Downtown McAllen McAllen, TX

Spaniards originally settled the area that became McAllen, and they used it primarily as an agricultural center. When more advanced irrigation systems arrived, more residents movied into the region. Oil, agriculture and tourism served as the primary industries up through the 1970s, when a number of factories and retailers set up shop in McAllen and boosted the economy.

The International Museum of Science and Art lies directly in the heart of downtown McAllen and provides an indoor playground for children, a number of hands-on art lab and motor skill exhibits, and free Wi-Fi.

McAllen hosts a regular arts market, typically in February, where art vendors local to Texas can set up their stock and provide a unique look into the art scene.

Downtown McAllen, particularly the area along 23rd Street and Nolana Street, houses a number of restaurant options. Hop Tung, a Vietnamese-Chinese restaurant, serves a wide selection of popular Asian dishes such as General Tso's chicken and pho. The restaurant also caters to vegetarians with a number of tofu options. Regulars recommend ordering a side of freshly made lo mein.

For a pricier meal, head to Kumori for the best sushi in McAllen. Kumori creates traditional sushi concoctions, each served with a starter of hot miso soup. Try the ebi tempura roll, or head in during lunchtime for a salmon and rice bowl or a sunomono salad.

Classifying the Blue Onion presents a challenge. The menu favors Mediterranean cuisine, such as the house-made hummus, and also offers Mexican-influenced dishes to keep patrons coming back for more. The French onion soup, made with tasty, melted cheese, makes an unforgettable dish, as do the unassuming calzone and pizza combinations.

McAllen has no shortage of nightlife options. Put on your best cocktail wear for a visit to Salt, an upscale wine bar. For the hottest up-and-coming bands in Texas, check out The Flying Walrus, which has a laid-back music scene and a rotating roster of musical genres. If you're looking to sample the best local Texas craft beers, head straight for Roosevelt's at 7. This cozy bar and restaurant provides a relaxed atmosphere during the week and a lively crowd on Friday and Saturday nights. Check out the live music on the patio, and stop in for regular events such as the annual Mustache Mixer and the monthly art show.

McAllen has yet to install any kind of commuter rail within the downtown area, but the city provides seven major bus routes. Both Interstate 2 and Interstate 69C cross near the center of downtown McAllen, making it simple to hop on the freeway and travel to neighboring cities. Bicentennial Boulevard and Nolana Street provide access to other portions of downtown McAllen and nearby neighborhoods. Most streets within the downtown area require patrons to use parking meters, though parking remains ample.

The central downtown location means that walking presents no problem, making it easy to head down the street to your favorite restaurant or shop. Although McAllen has neglected to provide more bike lanes on busy streets, a number of off-road bicycle trails greet the cycling enthusiast.

Uber does not yet serve downtown McAllen, but you can still call to have a cab sent to your location. Note that this option costs a bit more.

Zinnia Water Park, a free, open park for kids, has a variety of fun water sprayers and toys that provide hours of safe playtime for all ages. The park has shaded tables for adults, but keep in mind that there is not much grass.

The large McAllen Dog Park presents the perfect opportunity to let your pooches run free and meet other canine friends. Residents find that this dog park, unlike many others of its kind, remains largely well-kept and clean. Dog lovers can appreciate that the park has separate areas for large and small breeds.

Archer Park may not cover many acres, but the well-loved park provides after-dark fun for adults who have a taste for the Texas music scene. Here, the city hosts its popular Music After Hours series beginning in February of each year. When the park does not host local events, it remains open and free to the public.

Fortunately, living in McAllen does not break the bank. In fact, residents of McAllen have a cost of living that averages 18 percent lower than the rest of the nation and 8 percent lower than the state of Texas. Much of this decrease stems from affordable housing, since the average rental rate for a one-bedroom residence runs around $676 per month.

Tickets aboard the city bus cost only $1 for adult riders. When you fill up at a gas station in McAllen, your gas costs about 3 percent less than the national average. A beer at a local bar runs about $4.

Though no mega-malls reside within McAllen's downtown area, La Plaza Mall houses some of the typical shopping destinations you expect from a large city. Premiere retailers include Dillard's, Macy's and Ann Taylor. Weekends at the mall bring crowds and parking nightmares, however.

Barn White, a local favorite, is a non-traditional department store with everything from bridal wear to home décor to cookbooks. For clothing, Karla's has you covered with modern attire and reasonable prices.

Sprouts and Ruben’s supply the majority of the groceries McAllen residents require. Locals also take advantage of the McAllen Farmers Market, dedicated to bringing adults and kids back to their common “food roots” with fresh produce and rotating cultural events.