Arnett Benson - Lubbock, TX

The city of Lubbock has a relatively recent history in the state, having only become the county seat in 1891 and incorporated in 1909. The first railroad arrived in the town shortly after and brought its first industry, which continues to be heavily based on the growth of cotton even into the 21st century. Today, Lubbock maintains many important centers of education, health care and private business in this region of Texas known as the South Plains.

Residents from all over the Lubbock area gather at the Cactus Theater all throughout the year for everything from musical performances to comedy acts. Every year in early February, lovers of music assemble there to celebrate The Day Music Died concert, in memory and honor of Buddy Holly. This event brings out more local musicians to the Cactus than any other, and constantly has proven to uphold the local area's attachment not only to Holly's legacy but to an active, musical arts scene. Admission to the theater costs $20.

On University Avenue, a short walk to the southeast of Arnett Benson, a long string of restaurants, pubs and cafes serve hungry residents and students alike. Hugely popular with locals, One Guy From Italy serves pizzas and calzones in a casual and laid-back atmosphere. The tone and decor remains typical of a pizza joint, with the affordable prices to match. The menu also provides a small list of wine and beer. While the regular crowd sees most students, many other residents visit regularly.

For a truly local night-time experience, residents and students head over to Local Bar and Grill, owed and operated by Texas Tech alumni. The ambiance stays subtle but stylish, with small decorations such as the mason-jar light fixtures adding to the sense of creativity and tongue-in-cheek playfulness. Its menu offers customers high-quality pub choices with inventive and local twists, such as the "Shut Yo Mouth and Apologize to Your Mother Fry." Its live local music and long list of local beers keeps customers coming all throughout the week. The daily specials include discount pizza, tacos and sandwiches.

Route 82 runs to the south of Arnett Benson and Route 84 runs to its north. Several parking lots and garages can be found in the area, such as Raider Park, located at the southeast corner of the neighborhood. Citibus provides bus service in and around the Lubbock area — its Route 12 bus serves Arnett Benson residents. Intercity travel can be found through the Greyhound Lubbock Station on Broadway.

The community maintains several bike-friendly roads, and many other routes for cyclists can also be found throughout the city. Residents walk easily around Arnett Benson on its walkways. Uber also remains a viable option for affordable transportation around the Lubbock city area.

Those needing to get out of the local environment can escape to the greenery of Tech Terrace Park, located a short walk or drive south of Arnett Benson. The park provides a great general community location for picnics and outdoor activities, in addition to being a hot spot for local dog owners who would like their four-legged friends to get out some energy and meet some neighborhood friends. Tech Terrace covers over a square mile of greenery and maintains a gravel trail that circles the area. It charges no usage fee.

Just down the street from Arnett Benson at Mackenzie Park, residents find more outdoor opportunities than anywhere else in the Lubbock area with its equestrian trails, the Meadowbrook Golf Course, a disc golf course and the Joyland Amusement Park. The amusement park charges a flat fee for admission and features many fair-like rides, food stands and vendors. Prairie Dog Town, a natural prairie dog preserve, also sits nearby Mackenzie Park. The park also maintains a sculpture garden that overlooks its natural green area.

Renters in Arnett Benson pay on average $581 per month for a one-bedroom apartment, while renters in the general Lubbock city area on average pay $572 per month. The cost of living in Lubbock stands 14 percent lower than the general cost of living in Texas.

Gas prices in the Lubbock area hover around 28 percent less than the national average. A daily pass for Lubbock's Citibus costs $3.50. At a local pub, expect to pay around $4 for a beer.

For residents of Arnett Benson, a quick walk down University Avenue or across 19th Street yields a great number of shopping opportunities. Only a few minutes away stands Culture Clothing, a local hub of contemporary fashion and style that sells only recycled clothes. Both men and women looking to buy or sell their designer, vintage or homemade clothes find Culture Clothing the perfect place. This forward-thinking store promotes a cooperative and creative atmosphere within the local culture. Visit Ladie Likke/House of Fashion for a variety of urban style clothing offerings. Men, women and children find up-to-date fashions here.

Both the Amigos and La Michoacana Meat Market grocery stores serve the Arnett Benson area. For residents willing to drive a little outside of Lubbock, the Sprouts Farmers Market stands just south of the city and supplies a variety of fresh foods. The store features a deli stocked with local meats and cheeses, a fresh produce section, and a frozen foods area. Sprouts offers a great alternative to the many other chain grocery stores in the Lubbock area.