New Albany, IN

New Albany, founded in 1813, was first incorporated as a city in 1839. The city experienced economic and population growth throughout the nineteenth century as a result of innovations in steam power. In the 20th century, growth slowed in New Albany but progressed in the neighboring city of Louisville, and by the end of the century, New Albany became part of the Louisville metro area.

The Carnegie Center for Art and History hosts temporary art and history installations as well as three permanent exhibits highlighting local history, including an award winning exhibit on the Underground Railroad. The Carnegie Center also hosts an annual fiber exhibition called Form, Not Function: Quilt Art At The Carnegie.

New Albany residents travel across the river to enjoy the arts and cultural events associated with the University of Louisville or with one of the seven museums in a six-block historic neighborhood known as Museum Row.

In addition to the fantastic dining options across the river in Louisville, downtown New Albany gives locals numerous restaurants and pubs to explore, especially on Main Street and Market Street.

The Exchange Pub + Kitchen, housed in a historic building originally constructed in 1875 as Shraders Stable and Livery, forms part of the revitalized dining scene in downtown New Albany. This chef-driven eatery focuses on seasonal ingredients and a carefully chosen bar menu. Regulars rave about Exchange staples such as the beer cheese and pretzel bread as well as the chef's take on pub favorites like fish and chips and Reuben sandwiches.

Habana Blues, a Cuban restaurant featuring tapas and hearty sandwiches paired with fresh mojitos, margaritas, martinis and sangria, attracts regulars with its unique and delicious options. Visitors express surprise that this Cuban gem exists in New Albany, but locals love tapas such as the sofrito scallops and Habana Blues Tacos. If you visit with a larger party, stick with the tapas menu so everyone can try a variety of dishes.

Come early to Feast BBQ, the best barbecue in the Louisville area, according to regulars. Because it's operated on a first-come, first-served basis, tables fill up early at this small popular spot on West Main Street. Favorites include the slow cooked brisket and the pulled pork sandwich. Get any of the slowly prepared meats as a sandwich, as a half-pound plate or by the pound.

In addition to great dining options, Downtown New Albany gives residents bars and clubs to enjoy including PRIDE Bar, River City Winery, Floyd County Brewing Company and Devil's Rock Night Club. New Albany residents can explore a bit further from home and head to downtown Louisville's 4th Street Live, a large entertainment district featuring dozens of dining and nightlife establishments.

Louisville's bus system, the Transit Authority of River City (TARC), serves New Albany with routes 71 and 82, which travel between downtown Louisville and Southern Indiana. While you won't find cabs idling in the neighborhood, you can easily call a local taxi company or contact Uber for a ride. Ample on-street public parking exists in New Albany, in addition to public lots downtown. Interstate 64 is immediately accessible. Although bikers in the area enjoy the cycling trails and bike lanes along the Ohio River in New Albany, bike lanes are not prevalent in the rest of the area, though its quiet streets are safe for pedestrians.

New Albany residents benefit from numerous local parks including family-friendly Sam Peden Community Park, which features a lake with plenty of duck and geese as well as a playground area and basketball courts. Smaller parks in New Albany such as Bicknell Park and Joe Kraft Park attract families with children and pets for picnics and outdoor games.

Binford Park hosts fun community events such as the annual Old-Fashioned Day In the Park, which gives residents a chance to play "vintage baseball games" using 1862 rules and 1862-style uniforms. In addition to fun events like this, New Albany residents visit some of the large parks in Louisville for events such as the Louder Than Life music festival or the various holiday celebrations on the waterfront.

The cost of living in New Albany sits significantly lower than the national average, undercutting it by 13 percent. New Albany's cost of living sits around 3 percent lower than averages in the city of Louisville.

The average rent for a one-bedroom residence is $547. A beer at a local pub costs around $3. Gas prices in New Albany are around 4 percent higher than national averages, and it costs $1.75 to reach downtown Louisville via TARC, Louisville's public transit system.

New Albany residents enjoy shopping in the downtown shopping and dining district. Dress and Dwell, a carefully curated clothing and home wares boutique on Spring Street, attracts shoppers from around the tri-state area. The Dandy Lion on Bank Street sells a unique collection of local, hand-made and vintage gifts, ranging from hand-sewn dresses to elaborate decorations. For a larger collection of vintage and consignment goods, head to Opal Gypsy on Market Street. For more high end shopping and specialty boutiques, locals head to popular areas of Louisville such as Bardstown Road and the Mall St. Matthews on the East End of town.

New Albany residents don't travel far for groceries as Kroger and Meijer both serve the area with convenient locations. In addition, one of the largest farmers' markets in the tri-state is located in downtown New Albany on the corner of Bank and Market Streets. The New Albany Farmers' Market, held every Saturday between 10 a.m. and noon, features local produce, meats and dairy products.