Near NW Riverside - Indianapolis, IN Area Guide

When the Central Canal opened in 1839, Nathaniel West saw the potential of the area and opened a cotton mill. The cotton mill attracted a small group of settlers, who named it Cottontown. The canal was a flop, but industry followed nonetheless. In the mid- to late-19th century, several industrial companies moved into the area. Residential development didn't begin on a larger scale until the early 20th century.

Near Northwest-Riverside is the location of Indianapolis' first zoo, the Riverside Amusement Park, and the Children's Museum of Indianapolis. Several events take place in Riverside, including the Riverside Civic League annual neighborhood parade.

Whether soul food, breakfast, American, Mexican, or BBQ strikes your fancy, you can find an eatery to enjoy in Riverside and the surrounding United Northwest Area community.

Circle City Soul Food serves up traditional Southern fare in a family-friendly environment. Smooth jazz, Christian, and R&B music help set the mood in this comfortable restaurant. Traditional favorites pack the menu, including fried catfish, cornbread, mac and cheese, meatloaf, fried pork chops, and fried chicken.

Duos Kitchen, located in the International Medical Group building, serves slow-cooked food fast. Seasonal menus make use of what the chefs can get during the time of year. Fall and winter menu items, for example, include roasted turkey, squash dishes, greens, and similar items.

Lincoln Square, a locally-owned chain with several locations throughout the Indianapolis area, may be famous for its breakfast food, but it also serves lunch and dinner entrees. While it may seem like a small thing, make sure to order the fresh-squeezed orange juice. Specialty items include the Indiana Benedict, a twist on eggs Benedict that tops a split biscuit with two poached eggs, sausage, and country gravy. Lunch and dinner items primarily include American fare, although you can find some Greek and Mexican fare hidden throughout the extensive menu.

A handful of bars and clubs call Near Northwest-Riverside home, including the New Fountain Lounge. This bar features poker nights and live bands on Thursdays and Fridays and during certain events.

Residents of Near Northwest-Riverside have several transportation options, including interstate access, public transportation, and cycling. IndyGo has bus stops throughout the neighborhood, making it simple to accomplish your daily activities via public transportation. Interstate 65 has a couple of ramps in the area, and major thoroughfares include 16th, 21st, and 38th streets, Meridian and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr Street.

Sidewalks line many of the streets, making walking a possibility during the day. At night, however, you may want to call a cab company or Uber to take you to your destination. Cyclists have many bike-friendly roads to choose from, some with dedicated bike lanes. Ample street parking throughout the residential neighborhoods gives residents and visitors a place to park their cars, and most businesses have attached parking lots.

Riverside Park, Frank Young Park, Watkins Park, and Barton Park all lie within the boundaries of the Near Northwest-Riverside area. While these parks provide free public admission, certain activities and facilities come with a small fee. These parks also welcome leashed pets to enjoy the outdoor facilities with their families.

Riverside Park features a family-friendly atmosphere and enough activities to satisfy fitness enthusiasts. In addition to numerous sports courts and fields, this park has paved trails through the White River Greenway, a boat launch, playgrounds, a fitness and weight room, and an aquatic center. The park also hosts activities for the Riverside Girls Club and Riverside Quilting Circle, tae-kwon-do classes, and youth sports leagues. Annual events include the Riverside Halloween carnival and haunted house.

The low cost of living in the Near Northwest-Riverside neighborhood gives residents additional perks. The average rental rate for a one-bedroom apartment in Near Northwest-Riverside runs about $503, well below the cost of living in Indianapolis as a whole. You can grab a beer at the local pub for around $2, and gas prices stay about 21 percent below the national average. Because of the neighborhood's close proximity to the city center, getting to downtown via public transportation only costs $1.75.

Several shopping clusters line the streets of the Near Northwest-Riverside neighborhood, giving residents easy access to services and specialty shops. Dock Brothers on Meridian is Indy's oldest pawn shop. Inside the store you can find jewelry, a wide assortment of musical instruments, motorcycles, firearms, and tools.

If antiquing and salvage strike your fancy, Doc's Architectural Salvage should make your go-to list. Cast-iron bathtubs, sinks, Victorian mantels, tin ceiling tiles, decorative glass, doors, and back bars all line the sales floor of this exceptional shop.

Grocery stores in the neighborhood include national chains such as Aldi, but a variety of community gardens make fresh produce easily available to locals. Residents sit close to several of Indy's finest farmers markets, including the Indianapolis City Market, located downtown. A locally famous farmers market takes place on 38th Street as well.