Central Green Bay - Green Bay, WI

Green Bay, originally occupied by Native Americans, gained a reputation as hunting land early on, and in 1634, European explorer Jean Nicolet founded the first trading post. The fur trade dominated for years. By 1850, immigrants began to arrive from Europe. The area boomed with the addition of a railroad, and the port opened up for international trade, with the paper industry becoming the area's dominant business.

Heritage Hill State Historical Park, a living museum, shows visitors historical reproductions spanning 1672 to 1940. Take a stroll through the "village" to visit more than 25 houses and see how settlers of different eras thrived in the Wisconsin wilderness.

Most of the local arts scene takes place only five minutes away in downtown Green Bay. Make sure to catch the annual Sidewalk Art festival that features local artists.

A variety of dive bars, exotic restaurants and local favorites populate the neighborhood. The central restaurant location spans South Broadway. Here, a mile-long stretch of restaurants and bars offers something for everyone. You'll find locals bar hopping on the warmer nights.

One local favorite, White Dog Black Cat Cafe, features a variety of local art work on the walls. This friendly restaurant and artists' hangout serves hot, fresh soup every day of the week accompanied by a buttered and toasted baguette so that locals can warm up here in the winter. On Saturday nights, White Dog Black Cat has the best steak deal in town, and the establishment features a full bar. Residents consider the made-from-scratch old-fashioneds the best in the area.

For a lively night out, consider stopping by The Sardine Can. Aptly named, patrons pack in wall-to-wall to enjoy the live music Friday nights. Try to get there early for a spot close to the stage. This hopping bar showcases the best local bands around. Sit at the bar, or grab a high top table when the band finishes to enjoy a pitcher of beer and a pizza with friends. On Sunday, watch the Packers game with the locals and enjoy the jovial atmosphere.

The Titletown Brewing Company sits inside the old Chicago and Northwestern Railway building, directly off the bay. The historic ambiance sets the scene for a microbrewery perfectly. Patrons enjoy sampling flights of the home-brewed beer. The bar's specialty brats, including a bacon-wrapped brat with a brown-sugar glaze, pair nicely with all the tap beers.

Easily accessible Highway 41 skirts Outer Central Green Bay, making driving the most efficient means of transport in the area. Most businesses offer free parking, but lots have a tendency to fill quickly; pay parking lots tend to be inexpensive.

The public transportation system, Green Bay Metro, serves the area, with bus lines running Monday through Saturday. You can hail a cab from the street during peak hours such as weekday afternoons and weekend nights. If you need a taxi during other times, plan to call ahead or give Uber a call.

While the neighborhood does not contain bike lanes, the side streets make for a pleasant and safe bicycle ride. Try to avoid the main roads; although drivers tend to be conscientious of cyclists, the high traffic areas can be dicey for cyclists and pedestrians.

Most Outer Green Bay parks offer free access to the public, although a few charge a small fee for parking or swimming. All the parks are child-friendly and welcome families. The parks do allow dogs, but be sure not to bring your pooch onto the groomed cross-country skiing trails in the winter,

A favorite of exercisers, Enos Colburn Park offers countless outdoor activities. Walking and jogging trails weave throughout the park and turn into cross-country ski trails in the winter months. Several softball and soccer fields can be found on the park's outer ring, along with tennis courts. Children love the park for the pool and two playground areas. In the winter, locals like to get outdoors for a game of ice hockey or an afternoon of figure skating.

The Annual BBQ Bash at Bay Park occurs during the summer. Bring the family to watch the celebrity-judged beef and brisket cook-off. After the winners are announced, live bands take the stage at night.

The low cost of living in Outer Central Green Bay compared to the epicenter of Green Bay appeals to many residents. Families in particular enjoy the benefits of the neighborhood coupled with its affordability. It costs $1.50 for a trip via public transportation to the city's business district, and gas prices run 5 percent lower than the national average.

The median rent for a one-bedroom residence costs $555. A beer at a pub typically costs $4, with amazing happy hour specials throughout the week.

A focus on high-value stores make this area an affordable alternative to downtown Green Bay, where prices can be a bit steep. The major shopping area, Bay Park Square Mall, houses chain stores such as Best Buy and Dress Barn. If you're willing to venture off the beaten trail, you'll find gems sprinkled throughout the neighborhood.

Mirage Fashions serves as an inexpensive option for locals to purchase formal wear. From cocktail dresses to men's sports coats, this store helps you prepare for a special occasion in style. Friendly sales associates help customers choose one-of-a-kind outfits, and if you love the look but it doesn't fit perfectly, an on-site tailor can customize the outfit for you.

If you're shopping for little ones, try Polka Dots Children's Store. An outstanding selection of new and gently used clothes await. Most of the fashions are current and in good condition. Local parents like to purchase clothes here, and then re-sell items back to the store when their child outgrows them.

You can find grocery stores such as Aldi and Walmart in the neighborhood, but residents look to independent shops for the best selection. Locals love Mason Brothers' Red Owl for its superior deli selection. Deli salads, fried chicken and fresh-cut meats line the aisles. A full liquor store resides within the store, making shopping convenient for busy families.

The farmers market on Broadway also offers fresh fruit and vegetables. Open June to October, the market has a festive feel, with coffee stands and live music.