Meridian Township/Okemos Okemos, MI

The first pioneers to settle the area now known as Meridian Township arrived in 1836. Throughout the mid to late 1800s, the area served as a trading post along Grand River. Although much has changed since then, the township maintains a small-town feel and holds on to its rich heritage.

For a walk through time, visit Meridian Historic Park in Central Park to stroll through six restored buildings from the 1800s. If you want a taste of community culture, take part in annual events like the Meridian Township Polar Bear 5K Run and Christmas in the Village.

Meridian Township's suburban setting, university community and diverse population create a unique dining scene with equal parts cultural appeal and small-town charm. Head to the mall area to find modern sushi joints alongside Thai restaurants and authentic Indian eateries, or enjoy gourmet cuisine at one of the trendy fine-dining restaurants.

Don't let Sree Chillas Indian Kitchen's locale in a mall food court fool you; locals agree that this place cooks up some of the best Indian curry in town. Choose from a long list of authentic, meat-based dishes or vegetables with rice, and be sure to top off your meal with a smooth mango lassi. If you're new to Indian cuisine, take advantage of the free samples to find what you like.

For a special night out, enjoy some gourmet tapas at Red Haven. Order an assortment of adventurous culinary creations that appeal to the localvore in you, from brined pork with caramelized onions and yams to a root beer sweet potato cake. Go with friends to order an assortment of dishes and get a small taste of everything.

For a trendier atmosphere, head to Maru Sushi in Okemos to dine on the best white tuna sashimi around. University students come here to hang with their friends while snacking on authentic rolls. Try the seven fish sashimi salad for a unique twist on a classic favorite, and don't forget to have the green tea ice cream for dessert. Most locals head into downtown Lansing for an exciting nightlife scene and live music, but Meridian Township has a small collection of bars for a laid-back drink with the neighbors. Many residents head to Vine and Brew to pick up some unique beverages to have at home or take to a house party. Find craft drinks such as banana bread beer and pumpkin cider, and make your own six-pack for more variety.

Commute to work in downtown Lansing with easy access to Interstate 96 and Interstate 69. When you're running errands, enjoy plenty of free parking even in the mall area. For a quick ride to the airport, ditch the car and call Haslett Okemos Taxi or a ride-share service such as Uber.

Hop on the bus at one of many stops serviced by the Capital Area Transportation Authority for a quick ride to the university or downtown Lansing. If you prefer to navigate by bike or on foot, take advantage of the township's bike path system with more than 73 miles of paved or concrete pathways. Although the area remains pedestrian-friendly, most errands still require a car due to the region's scattered layout.

When you want to kick back on your day off, take advantage of Meridian Township's more than 900 acres of parkland spread out across more than 25 public parks and nature areas. For a day out with the family, take a jet ski or speedboat onto Lake Lansing, the largest lake within 25 miles of Lansing. Head to Central Park to take your morning jog along paved trails with beautiful landscaping, or let your kids try their luck in the fishing pond. This park offers more than 188 green acres, making it the perfect place to run your lovable pooch on his leash.

Enjoy a warm summer day at Lake Lansing Park South where locals come to sunbathe on the beach, rent a boat or let their kids climb on the playground. Also check out the fishing dock and summer snack bar. Pay a small parking fee when you arrive, and keep in mind that the park doesn't allow dogs.

Residents of Meridian Township enjoy a cost of living that falls below average for the Lansing area thanks to its suburban location. If you choose to rent, expect to pay around $679 for a one-bedroom apartment. Taking the bus into central Lansing only costs around $1.25, and gas prices generally hover 12 percent below the national average. When you go out for a drink, expect to pay around $4 to $5 for your favorite draft at the local bars.

Meridian Township enchants residents with its boutiques, used book stores, shoe shops and thrift stores that reflect a sense of community spirit. Stop into Meridian Mall for department stores and high-end fashion mainstays, or explore the cute shops dotting the surrounding area to find that perfect gift.

Whether you need a new pair of running shoes, some casual flats or an athletic t-shirt, stop by Playmakers for a selection and footwear quality that rival those of any chain footwear store. Check out the model train track on a landscaped fountain before browsing top brands such as Toms, Patagonia and North Face at competitive prices. Stop by during the summer to check out Playmakers' big sidewalk sale.

Head to Schuler Books to sip on a latte from the cafe while perusing a vast selection of books and music spanning every genre. Pick up some back-to-school books for your little ones, or check out the used-books section for some cheap reads.

Stop by Retail Therapy for trendy fashions that appeal to fashion-conscious women of all ages. Pick up a cute handbag or winter scarf for someone you love, and receive custom gift wrapping, or grab a floral-print bohemian blouse for yourself. With staff members that do their best to make you feel beautiful, every shopping experience becomes a retail therapy session.

For your weekly groceries, forgo the community's large selection of chain markets to buy local goods. Head to Foods for Living for a selection of organic and vegetarian food items, or stop by Oriental Mart for Chinese noodles and spices. Check out the Meridian Township Farmers Market during the summer, and walk through the Meridian Township Winter Farmers Market in the mall once the weather gets cold.