Paradise is a city in Wise County, Texas, United States. The population was 459 at the 2000 census. The majority of the population that claims Paradise as its home lives outside of the city limits. Surrounding areas are flat with rolling hills. Native trees that can be seen in the area are Oak, Pecan, Mesquite, and Cottonwood. The Trinity River, one of Texas's major rivers, is found about 4 miles away from the city. During the 1800s, Paradise was the largest city in Wise County. It had a bank, a cotton gin, and two hotels. During the 1900s, the population has declined due to urbanization in larger cities. Many middle aged and retired people find Paradise to be a refreshing place to live. Major industries in the area are that of excavation, construction, and oil and water well drilling. Some areas of soil are somewhat sandy, making watermelon plants and peach trees well suited for it.

Popular Activities

Hunting, fishing, and general rural enjoyment. High school sports include baseball, softball, track, basketball, volleyball, football, golf, and tennis.

General Land Information

Many areas near multiple, local creeks lie so low that it becomes impossible and foolish to build houses here, particularly near Garrett Creek.

Wildlife

Native animals that you'll see are: a diverse population of birdlife (centered upon a major migratory bird flyway), White-tailed Deer (Odocoileus virginianus), Nine-banded Armadillos (Dasypus novemcinctus), Coyotes (Canis latrans), wild hogs, squirrels, cottontail rabbits, jack rabbits (Lepus californicus), Nutria (Myocastor coypus), beavers, opossums, rattlesnakes, copperheads, water moccasins, and lots of aqautic and landborn bugs.

Geography

Paradise is located at (33.150683, -97.688311).

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 2.0 square miles (5.2 km²), all of it land.

Demographics

As of the census of 2000, there were 459 people, 173 households, and 121 families residing in the city. The population density was 230.8 people per square mile (89.1/km²). There were 184 housing units at an average density of 92.5/sq mi (35.7/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 92.81% White, 2.18% Native American, 2.40% from other races, and 2.61% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 4.58% of the population.

There were 173 households out of which 35.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 57.2% were married couples living together, 9.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 29.5% were non-families. 23.1% of all households were made up of individuals and 13.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.65 and the average family size was 3.20.

In the city the population was spread out with 29.0% under the age of 18, 5.4% from 18 to 24, 27.2% from 25 to 44, 22.7% from 45 to 64, and 15.7% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37 years. For every 100 females there were 100.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 89.5 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $36,094, and the median income for a family was $46,750. Males had a median income of $32,188 versus $20,625 for females. The per capita income for the city was $15,978. About 7.3% of families and 13.2% of the population were below the poverty line, including 17.3% of those under age 18 and 10.0% of those age 65 or over.

Education

The City of Paradise is served by the Paradise Independent School District.

References

External links

• Handbook of Texas Online article about Paradise, Texas