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Live at Harlow in Melissa

The Ultimate Guide to Melissa, TX

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

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.

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.

The Gourmet Guide

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.

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.

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Shopping

Supermarkets

Retail Hotspots

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!

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.

Excellence in Motion

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.

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 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.

Top Reasons to Rent in Melissa

#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

Pet-Friendly Neighborhood

In addition to our community's pet features, the nearby Animal Hospital of Melissa, Bow Wow Boutique N Spa, adn Pets Mart make living with your furry companions a breeze. Add to that the nearby lakes, parks, and trails and you and your pets will find endless opportunites at Harlow.

#6

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.