The Ultimate Guide to Melissa, TX

Perfectly Situated
Living in Harlow places you in the heart of Melissa’s fast-growing, family-friendly community where modern homes meet small-town warmth. You’ll be just minutes from major highways, top-rated schools in Melissa ISD, and nearby shopping and dining destinations. Whether you're craving lakeside fun at Lavon Lake or a day trip to nearby Plano and McKinney, homes for rent at Harlow gives you the perfect balance of tranquility and convenience.

Reflections & Retreats

Lavon Lake

Just southeast of Melissa in Collin County, Lavon Lake spans over 21,400 acres and offers abundant recreational opportunities. With multiple parks, boat ramps, and marina facilities, it’s a prime spot for boating, fishing, picnicking, and wildlife watching.

Ray Roberts Lake

About an hour north of Melissa, Ray Roberts Lake features over 29,000 acres for outdoor adventures, complete with state park units, hiking and biking trails, and boat ramps. Its popular fishing scene includes largemouth bass, crappie, catfish, and more.

Melissa Lake

A small but developing urban lake located right in Melissa’s city parks system. Currently under construction for expanded recreational use, it will be open for catch-and-release fishing once completed.

Public lakes near Melissa offer a refreshing escape for fishing, boating, and relaxing just a short drive from town. These waterways combine scenic natural settings with well-maintained access points, making them great destinations for weekend outings or day trips. Whether you want to cast a line, paddle, or simply soak in the shoreline views, there are several lakes that serve as peaceful retreats for Melissa residents.

The Gourmet Guide

Mountain Mike’s Pizza

Mountain Mike’s serves up classic, hearty pizzas known for generous toppings and crispy crusts. It’s a great spot for a laid-back meal.

Nonie’s Brunch House

Nonie’s Brunch House offers cozy, home-style dishes in a warm and welcoming setting. It’s the perfect place to linger over a comforting breakfast or brunch with friends and family.

The Red Feather

The Red Feather delivers an elevated yet approachable dining experience with a focus on flavorful, well-crafted dishes. Its inviting atmosphere makes it a go-to for our community residents for date nights, celebrations, or a special evening out.

Maria’s Mexican Restaurant

Maria’s is a local favorite serving classic Tex-Mex in a warm, family-friendly atmosphere. Think sizzling fajitas, cheesy enchiladas, and hearty tacos.

Buc-ee’s

You may be surprised to see a gas station on this list but Buc-ee’s is more than a travel stop! Residents of our homes love that they can get everything from fresh barbecue sandwiches to iconic snacks and treats. With its massive, clean store and fun atmosphere, it’s a must-visit place to refuel for you and your vehicle.

Dining in Melissa offers a charming mix of local flavor and casual comfort, perfect for families and friends. Whether you're craving a relaxed brunch, a hearty slice of pizza, or a fun roadside stop, the town’s small but growing food scene has something for everyone.

Retail Hotspots

Allen Premium Outlets

In nearby Allen, TX our residents find some of their favorite brands' outlet locations. With over 100 stores to choose from, Allen Premium Outlets has something for everyone. Enjoy fashion, sportswear, and accessories from brands like Coach, The North Face, Kate Spade New York, Nike, and Under Armour.

Stonebriar Centre

Stonebriar Centre is a large, three-level super-regional mall in Frisco, TX. The mall offers a mix of high-end fashion, lifestyle, family entertainment, and dining. Specialty retailers include Anthropologie, Lululemon, H&M, LUSH Cosmetics, Coach, Williams-Sonoma, and more. Renters of our Melissa homes find the perfect styles for themselves and their homes at Stonebriar Centre.

Kroger

Residents all agree that this Kroger Marketplace is huge! Find 123,000 sq ft of not just groceries, but pharmacy, a Starbucks kiosk, a fuel center, and general merchandise.

H-E-B Melissa Plaza

This upcoming H-E-B will be a major grocery and retail anchor in Melissa, featuring a full-service pharmacy, curbside pickup, and Texas-style conveniences.

Living at our homes for rent in Melissa, TX, residents can find everything they need at the nearby shopping areas. From the Allen Premium Outlets and Stonebriar Centre to grocery stores like Kroger and Brookshire's, our residents will have access to shopping centers where they can get their shopping done. Everything you need can be found near Harlow!

Excellence in Motion

Melissa ISD

Sports play a central role in the Melissa ISD community, serving not just as extracurricular activities but as a source of identity, pride, and unity. The Melissa Cardinals compete in a wide range of sports (football, softball, basketball, soccer, tennis, wrestling, and more), showing that the district values athletic diversity. The softball program is especially prominent: Melissa won back-to-back UIL 5A state championships in 2024 and 2025.

The University of Texas at Dallas (UT Dallas)

Graduates and families in our community appreciate that UT Dallas offers a variety of academic programs. Melissa ISD students can take dual-credit courses via UT Dallas.

