Rowlett/Wylie - Wylie, TX

Rowlett began simply as land the Dallas and Greenville Railway passed through in 1886. Eventually, residential areas expanded, and as the population grew, the town was incorporated in 1952. It gained its name from Rowlett Creek, which runs into Lake Ray Hubbard. Once this lake was completed, the population of the area increased dramatically.

The neighborhood of Wylie was established when railroad tracks were laid through the area in 1886. In 1998, two fires ravaged the downtown area of the neighborhood, which resulted in major renovations.

Nandita Art, an abstract modern art establishment, can be found just outside Wylie. Rowlett residents celebrate Diversity Day in the community center once a year to honor their culturally diverse population. The neighborhood association also hosts events catered to holidays, such as an Easter egg hunt and fireworks display.

Many restaurants in the area await patrons along Highway 78 with a heavy cluster of eateries in the intersection of Farm to Market roads 544 and 2551. Locals enjoy a wide variety of options to choose from here, though Mexican food holds a small majority. Choices of venues range from fine dining establishments, such as Italian food, to casual barbecue diners. Satisfy your craving for quick, delicious Chinese food at the Shiny Wok in Rowlett. Whether calling in an order or stopping by, you receive friendly service. The chicken served here is tender and tasteful, though all the food tastes fresh. Be sure to try the excellent homemade sauce options, such as duck sauce.

A nice little mom-and-pop restaurant to stop by, Kiki's Authentic Mexican Restaurant has a casual and simple setting but the food brings a real wow factor. Enchiladas and quesadillas prove to be stars on the menu, and even the shrimp cocktail reins authentic with lots of flavor. Chefs pair main dishes with either a red or green sauce. The green sauce brings in a very spicy kick not for the faint of heart.

Taste of Home, a self-proclaimed "quaint country eatery" welcomes diners in historic downtown Wylie. The restaurant serves up everything from daily lunch specials to dinner by candlelight as well as dad-and-daughter or mom-and-son date packages. Comfort food remains the specialty here with all dishes made from scratch. A few highlights from the menu include the breakfast meat quiche and eggs Benedict. Residents of these neighborhoods have a range of options for nighttime activities. Many bars and lounges sit along Interstate 30. The Flying Saucer, a popular pub, can be found right on the edge of Long Branch Lake. Guests can sit on the patio and look out over the water while having a good time. The pub also hosts events, such as a trivia night, as well as a wide selection of beer. Anyone who enjoys a classic cigar should visit En Fuego, a relaxing tobacco lounge. Big screens throughout the building make this the perfect place to enjoy a sports event with friends or to connect with new people with similar interests.

A few tight, residential streets cluster around the neighborhood to provide a venue for getting around on foot or by bicycle, though travelling this way doesn't get you very far. Because the major areas and attractions of the neighborhood await a distance far away from each other, travelling by car or public transport remain the most popular means.

DART, the Dallas Area Rapid Transport, has a station in the downtown Rowlett area, providing a convenient service to travel to areas of Dallas or other surrounding cities. Free parking remains available at this and many other DART stations as well as public parks in the area. The President George Bush turnpike leads from Wylie to Rowlett, feeding into Interstate 30 to take locals straight to the center of Dallas. Residents of the area can also utilize Uber for getting around as well.

A variety of parks find homes in Rowlett and Wylie. Rowlett Community Park remains one of the largest parks in the area, hosting barbecue pits, concession building, a fishing pier, a variety of sport fields and much more. Hiking trails draw in nature buffs, and playgrounds amuse the local children. Wylie has a wide range of exercise-centric parks, with hiking trails and a skate park with free entry. The recreation center also hosts annual events, such as Pre-K parties, Ballroom Holiday Bashes and luncheons.

Living in Wylie and Rowlett typically costs residents more than living in Dallas as the quality of life runs on a higher scale. Housing costs more, with an average rental rate of $906 per month for a one-bedroom apartment. Getting a pint of beer at a local pub costs about $5. An all-pass for the bus system to commute to the city center prices at $10. Fueling up your car affords one area you can conserve money, as gas prices in the area do range about 80 percent less than the national average.

A cluster of shopping areas can be found around Rowlett Road and Highway 66. Residents can choose from plenty of chain stores in the area, though some locally-owned boutiques exist as well.

The Firewheel Town Center mall hosts a wide range of shops. Locals can browse a few craft supply stores in these neighborhoods, such as Blue Ribbon Quilt Shoppe. The historic downtown Wylie hosts a shopping wonderland for residents. Make sure to stop in at the Ole Back Porch where they have a wide range of gifts and home goods.

These neighborhoods have a selection of major chain stores, such as Kroger, Albertsons, and Walmart, for grocery needs. For those looking for a more local approach, Tom Thumb has a couple of locations here. You could also pick up food at Regal Foods or Eagle Food Center.