Brunswick Gary, IN

Like the rest of Gary, Brunswick was once a busy community full of steel mill workers. As the steel mills closed down, a considerable number of residents moved out of the area. In its heyday, Brunswick had its own post office to serve the many residents of the neighborhood. That post office has since shut down, though the Brunswick area is still served by its own public school and its own branch of the Gary public library.

Brunswick residents and tourists alike can head to the birthplace of Michael Jackson, located within the Gary city limits. While not open to the public, the house draws the curious who want to see the King of Pop's humble beginnings.

Brunswick gives residents access to lots of excellent dining and nightlife options. The greater Gary area proffers many barbecue restaurants specializing in southern BBQ dishes and Caribbean jerk offerings. For drinks and live entertainment, Brunswick residents head to nearby cities for bars and clubs that are popular in the area.

Big Daddy's Barbecue sits just south of the Brunswick neighborhood — just a few minute's drive away. From rib tips and chicken wings to barbecued hot links, the menu gives diners lots of hot and spicy choices. Don't forget the side dishes when you visit; locals swear by the collard greens. You won't have to dress up to come to Big Daddy's; the decor is minimal since the staff focuses on the food first.

For fast, filling food in a flash, head to Steel City Cheesesteaks. The menu gives you great choices for cheesesteaks, gyros and chicken wings. Locals often make a special trip here to get the fried catfish steaks. Steel City Cheesesteaks is attached to a gas station, so keep an eye out as you drive through Gary, or you might miss this diamond in the rough.

Brunswick residents head to nearby Munster for weekend entertainment. Three Floyd's Brewpub is an extension of the Three Floyds Brewery, which brews craft beers served in many local restaurants. Three Floyds Brewpub serves all the brewery's tasty beers plus amazing foods. Whether you want small plates to share with friends or you're looking for a hearty meal all to yourself, you're sure to find something to love on the menu. Locals love the 16-hour smoked pork shoulder sandwich with kimchee aioli. Add barbecue macaroni and cheese as a rich side dish. The interior may be sparsely decorated, but you will find comfortable seats, so you can sit back and enjoy a few pints of your favorite brew.

Nestled between I-65 and I-90, Brunswick residents enjoy easy access to nearby cities and attractions. For those commuting to and from Chicago who prefer not to drive, the South Shore commuter train has a stop conveniently located in the heart of the neighborhood.

Cyclists living in the area can choose to ride their bikes on the street, but they must share the right of way with drivers. The city does not have dedicated bike lanes or trails. Pedestrians enjoy easy access to local stores and restaurants, though walking in the winter can be hampered by the lake effect snow that piles up quickly on area sidewalks. Parking in the area includes a mix of free and metered street parking.

Hailing a cab may prove to be difficult, but residents can call ahead for a taxi as needed. Uber serves the area, offering an easy way to get from Gary's airport to Chicago.

The Gary Parks Department operates the parks within the boundaries of Brunswick. The park that shares its name with the neighborhood includes a large space with plenty of amenities. Tennis courts, basketball courts and baseball fields play host to youth sports in the summer, while the playground makes this park ideal for little ones. Some locals use the pavilions for picnics, family reunions and other gatherings.

For those willing to go outside of the neighborhood, Marquette Park offers a beach, a boat launch, hiking and a nature walk. This park also houses a playground and pavilions, making it a family-friendly location.

While Gary doesn't have any parks dedicated to dogs, locals can bring their pets to the Indiana Dunes National Lake Shore, provided the pooches remain leashed. Some parts of the dunes are closed off due to dangerous conditions, so be sure to follow the signs in the area to stay safe.

Every year, the area surrounding Roosevelt Park and Leonard Douglas Stadium hosts the King of Pop Tribute Festival, which honors Michael Jackson's legacy of creating memorable pop music. The festival includes live entertainment, plenty of food and activities for children.

Brunswick residents pay an average of $570 per month for a one-bedroom apartment, making the area much more affordable than some of the other cities sitting to the south and west of the area. A train ticket from Brunswick to downtown Chicago costs $6, though regular commuters can buy ten-ride and monthly passes at a reduced rate. If you choose to drive, you can take advantage of gas prices that run approximately 10 percent lower than the national average.

Overall, the cost of living in the greater Gary area runs about 7 percent less than the national average. A cup of coffee will set you back about $6 here, as will a pint of beer.

While shopping options are somewhat limited in the Brunswick neighborhood, locals don't have to go far to find great stores. For the shopping mall experience, residents can head west to Calumet City, just over the Illinois state line to shop at River Oaks Shopping Center. For a wider selection of stores, some shop at Southlake Mall in Merrillville. Both shopping centers take about 30 minutes to drive to in good traffic.

Brides-to-be and women looking for ravishing formal looks shop at Elegance Wedding and Evening Wear in nearby Highland. While the storefront looks unassuming, the inside of this bridal store offers everything needed to find the perfect dress for a special occasion. Custom fittings and a wide range of samples make this location a must-visit alternative to chain bridal boutiques.

Lovers of fine art appreciate everything that the White Ripple Gallery in nearby Hammond has to offer. This gallery exhibits works by local artists that might not get the chance to shine in the busy Chicago art scene. With multiple exhibits being showcased at all times, art connoisseurs always find something new and unique here.

Brunswick shoppers can go to Food 4 Less, Super Value Foods and Save a Lot to do their shopping within the neighborhood area. Other chains, including Ultra, are located throughout the Northwest Indiana area. For fresh produce, meats and other locally sourced goodies, Brunswick residents can visit the Miller Beach Farmers Market. The local market opens its doors every Sunday from May to September.