West Arlington - Arlington, TX

The city of Arlington, named for the city in Virginia, dates back to settlement of the area in the 1840s and the signing of a historic peace treaty between settlers and Native American tribes in the area. As the city entered the 20th century, the growth of industry and the construction of the theme parks and stadiums made Arlington a hub for commerce and tourism in the Dallas area.

Those wanting to delve deeper into Arlington's history can head to the Village Creek Historical Area, the site of a historic battle between settlers and the Village Creek tribes. The existence of the University of Texas at Arlington as well as galleries and workshops support a large arts scene. Events such as the South Street Arts Festival along with NFL and MLB games and festivals at Six Flags provide entertainment options for residents year-round.

Though not as bustling as some other areas of Arlington, the West Arlington area still hosts a fair number of great restaurants. Cuisine from all around the world can be found as well as diners featuring local specialties. Likewise, the West Arlington area doesn't have quite as many opportunities for nightlife as others in the city, though patrons still have a fair number of choices, mostly consisting of casual bars and pubs.

The majority of restaurants sit along I-30, which runs through the south of West Arlington and along major roadways, such as Green Oaks Boulevard. A number sit in and around major area shopping centers as well.

Campo Verde serves up the flavors of traditional Tex-Mex, Southwestern cuisine and American-style food in an atmosphere filled with color and music. Start with savory bacon-wrapped shrimp, and then pick up a favorite such as the perfectly seasoned shredded beef burrito. Flavorful margaritas and imported beer options round out the menu.

At Sesame House, diners find tons of Chinese favorites for dining in or for delivery. Items such as spicy orange beef or chicken chow mein come served up alongside perfectly fried rice or additional items, such as hot and sour soup, for a tasty Chinese meal.

Family-owned David's Barbecue may be small, but the fare comes packed with flavor. Buy the tender smoked beef brisket by the pound and pair it with the house barbecue sauce for a sweet, spicy flavor that proves 100 percent Texan. Sides such as traditional baked beans and fried okra round out the menu. For dessert, diners purchase the banana pudding by the pint.

For live music, West Arlington residents have access to spots such as Arlington Music Hall. Other popular entertainment spots include Alley Cats, where patrons can grab a beer while bowling, playing laser tag, or enjoying a game of pool. Area bars such as Mac's Bar & Grill or No Frills Grill & Sports Bar provide plenty of entertainment and chances to mingle with other locals while kicking back and enjoying a game.

Car travel presents residents with the easiest way to get around the West Arlington area, though public transportation by way of the MetroArlington Express bus system, or MAX, helps residents navigate to the major parts of the city. Both taxi service and Uber also provide residents with an alternative travel option if they find themselves in need of a ride.

Ample public parking can be found around area businesses and shopping centers. Since the West Arlington area doesn't host as many out-of-town tourists and travelers, it doesn't host large public lots. West Arlington runs alongside several major roadways, including I-30, which provides locals with easy access to both Fort Worth and Dallas.

On the whole, West Arlington tends not to be as walkable as other Arlington neighborhoods such as Central, East and North. Likewise, a lack of bike lanes means cyclists must use caution while riding on area streets.

Visitors can access great locations such as Bowman Springs Park, which provides access to Lake Arlington as well as Rose Hill Park and Veterans Park, all free to visit. Patrons enjoy outdoor activities such as fishing and boating in addition to athletics fields and picnic areas. Kids enjoy the playground areas, but four-legged visitors to the parks must remain leashed. Tails N' Trails dog park in the nearby Central Arlington area provides an option for off-leash play. Walking trails as well as the numerous athletics facilities provide options for those seeking a way to get fit at the park. Various events such as movies or concerts take place at the parks throughout the year.

The West Arlington neighborhood tends to stay around the national average in terms of cost of living, which makes it a slightly more expensive neighborhood to live in than some other Arlington locales. Travel via MAX costs $5 for a daily pass, with weekly passes available for $25. Certain passengers have reduced fare options available to them.

Residents generally pay a median cost of $654 for a one-bedroom apartment in the area. As for a night out on the town, expect to shell out about $4 for a pint of domestic brew or more if visiting a spot that caters to craft beer lovers. On the whole, the price of gas tends to be on par with the rest of Dallas and Fort Worth, but much lower than the national average by about 12 percent.

Arlington hosts tons of shopping centers, but the Parks at Arlington in the West Arlington area stands as one of the most prominent in the city. Complete with attractions such as an ice skating rink and extensive food court, The Parks at Arlington also features excellent high-end shopping opportunities, such as Nordstrom Rack.

While shopping for brand-name designers certainly has its appeal, shoppers in the West Arlington area also have access to a number of smaller boutiques and specialty stores. Shoppers find them scattered throughout the area, often in between those big-name stores in the area's major shopping centers.

ReRun Consignment Boutique caters to fashion-forward buyers in search of incredible deals. From designer denim to fashionable shoes, jewelry, handbags and more, this shop provides visitors with lots to explore. Parents and those looking for gifts for kids head to Ella Bella for a unique sampling of adorable, trendy clothes and gift items for babies and children.

When it comes time to shop for groceries and other basic necessities, West Arlington residents have plenty of convenient shops at their disposal including ALDI, Tom Thumb, and Albertsons. Specialty grocers such as Indopak World Market cater to shoppers seeking hard-to-find items. Green's Produce and Plants, located on Arkansas Lane in Arlington, provides an open-air market with organic produce, seasonal items, baked goods, specialty items, and a garden center. This market opened in 1969.