Millwood - Kalamazoo, MI

After the first settlers arrived in the area now known as Kalamazoo in 1829, the area quickly grew as a prosperous agricultural community as wealthy northern farmers settled in Milwood and other areas surrounding downtown Kalamazoo. The neighborhood later became a residential and industrial area with the construction of the international airport.

When you want to explore Milwood's cultural side, check out the unique Air Zoo near the airport to see interactive aviation exhibits and air shows. You also don't want to miss the annual Winter Jamboree at the Milham Park Golf Club. For a small fee, enjoy a host of family-friendly events like snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, snowman building and riding with a dog-sled team.

Milwood's unassuming suburban locale hides a treasure trove of trendy cafes, international eateries and hometown diners serving up everything from short stacks of pankakes to tostadas with a smile. Take a drive along Portage Street or Sprinkle Road to discover this neighborhood's unique culinary scene specializing in cheap eats with a burst of color and flavor.

Stop by El Gallo Blanco to chow down on some of western Michigan's most authentic Mexican food. Try the gorditas with beef tongue if you're feeling adventurous, or play it safe with the sizzling chicken and cheese enchiladas. Be sure to top off your meal with a traditional drink like horchata or agua fresca.

Far from your typical sandwich joint, Summer Thyme Cafe draws in the lunch crowd with its French dip, chicken wrap, blue cheese burger and other favorites — served with a side of crunchy pretzels. Don't forget to treat yourself to a scoop of Plainwell ice cream for dessert.

Cozy decor and a hometown feel welcome you as you step into local-favorite Uncle Ernie's Pancake House, one of Milwood's best-kept secrets. You can't leave without trying the cinnamon bread French toast, but the omelets and fresh fruit bowls also deserve a taste. Come here to order a big breakfast without emptying your wallet.

A decent selection of bars, clubs and breweries grace the streets of Milwood, creating a rowdy nightlife scene for those who seek it out. Join the locals at Nob Hill Bar and Grill for live music and dancing on the weekends, along with cheap well drinks and beer. Swing by to shoot some pool while savoring a plate of hot and crispy wings.

Milwood remains well-connected to central Kalamazoo with easy access to Interstate 94 and an average commute of 20 minutes. Enjoy loads of free parking in the neighborhood, even in the busiest retail districts. When you need a quick ride, feel free to call a ride-share service like Uber or a local cab from Kalamazoo Taxi.

Most residents commute by car, though some hop on a KMetro bus for a cheap ride to downtown. Just be sure to plan ahead, as many buses only come around every 60 minutes. Milwood doesn't have any bike lanes, but a network of bike trails in Milham Park makes for a peaceful recreational ride during the warmer months. Few establishments lie within easy walking distance of the residential areas.

Whether you want to enjoy a sunny day off in the summer or celebrate a snow day with the kids in winter, Milwood's collection of public parks provides plenty of opportunities for outdoor fun. Head to Milham Park to explore 49 acres of green space with old-growth shade trees. Walk along Portage Creek for some quiet reflection, or hold your family reunion in the huge picnic shelter with nearby grills. This popular park has plenty of modern amenities, such as toilets, drinking fountains and electricity. Also check out Hays Park to let your kids climb on the playground or play a game on the softball field. Enjoy a sandwich on one of the picnic tables, or stop by to run with your canine companion through a vast expanse of open green space.

Residents of Milwood enjoy a cost of living that hovers close to the average for Kalamazoo. The average rental rate for a one-bedroom apartment sits around $530. Taking the bus into downtown means paying around $1.50 for a one-way trip. When filling your tank, expect to pay around 12 percent less than the national average for gas. Entertainment prices also remain cheap: a glass of beer at local bars like Nob Hill costs around $3.

Explore Milwood's retail areas on the east side of the neighborhood and near the corner of East Cork Street and Portage Street to discover a rich shopping scene teeming with local businesses. Pick up everything from used furniture, fabrics and sporting goods to Halloween costumes or a new business suit. Bargain hunters find plenty of hidden treasures, while the high-end fashion boutiques await closer to downtown.

No matter what party or holiday you're anticipating, make K-D Sales your one-stop shop for costumes, balloons and party supplies. Pick up some fun Fourth of July decorations, or fill your basket with bouncy balls and other small toys to make up gift bags for the kids' birthday parties. Don't forget to check out the back of the store to find boxes of mustaches, wigs and other accessories to complete your Halloween costume.

Step past a charming canopy into Libin's to find business pants and shirts, men's suits and a few women's professional garments. Locals have been trusting this boutique with their formal clothing needs for more than 50 years.

When you need to pick up your weekly groceries, head to United Wholesale Grocery for all your staples. Also check out Boonzaaijer Bakery for fresh-baked cakes, cookies and pastries, and make the short drive out to Kalamazoo Farmers Market during the growing season for fresh produce.