Elliot Park Minneapolis, MN

Founded in 1856 and developed near the banks of the Mississippi River, the Elliot Park neighborhood was initially home to many Swedish immigrants. Soon after establishment, the neighborhood grew rapidly in number of parks and homes. Eventually, the area became home to the prestigious North Central University.

The Weisman Art Museum houses a permanent art collection that includes public artwork. The museum offers group tours and educational experiences for students. It also hosts a number of events for members throughout the year.

From traditional American food to ethnic cuisine, the Elliot Park neighborhood houses a slew of places to satisfy any craving you have. For an upscale dining experience, try 112 Eatery. Open your palate with the complementary spicy peanuts followed by the lobster-stuffed chicken breast. Accent your entree with the flavorful Brussels sprouts and butternut squash, and top it all off with the maple-pecan madeleines. Delivering food worth every penny, this restaurant features an award-winning chef.

For delectable eats in a rustic atmosphere, locals go to Zelo on Nicollet Mall. Regulars highly recommend the Parmesan-crusted shrimp and lasagna. With a lively crowd during peak evening hours, this restaurant exudes an energetic vibe. Wash down your meal with a glass of wine, and finish it off with the flourless chocolate cake recommended by diners who prefer their desserts sans gluten.

Sakura Restaurant and Sushi Bar serves fresh sushi as well as other tasty fare. Choose from the restaurant's full wine and sake menu to complement your meal. Locals adore the spicy crab-and-asparagus roll and the chicken katsu – fried chicken on a bed of cabbage served with soup, salad and rice. Complete your meal with a taste of zipang sparkling sake.

Let loose after a long week at Honey. In an energetic and social atmosphere, this place plays live music and sports a full bar. Sit back and sip on a signature cocktail, or get down and boogie on the dance floor. This establishment also has a food menu in case your tummy starts to grumble while you party.

Most locals get around by car in this neighborhood. Interstate 394, 494 and 694 are all readily accessible, making commuting easy and convenient. Parking structures along South 4th Street and North 9th Street provide drivers with affordable parking. Garage rates vary based on location and events happening in the area but range between $3 and $13. Drivers appreciate the monthly parking pass option. Over 7,000 parking meters in the area allow drivers to park along the streets for a minimal fee.

Though it's fairly easy to hail a cab in downtown Minneapolis and St. Paul, residents of Elliot Park find calling and scheduling a pickup to be more efficient. Uber does service this area if you prefer to use your smartphone app. Elliot Park proves safe and walkable, and it also has over 15 scenic bike trails. Weather permitting, you can opt to ride your bike to work.

If you seek public transportation, take a ride on Metro Transit. This public system provides affordable and convenient bus service in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area. The buses can transport you to many destinations, including Calhoun Beach and the Art Institute of Minnesota.

Elliot Park serves as the beating heart of the neighborhood. With a baseball field, basketball court, picnic area, walking path, skating areas, wading pool and tennis court, the park provides visitors with endless year-round fun.

The neighborhood has several off-leash dog parks, including Loring Park Dog Park and Franklin Terrace Dog Park. Access to the dog parks does require a permit. Throughout the summer months of every year, Father Hennapin Bluffs Park hosts movies and music in the park for free.

The cost of living in the Elliot Park neighborhood is 2.4 percent less than the Minneapolis average and 0.9 percent less than the St. Paul average. For an individual to travel to the city center via public transportation, it costs $1.75 one way. Rent rates come in at around $839 a month for a one-bedroom apartment.

Expect to pay around $3 for a beer at a local pub. Keep in mind that most local bars host happy hour specials, which can make entertaining your out-of-town guests a piece of cake. Gas prices run about 5 percent higher than the national average.

Residents of Elliot Park shop at Calhoun Square, an indoor shopping center that houses both local vendors and national retailers, including H&M and Timberland. The mall also has a selection of restaurants and cafes, such as Dogwood Coffee and Sushi Tango. This shopping center hosts events throughout the year, as well.

Lily and Violet Boutique rates highly on shoppers' lists as an elegant boutique that carries beautiful clothing, accessories and handbags. Whether you seek a classy dress or casual sweater, you can find it here. This boutique sells items for reasonable prices without sacrificing quality. For more of an urban, hipster-style approach to clothing, check out Parc Boutique. Aside from garments and accessories, this shop sells small goods such as magazines and body oils. For convenience, the boutique also allows shoppers to order online.

Pick up fresh fruits, veggies and other local goods from vendors at the Minneapolis Farmers Market on East Lyndale Avenue, but be sure and check the schedule before heading out – hours are limited, and days and times change throughout the year.