Brasswood - Oklahoma City, OK

In April 1889, the area known as the “unassigned lands” in Indian Territory was opened for settlement. Since the great Land Run, Oklahoma City has grown to be one of America’s largest cities in land area. The expansion of Oklahoma City and nearby Edmond led to the creation of newer neighborhoods, including Brasswood, towards the end of the 20th century.

While Brasswood has no museums, arts scene or festivals within its own neighborhood, residents have plenty of fascinating places to visit nearby. The Edmond Historical Society and Museum, located only four miles away, displays local and national exhibits of art and history. This museum also provides a learning center where children can play in a miniature pioneer town. Downtown Edmond hosts an arts festival where over a hundred artists sell everything from paintings and sculptures to jewelry and pottery, and you can hear live musical entertainment from talented musicians.

While this neighborhood does not have a central restaurant location, residents don’t have far to drive to find great food for a variety of tastes.

Whether your mood fancies pizza, pasta or a juicy burger, Cafe Veranda, just up the road in Edmond, satisfies the urge. Try the diablo cream florentine pasta with sauteed red peppers, mushrooms, spinach and grilled chicken tossed in a spicy cream sauce. Vegetarians can enjoy a veggie burger with all the fixings on Café Veranda’s signature pretzel bun. Ask about gluten-free options if that’s a concern.

Locals in the know find their most authentic taste of Szechuan Chinese food at Szechuan Bistro on West Memorial Road. The house special egg foo yung brings raves. For a truly exotic experience, try the ox tongue and tripe in spicy sauce, or keep it simple with some veggie lo mein.

If smoky, tender barbecue lights your fire, head on out to Quail Springs Mall, where Swadley’s Bar-B-Q has the grill ready. Brisket, prime rib, turkey breast and more await your appetite, with four different sauces – honey-sweet, spicy, thick and juicy, and grumpy – to tempt the taste buds.

As a residential area, this neighborhood does not focus on night life, but locals typically travel to nearby Edmond for a night on the town. The Wolf Trap Bar brings its customers billiards, darts and shuffleboard along with a full liquor bar. Teetotalers need not fear; the Wolf Trap also serves mocktails. Major's Bar provides another Edmond venue for residents to kick back and relax. Sample some slow-cooked beans with your brew on game night, or catch a live band or acoustic music with the gang.

Folks who live in or near Edmond appreciate the premier performing arts theater they have in the Armstrong Auditorium. The Armstrong’s performing arts series showcases an A-list of classical, ballet, jazz and folk music stars.

Public transportation services don’t run in this neighborhood, so most errands require a car, unless you fancy long walks. Cab service is available by calling ahead, and smart phone users can summon a ride with Uber or Lyft. Interstate 77, a couple of miles away, gives residents access to Interstate 44 and the Kilpatrick Turnpike. No parking garages serve the area, but most businesses provide free parking. The terrain stays fairly flat, but bike lanes are minimal, so bikers should confine their rides to residential areas or head out to the Oklahoma City Trails network of paved biking paths for recreational riding.

Residents take their kids to Redlands Park on Northwest 141st Street to play on the slide and swings or have a picnic. You don’t need reservations for picnicking, and there’s no fee to use the park. Dogs must be on a leash at all times except when at the city’s dog park only five miles from this neighborhood. The Paw Park at North Grand Boulevard and Hefner Parkway sits on approximately two acres in northwest Oklahoma City and provides a separate area for smaller and senior dogs, as well as a pond where dogs can swim and splash. The dog park sits adjacent to Hefner Park, which provides plenty of exercise facilities with tennis courts, walking path, ball fields and a playground. Nearby Lake Hefner Stars and Stripes Park hosts the annual SandRidge Stars & Stripes River Festival with rowing and dragon boat racing, a live outdoor concert and fireworks.

With its proximity to Edmond, this neighborhood’s cost of living averages higher than other areas of Oklahoma City. Median rent for a one-bedroom residence runs around $855. Gas prices compare favorably to the rest of the country, though. Expect to pay about 18 percent below the national average for gas in this neighborhood. A beer at the pub typically cost about $3, though you can save as much as a couple of dollars during promotional specials.

Quail Springs Mall, adjacent to the neighborhood, houses many popular chain stores plus the AMC Quail Springs Mall 24 movie theater with IMAX. Just west of Quail Springs Mall on North May, Lush Fashion Lounge sells an eclectic mix of dresses and tops, local university-logo apparel and Oklahoma-based designs.

When your shopping list puts you on the trail of something a little different, Mystique Fragrance & Accessory in the Shoppes at Northpark helps you find your signature scent. Also in Northpark, the Lime Leopard jazzes up a cool drink on a hot day with teakwood water bottles to accent their sizzling hot fashions and home accessories.

Residents do their grocery shopping at Walmart on West Memorial Road, or green it up at nearby Akin’s Natural Foods. Downtown Edmond has a farmers market April through October for the freshest in local produce and garden products.