Garland, TX

Born out of the fierce rivalry between two small neighboring towns over which should be home to the local post office, Garland arose when an official traveling to the area placed said post office squarely between them. Garland continued to grow throughout the 20th century, especially after World War II. Since 2000, it has been revitalized with the construction of new shopping centers and attractions. Visitors can head to the Garland Landmark Museum to learn more about the area's history.

The Granville Arts Center holds the heart of the arts scene in Garland. From visual arts exhibitions to live theater, crafts exhibits, dance recitals and more, artists and art lovers of all types can find something to enjoy. Various festivals also provide entertainment opportunities to residents, including the Mosaic Multicultural Festival.

Eddie's Napolis Italian Bistro serves up an array of classic Italian dishes, with the addition of a few specialties to the menu for more adventurous diners. Try the lobster ravioli; the delicate flavor of the pasta comes paired with a cream sauce crafted with Madeira wine.

Nothing beats Main Street Deli at lunchtime. The menu at this family-owned establishment features an array of American deli favorites as well as Greek dishes, such as their traditional gyro topped with creamy tzatziki.

For many Garland residents, Norma's Mexican Restaurant is their go-to for Mexican comfort food. The queso enchiladas come stuffed with cheese and topped with the diner's choice of a rich queso, spicy chili or sour cream sauce. A side of traditional Mexican beans and rice rounds out the dinner combination.

Though area bars sometimes host live music, Garland does not host any formal music venues. However, tons of options in neighboring areas such as Richland make it easy to get out and see a show. Bleachers Sports Grill holds renown as the place to be for a round of pool with the locals or a rocking night of karaoke. Other great bar stops include The Flying Saucer, which has a ton of beer options, and Scooters for a night out watching the Cowboys or the Rangers.

In Garland, cars present the most reliable form of transportation. Those in need of transportation throughout the Dallas area can find a ride on the DART rail system. By riding DART from the Downtown Garland station, travelers can reach most parts of Dallas as well as neighboring communities, such as Irving and Denton. Those in need of a ride can call for a taxi from one of the many companies that service the area, or they can catch a ride through Uber.

One can find ample free public parking downtown and around area shopping centers. Garland has direct access to U.S. 75, which connects residents to the main city of Dallas as well as numerous other highways and interstates, making for easy travel. Car travel proves easy, too, a plus as the neighborhood does not cater to pedestrians and does not feature many bike lanes.

Those who love the great outdoors have plenty of space to relax, play and explore in the 63 parks that serve the Garland neighborhood, including Bradfield Park, Embree Park, Breckinridge Park and John Paul Jones Park. Patrons can find spots to swim, to play their favorite sports, to throw a barbecue or a spot to get in a good workout. These parks remain free to visitors, though patrons should expect to pay for special activities and facilities, such as the water park or golfing.

Plenty of the area parks offer play areas for children, so residents never find it difficult to enjoy a day out with the family. However, four-legged family members need to stay leashed, as Garland does not have a dedicated dog park. The parks system hosts various events, from educational courses for kid and adults to fitness programs. Exercise lovers can also enjoy the miles of hiking and biking trails available for public use.

Though somewhat higher than the average cost of living in other comparable Texas neighborhoods, Garland still comes in at below the national average. Travel via the DART rail system to other parts of Dallas costs about $5 per day, though commuters have the option to purchase weekly and monthly passes for convenient savings. For a one-bedroom apartment, a renter can expect to pay an average of $678.86 per month. Meanwhile, a bar patron can expect to pay about $4 for a pint of their favorite brew. The cost of gas in Garland tends to be about the same as in other Dallas areas, at about 13 percent below the national average.

Shoppers can head to Firewheel to experience the biggest and best shopping in Garland. The complex houses numerous shops, including a handful of stores marketing upscale and designer items. Boutiques and specialty shops trade throughout the area. Fans of comic books and pop culture can find something great at Keith's Comics. From graphic novels and gaming paraphernalia to posters and action figures, they have it all. For an abundant and eclectic assortment of great antiques and retro items, head to McGillicuddy's to see what they have in stock. Furniture items, home décor pieces and cool vintage toys represent just a few of the things that shoppers find as they peruse their wares. For everyday grocery shopping, Garland has options such as Tom Thumb, Albertsons, Carnival Food Stores and Aldi available. The diversity of the neighborhood also means that quite a few ethnic grocers trade here, with the largest being the Cali Saigon Mall, which has tons of Vietnamese items. For farm-fresh produce, eggs and handcrafted items, the Four Seasons Market opens for business on Saturdays. Cotton's Produce Market has plenty of great seasonal fruits and veggies as well.