Charlack - Saint Louis, MO

Charlack officially became incorporated in 1945. Despite the city's small size, it has a strong police presence, which may explain the area's lower crime rates. Charlack was one of the first cities to begin using speed cameras to capture drivers going over the speed limit, and police regularly patrol local neighborhoods to watch for suspicious activities.

Demographics have remained roughly the same over the years, and the city has not undergone any major changes. Approximately one out of every three residents have children under the age of 18, so many parts of the city have family-friendly neighborhoods.

The city does not host any annual events, nor does it have any museums. Residents can view paintings, sculptures and other forms of artwork about 15 miles away, at the Saint Louis Art Museum.

A cluster of family-owned eateries and casual chain restaurants sit along Page Avenue. However, for fast-food restaurants and formal dining experiences, residents have to travel to one of the several neighboring cities.

Taqueria Durango serves authentic Mexican cuisine with traditional sides, such as guacamole, sour cream and salsa. The restaurant finds creative ways to incorporate animal parts not commonly served in American eateries, including cow tongue and cow cheek, into tacos, enchiladas and quesadillas. If you want an alternative to fountain sodas and bottled beer, try a rich, creamy glass of horchata with your meal.

Diners from all over Saint Louis County head to Chuck-A-Burger Drive-In for cheese-covered fries, spicy chicken sandwiches and root beer floats. Parents can swap the fries for applesauce, if they want, when they order meals for their children. This family-friendly restaurant hosts weekly car cruises where local residents show off their gleaming, retro vehicles.

Fast, friendly employees serve flavorful Indian dishes at Haveli Indian Restaurant. Order a classic dish such as chicken tikka from the menu, or sample numerous entrees at the restaurant's buffet. Call ahead for carryout if you have limited time to eat.

When nighttime rolls around, locals head to Charlack Pub for rock music and frosty mugs of beer. This popular place gets crowded quickly, so visit on a weeknight rather than a weekend if you wish to avoid groups of lively bar-goers. Folks who want to exercise their vocal chords can visit Three of a Kind Bar & Grill for karaoke and fried appetizers.

Residents of Charlack can call and request rides from several different transportation companies, including Uber and the St. Louis Taxi Cab Service. Folks can also wait for the MetroBus by standing at the designated bus stop on the Saint Charles Rock Road. The bus picks up and drops off passengers several times a day at this location. Interstate 170 runs through the center of Charlack, so residents can quickly access the surrounding cities via automobile or public transportation.

Charlack has no dedicated bike lanes, but folks still travel through the city's small neighborhoods by foot or bike. Traveling by car or bus works best for residents who wish to cross larger, busier roads, such as the Saint Charles Rock Road or Lackland, and Interstate 170 makes it easy for residents to commute to surrounding cities. Park wherever you wish unless a "No Parking" sign stands beside the vacant spot. Charlack's public parking is free.

Charlack residents play catch and enjoy picnic lunches at Charles J. Evola Park, the city's only park. Residents affectionately refer to this fee-free park as "Charlie's Park" because the recreational site honors a long-time city worker who passed away from cancer. The park has slides and monkey bars for children, as well as grassy fields where the resident's furry friends can burn off some energy. The park doesn't offer any exercise programs, so residents have to head to a local gym for their exercise needs.

Charlie's Park does not host annual functions, but residents make good use of the park's gazebo. Visitors propose to loved ones and reveal secrets as they sit comfortably on the bench in the center of the gazebo. The park's pavilion houses birthday parties, family reunions and wedding showers.

Residents of Charlack have a low cost of living in comparison to larger cities, such as Saint Louis. A ride to downtown Saint Louis via the MetroBus costs a couple bucks and takes around 20 minutes, and it only takes a few minutes for the town's residents to travel from eastern to western Charlack.

One-bedroom apartments in the Charlack area rent for around $500 per month, and some rental companies offer units as low as $425. The average rental price for people in the Saint Louis metro area sits at approximately $865 per month, so rental homes cost considerably less near Charlack.

An ice-cold draft costs around $3 at a local pub, not including the tip. Drivers fill up their tanks with affordable gasoline at prices that fall about 13 percent below the national average.

Charlack covers less than half a square mile, so it contains very few places to buy groceries, clothing or household items. The city does not have any farmers markets or boutiques, nor does it have any major shopping areas. However, residents can quickly visit neighboring communities for access to luxury retailers, produce stands and shopping malls.

Residents stock up on essentials like milk and flour at chain grocery stores, such as Shop 'n Save, that sit just outside of the city's boundary line. Shoppers can also visit La Mexicana, a Mexican grocery store located about five minutes from the city of Charlack. Residents who prefer to support local farmers can take a 20-minute drive to the Soulard Farmers Market for farm-fresh eggs and home-grown tomatoes.

Shoppers pick up designer duds and herb-infused teas from the Saint Louis Galleria, a high-end mall located less than 10 minutes from Charlack. Folks who want unique items, hard-to-find albums or vintage-inspired fashions visit the shops on The Loop in Delmar. Vintage Vinyl and Sunshine Daydream are a few local favorites.