Greater Mesquite - Mesquite, TX

A Texas & Pacific Railway employee founded the town, initially a stop on the rail line. Mesquite then morphed from train depot stop to farming community, specializing in cotton and hay.

When the Mesquite ProRodeo opened in 1958, the town changed from agrarian to industrial, opening the first enclosed mall in the Southwest.

Although the rodeo is Mesquite's claim to fame -- most televised rodeo events broadcast from the Mesquite Arena -- the town has a cultured side as well. The Mesquite Arts Center provides a variety of events for residents. The popular Mesquite Symphony Orchestra performs regular concerts there, and local artists and students display their work in the venue.

Outer Mesquite has a number of steakhouses, but it surprises locals with a variety of restaurants you might not expect in a rodeo town. Additionally, locals can find a variety of night-time entertainment without traveling into Dallas.

The Saltgrass Steak House on LBJ Freeway serves up prime cuts of Angus beef. Chefs top each steak with their special Salthouse-7 spice along with a savory garlic butter sauce. The Salthouse pairs a 10-ounce ribeye with shrimp for its surf and turf dish. It also features an inviting "shrimp and friends platter" that combines fried shrimp with a number of other delectable seafood items. Gluten-free diners should be sure to order the barbecue sauce and not the grilling marinade on their baby back ribs or steak. Although not a gluten-free establishment, Saltgrass attempts to please every customer who comes through the doors. At Atheneos Greek Village Cafe on Gross Road, the BYOB policy allows customers to bring their own wine for a nominal set-up fee. You can pair your wine with the gyro pizza or the popular moussaka, and try the galaktoboureko, for dessert. This Greek custard, best served with ice-cream, tops off your Greek dinner perfectly.

BJ's Restaurant and Brewhouse on Town East Mall has great craft beers with regular and seasonal flavors such as pumpkin. This spot plays host to both business lunches and casual date nights. No matter the occasion, try the black and bleu houseburger, which combines chipolte and bleu cheese crumbles with a fresh beef patty. The Mesquite ProRodeo has kept families entertained for the past 50 years, providing classic Texas entertainment such as bull riding and barrel races. The rodeo seasons lasts from June through August and starts off with a parade. Weekly Fridays and Saturday shows make for fun evenings out.

STAR Transit transports residents within the Mesquite city limits. Dallas Area Regional Transportation recently signed on to help transport customers around as well. Residents pushed for this addition, requesting more ways to commute, outside of driving. A nominal $1 charge carries riders within the Mesquite area. The DART system carries them a bit further into Dallas and beyond for $5. Hailing a cab may not be as easy as it would be in Dallas, and riders prefer to call ahead for a taxi. Uber services Mesquite and the Dallas/ Fort Worth area along easily-accessible interstates 30 and 635.

A hiking and bicycling trail along the Mesquite Heritage Trail brings those outdoor activities closer to residents. When the trail is complete, residents can access 4.25 miles of paved road, which will have an exercise station as well. Although the path is not complete, Mesquite residents feel safe walking and biking within the area, though most remain more cautious at night and when alone.

Nine parks managed by Mesquite Parks and Recreation keep residents busy with various recreational pursuits. Locals prefer McWhorter, one of Mesquite's many school parks, for its picnic shelter and multi-use court.

Mesquite Parks and Recreation hosts a Rodeo Parade each year for the start of rodeo season. Other annual events include the Kid Fish, which teaches children about various fishing related activities. Athletically inclined adults use Evans Recreational Center for its gym and fitness room. Hodges Park on East Cartwright Road has trails for biking and hiking.

An initiative on social media petitions for a dog park in Mesquite. Until then, dogs enjoy the annual Doggie Splash Day at Vanston Pool on Oates Drive.

Expect to find a slightly lower cost of living in Mesquite than in other parts of Dallas. Drivers save 2 percent on a gallon of gas compared to the national average. Revelers at pubs pay about $4 for a pint of craft beer. Renters save as well, paying $635 for a one-bedroom residence.

NorthPark Center Mall in North Dallas trumps other shopping centers in the area. A combination of high-end stores like Neiman Marcus and Versace attract those who may have been tempted to travel to Dallas. The architecture of the mall earned it the title of one of the "7 Retail Wonders of the Modern World" by Shopping Centers Today. Aesthetics aside, this mall has it all, including a mobile app that takes shopping to the next level. Customers can plan their shopping trip and use push notifications about sales and new arrivals.

Foodies make a beeline to Rodeo City Popcorn on North Galloway Avenue. This popcorn store doubles as a candy factory, offering both specialty foods in unique flavors. Where else will you find pickle-flavored popcorn?

There are only 185 Walmart Neighborhood Markets in America. The one in Mesquite offers shoppers small crowds along with the same staples you would find in larger Walmart stores.

Tom Thumb and Kroger provide variety when it comes to grocery shopping. The Marketplace Mesquite Farmers Market keeps its focus on things local, striving to bring together farmers and artists for a unique shopping experience. Lively music and local merchants contribute to this collaborative experience, which is open every second Saturday from April through September.