Bassett Creek - Crystal, MN

Settlers first put down roots in the Crystal Lake Township in 1852. The area developed quickly after this, as several mills made use of water power from creeks and tributaries of the Mississippi. Bassett Creek neighborhood takes its name from the creek running through its southeastern corner; this waterway was named after Joel Bean Bassett, one of the first people to live along its banks.

The culture and arts scene has room to grow, with most galleries and exhibits luring residents to downtown Minneapolis. However, nearby Robbinsdale and New Hope both have art galleries that open for public viewing.

Bassett Creek joins the wider Crystal area for the annual summer event, Crystal Frolics. This four-day festival celebrates community with sporting competitions, a family carnival, live music acts, food stalls, a fun walk and fireworks. Check the Frolics website for a detailed schedule and tickets to certain activities.

Residents of Bassett Creek find the biggest collection of cafes, restaurants, franchise fast food joints and bars in northern Crystal, or stretching along Broadway Avenue into the surrounding suburbs. However, what the neighborhood lacks in number, it makes up for in homemade style and taste.

The Crystal Cafe and Grill is one example. Serving breakfast and brunch, this American diner earns its nickname as a "greasy spoon." Slide into a cozy both or sit at the counter to watch the chef behind the grill. Expect leftovers and doggy bags due to the portion size - and make sure you save room for the blueberry pancakes. Delicious Jin's Chow Mein also serves generous portions, making a local name for itself with Chinese takeout. Dishes are made-to-order at this mom-and-pop kitchen; swing by during the lunch period for special meals under $10.

At Milton's, classic American fare gets a creative kick. The BBQ rib nachos and shrimp and grits come highly recommended, and the atmosphere - all couches, pillows and dim corners - reminds diners of dinner in grandma's living room. But linger over a drink or comfy couch too long and you may miss out on the best dishes, which tend to run out on a busy night.

After dining in Bassett Creek, you have to venture beyond home in order to finish the night at a bar or club. These, too, tend to be located along Broadway Avenue or on 42nd Street in Crystal. Like Milton's, many of these choices are bar and grill venues with both a bar and restaurant.

Places such as Big Louie's Bar and Grill offer tap beers, burgers and bar snacks, and weekly events such as pub quizzes and bingo nights. Tooties On Lowry looks like a dive bar, but locals rave about its burgers. For something a bit more foreign, visit St. Petersburg Restaurant and Vodka Bar, where you can try unique house-distilled vodkas, a Russian fusion menu and dancing on the weekends.

Other neighborhood forms of entertainment also require a quick taxi or bus: watch a movie while you dine at New Hope Cinema Grill or catch a live band at Outtakes Bar and Grill, both located in New Hope.

Metro Transit buses run along 42nd Avenue and Douglas Drive, carrying passengers through the surrounding suburbs and into downtown Minneapolis. A ride from Bassett Creek to Target Field Station, in the city’s center, takes 40 to 50 minutes. The nearest park and Ride Station is located in Robbinsdale, east of Bassett Creek and Crystal.

If you prefer to drive yourself, the trip downtown takes 15 to 20 minutes heading south on Highway 100 and east on Interstate 394. Alternatively, Twin Cities Taxi operates out of Crystal and provides city-wide taxi services to residents. The ride sharing service Uber also operates around greater Minneapolis, and the service’s convenient app allows you to access potential lifts around the city from your phone.

Due to Bassett Creek’s residential nature and large park, the neighborhood provides a safe and welcoming environment for pedestrians and cyclists. Urban bike routes run through the park and connect with parks in adjoining suburbs.

Bassett Creek Park is both the focus and symbol of this community. Its 80 acres allow residents to gather along the iconic Bassett Creek, participate in recreational sports or spend family time together.

Facilities here include basketball, volley ball and tennis courts, as well as baseball and softball fields. In the winter, lace up your skates and glide around the ice rink; in summer, canvas the park’s nine hole Frisbee golf course. Parents enjoy the 3,700 sq. ft. playground, while pets run wild in the year-round off-leash dog park. An additional set of asphalt trails, picnic spots and memorial benches provide walkers, runners and people-watchers with plenty of space and fresh air.

Cyclists can pedal along the Bassett Creek Regional Trail, a mild loop connecting Plymouth to New Hope. For a longer, more strenuous workout, follow the loop onto the adjoining Medicine Lake Loop.

The cost of living in Bassett Creek is 4 percent lower than the cost of living in Minneapolis. While goods, services and groceries cost roughly the same, the cost of housing in Bassett Creek is slightly lower than elsewhere in the city. The median rental rate is roughly 6 percent lower here than the median rental rate in other parts of Minneapolis.

The rental rate for a one-bedroom unit hovers between $700 and $900. Hop onto a Metro Transit bus to the Downtown East Station and you pay $3. If you drive, you pay about 1 percent less than the average national price of gas. A pint at the local pub costs $5 to $7, and a mixed drink will set you back $10 or more.

Crystal’s three main shopping centers meet all and any needs of Bassett Creek residents. From cheap one-stop-shops, such as Walgreens and Target, to common fashion franchises and service stores, The Crystal Gallery Mall, Crystal Shopping Center and Crystal Town Center have you covered.Yet, a few family-owned and operated stores keep their doors open in the area. Focusing on niche wares and knowledge, they offer a personal touch lacking from the bigger retail malls.

Down in the Valley is one such store. This Minneapolis-based music outlet has three locations in the city but still maintains a localized vibe. Well-informed staff sell an eclectic mix of albums and vinyl, recommend the latest up-and-coming musicians and help promote the regional music scene. Visit the store's website for daily deals and music reviews.

Bibles for Missions Thrift Center is a great thrift shop, with shelves and stacks of random donated goods. They may not carry designer labels but there's always something if you have time to dig around. Shop for blenders, old books and used shoes with a clear conscience, knowing your money is used by the kindly church volunteer clerks for religious projects.

Unique Thrift is a second consignment and used goods store for bargain hunters and folks on a budget. Swing by on Tuesdays for 25-percent-off sales; residents compare its selection to Goodwill but with cheaper prices and a better vintage clothing section. If you shop on an empty stomach, be sure to snag a hot dog from the stall out front.

As for groceries, the Cub Foods and ALDI branches in Crystal offer the typical range of supplies. Just above Bassett Creek on Douglas Avenue, Almsted’s Fresh Market competes with these big name brands through its bakery and mom-and-pop customer service. Mini Grocery in Bassett Creek may have a shop size to match its name, but a personality and friendly staff that make it the perfect corner store for buying late night snacks, emergency items and last-minute party supplies.

The nearest farmer's market pops up in New Hope, to the west of Bassett Creek. New Hope Farmer's Market vendors sell fresh produce, meats, baked goods and even thrift goods.