Located about 65 miles northeast of Downtown Dallas, the rural city of Commerce is perhaps best known as the home of Texas A&M University – Commerce, one of the state’s oldest institutions of higher learning. The university serves around 12,000 students, compared to the city’s permanent population of around 8,500, so it is fair to say that college culture is a major part of everyday life in Commerce. The campus dominates the west side of town, with a small downtown district located a few blocks to the northeast hosting a thriving dining and nightlife scene.

Known as the Bois d’Arc Capital of Texas, the community’s most popular event is arguably the annual Bois d’Arc Bash, an autumn celebration incorporating concerts, barbecue cook-offs, a parade, and street vendors. The local rental market features a mix of apartments and houses suitable for a variety of budgets and lifestyles.