North Lakewood Lakewood, WA

Originally known as "The Plains" and home to Fort Nisqually, North Lakewood began its life as a fur trading post for the Hudson Bay Company that closed in 1869. In 1894, the first golf course west of the Mississippi came into existence, attracting the rich and famous who built lavish mansions along the shorelines of area lakes. The historical society maintains an extensive, interactive museum. Lakewood hosts a Soggy Dog 5K around Waughop Lake, a SummerFest triathlon, and an extremely popular truck and tractor event that allows visitors to climb on dozens of monster-size vehicles--an activity that includes complementary hard hats and a giant slingshot for pumpkin chucking.

While North Lakewood's coastal location encourages locals to enjoy outdoor activities, when it's time to eat, the neighborhood selections keep residents happy. The Oakbrook Restaurant & Bar welcomes golfers to enjoy an appetizer, meal or just a drink. And a romantic date night on the intimate patio overlooking the 18th hole of the greens fits the bill, too. Locals appreciate a dining area away from an active TV viewing bar area. Delicious food selections such as grilled asparagus or portobello fries stimulate your appetite before you dig in to tiger prawn linguini, a pastrami burger, or a fried egg and cheese BLT. With a refreshing lemon mousse for dessert, the satisfied sighs of diners drift across the greens, enticing those still on the links.

If you love Indian food, try the wide range of regional dishes at Great Cuisine of India. The an all-you-can-eat buffet lets you sample numerous choices of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes. Regulars rave about the butter chicken and the coconut lamb with creamy onion gravy and spices. Order a side of mango chutney, and follow up your scrumptious dinner with coconut walnut ice cream or the creamy rice pudding with cashews and cardamom.

The Black Star Pub and Grill offers residents a fun venue filled with pool tables, pull tabs, games and a juke box, as well as a dance floor with a DJ on weekends and comedy acts that feature local and established comedians such as Jeremy Whitman and Jason Goad. Located on Pacific Avenue since 2006, this lively pub offers local beers on tap and to-die-for pulled pork mac and cheese, crispy fish and chips, and blackened cod salad.

If you're entertaining your kids or nieces and nephews, the family-friendly Topside Bar & Grill serves up 15 local beers on tap on the patio, hosts a trivia night and presents youngsters with a choice of burgers, pizza and fish and chips. Grown-up fare meets every taste with selections such as crab cakes, mahi soft tacos, pork chops and wild Pacific salmon.

Most errands in the neighborhood require a vehicle, and hopping on Highway 5 takes you anywhere in the area you wish to go. Avail yourself of the reliable and inexpensive bus system or call on a taxi service or Uber for speedy transportation. The city also offers van pooling for groups of up to 15 commuters with a low rental rate that includes fuel, maintenance and insurance. For those who can't use regular bus transportation, a door-to-door service shuttle service is available. Bike lanes are either in place or included in the city's future development plans.

When you live in North Lakewood, you never lack for outdoor activities. The city thrives on a healthy lifestyle, and residents enjoy 600 acres of parks and open spaces, two beaches with boat launches and a lifeguard on duty in summer months, and several golf courses, one of which hosted the U.S. Open championships. The American Lake Veterans Golf Course was designed to teach and promote the healing benefits of golf to U.S. service members. Community garden spots with very low yearly rental rates--provide green-thumbed residents a place to grow their favorite flowers or veggies. The South Puget Sounds Wildlife area attracts outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy viewing fish and wildlife in their natural habitat. Best of all, Lakewood offers pet owners a 22-acre, dedicated, off-leash dog park. Bushes, trees, logs and a water fountain provide plenty of entertainment and refreshment for the dogs. Poop bags are provided and plenty of benches dot the grounds on which dog owners can rest and enjoy the day.

The cost of living between Tacoma and North Lakewood remains similar, but Lakewood's housing runs slightly higher, with a one-bedroom apartment renting for approximately $940 per month and median home values at $239,000. Bus tickets run $2 for one-way, an all-day pass for $5 and a monthly pass for $72. A beer at the local pub is around $3, and the gas prices in North Lakewood are only slightly higher than the national average.

The Tacoma Mall houses 150 stores and restaurants and features well-known retailers such as Nordstrom, Apple and Build-a-Bear, with Victoria's Secret and Just Sports as anchors. Mainstream grocers include Walmart Supercenter, Albertsons and Cub Foods. A smaller chain option, Saar's Market Place, sits in the Towne Center. African Union Food Store offers more than ethnic food; you'll also find imported, African-inspired clothing, jewelry, body care products and selections for children.

When you need new furniture, tools, electronics, appliances or interesting home decor, visit the Treasure Chest, a small family-owned business with a vast inventory housed in 9,000 square feet. To ease your budget, the business offers 24-hour hold and layaway options.

The best place to ease the transition of clothing sizes for children is at the Blooming Kids Consignment Boutique which is very affordable and features original tees and onesies sold on consignment from local artists. Locals claim the boutique, which has recently changed hands, is better than ever, but access to the business requires some stair-climbing, so leave the stroller behind.

The Lakewood Farmers Market features home grown food, crafts, cooking demonstrations and live entertainment every Tuesday.