Griffith, IN

Griffith, Indiana began as one of the busiest railroad crossings in the country at the end of the 19th century, with original farmers making way for residents flocking to the stable railroad industry, Gary's steel factories and the many industrial opportunities located in Chicago. Over the years, Griffith slowly grew, maintaining steady growth even during the Great Depression, and becoming a haven for those who worked in the surrounding cities of Gary and Chicago.

Head to the city's Griffith Historical Park and Museum, located on South Broad Street, to immerse yourself in the neighborhood's interesting railroad history. Additionally, visit Central Park to take in the impressive profile of an actual WWII tank, which has sat guard over the War Memorial since 1958.

While small and quiet, Griffith has its fair share of local eateries that residents flock to, covering everything from Chinese and Italian cuisine to Mexican and American fare. Most of the eateries are located on or near Broad Street and Main Street, the main through streets.

Get your quick kickstart before you morning commute with a cup of java from Grindhouse Cafe. Locals love the large variety of roasts, and you can even order a relaxing chai tea on your way home. Open daily from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., the cafe features a daily menu board with must-try sandwiches.

Enjoy a thick slice of traditional Chicago-style pizza at Aurelios Pizza. Featuring a dining room that brings back memories of traditional Italian pizzerias, this family restaurant has been serving up hot pies since 1959. Choose to dine in, or pick up a couple of pizzas for a quick weeknight dinner.

Mix dinner out with a fun night spent with friends and neighbors at Bridges' Scoreboard Restaurant and Bar . The neighborhood hot spot for sports fans, Bridges features 28 HDTVs so that you can catch the latest Bears or Colts kick-off. The menu features everything from appetizers and sandwiches to full meals, and you can wash it all down with Budweiser or indulge in a craft brew. Weekend nights here often feature live bands for your enjoyment.

Not known for its nightlife, Griffith does offer a few small bars and clubs to while away an evening. Grab a few friends, and head out to Set 'Em Up Lanes on N. Broad Street. Order up a round of margaritas, and bowl a few games of the Midwest's favorite pastime.

The majority of Griffith residents use personal vehicles to get around town, although Gary Public Transit Authority bus lines do serve the area, and the South Shore Line of the NICTD picks up in neighboring East Chicago. You won't find typical taxi service in this small community, although you can schedule a pickup, and Uber offers service in the area as well. Extremely walkable, the neighborhood does not feature designated biking lanes, but plenty of parks offer trails and sidewalks abound.

The neighborhood offers six parks for relaxation and recreation, with all of them free to enter. Central Park reigns popular among locals and houses the War Memorial and historic tank. Rent the pavilion for your next celebration, and don't forget to browse the annual Fall Harvest Craft Festival put on by the local Boy Scouts.

Take your tiniest toddlers to the aptly named Tot Park so that they can play like the big kids on playground equipment designed just for them. Bigger kids frequent the basketball court there.

While Griffith doesn't have its own dog park, nearby Highland offers Wicker Memorial Dog Park for your furry friends to enjoy. Fenced areas are made for raucous off-leash play.

The cost of living in Griffith sits 13.5 percent higher than the Indiana average but lower than both Chicago and the national average. The median rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Griffith costs approximately $625, while gas will cost you 8.6 percent more than the national average.

Grab a beer at a local dive bar for an incredibly low $2, or enjoy a craft brew for a bit more at $5. Public transportation will set you back $1.60 for local trips and $2.25 for regional travel, with discounts offered for seniors and students. Children under 4 ride free.

While you won't find major malls in Griffith, Southlake Mall welcomes shoppers in nearby Merrillville, 10 miles away. Find bargains at anchor store Kohl's, or get the latest trends from Abercrombie and American Eagle. In Griffith, Broad Street and downtown Griffith house many interesting and eclectic shops.

Get your groove on, and grab some beloved vinyl from your past at S&J Stereo. Browse the racks here for 70s rock while catching flack for your tastes from the store's long-time owner. Not known for being dust-free, this fun shop really takes you back.

When looking for something truly eclectic and all natural to catch attention in your home, just head through the doors of American Natural Resources , and delight in a selection of handmade furnishings from wood, antlers and other resources. Whether you look for lighting or seating, you'll find something to fit your offbeat aesthetic.

Find basic groceries at Strack & Van Til, Fresh Mart or Meijer. For a more local experience, head to the Griffith Central Market every Friday from 3 to 8 p.m. from May through September. Pick up specialty foods, artwork from around the Midwest, and handmade articles while you relax with your neighbors and listen to local musicians play. An event known throughout the South Shore region, sellers come from as far away as Michigan to display their wares.