Parmelee - Oklahoma City, OK

Arthur Hugh Parmalee, educator and community figure, inspired the name for this Central Oklahoma City neighborhood. Parmalee arrived in the city in 1909 and remained involved with the area’s educational system until his death in 1940.

While residents can cross Highway 77 for the latest films at AMC Crossroads 16 theater, they have a soft spot for one of the state’s last original drive-ins, Winchester Drive-In, showing family-friendly weekend double features. Arrive early for the best spots in front of the outdoor screen.

The nearby Soaring Hawk Native Art & Magic venue pays tribute to the area’s original Native American populations with free lectures and workshops on native storytelling, history and spirituality. More of the neighborhood’s events occur at the Southern Oaks Library, including summer reading programs, tutoring, holiday events and adult educational courses.

Parmelee's few restaurants and bars dedicate themselves to hearty, meaty American meals, casual dining and the token noodle kitchen.

Inside the neighborhood, Johnnie's Charcoal Broiler serves award-winning burgers and homemade pies. Several locations belong to this locally operated chain, which supports city projects and recreational sports teams through philanthropic donations. Try the Theta burger or stick to the classic bacon cheeseburger. As you leave, purchase Johnnie's secret recipe hickory sauce to create your own master burgers at home.

At Pho'Nomenal, traditional Vietnamese soup broth gets residents' tongues wagging. Dine in or take out. Because the owner also acts as the chef and server, call ahead to place your order. Be sure to try the avocado smoothie.

Outside of the neighborhood, dining options dot 59th Street and Highway-40/Southwest Expressway. Sherri's Diner is one nearby favorite, with all-day breakfast in a 1950's style diner. Think vinyl booths, photographs of Elvis and homemade pies displayed by the cashier. Portions are as big as the list of menu items. They stop cooking biscuits and gravy at 11 a.m., so arrive early to order the local specialty.

Drinking venues in Parmelee typically take the form of bars that are loud, smoky and relaxed. Stop by Henry Hudson's Pub for a game of darts or pool. Head to downtown OKC to catch a sports event or special performance at Cox Convention Center, cheer on the Oklahoma City Thunder at Chesapeake Arena, or enjoy a performance at the Civic Center Music Hall.

Parmelee’s smaller size and elementary school encourage safe sidewalks for pedestrians – both young and old – as well as cyclists. However, many residents feel more comfortable traveling by private vehicle. Parking issues are rare, as most properties include a garage and commercial venues provide ample lot space.

The city’s public transportation system, Embark, services the neighborhood with two routes. Route 040 runs down Walker Avenue and connects passengers to the Brookwood Shopping Center out west. Route 013 also travels along Walker Avenue, carrying folks between Oklahoma Community College on Interstate 240 and the downtown Transit Center. Buses for both routes depart approximately every 30 minutes and run Monday to Saturday.

From Parmelee, the bus journey downtown takes 36 minutes; alternatively, hop in your car and drive downtown in 15 minutes. Bordering Walker Avenue acts as a main thoroughfare to most areas of the city.

If you prefer not to drive, arrange for a cab pickup or use the area’s ride-sharing services, Lyft or Uber. Both services use mobile applications to locate the drivers closest to your current location.

While the city continues to implement new bike lanes and elongate and update currently maintained routes, there are no official bike lanes in Parmelee itself. If you’d rather ride than walk or drive, take your bike on one of the Embark buses to the city center, where roads and lanes are conducive to two-wheel transportation.

Southern Oaks Park and Recreation Center’s location, adjacent to Parmelee Elementary School, gives it a constant sense of youthful cheer. Children climb around the playground after school hours and picnic with families on the weekends. The baseball court echoes with the shouts of recreational games, while the music of fitness classes booms from the center's gymnasium.

Dog owners can walk their pets through the park but must keep them on-leash. For long distance bike trails, cyclists should head toward the South Grand Trail, which connects southern Oklahoma City with the North Canadian River.

In the hotter months, resident families head a few blocks east to the Sprayground in McCracken Park. Located in greater Central Oklahoma City, this mini-waterpark features interactive installments such as tilting buckets and water cannons. Perfect for a summer afternoon, the Sprayground is open Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend.

The cost of living in Parmelee runs nearly half the average cost of living in Oklahoma city. Not only are goods and services cheaper, but average rental rates drop by several hundred dollars here. For that reason, expect to pay about $523 for a one-bedroom unit rental.

From the neighborhood, an Embark bus single fare ticket costs $1.75. Fill up your car instead and pay 12 percent less than the national average price for fuel. Planning a night out? Set aside $3 to $5 for a pint of beer, and save at least $11 for your dinner meal.

Office giants Home Depot and Staples may be two of the only stores within neighborhood boundaries; however, every national brand name and conceivable specialty shop lies just down the road, scattered across the surrounding blocks of greater Central Oklahoma City.

North Pole City, an area icon, has called Parmelee home since the 1980s. This year-round Christmas center sells all things festive: trees, ornaments, garlands, lights, nativity scenes, wreaths and more. In December, join the queue to meet Santa and take a ride on the Christmas train. Visitors from outside the state flock down after the holidays for massive post-season sales.

Below the neighborhood, Atomik Pop Comics has a big loyal customer base due to its collections of back-issue comics and $.25 sales bins. With anime, vintage editions and graphic novels, the store earns a reputation as one of the city's best. Follow Atomik's Facebook page for the latest in new stock arrivals and industry news.

Several in-neighborhood regionally-operated market chains allow residents to support local and state-owned businesses, instead of the megastore Walmart next door. El Mariachi Supermercado features import goods from Mexico, Central and South America. Shop here for homemade tortillas, freshly baked snacks, and an extended range of frozen fish.

The nearest farmers market, the Oklahoma Food Cooperative, takes place near downtown Oklahoma City. As one of the nation's first food co-ops, it's a model of collective food vending and sales. Everything is state-grown and made, from fresh produce to toothpaste and organic coffee. Stop by in person or order local goods online.