Students in Hurst attend schools from one of four school districts. The Birdville Independent School District is the largest district in North East Tarrant County. The Grapevine-Colleyville Independent School District features 11 elementary, 4 middle and 2 high schools and is proud that all 17 schools in their jurisdiction were designated "Exemplary," the highest rating given by the Texas Education Agency. There are 18 elementary, 5 middle and 2 high schools within the Hurst Euless Bedford Independent School District and 10 of these campuses were also given the "Exemplary" distinction. Keller Independent School District has also received recognition from the Texas Education Agency as a "Recognized" school district.

For higher education, the Northeast campus of Tarrant Community College is located right in Hurst. There are several colleges and universities in the surrounding areas including Rockwall College, the University of Texas at Dallas and Baylor University.

In addition to distinguished schools, Hurst features a variety of recreational activities for residents to utilize. The community has 18 parks all of which feature different athletic facilities, picnic areas and/or playgrounds. Chisholm Park, the largest park in Hurst, spans over 50 acres and provides areas for swimming, fishing and a fitness course. There are also two aquatic centers in Hurst as well as an extensive trail system and wooded play areas. Hurst Community Park features soccer fields and volleyball courts.

Nearby, Fort Worth offers Hurst residents all the amenities of the big city including the North East Mall, one of the largest malls in the Southwest. There are also plenty of world-class restaurants, entertainment facilities and more.

The Hurst area was first settled in 1850 when Issac Parker built his log cabin home in what is now southwest Hurst. One of the later settlers, William L. Hurst and his family moved into the area in 1870. When the railroad first went through the area in 1903, the railroad station was named after Hurst. The city was incorporated on September 25, 1952 with a total population of only 2,700. By 1981 the population grew to 31,000 due to the opening of the $3 million dollar Bell Helicopter plant that helped pioneer the helicopter aviation history in Texas. The creation of the Dallas/Fort Worth Airport in 1974 also contributed to the population boom of Hurst.