Klondike - Louisville, KY

Native Americans passed through the fields of Klondike for more than 1,000 years before settlers arrived. After the Beaver Wars reorganized the local native population, local tribes left the area, using it only for hunting. European settlers moved in during the mid 1700s and eventually cleared the land for farming. The end of World War II set off a rush of development in outer Louisville, and most of Klondike's residential structures were built in the 1950s and later.

Although Klondike does not have an arts scene, residents live just minutes from the Farmington Historic Home museum, the Walden Theatre and the Louisville Palace Theatre. With a 30-minute drive, Klondike locals can visit Louisville's many festivals, including the Kentucky Derby Festival and the Forecastle Festival.

One or two restaurants sit near the boundaries of Klondike, and numerous other gather just a short drive to the west. Most eateries serve Asian, Middle Eastern, European and Southern food, ensuring that you can find something to suit any mood.

The chicken shawarma plate at Alwatan Restaurant, which comes with warm, house-made flatbread and a dollop of creamy hummus, has its own small following in Klondike. The restaurant also serves other Mediterranean mainstays, including gyros and falafel. Don't bother making a reservation — simply walk up to the counter to order and enjoy the low-key ambiance.

When you need the comfort of a true Southern feast, pop over to Dasha Barbours Southern Bistro in Buechel. Start with an order of fried green tomatoes before moving on to a main of fried chicken and coleslaw made with homemade mayonnaise. Local diners love the inexpensive prices and the friendly service from the husband-and-wife owners.

Also in Buechel, the casual Angio's Italian Restaurant serves a variety of specialty pizzas in an amicable atmosphere. Try the barbecue chicken pizza or build your own from the wide variety of toppings. On Wednesdays, stop in for cheap drink specials.

Nightlife in Klondike is virtually nonexistent, but you can find a few bars within a few miles of the neighborhood. Enjoy the mixed drinks at Hikes Point Bar and Lounge on Taylorsville Road, or play a round of darts while you watch the big game at Jock's Sports Bar and Grill. Although Klondike does not have any live music venues, locals love Jock's for its DJ nights, poker tournaments and karaoke.

Given Klondike's distance from local businesses, most locals rely heavily on their cars for daily transportation. The neighborhood's sidewalks make for convenient recreational walking, and the wide streets provide safe biking despite the lack of bike lanes. If you need a cab, don't plan on hailing one from the street — call a local company well in advance. Alternatively, find a ride from an Uber driver using the company's app. A less-convenient option is the TARC bus line 23, which stops along the northern edge of the neighborhood.

Free street parking spots abound in Klondike, and the wide streets enhance safety. Just a couple of miles away, Interstates 264 and 64 connect you to any part of the city.

Klondike has two free parks within its boundaries: Pee Wee Park and Klondike Park. The tiny and aptly named Pee Wee Park features a small picnic area and a grill for residents' use. Families that live nearby often pop in to use the small playground. At Klondike Park, community sports teams use the ballfield and neighborhood kids play on the playground. The park also features a picnic shelter and tennis courts. Feel free to bring your dog to the parks, but prepare to keep your pet on a leash.

If you're looking for a larger space to enjoy the outdoors, check out Buechel Park, which sits just south of Klondike. The 16-acre park brings in local exercisers, who come to run or walk on the paved path and work on their swing on the cricket pitch. Enjoy a game on the tennis courts or basketball courts, and bring the kids to the updated playground. A short drive north, Cherokee Park hosts the annual Big Rock Jazz & Blues Fest.

Residents in Klondike enjoy the same low cost of living as the Louisville average. Both areas have costs that sit below the national average. As you budget for housing expenses, plan for an average rental rate of $620 for a single-bedroom unit.

A pint of beer rarely goes for more than $5, and a bus ride into downtown Louisville sits at $1.75. Gas prices in Klondike hover approximately 9 percent below than the national average

Residents of Klondike must leave the neighborhood to find shopping options. Fortunately, a small collection of shops exists just to the north, at the intersection of Hikes Lane and Taylorsville Road. Local shoppers can choose from major chains, including T.J. Maxx and Walgreens. Head closer to downtown Louisville for high-end shopping.

Pick up a vintage hat or tea set at Derby City Antique Mall on Bardstown Road, which takes up an old school building. Allow plenty of time to browse through all three floors, and stop by the cafe for a boost of caffeine.

Hobbyists shouldn't miss the well-stocked shelves at Scale Reproductions Hobby Shop. The store carries everything you need to get started with remote-controlled land, air and sea scale vehicles.

If you want to maintain your style on a budget, Clothes Mentor can help. This thrift store buys and sells gently used clothing, specializing in on-trend items. Local shoppers love the intuitive layout and neat organization.

Just a short distance from Klondike, Kroger and a Price Less Foods keep residents' cupboards full. Local foodies can experiment with exotic cuisine by picking up Russian staples at the Golden Key International Grocery store or Darou Salam for Middle Eastern supplies and fresh cuts of locally grown meat. Turn vegetable shopping into a party with a trip to the lively Douglass Loop Farmers Market.