Medical Centers & Internship Opportunities

Melissa students and nearby college students have access to a variety of healthcare internships in the Dallas area. Parkland Health offers multi-semester programs in clinical and administrative departments, while Texas Health Dallas provides opportunities in healthcare management and clinical settings. Additionally, Baylor University Medical Center hosts general surgery sub-internships, and Dallas County Health & Human Services offers public health internships for high school through graduate students.

Melissa Sports Complex

A modern sports facility that hosts youth (and adult) sports, like baseball, soccer, and softball. Our residents also find it is good for walking and community events.

Melissa is served by the Melissa Independent School District (ISD), a rapidly growing and highly rated district committed to academic excellence and student development. As the city expands, the district continues investing in modern facilities and career‑tech education, preparing students for both college and professional pathways.

Homes for Rent in Melissa, TX

Homes for rent in Harlow are modern, roomy, and ready to make life easy and comfortable. Many have open layouts, lots of natural light, and private yards making them perfect for families, pet lovers, and you. When you rent a home in our community, enjoy great schools, shopping, and easy highway access, so everything you need is nearby. Living in Harlow feels like being part of a growing, friendly community where there’s always something new around the corner.


  • Contemporary Granite Countertops
  • Stainless Steel, Energy-Efficient Appliances

  • Elevated Tile Backsplash & Double-Door Refrigerator in Kitchen
  • Stylized Wood Floors
  • 10' Ceilings
  • Large, Fenced Private Yards
  • Keyless Entry
  • Private Garages in Some Homes
  • Resident Lounge with Gaming Center & Co-Working Space
  • Fitness Center
  • Pet Park & Substantial Green Space
  • Resort-Style Pool
  • Outdoor Kitchen with Grilling Stations
  • Outdoor Fireplace and Seating
  • EV Chargers

Floor Plans

*Your total monthly price is intended to provide clarity and includes base rent plus all required monthly fees and charges. It does not include variable or usage-based fees, optional services, situational fees, or charges due at move-in or move-out. Variable fees, such as utilities or third-party services, may change based on provider rates, resident usage, or other external factors. Base rent is determined by local market conditions. Security deposit amounts, if required, may vary based on screening results. Residents are responsible for damages beyond normal wear and tear and may be required to maintain renters insurance or obtain a liability waiver, if available. As part of our commitment to transparency, all required local tenant-rights disclosures will be provided during the application process. Our team is available to assist with any questions or provide additional details.

Fee Overview

To keep things straightforward, we've compiled a list of potential fees you may come across as a current or future resident. This allows you to easily understand your upfront and ongoing costs. To budget for your fixed monthly expenses, simply add your base rent to the Essentials and any Personalized Add-Ons you choose. Our aim is to make budgeting effortless, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable living experience.

  • Application Fee: $100.00 Per applicant, non-refundable
  • Administration Fee: $250.00 Per household, one-time
  • Pest Control: $10.00 Per household, per month
  • Pet Fee: $450.00 One-time per pet, non-refundable
  • Month to Month Fee: $300.00
  • Pet Rent: $30.00 Per pet, per month
  • Amenity Fee: $50.00 Per household, per month
  • Trash Fee: $35.00 Per household, per month

Please note that fees may change at any time and may not be applicable to all residents.

Top Reasons to Rent in Melissa, TX

Renting a home in Harlow offers modern, spacious living with open layouts, private yards, and high-quality finishes. The neighborhood is family-friendly, located in the highly regarded Melissa ISD, and close to parks, lakes, and major highways for easy commuting. With a growing community, convenient amenities, and plenty of outdoor recreation nearby, Harlow combines comfort, convenience, and small-town charm.

1. A Growing City with a Close-Knit Feel
As Melissa expands, Harlow residents can enjoy increasing amenities, retail options, and community events. The neighborhood feels safe and welcoming, making it a great place for families and professionals looking for a quieter suburban lifestyle.

2. Proximity to Outdoor Adventures
Living in Melissa means having unparalleled access to the outdoors. Renters can spend their weekends boating, fishing, or paddle boarding on Lavon Lake or Ray Roberts Lake. Nearby parks, walking trails, and lakes provide plenty of options for outdoor activities.

3. Excellent Schools
Harlow is in the Melissa Independent School District, which is known for its commitment to academic excellence and student development.

4. Easy Commutes and Accessibility
Harlow is perfectly located lose to major highways, making it easy to commute to Plano, McKinney, and other neighboring cities. Plano is only about 24 minutes drive from the community and Frisco is not much further. Mckinney is just about 13 minutes and Allen is about a 20 minutes drive from rental homes of Harlow. 

5. Modern, High-Quality Homes
As a renter, you will enjoy that the homes in Harlow feature up-to-date designs, open floor plans, and premium finishes like stainless steel appliances and large windows. Many homes include private yards, perfect for families, pets, gardening, or just relaxing outdoors.




Your Dream Lifestyle Awaits

The homes at Harlow in Melissa, TX offer more than just a place to live—they offer a lifestyle. From spacious layouts and modern finishes to welcoming community spaces, every detail is designed to make life comfortable and convenient. Schedule a tour today and see why Harlow is the premier choice for homes in Melissa.