North Muncie - Muncie, IN

Incorporated in 1865, the city of Muncie experienced rapid growth when the Ball Brothers brought the Ball Corporation to the area, an initiative that funded local businesses. Although the rest of the city transformed into a hub of urban development, North Muncie held onto its agricultural heritage. In recent years, the area has been the focus of some of the newest suburban developments.

North Muncie doesn't have many cultural hot spots, but as you get closer to downtown, you find a host of destinations such as the Moore-Youse Historical Museum, the art district in downtown Muncie and the David Owsley Museum of Art in the university hosting international artwork from past 5,000 years.

Drive down to Galleria Road to explore North Muncie's eclectic dining scene. The area's college setting has brought a slew of international eateries, charming coffee bistros and all-American grills with trendy flavors to the area, creating a laid-back environment for students, families and long-time locals to meet up for a top-quality meal. The area has limited nightlife options, but the few establishments in the neighborhood keep locals satisfied with drinks and energetic vibes.

Mediterranean favorites get a modern makeover at Damask Cafe, a charming restaurant serving up sizzling kabobs and color-splashed veggie wraps. Order the gambos con ajo or hummus and pita platter for starters, and go for The Feast to sample seasoned basmati rice, kabobs and other delicacies. Finish your meal with authentic Turkish coffee for an experience that is sure to keep you coming back.

Let the aroma of fresh doughnuts and pastries lead you into Concannon's, a local bakery famous for its airy cakes decorated with the light, creamy frosting. If you have the self-control to avoid eating cake for lunch, order one of the crisp salads or hearty sandwiches. Just be sure to bring a few containers along to stuff with tempting baked goods, such as long Johns filled with French cream. After your meal, check out the huge selection of candies, flavored popcorn, coated pretzels and cookies for a special gift.

For a cheap pint and live music spanning genres such as hip-hop, punk, country and metal, stop by Be Here Now. This place draws a lively crowd with its unique setup that provides a nice view of the band from every vantage point. Swing by on Monday for unbeatable drink specials.

Driving is the major mode of transportation in this rural community, but car owners look forward to a quick commute on main thoroughfares such as State Road 28 leading to both downtown and Interstate 69. Free public parking abounds, but ride-share services like Uber don't service Muncie. When you need a ride to the airport, you can always call Mr. Nice Guy Taxi Service.

Like the rest of the city, North Muncie offers very little public transportation. For a greener alternative to taking your car, you can always bike along Cardinal Greenway, a paved trail that stretches for 70 miles. Keep in mind that running your errands on foot is not very feasible due to the area's scattered layout.

When you want to meet with your Muncie neighbors on a day off, take a short drive to one of the city's beautiful public parks. Head to White River Park to access the White River Greenway, or simply enjoy the peaceful green space along the river as you watch geese swim by or walk your canine companion. Nearby McCullough Park, a community favorite, features professional baseball fields and basketball courts for sports enthusiasts. You can also watch your children climb on the playground equipment, shove off on a river cruise with your boat or cast your line from the shore.

North Muncie's upscale housing scene means the cost of living is slightly above average for the city, with a standard one-bedroom apartment renting for around $566. If you're commuting to downtown by car, expect gas prices that fall around 3 percent below the national average. Going out for a drink rarely breaks the bank, with a pint of beer at a local bar costing $4 to $5.

The urban area of North Muncie enjoys a thriving retail scene teeming with fashion mainstays, unique gift outlets, hobby stores and thrift shops. Although you find basic amenities near the edge of the city, the rich retail scene closer to the heart of the city has something for even the pickiest shopper. Muncie Mall is the community's retail center, with shops such as PacSun, Spencer Gifts and Victoria's Secret. You also find a range of specialty stores scattered along the streets north of downtown.

If you have a passion for vinyl, step into the vintage-themed Village Green Records to browse a huge collection at fair prices. The owner knows his music, so don't be afraid to ask for some recommendations or help finding a certain artist or album. Check out the classic posters covering the walls as you browse cool shirts and CDs, or search through the vinyl sale bins to discover some hidden gems.

Located just outside the university, Wizards Keep stocks something for all your gaming needs, from trading cards and mini figures to role-playing dice and kits. You can even grab a T-shirt to share your love for the gaming world with everyone you know. Keep an eye out for special gaming nights and tournaments for even more fun.

For your weekly groceries, choose from a nice selection of local markets such as Marsh Supermarket or Winding Way Farms, a natural food store with plenty of organic finds. For some local fruits and veggies, check out the farmers market held outside the Minnetrista in the summer and indoors in the winter.