North End - Hartford, CT

North End stood as primarily undeveloped open space when the Spring Grove Cemetery was laid out in 1845. As suburban development spread outward from downtown Hartford, a large middle class population settled in the area throughout the 1860s and 1870s. However, the neighborhood remained primarily agricultural until Keney Park was established near the turn of the century. The area slowly filled until it became a primarily residential neighborhood for city workers and Jamaican immigrants throughout the mid-1900s.

This historic neighborhood lies just minutes from some of the city's biggest cultural attractions, including the Connecticut Historical Society. North End also lies just steps away from XFINITY Theatre, and residents have easy access to annual Hartford events, such as the Riverfront Recapture and the Greater Hartford Festival of Jazz.

Experience a thriving dining scene that comes alive with multicultural cuisine from every corner of the globe. Feast on Carribean, Chinese, Puerto Rican, or vegetarian dishes heavy on the spices. Most of North End's restaurants line Main Street, creating a trendy atmosphere where you can eat local for a satisfying lunch. While locals head downtown for a diverse nightlife scene, you can also catch a concert at the nearby XFINITY Theatre.

Let the tantalizing aroma of jerk chicken from the parking lot draw you into Jerk Pit Cafe, a local favorite serving up authentic Jamaican cuisine. Try the curry goat if you're feeling adventurous, or keep it simple with a plate of jerk pork and fried plantains alongside a bottle of imported Jamaican soda. This place stays open until the early hours of the morning, so swing by to grab a bite after a night of dancing in downtown.

For some Latin flavor, make your way over to Guavate Cafe, a vivacious little restaurant serving up Puerto Rican delicacies such as pork pasteles and alcapurria, yucca and green banana fritters filled with ground meat. This place also doubles as a popular nightlife establishment with a full bar and live salsa bands.

For an eclectic menu of vegetable-based dishes that you can feel good about, stop by the Lion's Den Vegetarian Restaurant. When in doubt, order the curry chunks, a spicy mix of soy and chopped vegetables in a savory curry sauce. Add a little bit of Grace's hot sauce if you want to turn up the heat. Try the daily special for a unique dish that feeds two. This place only serves take-out, so stop by to grab a healthy picnic to take to Keney Park.

Whether by car or bus, locals enjoy easy access to I-91 and a quick ride into downtown via the arterial Main Street. Drivers coming home after work enjoy plenty of free street parking throughout the neighborhood. If you need a quick ride, feel free to use Uber or contact The Yellow Cab Company of Connecticut for a pick-up.

CT Transit provides plenty of convenient bus routes throughout North End so that you can enjoy fast travel to downtown Hartford. The neighborhood doesn't have much infrastructure for bikes, but you can always travel on foot to grab some bread and milk from the corner market.

When you want to kick back after a long work week, take your family to Keney Park, the largest municipal park in New England that served the community since 1896. Practice your swing on the 18-hole course, or explore the sports facilities for cricket, baseball, tennis and basketball. Let your kids loose on the playgrounds or take a dip in one of the swimming pools. Just be aware that some of the facilities charge a small fee.

For a smaller green space, head to Bracket Park and Parker Community Center. Here, find tennis courts, sports fields and plenty of green grass for exercising your pooch.

Living in North End means looking forward to an overall cost of living that falls below average for the metro area. If you want to rent, expect to pay around $800 for a standard one-bedroom apartment in one of the many sprawling complexes. Gas prices hover around 11 percent above the national average, and a bus trip into downtown generally costs around $1.50. When you go out for a drink at Guavate Café, be ready to pay around $4 to $5 for a tall glass of ale.

North End's retail scene maintains a heavy focus on basic amenities with a spread of neighborhood markets, beauty supply shops and convenience stores in humble strip malls. For a more lively shopping experience, take a short drive downtown to discover a treasure trove of high-end fashion boutiques, art galleries and upscale jewelry stores.

One of North End's hidden gems, Hair City stocks a diverse range of supplies for men and women, ranging from wigs and extensions to glitzy accessories and high-quality hair dyes. If you need help finding the right shampoo or conditioner for you hair type, don't hesitate to talk to the friendly staff members, whose passion for hair care shows in their extensive knowledge of the store's products.

Whether you need a stunning engagement ring or a classy pair of earrings for a Valentine's Day gift, head downtown to Armstrong Rockwell Jewelry to browse a beautiful collection of gems and precious metals. Pick up a fine watch for your new job from top brands such as Franc Vila, Omega and Arnold & Son, or find the perfect complement to a wedding gown from the bridal collection.

Local markets dominate the neighborhood with mom-and-pop grocery stores such as La Caribena Market around every corner. North End also has a C-Town Supermarket for a more diverse selection of food items. For some fresh produce, don't forget to visit the farmers market in downtown Hartford.