Celina - Frisco, TX

Agriculture first drew settlers into the area in the 1800s, but the town that would eventually become Frisco was not founded until 1902. As with many area cities, Frisco's development has close ties to the construction of the railroad in north Texas. Over time Frisco, along with neighboring Prosper, became a major suburb within the Dallas area, becoming more upscale and attractive to residents in the 21st century. Those who want to learn more about Frisco can head to the Frisco Heritage Museum. Within the Frisco and Prosper area, artists and art lovers find a bustling arts scene supported by the Frisco Association of the Arts. Numerous festivals such as the Frisco Freedom Fest and a spring garden show make for plenty of things to do throughout the year.

The areas of Frisco and Prosper draw in foodies from miles around with a range of cuisine options from small, casual diners to upscale dining spots. Once dinner ends, people can find plenty of great places to enjoy the rest of the evening, whether seeking live music or upscale spots to enjoy a drink or two. When in search of a place to eat, residents of Frisco and Prosper find dining spots scattered throughout the area. A particularly large number of restaurants sit around Stonebriar Center, one of the area's premiere shopping malls. Texans love steak, but most have never experienced the diverse range of options available at Estilo Gaucho Brazilian Steakhouse. Diners have their choice of meats, including rack of lamb and spicy picanha, sliced up for them right at the table. Many diners say the experience at this spot proves just as enjoyable as the fresh, tender meats dished up by the staff. Patrons enjoy a similar tableside experience at Edoka Sushi & Robata where, in addition to the freshest sushi imaginable, they can enjoy food freshly prepared at a traditional Japanese robata, or charcoal grill. Items such as hotate maki, or savory, bacon-wrapped scallops, complement the fresh tuna or unagi sashimi to perfection. TruFire Kitchen & Bar provides its diners with an extensive gluten-free menu that serves as the main draw. The crab dip, blended with avocado and asparagus, comes topped with a Tabasco and garlic crust for a bit of extra spice that plays off the sweetness of the lump crab meat to perfection. Even the restaurant's signature burger gets a gourmet twist in the form of aged cheddar and the restaurant's signature sauce. Many of Frisco's bars feature live music on a regular basis. Those who love country can head to Dodie's Live, while those who enjoy more traditional music head to Eight 11. Other entertainment options such as laser tag, bowling, billiards, and arcade games draw locals to spots such as Strikz or Main Event for an active evening out. Meanwhile, for more casual nights watching the game or mingling with other locals, bars such as the British Lion Pub or the Frisco Bar receive high praise.

People in Frisco and Prosper find travel by car the most efficient way to get around the area, though some other options exist. The Frisco Shuttle, which picks up passengers in the downtown area, provides travelers with access to other parts of Dallas, including the DART rail system. Residents in need of a ride also can call for a taxi from one of the many companies that serve the area, although getting a lift through ride-sharing services such as Uber tends to be a challenge. Drivers find a fair number of conveniences in the Frisco and Prosper areas. Easy access to public parking around area businesses as well as access to major highways makes using a car simple. Some, although not all, Frisco neighborhoods prove highly walkable for pedestrians. While the area still lacks many bike lanes, cyclists find travel on the area's streets fairly safe.

Central Park ranks highly as one of the most beautiful spots in the Frisco area, and Boyer Park, Folsom Park and Main Street Park in Prosper also provide residents with many things to do and see. The great beauty of these well-maintained parks serves as the main draw for park patrons. A range of amenities such as sports fields, picnic areas and pavilions, grills and spray park areas add to the appeal of the area's parks. Kids can find playgrounds featuring a range of safe play equipment at various area parks. Four-legged family members must stay on leash at most parks in the area, but can visit Frisco Dog Park for some off-leash fun. Those in need of a place to exercise enjoy access to an extensive trail system for hiking and biking. Various events take place at the parks throughout the year, including numerous holiday events such as a gingerbread house contest and annual breakfast with Santa.

Residents in Frisco can expect to pay for the luxury they enjoy. The area carries a higher cost of living than many other Dallas neighborhoods and comes in above the national average as well. Commuters who make their way to the DART rail system by way of the Frisco Shuttle service can expect to pay $5 for a daily pass to reach Downtown Dallas. Meanwhile, the monthly rental for a one-bedroom apartment tends to come in at around $1033. On a night out at the local bar, patrons expect to pay about $4 or $5 for a pint of their favorite brew. Gas prices align with the rest of Dallas and come in at about 11 percent below the national average.

Access to Stonebriar Center, one of the premier shopping destinations in the Dallas area, makes Frisco a hot spot for visitors from all over the Metroplex. The Frisco and Prosper areas feature tons of retail locations, including numerous high-end stores carrying some of the world's most famous brands. Additionally, shoppers find incredible specialty shops and boutiques throughout the area. Stop in and visit Dimples & Dandelions, a darling baby and children's boutique, perfect for unique and memorable gifts. You'll find clothing, bedding, furniture and personalized items among the options here. If only authentic Texas duds will do, head to nearby McKinney, where Orisons Boutique can get you decked out in style. Men's and women's clothing and footwear, as well as jewelry, accessories and home decor items, make this a one-stop-shop for all things Texan. Also in McKinney, The Clothes Mentor provides upscale resale at prices up to 70 percent off. The store features gently-used, like-new pieces that are hand-picked to be either on-trend or classic and timeless. Employees organize all merchandise by color and size, which makes it easy to find what you need. Grocery options abound in the areas of Frisco and Prosper. Tom Thumb, Market Street and Aldi represent just a few of the options available to locals. People in search of fresh, locally-sourced food items can find plenty to whet their appetites at Sprouts or at the Frisco Farmers Market, open on Saturdays from May through October.