North Overton - Lubbock, TX

North Overton carries a rich history that dates back to the city's founding in 1876. During this time, North Overton grew as one of Lubbock's first housing neighborhoods. The construction of Texas Tech University in 1923 initiated a population and development boom, providing housing to accommodate both students and professors. Years of absentee ownership caused the neighborhood to deteriorate over the years, and starting in 1999, McDougal Land renewed development with state-of-the-art housing complexes and shopping amenities.

Texas Tech University supplies North Overton with a culture of art and intellectualism. The Museum of Texas Tech University and the National Ranching Heritage Center showcase the area's exciting history through interactive exhibits and historic displays.

The 4th on Broadway annual event endures as the largest free festival in Texas. Held every year on Independence Day, this family-friendly event features fireworks, live music, the Yankee Doodle Dash and Sparkler Sprint and much more.

Packed with unexpected gems and excellent concept kitchens around every corner, Lubbock supports a vivid and diverse gastronomic scene. Whether tastes skew towards classic Texas eats or international cuisine, North Overton residents can always find something new to eat every night of the week. Most restaurants rest along 34th Avenue and University Avenue, though residents never have to travel very far to find the best eateries in the city.

Located on University Avenue, One Guy From Italy stands as North Overton's go-to Italian restaurant. Calzones endure as the most popular items on the menu in this family-owned neighborhood joint. When stopping by for a quick lunch, most locals prefer the classic or sausage calzone over a slice of pizza. University students often amass for some late-night grub, while families and tourists flock to this restaurant from all over north Texas.

Nearly every Texas city has that ideal barbecue restaurant that claims the best smoked meats in the state. For Lubbock and North Overton residents, this quintessential barbecue restaurant is Tom & Bingo's Hickory Pit BBQ. Although located about three miles south of the neighborhood, locals often make the trip when hungry for Texas-sized steaks and pork drenched in a spicy, homemade barbecue. Other popular items on the menu include the famous chopped beef barbecue sandwiches and the succulent briskets.

As a prominent university area, the nightlife surrounding North Overton remains energetic and exciting. Popular sports bars and trendy lounges in the area often host a diverse blend of students and locals, and depending on the night, visitors can either experience high-octane parties or low-key, relaxing evenings. For a mix of elegant drinks and live music every weekend, head to La Diosa Cellars. From homemade sangria to La Diosa wines made across the street, this bar and restaurant makes for exciting memories every night of the week.

Due to its attractive location between Texas Tech University and downtown Lubbock, North Overton allows residents to access a wide array of restaurants, amenities and shopping by foot. Locals can complete most errands without a car, though many families and young professionals do own a vehicle. Abundant sidewalks packed with university students reflect the neighborhood's value for walking. Few bicycle lanes exist here, but bicyclists can always expect to confront courteous drivers.

Locals who own a car enjoy instant access to nearby interstates and major roads. U.S. Route 82 runs in a southwest and easterly direction, while nearby Interstate 27 runs north and south. Lubbock remains quite far from major cities as trips to Dallas and Fort Worth along Route 82 can take upwards of five hours. Broadway cuts through the heart of North Overton, and locals can reach the downtown area in less than 10 minutes. Most homes and apartment complexes in the area include spacious driveways and parking lots, though residents can always find free curbside parking.

Hailing a Yellow Cab from the curb remains quite possible, and locals should head to Broadway or University Avenue to minimize waiting time. Don't feel like waiting? Use a smartphone or tablet to organize a ride with Uber. Citibus also services the neighborhood with several fixed-route options. Route 5 travels along Broadway, while locals can find most routes passing along 19th Street to the south.

Vast stretches of open fields and well-cultivated parks define Lubbock's outdoors recreation opportunities, and North Overton residents can always find a good reason to spend some time outside. Neighborhood parks cater to visitors of all ages, while nearby parks provide several exciting and unique opportunities.

Roy Furr Pioneer Park caters to neighborhood athletes and younger children as this spacious park includes a comprehensive playground as well as basketball and volleyball courts. A few outdoor grills and picnic benches make this park ideal for a picnic as well. Although smaller than Roy Furr Pioneer, the neighborhood M.C. Overton Park also features a playground and wide open spaces, where locals often toss a football around or play soccer.

To find the more aesthetic, scenic parks that emphasize quiet spaces and relaxation, head over to the Texas Tech University. Urbanovsky Park near the United Supermarkets Arena carries the proud role of being the go-to university park. Both the university parks and the North Overton parks remain free to the public.

Lubbock doesn't have any fenced-off dog parks, but North Overton residents can bring their lovable pets to any neighborhood parks, but city ordinances state that dogs must be leashed while there. The lush 248-acre MacKenzie Park often hosts a lively dog-walking scene, where owners and their pets enjoy abundant trails and socialize with other dog lovers. When Halloween rolls around, many locals take part in the Howl-O-Ween Dog Run/Walk, an annual family-friendly event that includes several courses for dogs and their owners as well as running enthusiasts.

The North Overton neighborhood carries a slightly higher cost of living than Lubbock averages, though the cost of housing and other amenities remain lower than Texas averages. Newcomers to the area should expect the median rent for a one-bedroom apartment to hover around $520 a month.

Traveling around Lubbock via Citibus costs $1.75 for adults and $1.25 for children up to 12-years-old. Car owners often pay around 20 percent less than national averages on gasoline. Grabbing a pint of beer at local pubs costs anywhere from $2.50 to $5.

Texas Tech University brings in students and their families from all over the United States every year, which has allowed Lubbock to develop a prominent shopping scene. Locally owned shops and unique stores comprise a great part of the local shopping flavor, and several outlet and shopping malls in the city connect residents with name-brand goods. The South Plains Mall sits about 6 miles away from North Overton, though residents often make the trip when looking for designer clothing from stores such as JCPenney or Victoria's Secret.

Long hailed as the essential Texas Tech apparel shop, Red Raider Outfitter has provided the North Overton neighborhood with university apparel since 1975. Whether looking for collectible Raider souvenirs, football-themed home decor or even school supplies, this comprehensive university store has it all. Support Texas Tech traditions while showcasing local pride with a wide assortment of Raider gear.

In addition to Texas Tech sweatshirts and hats, North Overton and Texas Tech residents love their bicycles. Holding the proud spot of being the most acclaimed bicycle producer in the area, Broadway Bikes features a massive selection of mountain bikes, road bikes and biking accessories. The friendly and knowledgeable staff at this store help patrons with any bike-related problems, and locals always stop by when looking for repairs or upgrades.

North Overton residents have several options when stocking up on brand-name groceries as well as organic fruits and vegetables. The Walmart Supercenter off Marsha Sharp Freeway endures as the most popular supermarket in the area, featuring everything from electronics and home decor to a wide selection of affordable foods and beverages. Lowe's Corner Market on 26th Street has a similar inventory along with Hispanic grocery products.

For organic fruits and vegetables as well as sustainable meats straight from the Texas countryside, visit the Lubbock Downtown Farmers Market. Held every Saturday from June through October, this market introduces residents to hundreds of local food vendors in a festive atmosphere.