Devington - Indianapolis, IN

Founded in 1820 by Wesley McCormick, Indianapolis was chosen as the capital of the new state. Throughout the Civil War it was an important base for the Union. Along with the construction of the Madison and Indianapolis Railroad in 1847, the city saw a rise in population and industry that remain to this day. Residents head to the Morris-Butler House Museum on North Park Avenue to learn about late the 1860s and view the Second Empire style architecture and decorations. This historic home conducts annual Christmas candlelight tours and events such as the Alice in Wonderland Tea Party.

Catch a diverse array of art and theater performances in the 1920s Irvington Lodge on East Washington Street. Get into a spooky mood at its annual Halloween Festival. Head to East 67th Street to peruse local arts and crafts at the annual Broad Ripple Art Fair.

Residents of Devington enjoy both international and traditional American cuisine and a few local bars along Pendleton Pike, North Shadeland Avenue and several of the numbered streets. To rev up for the day, grab a cup of coffee and a homemade German pastry from Heidelberg Haus on Pendleton Pike. Sink your teeth into the highly recommended Farmer's sausage and German potato salad, and polish it off with a handful of chocolate rum balls. After eating, pop into the backroom store to grab some authentic German snacks and a well-crafted stein to take home. Mama's House on Pendleton Pike serves the tastiest Korean dishes in town. Take a group for dinner, and order the authentic miso soup, spicy pork saute, and tender Galbi and pork belly. Warm up an evening of fun and your vocal chords at Maru Studio, another Korean spot on Pendleton Pike. This establishment provides a well-stocked bar and multiple karaoke rooms to reserve a group of friends. Customers fill up on squid saute and happy hour Korean sake while belting out their favorite pop tunes. Garrett's Smokehouse Barbeque features sandwiches piled high with meat, selections by the pound and easy menu choices. Pick from beef brisket, pulled pork or pulled chicken for sandwiches. Soup or slaw come with the meal for a little extra. Feed the whole family with a family pack to take home, or get a full slab of ribs to sink your teeth into tasty, juicy barbecue. Locals flock to Dear John's Pub on East 30th Street for the laid-back, warm atmosphere of a neighborhood pub with reasonably priced drinks. On Saturdays, settle into one of the cozy tables and listen to a local band while nursing a cold beer on tap. Head to Birdys on East 71st Street for a livelier nightlife scene and live bands. Dance the night away to well-known touring and local bands with a refreshing craft beer in your hand.

Residents of Devington rely heavily on personal cars to run errands, get to recreational activities and commute to work. Walking and most biking is best saved as a leisurely activity, though a few roads provide bike lanes.

The IndyGo provides public bus routes around the city, with several stops in Devington. Locals hop onto US 52 to Interstate 70 to access downtown and other areas of the city and state. Public parking comes in the form of reasonably priced metered spots and garages or lots in more commercial areas, and free street parking in residential areas.

It's possible on occasion to hail a cab on some numbered streets, but scheduling a taxi from one of the many taxi services proves more reliable. Car sharing companies, such as Zipcar, Uber and RelayRides, service the area

The Devington area holds numerous green parks full of amenities for all ages. Access Fort Harrison State Park on North Port Road for $5 per car or $36 for an annual entry pass. Bikers, joggers, parents with strollers and dog-walkers choose from several paved trails, including the scenic duck pond route. The popular free neighborhood spot, Ellenberger Park on East St. Clair Street, allows children and dogs to play freely over the green expanses. Whether taking the kids to the well-kept playground, walking your dog, playing football or softball or doing laps in the pool, this neighborhood park will help you keep the whole family healthy and happy.

Locals head to Broad Ripple Park for the annual Warm Festival to enjoy beer tents, food trucks, live bands and dance tents, all for a moderate price. The State Fairgrounds sit on nearby East 38th Street where residents check out the annual state fair for fun animal-watching, tasty food, games and agricultural exhibits, all for a reasonable entrance fee.

Devington is known as a highly affordable spot to live, being on par with the average cost of living for Indianapolis, which sits at roughly 12 percent below the national average. Renters pay about $560 per month for a one-bedroom apartment.

Expect to pay between $4 and $5 for a pint of beer at the neighborhood pub. Catching an IndyGo bus into downtown costs $1.75 for a single pass, $20 for a 7-day pass and $60 for a 31-day pass. Gas prices are about 4 percent below the national average.

From the usual chains at Castleton Square Mall on East 82nd Street to a beer and wine hobby shop on East 65th Street, Devington locals find a store to meet every need. After hunting for bargain housewares at Walmart on East 38th Street, venture over to the Stop and Shop Thrift store on Pendleton Pike to find used clothes for all ages. The selection is varied with well organized, carefully selected clothes, shoes and accessories as well as home decor and furniture - all for a reasonable price. Great Fermentations prides itself as one of the most unique specialty shops in the city. Every contraption and tool you need for making your own beer, wine, soda and cheese sit on its shelves. A highly knowledgeable staff, array of home-fermenting books and a choice of educational classes in the store, make this place a local favorite. Budding and seasoned musicians flock to Paige's Music on East 65th Street for a variety of instruments and skilled teachers. If you want unique women's fashion, jewelry and accessories with unbelievably low price tags, browse the racks of Razzle Dazzle Boutique in the Broad Ripple area. Those looking for high-end designer clothes search Niche, also in Broad Ripple, where the fashion savvy staff can help pick a fresh ensemble for your wardrobe. Locals get their weekly grocery shopping done at Kroger on East 71st Street and Marsh Supermarket on Shadeland Avenue. Green BEAN Delivery provides friendly, fast delivery service with fresh, organic meats, produce and artisan products. Grab all the Asian recipe ingredients and hard-to-find international snacks and candies you need at Brothers Oriental Company on Pendleton Pike. Residents crowd the Broad Ripple Farmer's Market on Saturday mornings for local produce and homemade baked goods. For a different selection, browse the produce and meat vendors at Market at Hague on North Hague Road, and use the provided wagons to tote around your purchases with ease.