Glenwood Junction - Minneapolis, MN

The neighborhood was comprised of several farming communities until the early 1950s when developers began to move in. The cultural shift was sudden and swift, and many houses and businesses were constructed.

The proximity of Minneapolis allows locals to experience the arts scene there. However, one neighborhood theater does exist. The Outdoor Theatre in New Hope puts on plays, musicals and movies during summer months. The Robbinsdale History museum, the only one locally, features interesting exhibits, artifacts and photographs from the city's past.

The area has many annual community events. Children love the Barnyard Boogie, a popular dance for tykes. Attached to the barn is a full-size petting zoo. The Good Samaritan society presents an annual spaghetti dinner from which all proceeds fund free neighborhood activities.

The local restaurants include bars, pizza joints, and small eateries sprinkled throughout the neighborhood. The hub, however, spans highway 9. One of the coolest restaurants in the area, Travail Kitchen and Amusements, offers upscale food in a trendy environment. First time visitors should try the $60 10-course option for two. Impeccably plated, the rotating small-plate menu showcases dishes such as squid, rabbit, and pork pate. The creamy beef tartare will melt in your mouth. Save room for dessert, as the establishment offers the best sweets in town. The sinfully good cheesecake leaves you wanting more, and the homemade dippin' dots knocks it out of the park.

For a cheap family-friendly brunch, try Fat Nat's Eggs. The small diner has the best huevos rancheros this side of the border. Topped with carnitas or chorizo and stuffed with salsa, this spicy dish more than satisfies. With its over 10 omelet options, Grandma's Kitchen has choice and tastiness. Stuffed with turkey, broccoli, and cheese and topped with hollandaise sauce, its signature rich breakfast can't miss. Alternatively, build your own omelet with fresh locally grown ingredients.

New Hope Bowl, over 50 years old, hosts hugely popular moonlight bowling on weekend evenings. Participants can compete for cash prizes. The retro-chic alley has cheap rates and a full bar. Grab a bucket of beer and some friends and settle in for the night. A popular venue for birthdays and weddings, the banquet hall is always filled with revelers.

Driving is the most popular way to explore the area. Easily accessible from highways 100 and 169, many attractions are within miles of each other. Businesses provide readily available free parking. Metro Transit, the city's bus line, runs through the heart of the neighborhood. It costs $6 for a round trip to downtown Minneapolis.

Taxis serve the area, but don't expect to hail one from the street. Cabs usually arrive in minutes when you call ahead for one. Uber does not serve this area. Walkers and bikers enjoy this peaceful neighborhood. Bike lanes do not exist here, so stay off the main roadways. Side streets make for a nice ride, however.

Almost every home in this neighborhood is within walking distance of a lovely local park. They are free and almost all provide off street parking. The over 30 parks in the area cater to just about every whim. If you want to exercise, head to Northwood Park. Paved paths are good for biking and rollerblading as well as walking. Over 65 acres, the park is dog-friendly so bring your pooch along. All parks in the vicinity allow leashed dogs. If you want to let your dog off-leash, Basset Creek Park has a large year round dog park. Kid-friendly Kylawn Park has a basketball court, two tennis courts and a playground. Locals like to rent out the picnic shelter for family reunions and even the occasional wedding.

Every summer, the city of Crystal hosts the widely attended Duk Duk Daze festival. Held in mid-July, you cab watch the fireworks on Friday and Saturday nights. Live music is played nightly, and you can compete for cash prizes in various events.

Significantly lower cost of living compared to the city draws recent college graduates and families to this area. Gas is 8 percent lower than the national average. It costs $6 to get to downtown Minneapolis by public transportation and $20 by cab. The average one-bedroom rental goes for $720, a steal for a suburb of a major city. The typical price of a beer at your local watering hole costs about $4. Go during happy hour, and you may be able to quench your thirst for under $3.

The intersection of Bass Lake Road and West Broadway serves as the shopping hub for this community. Several chain stores have locations here, such as the Dress Barn and Payless. However, you can find interesting locally owned shops as well. Down in the Valley, a vintage record shop, sells hard to find vinyl records and vintage rock t-shirts. Locals in the area prefer to hit up a thrift store rather than buy new. At Unique, the area's premier second hand store, you will excellent steals and deals on home accessories and even designer clothes.

If you prefer to shop for food, Almsted's fresh market has a great deli selection. The deli has meat, cheese and a variety of pasta salads. Locals come for the freshly baked chunky cinnamon bread. It's soft and chewy on the inside, and regulars use it to make savory French toast.

The New Hope Community Farmers Market provides a nice alternative to a grocery store. At this open-air market, you will find fresh fruit and vegetables, eggs, jams and other offerings from area vendors.