Meridian Kessler - Indianapolis, IN

The city's most affluent residents built their homes along Meridian and surrounding streets north of Maple Road, now 38th St. During the 1920s, this area was among the most prestigious neighborhoods in all of Indianapolis, and remained primarily open farmland around these large mansions and estates.

The surrounding area offers exciting shows and the Indianapolis Museum of Art lies just west of this neighborhood. Meridian Kessler's proximity to downtown Indianapolis provides residents with easy access to Indy's strong showing of museums, cultural attractions, and event centers.

The neighborhood is full of quirky cafes, exciting restaurants, and pubs, giving residents of this affluent neighborhood an extensive list of choices on any given night. College Avenue serves as the central restaurant hub, although venues scatter across the area.

Moe & Johnny's has a menu sure to please. Check out their light, non-filling appetizers with distinctive and intense flavors. Everyone in your group can find something to suit their individual tastes, from naan flatbread sandwiches, specialty sandwiches, specialty pizzas, homemade soups, burgers, and chicken. Signature dishes include the Mean Mac and Cheese with cheddar, gorgonzola, chicken breast, and a "tasty dose" of hot chili sauce. This local favorite also features a well-stocked bar and a coffee shop.

Ask anyone in Indy where to get the best Cajun/Creole, and you'll get a unanimous vote for Yats. This local New Orleans-esque food joint began at their 54th and College location, right in Meridian Kessler. Although they now have a small chain of restaurants in the city and surrounding area, Indianapolis and Yats can't be separated. Beans, rice, and flavorful sauces make up just about everything on the menu, from gumbos to etouffees to jambalayas. Walk in and order what suits your fancy, and then dress it up with their impressive selection of hot sauces, chili pastes, and spices. Try the vegan white chili to send your taste buds into a frenzy.

If you crave something more inventive, Recess should rank high on your list. The "ultimate culinary playground," this chef-owned gem creates four-course, prix fixe dinners from scratch with local and regional in-season ingredients. The menu changes constantly, so you are always surprised but never disappointed. Fresh burgers, a la carte tacos, regionally caught fish, pates, and more find their ways onto the menu, giving you the chance to try chef creations at a local spot.

Although Meridian Kessler lies just south of Broad Ripple, Indy's club neighborhood, the bars in this area give off a classy feel while still showing patrons a great time. Twenty Tap, for example, lets you choose from 38 different craft beers on tap. Upland Brewing Company on College Avenue serves as the spot in the neighborhood to enjoy a local pint and refill your growlers. The Jazz Kitchen lets diners enjoy live jazz while sampling an extensive menu of drinks and food.

Transportation throughout the neighborhood includes easy interstate access. Interstate 65 northbound has an exit west of the neighborhood on 38th Street and Binford Boulevard, just east of the neighborhood, becomes Interstate 69 north of 75th St. Numerous connecting roads put residents on I-465.

Convenient access to major thoroughfares through the city and IndyGo give residents numerous intracity options. IndyGo has many bus stops throughout Meridian Kessler, connecting residents to Indianapolis's large metropolitan area.

Sidewalks line the streets of Meridian Kessler, and many residents and visitors enjoy walking through this historic neighborhood. Cyclists use the roads throughout the neighborhood, although some have only limited bike lanes. Rather hail a cab? No problem. Indy's many taxi companies serve the area, as does Uber, allowing you to arrive safely to your destination and back home.

Gracious green spaces flow through Meridian Kessler to provide residents with ample opportunity to enjoy the fresh air. The eastern border of the neighborhood, the Monon Trail, serves as a linear recreational park. The Monon gives cyclists, joggers, and families a safe path to connect to various places throughout Indianapolis and beyond. Widely used by fitness enthusiasts, the Monon Trail measures 10.4 miles from 10th Street to 96th Street, where it continues as the Monon Greenway. Numerous other paths and greenways connect to it, making this an ideal trail for getting out and about. Bring your pooch on a leash, too, to enjoy the scenery along this popular Indy trail.

The Meridian Kessler Neighborhood Association has a volunteer body that provides a number of summer youth programs for the younger residents of the area. A handful of parks lie around Meridian Kessler, including Canterbury Park, which sits just on the eastern edge.

The cost of living in Meridian Kessler rests above that of most of Indianapolis; a one-bedroom apartment in Meridian Kessler will typically cost from $850 per month to over $1,000. Despite the higher cost of living, Meridian Kessler's amenities stay affordable for residents.

A day pass for IndyGo costs only $4 while a single ride costs $1.75. A pint at your favorite pub or bar varies in price, ranging from $2 to over $6. Gas prices for most of Indianapolis stay on par with the national average, generally only above or below by one percent.

College Avenue owns the neighborhood's shopping choices, although a scattering of stores lie throughout the neighborhood. From art to bicycle shops, record stores to garden shops, Meridian Kessler has it all.

If vinyl piques your interest, stop by Luna Music, one of Indy's favorite record stores. Luna stocks vinyl and other music-lover's items in their small store on College Avenue. Whether you want to shop for yourself or need a gift for the music lover in your life, Luna has you covered with hard-to-find treasures.

One of the neighborhood's gems is Agrarian, an urban homestead and supply store. This local boutique strives to offer Indy residents the best resources for urban homesteading, including supplies for rain-water harvesting, vermi-composting, cheese making, bee keeping, chicken keeping, gardening, soap making, and many other interests for those who enjoy self-sustainability. Mostly chain grocers serve the neighborhood, including the Fresh Market, which boasts fresh, natural food items. Nicole-Taylor's Pasta & Market serves a different niche; this specialty store offers 22 kinds of egg-free pastas, cheeses, mushrooms, and specialty baked goods. The owners participate in local and regional farmers' markets.

The 38th & Meridian Streets Farmers' Market brings vendors and customers together. Fresh produce, baked goods, honey, fresh meats and more find their way into the market for the benefit of Indianapolis's shoppers.