Near Southeast - Indianapolis, IN

Fountain Square and the near southeast side have a rich history involving commercial growth, theater and cultural events. The area was first settled in the mid-to-late 19th century and saw incredible growth in the first 30 years of the 1900s. The community saw a rich increase in population, primarily Appalachian and German residents. The neighborhood unfortunately went through a sharp decrease in population and became a negatively impacted area of the city for various reasons. Throughout the years, Fountain Square has come back to a rich and culturally diverse neighborhood, along with the rest of the near southeast side.

The Murphy Art Center in Fountain Square also houses the Indianapolis Museum of Contemporary Art. This property showcases numerous events and shows and helps keep the diversity in culture of the area alive.

Residents of the near southeast side have many options as far as restaurants and nightlife go, especially with the always-alive Fountain Square being part of this community. Virginia Avenue serves as a mecca for those looking for a variety in dining options. Along this busy street you can find Asian, Peruvian, pizza, greasy spoons and Thai.

Pure Eatery sits along Virginia Ave and serves up an eclectic menu with everything from breakfast tacos — served during lunch hours too — to signature sandwiches. This place has an option for everyone, including vegetarians and vegans. The breakfast tacos win over the crowd and include interesting ingredient combinations to satisfy your hunger. It offers its signature sandwiches from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m., giving you a chance to get your food nearly anytime of the day. Check out the hot vegetarian pita; this sandwich is piled high with tomato-basil spread, grilled squash, portabella, sprouts, mozzarella and sriracha. It also serves up delectable sides and its specialty BYO Quattro Formaggio Macaroni. This mac-n-cheese dish comes with select white cheeses, and you can top it with a combination of grilled or fresh veggies and meats.

Peppy's Grill has become a staple in Fountain Square for good reason: its late-night menu hits the spot after a trip through the area's many bars. This greasy spoon may be just a hole in the wall, but don't be surprised when you walk in and stand shoulder-to-shoulder with everyone else craving their after-bar meal. Peppy's serves breakfast any time of the day, but they also give you the chance to order other diner staples: greasy burgers, steak sandwiches and tenderloins. Definitely try the sour cream fries when you go.

A trip down Prospect Street lands you at Santorini Greek Kitchen, a place locals say has the "best Greek food in all of Indianapolis." Santorini's menu includes a great variety of vegetarian options in addition to the more traditional Greek dishes. Its saganaki, a Greek specialty fried cheese, wins the hearts — or stomachs — of Internet reviewers of this favored eatery and should definitely make your must-try list when visiting.

Nightlife in the area never disappoints and gives people of every interest a place to enjoy a show and a beer. A trip to Fountain Square deserves a stop at the White Rabbit Cabaret, a bar with anything but ordinary events. Check out its Burlesque Bingo, an interesting twist on the classic crowd-participation game. Your hosts, a mime and a clown, give incredible performances as they engage the crowd. Win thrift store prizes and enjoy taking shots, but don't yell "Free Space" or you will invoke the fury of your host.

The Brass Ring Lounge has a television forever set to Turner Classic Movies. You can order an old-fashioned or other specialty cocktail while enjoying new twists on classic bar foods. The bar is stocked deep with a variety of craft brews and liquors, allowing everyone in the group the chance to enjoy their favorites.

The near southeast side has many options for transportation, including numerous sidewalks, bike-friendly roads, easy interstate access and public transportation. IndyGo has many bus stops throughout the entire area, with major routes along Minnesota, Keystone, English, Shelby and Madison. You can find cabs parked along the streets of Fountain Square, particularly on the weekends, and you can also call to set up a taxi appointment with any of Indianapolis' providers, including Uber. Interstate-65 runs through the near southeast side, and I-70 has easy access as well. Ample street parking gives you an option to park, much of it free.

Bike trails run along Pleasant Run and Virginia Avenue; Shelby, English, S East St and Pleasant Run Parkway remain bike-friendly roads for cyclists.

Several Indy Parks properties call the near southeast side home. Indy Parks patrons enjoy free admission, playgrounds for children, hiking trails and paths, and sports courses. Bring your leashed pooch to enjoy the activities with you.

Christian Park has 62 acres of walking trails, sports courts and fields, a spray ground, picnic shelters and playgrounds. The Christian Park Family Center gives residents the opportunity to enjoy a variety of programs, camps, senior activities, arts and music.

The cost of living for near southeast side residents stays on par with that of Indianapolis because it sits within the center of the city. The average rental rate comes in at $512, slightly lower than that of the city as a whole.

Living here is affordable. Getting to the center of the city costs between $1.75 and $4, depending on exactly where you're going; a day pass for IndyGo is $4, while a single ride costs $1.75. Gas prices fall about 20 percent below the national average. You can grab a beer at one of the area's many bars for anywhere from $2 to $8, depending on your tastes and bar of choice.

Residents of the near southeast side have an extensive choice in shopping destinations. The entire area has specialty shops scattered along the streets. Fountain Square has a large selection itself, but you can find specialty shops and one-of-a-kind places throughout the near southeast side.

Game Paradise lets you stumble upon your favorite childhood and adult games, series and inner-geek novelties. This store/game library hybrid allows you to play your games at a rate of $5 per hour; you can also become a member and have unlimited access to the library. In addition to once-forgotten games, new games and classics, the store stocks its shelves with gifts and novelty items.

Days Gone By Antiques also calls Fountain Square home and fills its racks and shelves with vintage clothing and jewelry, not to mention an assortment of antique housewares.

Not many grocery stores call the near southeast side home, but a Kroger sits on E Pleasant Run Parkway. Residents have easy access to the many farmers' markets in Indianapolis.