Greater Grand Crossing - Chicago, IL

Greater Grand Crossing was born in humble circumstances – an intersection between Chicago's two dominant train lines. Because of the area's easy access to railways, developers believed it would be an ideal place for a residential development. The area served as a home to immigrant workers during the Chicago World's Fair of 1893.

Visitors encounter an important piece of American history in the majestic Oak Woods Cemetery. The cemetery contains the Confederate Mound, which historians regard as the largest mass grave in the Western Hemisphere. Six thousand Confederate soldiers rest under the Mound, and the monument is engraved with more than four thousand names.

Don't come to Greater Grand Crossing in your search for fine dining - come for some of the best barbecue in Chicago. Before you arrive at Lem's BBQ House, you smell the clouds of hickory smoke that envelop the tiny building. On hot summer days, the wind carries the scent for several blocks, whetting the appetite of the entire neighborhood. Once you reach the front of the long line, order the rib tips. The tender, juicy meat with a rich smoke crust lets the sauce play the star as Lem's hot and tangy sauce features just enough brown sugar for sweetness. Based on vinegar rather than tomato sauce, this sauce lacks the sometimes overwhelming sweetness of concoctions found on grocery store shelves. When you inevitably return to purchase a bottle from this establishment, get the big one.

In a description of soul food, you rarely see the word "vegetarian," but Soul Vegetarian has made a business out of this unconventional marriage. Vegetarians and meat eaters alike appreciate the authentic flavors that capture the essence of soul food. Take a bite of collard greens and find yourself searching for a ham hock or bacon or something that creates the smoky pork flavor. It can only be magic because Soul Vegetarian forgoes the use of any animal products. Fluffy cornbread accompanies the greens, providing the perfect way to soak up the flavorful "pot liquor" liquid from the stewed greens. Come prepared to wait as this restaurant attracts visitors from the neighborhood and the most distant suburbs.

For the best brunch in the neighborhood and a taste of the American South, stop by 5 Loaves Eatery. A cheerful color scheme and modern artwork make this family-owned diner shine in an otherwise gritty area. Satisfy your sweet tooth with the French toast. Fluffy and golden brown, it comes topped with whatever fresh fruits arrived that morning. For a savory treat, try the blackened tilapia salad. Bold Cajun spices cool down on a bed of salad greens and light vinaigrette. Make sure to order a jug of Southern-style sweet tea for your entire table.

For nightlife, Greater Grand Crossing locals leave their own neighborhood and head to nearby Hyde Park. There, the University of Chicago Pub features big screen TVs for watching the game, karaoke contests and trivia nights. Priced to accommodate students, the affordable pub draws people of all ages.

If you want to spend the evening dancing, head to Club Escape. This venue sits in nearby South Shore and frequently hosts DJ's and live music. Overall, Greater Grand Crossing doesn't provide many opportunities for night-time entertainment. Trendier neighborhoods such as Hyde Park and South Shore feature a vibrant nightlife you can easily reach by bus, train or car.

In this neighborhood cars are luxuries rather than necessities. On streets without parking, cars may even be considered a nuisance. Public transportation is cheap, reliable and, at times, the fastest way to travel within the city.

Cyclists rarely appear on the streets due to a lack of bike lanes and dangerous traffic conditions. Residents who ride for recreational purposes either drive or take public transportation to the lakeshore's beautiful bike paths. Bicycles may be carried on both buses and trains.

CTA bus lines crisscross the entire city, stopping every few blocks. A trip anywhere in the city costs a mere $2.25, making buses the most economical way to travel.

Chicago's famous elevated trains are faster than buses and stop at numerous stations throughout the city. The Red Line stops at 69th street and takes you anywhere for $5.

Although this neighborhood is within Uber's service area, it is not a viable option for transportation. Taxis frequently pass through the area but remain the most expensive choice for traveling across the city.

Both Chicago O'Hare International Airport and Chicago Midway International Airport are easily accessed by train and bus. Both airports charge high prices for parking, so avoid driving whenever possible.

Grand Crossing Park is 17 acres of wooded fields, playgrounds and gymnasiums. Visitors first notice the large fieldhouse built in the neoclassical style. With its marble columns and grand staircase, it stands as another example of Chicago's impressive architecture. The park provides a wide array of activities and amenities free to residents. Play basketball either indoors or outdoors, or escape the oppressive summer heat in the sizable outdoor pool. A shady path provides a place to walk or run, and picnic areas await hungry visitors. Dogs are welcome in the park, but must be leashed. If athletic pursuits lack appeal, the park offers a well-equipped wood shop for indulging your creative side.

Greater Grand Crossing delivers some of the lowest rental rates, with one-bedroom apartments priced at around $500 a month. Low housing costs do not translate to an overall low cost of living. Gas prices in this region of Chicago are very high – a staggering 30 percent higher than the national average. In contrast to gas prices, a beer will only set you back $3 to $4.

This neighborhood will never be considered a shopper's paradise, but it does provide residents with all the basics. Jewel-Osco and Aldi's all offer convenient locations for daily grocery shopping, while several hardware stores ensure you never lack hammers and nails. A short trip east brings you to the well-known big-box stores and discount stores, such as Burlington Coat Factory.

While this area does not host its own farmers' market, the Hyde Park Farmers' Market lies within a reasonable distance. Also called the Chicago Hyde Park Farmers' Market, this outdoor venue is the perfect place to pick up organic veggies or artisan goods.

While boutiques and specialty stores are not common throughout the neighborhood, they can be accessed in nearby neighborhoods. Maxine's Boutique, located just a couple of miles from this neighborhood between Cornell Ave and Stony Island Ave, has been serving fashion lovers since 1973. It helps its shoppers live, feel and dress well with its fabulous assortment of clothes, shoes and accessories.

Locals craving an assortment of independently owned shops and upscale grocery stores need to leave the neighborhood and head north.