Evansville West Side - Evansville, IN

The city of Evansville sits on ancient Native American sites dating as far back as 900 A.D. They resided in the area between 1400 and 1450 until Europeans appeared in the area soon thereafter. Since then, the area has welcomed more people and developed into an influential commercial town.

Museums found closer to the city center provide residents of Evansville West Side with the opportunity to learn more about the history of their community. The Reitz Home Museum showcases Victorian architecture and details dating back to the late 1800s. Other museums nearby include the Evansville Museum of Arts, History and Science and the Angel Mounds State Historic Site, which features art exhibits, music, excavation findings and educational lectures.

The community hosts several events throughout the year. The Mardi Gras Franklin Crawl takes place on Franklin Street. Victory Theatre, the Old National Events Plaza, and the Ford Center all feature concerts and other forms of entertainment.

Along the Ohio River Scenic Byway, a variety of ethnic restaurants intertwine with American diners. This assortment of eateries sits within walking distance of the Evansville West Side neighborhood.

For traditional American comfort food, check out The Cross Eyed Cricket, a family restaurant with a ton of monthly specials and affordable menu options. The diner, which nestles on the West Lloyd Expressway, has a homespun look and feel. Sit down in the large dining area to order fried chicken, green beans, mashed potatoes and biscuits. The menu also features classic breakfast dishes with pancakes and eggs, which the restaurant serves all day. Dine in on Sundays to get a free slice of your favorite pie.

Turoni’s Pizzery and Brewery serves guests some of the best pizza around town. Located on North Main Street, this rustic bar and grill provides a full menu with over 15 specialty pizzas, salads, sandwiches, and more. The kids' menu has cheap options that include a simple yet classic peanut butter and grape jelly sandwich, while adults can select from the menu or opt for the daily special. Check out the impressive list of cheap beer and fine wines at the brewery while you wait for your meal.

Buffalo Wild Wings and other mainstream pubs exist right outside your door, but for even more thrills, head 14 minutes east to the downtown area of Evansville. Here you can find many dance clubs, pubs and other late-night facilities.

Lamasco Bar and Grill on West Franklin Street has a large seating area with dark walls full of vintage signage and framed photographs. The bar serves $8 pitchers of well drinks and often has live musical performances. Many college students in the area think of Lamasco as their central hub since it offers the best of both a nightclub and a bar.

Major highways and roads go through the Evansville West Side neighborhood, so getting downtown proves an easy task. The majority of residents rely on their personal vehicles to commute in and around the area. Sidewalks enable locals to travel by foot, but heavy traffic makes traveling by bicycle possible, but not necessarily safe.

Limited public transportation options exist in Evansville West Side, and Uber does not yet service the area. However, the Metropolitan Evansville Transit System allows residents to explore Evansville when they cannot walk or use their own vehicle. You can easily find public parking situated throughout the city, and most of these lots do not charge you to park your vehicle.

Historical parks and small playgrounds reside throughout Evansville. For free fun outdoors, go to Eagle Slough, where naturalists have identified over 100 bird species in the 127 acres of natural environment. Two tracts of land provide hiking trails through the woods. If you plan to visit with little ones, bring water bottles and supplies. Dog lovers will not find open dog parks in the community, but the public parks in the area welcome dogs on leashes.

Living in Evansville West Side presents reasonably priced rental options. The average one-bedroom rental averages around $491 a month, which makes it easier for the college students in the area to reside by the campus. The cost of living in the neighborhood falls just below the cost to live in the center of Evansville.

Fuel costs in the area average about 1 percent higher than the national average for gas prices, or you can take the METS for just $1 per token. If you need a cold pint of beer after a long day, expect to pay about $3 per glass. An average meal from a local restaurant costs about $10.

Home Depot, Target, and other mainstream chain stores do business near the neighborhood. As you get closer to downtown, you find more specialty shops, thrift stores, and boutiques. Schon Boutique, a women’s fashion shop, has jewelry, beauty products, and clothing. The cute boutique with artisan rugs and exposed brick provides a friendly atmosphere to find your next outfit.

The Walmart Supercenter and Schnucks Evansville West meet residents' grocery needs. Ethnic markets and stores selling locally grown produce serve the center of Evansville. The Aihua International Market on North Green River stocks fresh, exotic fruits and foods. A café in the market serves traditional Asian cuisine.