Mapleton Fall Creek - Indianapolis, IN

Farming families first settled the Mapleton-Fall Creek neighborhood in the mid-19th century. Named for the large grove of sugar maples, this fertile area became a tiny farming village called Mapleton. Weary travelers often used Mapleton's convenient location as a resting point, and in 1860, Indianapolis' street car railways expanded to Crown Hill Cemetery to connect Mapleton to the city.

A general store, post office, stables, school and Sugar Grove Methodist Mission called the area home by 1880, and developers started creating subdivisions south of 30th. Residential housing replaced the rural farmsteads, and the area saw a huge influx of middle-class residents during the 1920s. The neighborhood saw much racial tension during the mid-20th century and middle-class residents moved further north. Unfortunately, both events caused major blows to Mapleton-Fall Creek, but the neighborhood's gentrification slowly continues to change the outlook for this proud community.

The Children's Museum of Indianapolis is located just blocks from Mapleton-Fall Creek on W 30th and Meridian Streets. Admission is free or reduced on some federal holidays and keep an eye out for special events The Indianapolis Museum of Art is less than 3 miles from the neighborhood. Check out the art or explore the 100 Acres, an expansive park with built-in art to play and climb on.

Although primarily residential, Mapleton-Fall Creek houses a handful of restaurants within its borders. Start your day with a hearty breakfast and piping hot cup of coffee at Duos Kitchen on North Meridian Street. Sporting the motto "slow food fast," executive chefs Becky Hostetter and John Garnier serve a seasonal menu focused on local produce. Locals rave about the fresh food and reasonable prices. Order the Lovely Buttermilk Pancakes with pure maple syrup for a filling breakfast that costs less than $3.

Julia's Homestyle sits on the north side of 38th, putting it technically on the other side of the neighborhood. This spot serves up homestyle dinners and Caribbean entrees. The menu changes constantly, giving patrons the opportunity to always try something new. When you want a home-cooked meal but don't want to cook, head over for meatloaf, one of Julia's famous recipes, while Caribbean dishes such as oxtails, curry goat and fried plantains cater to those wanting something different. If fish suits your taste, check out Fish Fry Fridays where each dinner comes with two sides.

Also on 38th Street lies Zheng's Garden, an unassuming spot for highly rated Chinese fare. A lot of food for a small price keeps diners coming back to this small, hole-in-the-wall Chinese spot. The General Tso and crab Rangoon both make it worth the trip. Order take-out as the dining area leaves a little to be desired in terms of space, and make sure you have space in your fridge for leftovers as the restaurant serves hearty portions.

The Mapleton-Fall Creek neighborhood doesn't house any bars, but its central location makes clubbing or bar-hopping easily accessible. Broad Ripple to the north and downtown to the south put residents within 10 minutes of some of the city's most exciting bars and clubs. Just outside the neighborhood's western border lies Melody Inn, a local favorite as far as music bars go. Primarily a punk-themed venue, the Mel hosts Broken Tuesdays, a night to get all your bass, while catering to Indy's punk and hipster crowd with other music performances. Two rooms, friendly bar staff and a nice patio make this place worth it every time you visit.

With some of Indy's most convenient thoroughfares running through the neighborhood, residents of Mapleton-Fall Creek have easy access to interstates, downtown and all of Indy's amenities. Fall Creek Parkway, Meridian St and Central Avenue all serve as connecting streets throughout the city.

Numerous IndyGo bus routes run through and around the neighborhood, giving residents the chance to enjoy public transportation throughout the city and outlying areas. Sidewalks line most of the streets, although calling a cab and setting an appointment for pick-up gives you a safer option for traveling at night.

For cyclists and those who enjoy walking or running, the Monon and Fall Creek Trails offer a long path to enjoy the outdoors while connecting non-drivers to other parts of the city safely.

A handful of parks scatter throughout Mapleton-Fall Creek, including the Watson Road Bird Preserve which serves as an important habitat for birds, butterflies and other wildlife. Tall trees and large grassy spaces define this 4-acre park, one of Indy Parks' smallest sites. It sits along the Indy Birding Trail, giving birders and wildlife enthusiasts a space to enjoy the urban wildlife within the city. Bird walks take place Sundays at 3 p.m., although the park is free of admission every day.

McCord Park and Al E. Polin Park also call the neighborhood home. McCord Park houses a large sundial along one of the walking paths, together with numerous benches and serene greenscapes. Residents take pride in the small, free parks throughout the community, and these maintained park areas serve as event locations and recreational facilities for the residents of Mapleton-Fall Creek. The Monon and Fall Creek Trails offer park-like areas and recreational facilities to walk your pooch, go for a jog or bike for an energizing workout in nature.

The cost of living in Mapleton-Fall Creek stays on par with the city. Rentals in the area range from historic buildings that once housed luxury apartments to apartments within multi-family homes. One-bedroom apartments start under $400 per month, making Mapleton-Fall Creek an affordable neighborhood for residents.

IndyGo single rides cost $1.75, putting you within walking distance of numerous Indianapolis amenities; a day pass runs $4. If going out strikes your interest, expect to pay anywhere from $2.50 to $7 for a pint, depending on your beer of choice for the night. Gas prices hover about 5 percent less than the national average.

The neighborhood offers numerous shops to make everyday essentials easily accessible to residents. Although several chains are located in the neighborhood, particularly along 38th Street, most locally owned shops and boutiques sit outside the boundaries of Mapleton-Fall Creek. Freewheelin' Community Bikes, located at 34th St and Central Avenue, is a non-profit that provides the community with used bikes and repairs, ensuring you'll always have wheels to get you around the city. Family Dollar and Dollar Tree serve as the neighborhood's only true choices for a full week's groceries, although the surrounding area houses a variety of grocers and specialty shops to suit every taste. The 38th & Meridian Farmers' Market connects local producers to the neighborhood throughout the growing season. Produce, meats, cheeses, fresh-baked goods and crafts all line the booths of this busy city market.