South Arlington - Arlington, TX

Arlington, Texas started off as a desolate Texas Ranger post that lasted only a few months. Over time, it turned into a prosperous area with a tremendous population. The addition of General Motors and later several popular entertainment venues helped propel the area into a great place to live with lots of amenities.

The Frontier Gallery on East Abrams Street remains a popular reminder of Arlington's rich past. This museum holds a store of Texas Ranger memorabilia. The Knapp Heritage Park holds other treasures from the history of the area. This one-roomed schoolhouse gives visitors a glimpse of what Arlington looked like in pioneer times.

The Knapp Heritage Park opens by appointment only but for an entire month during the Front Street Festival. This yearly historic and art festival held in downtown Arlington features workshops to teach corn-husk doll making. They also have artisans demonstrating their crafts.

For a taste of Brooklyn way south of the Big Apple, try Brooklyn's Best Pizza & Pasta on southeast Green Oaks Boulevard. Both New York and New Jersey transplants cannot believe how authentic this establishment's Neapolitans and stuffed pizzas taste. If you are in the mood for an authentic Italian sandwich, try the hot meatball. Although messy, this sandwich really satisfies.

Chamas Do Brazil Steakhouse does steak the Brazilian way. Select cuts of lamb and pork roast on a specially-made grill imported from Brazil. This dining experience comes complete with roving gauchos and Brazilian chefs. A unique color system alerts the gauchos to when you are ready to eat. The restaurant has an array of traditional Brazilian desserts to top off their meals. The papaya ice-creams tops the list.

J. Gilligan's Bar & Grill on East Abrams helps football fans enjoy the game. This establishment sets up a convenient shuttle service to carry sports fans from their base on the east side to the stadium. The bar stays busy outside of football season with regular open-mic nights featuring local performers.

Most people drive in South Arlington. However, public transportation options include the Metro Arlington Express bus system, which picks you up at a commuter lot and takes you to downtown Dallas or University of Texas, among other locations. The Yellow Taxi runs up and down Green Oaks Boulevard, the main thoroughfare in town. You can hail a taxi if you see one, but don't rely upon this method of transit. Uber services the area as well.

Parking doesn't pose a problem in the area since most establishments provide free parking. Interstate 30 remains easy to access from most parts of town. This neighborhood is very walkable, and the streets are safe for bikers both day and night.

The entire family can find something fun to do at Cravens Park off of southeast Green Oaks Boulevard. Athletically-inclined moms and dads make use of the paved trail, useful for both walking and jogging. They can also keep busy with the six baseball fields and two tennis courts in the park. However they need to bring their own bats and rackets. Covered pavilions with electrical outlets makes picnicking fun. A concession stand fills in with food items that parents may have forgotten to pack.

Children make good use of the two playgrounds, with equipment for both younger and older children. They also might like tooling around the park on their bikes since the park goes on for 86 acres.

Dogs too can join the family fun at this park. As long as they are leashed and owners clean up after them, furry friends are just as welcome as other family members.

The massive size of the park makes it optimal for regular walks and runs. Events such as The Walk at Cravens Park and Just for J 5K Run both occur here.

The cost to live in South Arlington runs cheaper than living in Dallas. Commuters who live here use the Metro Arlington Express to get there and back. A minimal $5 charge covers all day passage and a free transfer to the Trinity Railway Express, the train service that runs to Forth Worth.

Others who do not mind driving on busy Interstate 30 also do not mind that gas prices run 12 percent below the national average. Rent in the area averages about $765 for a one-bedroom apartment. Beer at J.Gilligan's Bar & Grill costs $2 for a pint.

The Parks at Arlington ranks as one of the major shopping areas for the Arlington area, located off of Interstate 20. Nearby Grand Prairie Premium Outlets houses stores like Banana Republic Factory, Bloomingdales, Calvin Klein, Coach, Love Culture, and Michael Kors. Trader's Village in Grand Prairie serves as the number one discount shopping spot in the area. More than 3,500 vendors converge here for a good old-fashioned swap meet.

Fun little shop, Nothing Bundt Cakes sells nothing but bundt cakes. Owner Tuan Ngyuen varies this favorite pastry by adding frosting and unique cake designs. Another specialty shop, Gracie Lane on South Cooper Street sells unique items that shoppers cannot find at Wal-Mart. Eclectic items include herb topiaries and crocheted tunics.

Tawakal Grocery store does to groceries what Gracie Lane does to boutique shopping. This grocery store has a rich variety of different grocery items for customers. Located on South Collins Street, this remains the spot to hit for various international food items. Larger chain grocery stores such as Kroger and ALDI are also easily accessible in the neighborhood.

Indopak World Farmers Market on the southeast side has local produce as well as the international foods that reminds customers of their native countries. Their selection of South Asian produce and food products stands out. An indoor cafe with top quality Pakistani drinks and pastries invites shoppers to sit and dine after they shop.