Brendonwood - Indianapolis, IN

Brendonwood, established in 1917, was a planned neighborhood designed and built as a part of Indianapolis’s City Beautiful movement. What was once a small community on the brink of corn and wheat fields has become surrounded by the encroaching city. The neighborhood has managed to maintain its quiet appeal despite the bustle happening nearby. In 2004, Brendonwood was added to the Indiana Register of Historic Sites and Structures and the National Register of Historic Places.

Residents of Brendonwood enjoy closeness to cultural institutions, such as the Indianapolis Symphony, Indianapolis Museum of Art and Indianapolis Zoo. They can also experience the famed Indianapolis 500, which draws thousands of spectators to the area every Memorial Day weekend.

While there doesn't exist one centralized location for dining and nightlife in Brendonwood, the neighborhood’s proximity to downtown gives you plenty of choices. For German food and pastries, locals appreciate Heidelberg Haus. Try any one of the sausages, and it's clear why this place is an Indianapolis institution. Heidelberg Haus also features a gift shop, so pick up a beer stein or two before you leave.

Head to La Hacienda for a taco and fajitas plate or a big bowl of tortilla soup. Fast, friendly service and authentic cuisine and decor put this place on the top of the must-try list for Mexican food in Indianapolis.

Just Judy’s is easy to overlook due to its strip mall location, but those who don't notice it miss out on a great breakfast. Eggs served any way you choose and pancakes stacked as high as you like make this place a great way to start off your day in Brendonwood.

If you're looking for lively fun, a trip to Maru Studio makes you feel like revered pop singer. This restaurant has an extensive music library and six private rooms for karaoke, but loosen up first with tasty Korean food and a drink or two. For a more-typical American bar experience, visit Pawn Shop Pub. This pub features classic fare, such as burgers and onion rings, and a great selection of beer and mixed drinks. For live bluegrass music, residents flock to the Wellington Pub. The Welly, as it is affectionately known, provides an intimate English-style venue where you can sip on a pint as you listen to a performance.

Car travel is the most popular mode of transportation in Brendonwood. Free public parking can be found throughout the area, but restrictions exist, so make sure to pay attention to the parking signs here. Walking and biking are great alternatives to driving in this neighborhood, and the city has several streets with designated bike lanes.

IndyGo is the transit system provided by the Indianapolis Public Transportation Corporation, which offers over 30 bus routes that include connections to downtown. Uber ride sharing and cab service are also options. Calling a cab ensures faster service – you may not be able to flag on down on the fly.

The city of Indianapolis serves as a transportation hub. Several major interstates spin off from a giant loop formed around the inner city by U.S. Routes 40 and 52. I-70 can be taken east to Dayton and I-74 can be travelled west to Champaign-Urbana. I-69 goes north to Fort Wayne, and I-65 goes south to Louisville.

Fort Harrison State Park located just east of Brendonwood provides opportunities for outdoor fun and recreation. Visit the Museum of 20th Century Warfare here, or get in some activity on the 18-hole golf course or hiking and horseback trails. Fees vary depending on what you want to do.

To enjoy a free public park, head to Lawrence Community Center and Park, and play baseball or soccer or enjoy a workout. Also close by, Broad Ripple Park lets you swim or simply picnic, and a variety of classes are available at the park’s Family Center.

Dog owners can bring their dogs to Paul Ruster Park to the south of Brendonwood and let them run off leash. Several Indianapolis parks provide Canine Companion Zones that allow off-leash romping as well. A “pooch pass” must be purchased to utilize these areas.

The Indiana State Fair draws locals and visitors from all parts of Indiana to gather at the State Fairgrounds. Look forward to this annual event featuring live entertainment and great food from local vendors.

The cost of living in Brendonwood falls roughly in line with the city as a whole and below the national average. A ride downtown on a bus costs $1.75 for adults, with half fares available to students, seniors and those with disabilities. A bottle of domestic beer costs about $3 at a local bar, and an import costs between $4 and $5. The average price of a one-bedroom rental sits at about $455. Gas prices hover about 5 percent below the national average.

Twisted Sisters gift shop sells an interesting array of unique gifts that include the handiwork of local artists. Whether your an established or aspiring musician, Paige’s Music lets you pick out a new instrument and receive playing instruction.

The Toggery in Broad Ripple features a great selection of resale clothing items to help those on a budget complete a wardrobe. For greater variety, the nearby Circle Centre shopping mall features many brand-name chains.

If you want to brew your own beer or make your own cheese, Great Fermentations sells what you need. This establishment has all the equipment necessary to make cider, mead and soda and offers regular classes on how to make wine, cheese and beer.

Residents of Brendonwood do need to travel outside of the neighborhood to shop at chain grocery stores such as Trader Joe’s, Fresh Market, Kroger and Marsh Supermarket. For health food, locals visit Good Earth Natural Food Company, which has operated in the city since 1971. Good Earth sells a wide variety of herbal supplements and green cleaning products.

Take a trip to Crooked Creek Farmer’s Market for fresh, seasonal produce. Held every Wednesday afternoon from May to October, this market provides a range of items, including veggies, eggs, meat and handmade goods.