North Evansville Evansville, IN

The town of Hillsdale, where the North Evansville area lies, was established in the late 1800s. Local history dates back to at least 900 A.D. and can be studied at the Angel Mounds in Evansville. For a landmark showcasing the history of this neighborhood in particular, check out the Hillsdale Steps, which were created for easier foot transportation in 1903.

Other historically significant information involving the neighborhood and its surroundings can be learned through museums. The Reitz Home Museum showcases architecture and decor dating back to the Victorian era. The Carriage House of the Reitz Home Museum also acts as a museum gift shop. Special events for all ages, including luncheons and walking tours, often happen here. Over the holiday months, you can visit the museum to experience a Victorian Christmas in true style.

The array of restaurants on the north side of the neighborhood includes fast-food restaurants, pizzerias and traditional American diners. To the south, you’ll find many ethnic restaurants, especially when it comes to those that serve Asian cuisine. You can easily drive to any of these restaurants in minutes. For some of the best pizza in town, dine in or get takeout at Rounders Pizza Too. This locally owned pizzeria serves homemade, thin-crust pizzas and sandwiches. Rounders is open until 9 p.m., and you can dine in and enjoy some cheap cold beer with your specialty pizza and salad. The loads of fresh toppings added to the specialty pizzas will leave you full and satisfied for under $20.

The Granola Jar Café and Bakery on East Mount Pleasant Road has many healthy options and even sells the artwork of local artists to show their support for the community. Sit inside the bright green dining room after ordering off the chalkboard menus. Bleu cheese and buffalo sauce make their appearance in many of the salads, wraps and other menu items. Before you leave, purchase a bag of blended granola by the pound.

Sports bars, dive bars and other small pubs exist near the neighborhood. Dance clubs and lounges set up shop closer to the center of Evansville, another 20 minutes away. To watch the game and gather with friends nearer to home, head to Roca Bar North. Here, they have daily specials, cheap cold beer, pizza, salads and fried bar foods.

As for public transportation, it remains rather scarce in North Evansville, but if you head south to Evansville, you can use the Metropolitan Evansville Transit System to get around. Uber doesn’t service the area, but you can call a cab company for a pickup. Otherwise, sidewalks and safer streets make traveling by bicycle or foot easy and convenient. However, personal vehicles remain the most popular form of transportation.

Route 41, Browning Road and East Boonville New Harmony Road make traveling north, south, east or west simple. Route 41 will take you directly south to Evansville or north towards Chicago. North Evansville sits so far southwest in Indiana that reaching any of the surrounding states is easy and can be done quickly with the many highways made available. The Evansville Regional Airport allows for quick travel out of town.

Areas where children can play and dogs can roam exist further outside the neighborhood, not quite within walking distance. Nonetheless, just minutes away by vehicle, you can reach some historical outdoor landmarks accompanied by hiking trails and wooded terrain. The city of Evansville holds many of the greatest parks in Indiana, including Angel Mounds, a state historical site.

For woods and trails, go to Wesselman Woods Nature Preserve on North Boeke Road in Evansville. This preserved land also has a nature center with hands-on exhibits and a gift shop. Many programs and educational gatherings happen here throughout the year, while paths behind the facility provide a scenic route through the forested land.

Events held in Evansville include motorcycle expos, concerts at the Ford Center and parades down historic Franklin Street. Many of the events include fun for all ages. Check out the Mesker Park Zoo for seasonal activities for younger children and their parents.

Living in the neighborhood costs significantly less than living in Evansville’s city center. With the median rental rate for a one bedroom sitting at around $496 a month, students and low income families can afford to live near the city.

Gas prices for the area remain around 1 percent higher than the national average. Bus fare costs about $1 when purchased at the time of the ride. A cold pint costs about $3 on average, but many happy hours will serve drafts for $2.

Stores like Walmart and Target lay within the area, but when you want something more specific, head south toward the city. Besides the Eastland Mall, where you can visit stores such as H&M, American Eagle, Coach and Dillard's, you will find thrift shops and specialty boutiques.

About 15 minutes from North Evansville, Schön Boutique sells women's clothing and accessories. Purchase scarves, jewelry and apparel for any type of outing. The exposed brick and hardwood floors covered in artisan rugs make this boutique worth the stop. Shopping excursions at Schön leave customers pleased with their purchases.

The Lollipop Tree on East Virginia Street sells clothing for babies, boys, girls and women. Always throwing great sales, shopping in this large boutique could take hours. Fun pieces for girls and bright clothing options for boys make it easy for parents to dress their children fashionably.

No matter what route you take, expect to drive at least 5 miles to the nearest grocery store. The Walmart Supercenter, Target, The Fresh Market and other brand-name grocery stores lie just outside North Evansville. For fresh produce, head to Engelbrecht’s Homegrown Goodness. The farm has more than 30 varieties of peaches and 13 varieties of apples.