Dallas Hot Spot Smackdown part 2 – Uptown Dallas vs The Shops at Legacy

The Dallas metropolitan area has four considerably popular “hot spots” for single professionals to live, work, dine and enjoy night life/entertainment and culture. These four areas are Uptown Dallas, Addison, the Shops at Legacy and Las Colinas. The following is a comparison between the in-spot of Uptown Dallas to another popular Dallas location: The Shops at Legacy.

ON THE MAP
The Shops at Legacy are located off the North Dallas Tollway and Legacy Drive in Plano, TX between Legacy Drive, Parkwood Drive and Kincaid/Lundsford Roads. The Shops at Legacy are located in Plano, about ten miles north of the LBJ 635 Freeway and about twenty miles north of Downtown Dallas. The Shops at Legacy was built from the ground up to be a community for and about professionals. It is highly accessible; everything in it is within 5 minutes of each other.
Uptown Dallas is more centrally located, nestled into a two square mile area just south of the prestigious Highland Park neighborhood, along McKinney Avenue between North Fitzhugh Avenue, Turtle Creek Boulevard, the Katy Trail and North Central Expressway, about thirteen miles south of the LBJ if you travel south on US 75 South. Uptown Dallas is much closer to the Downtown Dallas region; about a mile away which can be reached free via Trolley. Even though its location is far more convenient for downtown office access, Uptown Dallas was built around an existing neighborhood and has adapted to its professional base of residents by building around existing infrastructure, unlike The Shops, which was planned from the ground up.
Uptown Dallas vs. Shops at Legacy – Result: Surprise takedown by The Shops at Legacy!

CAN I SEE SOME ID?
The median age of Plano residents is 37.2 years old; however, the age range of residents at The Shops at Legacy in Plano skews lower than that of Plano in general, approximately in their upper 20’s lower 30’s. According to city data, the estimated median household income in Plano is $80,184 and the majority of the city’s residents are married or divorced with children. The residents at The Shops are mainly single, either young and out of college or divorced.
By comparison, the average age of young urban professionals in Uptown Dallas is 22-28, with a median household net worth of $280,149. Out of nearly 7,000 residents, 67% are college graduates; 71% with masters degrees or higher. 99% of residents in this age demographic are single, never married.
Uptown Dallas vs. Shops at Legacy – Result: Uptown Dallas, I Love YOU!

HOOFING IT
Uptown Dallas is unique by design, as its layout is very walker-friendly. There are countless restaurants, bars, art galleries and theaters all within walking distance of the many residential and corporate properties, as well as two of the best rated hotels in the Dallas area, the Ritz Carlton Dallas and Hotel ZaZa. Uptown Dallas, with its foot-friendly layout, Katy Trail access and free M Line Trolley, is highly rated for pedestrian traffic. It is always well-lit and safe, and a popular way for friends to meet.

The Shops at Legacy is also made for walking. There is an attractive lake on the south side with a beautiful walking/biking trail around it that is heavily treed, simply gorgeous. It is pedestrian friendly as well. There is also a parking garage near the center of the Shops (just like the West Village in Uptown Dallas) for visitors as well.
Uptown Dallas vs. Shops at Legacy – Result: It’s a draw!

NIGHT FUN
Uptown Dallas has over sixteen major nightclubs and bars, ranging from classic, to formal, to divey. There is literally something for everyone; from dive bars, live music venues, dance clubs, singles bars and more; the variety is endless. And of course, there’s the urban vibe that exists nowhere else but Uptown Dallas.

The Shops at Legacy in Plano has a handful of nightclubs and wine bars, some even decorated in a loft-style to try and give it that urban “feel” but let’s face it: at the end of the night, you’re still stuck in Plano. Uptown Dallas vs. Shops at Legacy – Result: Shops at Legacy, have a Nice Day!

EATS AND BEATS
Uptown’s choices when it comes to restaurants are infinite, most with a comfortable, casual atmosphere preferred by young professionals. There is Primo’s Tex-Mex Grille on McKinney Avenue, with a huge outdoor covered patio and hopping bar scene; or consider Bread Winners Bakery and Café, also located on McKinney Avenue, with its Quarter Bar. There is also Sfuzzi, a McKinney Avenue landmark and New York City pizzeria, with pizza, pasta, and a fabulous wine list, complete with a wraparound patio, pulsating music, flat screens and a glass enclosed fireplace. All Uptown Dallas restaurants are geared toward food, fun and socializing. If it is live music you’re looking for, there is include Sambuca, which also has a full service restaurant, the Rustic Kitchen Backyard Bar and Music, as well as nearby The Grapevine Bar or Alexandre’s Live Entertainment Lounge, all within walking distance of each other or accessible by Trolley.

The Shops at Legacy has several well-known chain restaurants, such as Mi Cocina and Potbelly Sandwich Works. The service and table turn-over is fast, with very little time for lingering. The restaurants at the Shops are for grabbing a quick dinner before moving on to someplace else for socializing. There is a lovely lake in the center of The Shops at Legacy to stroll around after dinner.
Uptown Dallas vs. Shops at Legacy – Result: There is no live music at The Shops at Legacy. Legacy better callll somebody!

GETTING AROUND
In Uptown Dallas, everything is within walking distance. But if you don’t feel like walking, there is the McKinney Avenue Trolley, also known as the M Line. The Trolley is free of charge and runs the length of Uptown Dallas from morning till closing time. The M Line has four heated and air-conditioned, fully restored vintage trolleys: Rosie, the Green Dragon, Matilda and Petunia. The M Line connects downtown with uptown in its partnership with Dallas Area Rapid Transit Authority, and allows free commutes between Uptown Dallas apartments, restaurants, theaters, hotels and night clubs. Though most residents and guests prefer to walk through Uptown via city walks and the famous Katy Trail, the Trolley can be a faster way to get from one end of the 2 square mile area to the other in a matter of minutes.
There is no transportation at the Shops at Legacy in Plano. For a fee there is limited valet parking, though, as well as a four story parking garage for your car.

Uptown Dallas vs. Shops at Legacy – Result:

Uptown Dallas is your hook up! Holla if you hear me!
Among the younger more professional crowd, the Uptown Dallas area is far more preferable than The Shops at Legacy. The average age is much younger, and the urban vibe of Uptown Dallas just can’t be beat. While living in Plano may cost less, consider the fact that you get what you pay for. The Shops at Legacy has a handful of places to live, while Uptown Dallas has a wide range of residential choices including everything from basic apartments to high-rise living with spectacular views of Downtown Dallas and more. Given the choice, most young urban professionals will choose Uptown Dallas over any other area in Dallas. Woo Woo Woo, You know it, Bro!

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