employees, The Parks at Arlington with 3,500 employees, GM Financial with 3,300 employees, City of Arlington with 2,755 employees, JPMorgan Chase with 1,965 employees, and Texas Rangers Baseball Club with 1,881 employees.

Arlington houses Six Flags Over Texas, a popular theme park across the country, which features numerous remarkable rides and attractions. Following the acquisition of the previous site, Wet ‘n Wild, in the mid-1990s, Six Flags additionally introduced Six Flags Hurricane Harbor, a thrilling waterpark.

Arlington offers a variety of retail shopping options. The Parks Mall at Arlington is a popular destination, featuring a wide range of stores, restaurants, an ice skating rink, and a movie theater. Another option is the Arlington Highlands, which opened in 2007 and is known for its shopping and entertainment offerings. Situated on I-20 at Matlock Rd, it has become a hotspot for locals and visitors. Additionally, the Lincoln Square, located near the AT&T Stadium, is home to various stores, restaurants, and a Studio Movie Grill.

The city of Arlington is also the location of Theater Arlington, a community theatre that is among the biggest in the country. This theater puts on high-quality live performances throughout the year and provides theater lessons for individuals of all ages.

The Arlington Convention & Visitors Bureau serves as the authorized representative for tourism in Arlington, Texas. It is responsible for attracting conventions, meetings, tour groups, reunions, and individual travelers to enhance the city’s income through sales and lodging taxes.

The Texas Rangers baseball team and the Dallas Cowboys football team both call Arlington their home. In addition, the Dallas Wings made history as the inaugural Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) franchise in North Texas.

The Arlington City Council consists of the Mayor and eight City Council members. Elections are held annually in May, with additional runoffs taking place in June if needed. City Officials are elected without party affiliation, although many have political party associations unofficially. The Mayor and Council Members can serve a maximum of three consecutive 2-year terms.

UTA or UT Arlington, a major university in North Texas, boasts a student population exceeding 40,000. It plays a crucial role in Arlington’s economy and is considered a valuable asset to the city. Some of the oldest buildings in the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex can be found within the academic core of the UT Arlington campus, including Preston Hall, Ransom Hall, College Hall, and the original Arlington High School.

There are two major highways, I-20 and I-30, that serve the city. Additionally, there are other freeways with restricted access such as State Highway 360 along the eastern border, and U.S. Highway 287 that goes through the southwest part of the city. In addition, there is a tollway called The 360 Tollway that connects Mansfield with Arlington and Grand Prairie.

Prominent individuals include Ronnie Coleman, who holds the record for winning the Mr. Olympia bodybuilding competition eight times. Cade Cunningham is a skilled basketball player, while Chris Odom excels in professional football. Betty Pariso is recognized as an IFBB professional bodybuilder, and Chris Davis is a notable professional baseball player. Seth Jones showcases his talent in professional hockey, and Mark Britten is known for his comedic prowess. Taylor Cole and Jennifer Stone are both accomplished actresses, while Todrick Hall is a versatile performer and singer. Ben Rappaport is recognized for his acting abilities, and Madison Pettis is a talented actress as well.