Edgewood - Indianapolis, IN

The area north of Southport remained primarily agricultural when the city was established in 1832. It was not until years later that residents of Indianapolis and Southport began populating the small Edgewood neighborhood, forming a tight-knit residential community.

Edgewood may not host any cultural attractions of its own, but residents live just minutes from the rich collection of museums in downtown such as the Indianapolis Museum of Contemporary Art and Indiana State Museum. Locals also head into Southport for annual community events such as a Fourth of July Parade and the popular Southport Street Fair

Drive north along Madison Avenue or south towards Southport to discover one of the most diverse restaurant scenes on Indianapolis' south side. Here you find an abundance of cheap eats with a heavy focus on international cuisine. If you're looking for nightlife, explore the pubs along Madison Avenue, or head downtown for a more eclectic assortment of clubs and lounges.

For some Tex-Mex favorites, head over to Guerreros Mexican Restaurant. You might be tempted to fill up on the fresh chips and salsa, but leave room for a monster-sized pork burrito or chimichanga. If you desire a more authentic Mexican touch, remember to ask for some green salsa. Top off your meal with a cheap bottle of craft beer like Dos Equis Ambar for a dining experience that's sure to keep you coming back for more.

Head down to Southport to check out The Patio, a local eatery serving up fresh gyros at unbeatable prices. This hole-in-the-wall restaurant may not look like much, but dinner specials like fried perch, chicken gyros and the fajita taco salad have made it a favorite among locals. Stop by to sit down for a quick lunch, or order a blackened chicken sandwich to go.

Those who enjoy an active nightlife will relish the numerous choices available to residents here. Surrounded by an incredible selection of taverns and bars like Mikie's Pub or That Place Bar & Grill, the choice becomes more about taste than distance. Jukeboxes may be more common than live music around here, but that doesn't stop locals from dancing the night away while friends shoot pool or watch a game on the TV at one of the neighborhood's many establishments.

Edgewood residents enjoy an easy commute with convenient access to Interstate 65. Take advantage of free parking throughout the neighborhood and along the surrounding streets. Feel free to give Uber or Indianapolis Yellow Cab a call if you need a quick ride into downtown.

If you prefer a more eco-friendly alternative, hop on an IndyGo bus from one of the frequent stops along Madison Avenue, or cruise down the dedicated bike lane along the avenue. Just keep in mind that Edgewood doesn't have a high concentration of nearby amenities, so most locals run their errands by car rather than on foot.

When you want to relax in the sun after a long week at work, take your family to enjoy one of the beautiful public parks that occupy neighboring communities. Get back to nature with a stroll through Gray Park a largely undeveloped green space in Southport with plenty of areas to walk your dog or watch ducks swim by on Little Buck Creek. For more modern recreation options, head over to Perry Park to go skating on the NHL-sized ice rink or cool off in the family-friendly aquatic center. Kids love splashing down the two curving water slides. Keep in mind that some of this park's facilities charge a small fee.

The overall cost of living in Edgewood hangs around the city's average with a one-bedroom apartment renting for an average of $603 per month. If you need to take the bus into downtown Indianapolis, expect to pay around $1.75 for a one-way trip. Gas prices generally hover 13 percent below the national average, and you can get a pint of beer at the local bar for $3 to $4.

Find all your basic amenities scattered along Madison Avenue's humble retail strip. If you're looking for big bargains and specialty stores, drive down Madison into Southport where you can buy a tuxedo, a mountain bike, some new movies and a vintage dresser all in one charming shopping district.

Whether you're on the hunt for some unique decor for your apartment or a cute vintage dress, stop by Southport Antique Mall. Explore a variety of vendor booths selling everything from refurbished furniture and antique dolls to Coke memorabilia and costume jewelry. Prices vary from vendor to vendor with some offering big sales, and the mall's massive size makes for hours of treasure hunting.

If you need a new part for your trusty bike or you're in the market for a new model, stop by Circle City Bicycles and Fitness. Customers who come in with high-end performance bikes, BMX bikes, stylish custom bikes and even bikes from big-box retailers receive the same courteous repair service and attention to detail in a non-discriminating environment.

Edgewood residents head to the local Kroger for their weekly groceries, and you find a nice selection of imported food items at the nearby Zalen Asian Store. For some fresh produce, take a short drive to the Indianapolis City Market in downtown or the Southport Farmers Market.