Calumet Farms - Milwaukee, WI

The far northern reaches of Milwaukee were originally settled by primarily German immigrants in the 1830s. The community has shed its rural trappings of yesteryear and been incorporated into the city of Milwaukee with the modern conveniences city dwellers have come to expect.

The Old Falls Village Museum presents 19th-century living to visitors of all ages. Take a guided tour through the 17-acre park, or visit the historic landmark for special historical events throughout the year. Take advantage of Maple Syrup Family Day in late March or early April, the Annual Old Iron Swap Meet every October and Christmas at the Mill each December. At $3 for adult admission and $2 for children, the museum remains a favorite for families.

Interior Garden Art Studio in nearby Thiensville encourages residents to explore art for inspiration and wellness. The studio instructs children and adults in a number of creative mediums in individual and small, group settings.

The quiet residential neighborhood of Calumet Farms keeps good local restaurants and taverns within a short drives' reach. Homemade American, Chinese and Indian-Pakistani fare can all be found close to Calumet. Most diners cluster on West Good Hope Road and North 107th Street. A number of late-night bars provide locals with entertainment. Trysting Place Pub on Appleton Avenue ranks as a popular stop for pizza, appetizers and draft beer. Come in for daily specials and professional sports games.

For fine dining in an intimate setting, you must attend Allgauer's in the Park Restaurant, located on the first floor of the Hilton Garden Inn. Make a reservation for dinner, or take advantage of the generous breakfast buffet. Locals flock to Allgauer's most popular servings: Friday night all-you-can-eat fish fries and Saturday night all-you-can-eat prime rib buffet. Kids can take advantage of their own activity menu, as well.

Yen Ching brings Chinese cuisine to Milwaukee. Located on West Good Hope Road, Yen Ching delivers lunch and dinner, and provides an online ordering menu. Regular customers ravish the sizzling rice soup and keep talking about General Tso's Chicken. Order the Champong noodles on a cold day for warmth and energy.

Calumet Farms sits several miles from the city center, so most residents rely on personal vehicles for their commuting needs. Sidewalks bind the streets, making them safe for travel by bicycle. Bike trails follow the Little Menomonee River and West Bradley Road. Taxis are not a common sight in the area, but Uber provides service to the entire Milwaukee metro.

Free parking proves easy to find in the neighborhood. U.S. Route 41 and Highway 145 cross at the west end of Calumet Farms. Drivers can access the highways via West Bradley Road and West Good Hope Road. Highway 100 carries commuters to Lake Michigan. Public bus stops are located at major neighborhood intersections.

The free-to-access Little Menomonee River Parkway encompasses an 868-acre greenbelt that preserves the beauty of the waterway for generations to come. Children expel energy and enjoy the tot-lot south of Good Hope Road, and lovers of the outdoors like to walk and bike the long stretch of Oak Leaf Trail. Dog owners take their pets for hikes along the trail and can find quiet spots to let their pets exercise leash-free.

Ray's Indoor Mountain Bike Park affords a fun, no-attitude bike park for BMX lovers of all ages. Escape the cold between October and April to ride over ramps and half-pipes. Residents and visitors enjoy the available rental bikes, and special events run throughout the open season.

Menomonee Falls Community Education & Recreation Center hosts wellness training and fitness programs for residents of any age and skill level. Join an aquatics program for exercise, get involved at the senior center to volunteer, or enroll your children into the Kids INC or Teen Center program for fun after-school and summer activities.

Cedarburg has been celebrating strawberries for more than 30 years, as of 2015. The Strawberry Festival draws over 100,000 visitors for the art, live music, hot food and the best locally grown strawberries in the region. Adults and children revel in the festivities every June.

Residents in northern Milwaukee experience a 15-percent lower cost of living than the average Milwaukee resident. Medium rent for a one-bedroom residence costs $905 per month. Gasoline costs 8 percent lower than the national average. Draft beer can be found for $4 a glass. Ride the Milwaukee County Transit System to the downtown with one bus ride for $2.25. One day passes start at $4.

More than 20 acres of garden variety trees, plants, and flowers await you at Minor's Garden Center. The garden center and nursery has been a family owned presence in Milwaukee since 1968. Find cut firewood for winter, bird houses, seeds, and more to grow and cultivate your dream garden.

Woodman's Food Market, ALDI's and Pick 'n Save serve nearby citizens with fresh produce, deli meats and non-perishables. Woodman's and Pick 'n Save have in-house bakers for daily treats and special-event cakes and cupcakes. Additionally, Sunny Day Gourmet on West Dean Road ships fresh seeds and spices to the continental United States.

Germantown's farmers' market opens at the Center Mall every Saturday between May and October. Shop for specialty cheeses, dairy, eggs, frozen meats, hot lunches, baked goods, fresh flowers and locally grown produce.