Allen/McKinney - McKinney, TX

Settlers drawn to the area by the promise of free, fertile land founded the McKinney and Allen areas the middle of the 19th century. New developments such as a railroad station furthered their growth for the next several decades. Industrial facilities, the construction of major highways in the area and the movement of corporations into the area led to the development of Allen and McKinney into major suburban centers in the Dallas/Fort Worth area.

Residents can head to Allen Heritage Center to learn more about the local history or the Heard Museum for an insider's look into the flora and fauna that make up the region. Spots like McKinney Art House, available for classes and workshops, support a small but exciting arts scene. An interesting and eclectic variety of festivals such as the Mardi Gras Dog Parade add to the area's cultural makeup.

From high-end dining to down-home cooking in a casual setting, the cities of Allen and McKinney have it all. Foodies can check out the larger shopping centers in the area and around the major highways for plenty of great places to sit back, relax and enjoy a great meal. For nightlife options, which generally tend toward laid-back atmospheres with great drinks and food, residents often head to downtown areas of either city.

Plenty of fine French cuisine items sit on the menu at Gregory's Bistro in McKinney. The intimate atmosphere and casual setting make for the perfect spot to enjoy ahi tuna served up with a savory goat cheese risotto or the juicy roasted rack of lamb. For classic Tex-Mex with a bit of modern flair, foodies can find no better stop than La Finca Chiquita in Allen. The Mexican shrimp cocktail in a classic cocktail sauce – with a tangy citrus twist – makes for the perfect starter. Pair that with the spicy tortilla soup and perfectly seasoned chicken chimichanga for the ultimate Tex-Mex meal.

Rick's Chophouse at the Grand Hotel provides area diners with an upscale, elegant dining option perfect for a night out on the town. The perfectly crispy buttermilk fried chicken comes paired with bacon and sour cream smashed redskin potatoes, Creole-style corn and black-pepper gravy for a gourmet twist on a classic favorite.

Those seeking live music most often head to bars and restaurants in the area, many of which host local and regional acts. For country music, enjoy an evening at Hank's Texas Grill. Spoons Cafe hosts contemporary singers and songwriters in a mellow atmosphere. For evening entertainment, visit Cadillac Pizza Pub, which has plenty of great food, drinks and music. Those who live in the area also love bars such as The Celt and The Dirty Rooster.

While cars represent the main source of travel in the Allen and McKinney area, residents have access to other options. The TAPS bus system allows for transport through the main parts of both Allen and McKinney. Those in need of a ride can also call one of the taxi companies that serve the area or search for a ride via the Uber app.

Complimentary parking can be found in both McKinney and Allen around the downtown areas. Easy access to major roadways such as US-75 provides another convenience to drivers. While McKinney does not tend to be as walkable, some areas in Allen do cater to pedestrians. Some bike lanes can be found in both cities, and cyclists generally find the area safe for riding.

With options like the 104-acre Celebration Park in Allen and Towne Lake Recreation Area in McKinney, which features a 22-acre lake, residents of these two cities have plenty of opportunity to enjoy the Texas weather. No entry fee and plenty of things to do, from use of athletics facilities to fishing, grills and more, draw patrons out year-round. Kids can enjoy the safe playgrounds that feature at most area parks. While furry friends must remain leashed at most parks, dog parks in both Allen and McKinney make for great off-leash playtime.

Events such as dances, trout fishing tournaments, and barbecues take place at the parks regularly, which gives patrons even more to do. Lighted tennis, baseball and soccer fields along with miles of hiking and biking trails also make the parks perfect for those seeking a safe spot to stay fit.

Allen and McKinney on the whole tend to be somewhat above the national average in terms of cost of living, which make them a fair amount more costly to live in than surrounding Dallas and Fort Worth neighborhoods. By way of the TAPS system, riders have easy access to the DART rail system, which takes them into Dallas at a cost of $5 per day. The median cost for a one-bedroom apartment in the area sits at around $871. For a beer, bar patrons tend to pay an average of $4.50 for a pint of their favorite brew. Generally, drivers pay the same price for gas in the area as in the rest of Dallas, at about 12 percent below the national average.

Bargain hunters in the Allen area head to Allen Premium Outlets on a regular basis to browse the deals at dozens of name-brand shops featuring an array of merchandise. Other favorites for shoppers include McKinney Marketplace and Eldorado Ridge Shopping Center. In addition to retailers such as Neiman Marcus and Kate Spade at the outlet mall, shopping opportunities abound throughout the area.

Many great boutiques and specialty shops await shoppers in the downtown areas of both McKinney and Allen. Cotton Hearts in McKinney features numerous stylish and fashionable clothing items and accessories crafted entirely from cotton, making them cozy as well as attractive to wear.

At BeDazzled Baby & Kids, shoppers can find everything from beautiful baby clothes to lighting, custom bedding and furniture pieces. Shoppers have the option to work with designers to craft the ideal items for their infants and children and to bring their dreams for their child's room to life.

For groceries, residents head to Tom Thumb, Albertsons, WinCo Foods or Sprouts Farmers Market. Local shoppers also find natural and organic items just outside the neighborhood at Whole Foods Market on Stacy Road. At the Historic McKinney Farmers Market, locals pick up farm fresh produce along with meats, dairy products, honey and more.