Plano, TX

The name Plano means "flat" in Spanish, a name the area received soon after it was founded, due to its terrain. The town grew slowly throughout the twentieth century, until experiencing a major population boom in the 1980s, when numerous companies built their corporate headquarters in the area. It was because of this that Plano became a major corporate hub in the Dallas area.

Museums such as the Heritage Farmstead Museum exhibit local history with objects, farm equipment and textiles that take visitors back to Plano's roots. The art scene offers support to artists of all kinds, from painters to musicians. Visit the ArtCentre of Plano to connect with other local artists or to see an exhibition. A few annual festivals and events take place in the area. At the Plano Balloon Festival, visitors can watch hundreds of hot air balloons take to the skies.

A paradise for foodies, restaurants serving all types of cuisine thrive in the neighborhood. The restaurant scene also caters to every crowd imaginable, from casual diners to those seeking something a little more upscale. A night out in Plano presents you with several options. The nightlife scene ranges from cozy pubs to high-energy nightclubs and everything in between.

Those who want to see what Plano has to offer can start their culinary journey at Capital Grille, where they can sample the double-cut lamb rib chops, grilled to each diner's exact specifications. The refreshing seasonal fruit sorbet makes for the perfect end to a meal.

Yao Fuzi Cuisine showcases a sampling of Asian flavors. Try new twists on classics like orange beef, which perfectly pairs spicy red chili and sweet citrus. Meanwhile, for Asian fare with a bit of local flavor, be sure to try the spicy jalapeno chicken.

Pizza aficionados must stop by Fireside Pies to sample the gourmet pies. Try the garlic and sage white pie, topped with four rich and savory cheeses: ricotta, mozzarella, fontina and parmesan. Paired with a glass of white wine, these pizzas make for an unforgettable dining experience.

Bands and other acts provide live music at many bars and restaurants in the area, including Blue Martini at The Shops at Legacy and Love & War in Texas. Blues, jazz, country, rock and roll and other genres feature on a regular basis. Music lovers have their pick of live acts in the neighborhood.

One of the hottest local hangouts is Café Brazil, a coffee bar that caters to the artsy crowd. A favorite among younger locals, Cairo Hookah Lounge has a mellow atmosphere and a selection of food and drinks to choose from.

Those who love beer will be quick to call The Holy Grail one of the best bars in town. Their extensive drinks menu has a range of domestic and international options, and the cuisine puts other bar food to shame. Sports fans can head to Brix Bar & Grill to watch the big game, and those in the mood to dance can find their footing at Sambuca 360.

Residents must have a car to get around Plano, as only a few public transportation options exist. Though it will not get travelers around town, the DART rail system has a station in Plano that offers access to Downtown Dallas as well as other communities connected to the rail system, including Denton to the north. Procure a taxi service via a phone call to one of the companies that service the area, or schedule a ride with Uber through its convenient phone app. The city does not provide public parking, though ample parking spots and parking garages available around area businesses and shopping centers make it unnecessary.

Plano provides access to numerous major highways as well as the tollway for easy access to the rest of the Metroplex. Some areas can be easily walked, though most errands will require a car. Cyclists should use caution when on the road as well, as the streets lack bike lanes.

Lovers of the outdoors can enjoy the numerous parks, trails, playgrounds and athletics complexes in the area. Hikers can head to Arbor Hills Nature Preserve to explore the scenic trails, while Bob Woodruff Park provides a playground for the kids, bike trails and volleyball areas. In addition to the wealth of options, the well-maintained landscapes and number of amenities draw in patrons year-round. Though free to visit, some services and programs do require a fee.

Playgrounds at various parks make for a safe and fun experience for kids. As for furry family members, dogs must be kept on leashes under six feet at all parks, although Jack Carter Park has a dog park.

The parks host several events and festivals throughout the year, such as the Suburbia Music Festival and Plano International Festival. Those looking for a great place to work out and get fit will find plenty of options in the Plano parks system.

The cost of living in Plano comes in fairly higher than the national average and much higher than the cost of living for other neighborhoods around the Dallas/Fort Worth area. Travel via DART can cost upwards of $10, though monthly passes can provide some savings to regular commuters. The average price for a one-bedroom apartment costs around $900 each month. When it comes time to sit back and relax at the neighborhood pub, expect to pay about $4 for a domestic draft. The cost of gas sits around 13 percent lower than the national average.

Shoppers come from surrounding neighborhoods to check out the numerous retailers in Plano. One of the largest malls in the area, The Shops at Legacy features numerous big name and upscale retailers in addition to restaurants, entertainment options and much more. At The Shops at Willow Bend and Stonebriar Center malls, you can find even more great shops to explore. Meanwhile, bargain hunters can head to Plano Market Square for a host of outlet shopping options.

Boutiques and specialty shops abound in Plano as well. La Belle Boutique features contemporary women's clothing and accessories. The shop offers private shopping for those who want to visit outside of regular business hours or for those seeking a fun shopping experience with their friends. Meanwhile, Lapidary Arts features handcrafted jewelry and custom designs, all crafted with natural gemstones. The breathtaking items at this shop count among the best in the Metroplex.

Several Kroger and Tom Thumb grocery stores cater to standard shopping needs, while those searching for natural and specialty items can find them at Central Market, Sprouts or Trader Joe's. Ethnic grocers such as H-Mart for Asian shopping can be found in the area as well. For fresh produce, handcrafted items and more, you can head to Fairview Farms or Georgia's Farmers Market.