North Perry Indianapolis, IN

Although Perry Township was laid out in 1822, the area remained mostly rural until the housing boom that began in the 1950s and lasted well into the 1980s. The north side of the township received the first wave of suburban residents due to its proximity to downtown.

North Perry itself doesn't have much for museums, but residents are just a short drive from downtown cultural centers like the Indianapolis Museum of Contemporary Art and Indiana Medical History Museum. The university has become an active player in the cultural scene as well, hosting annual events, such as the week-long UIndy Jazz Fest, that remain open to the community.

Head over to East Street to discover a dining scene geared towards college students, with its spread of trendy diners, grills and Mediterranean restaurants serving up an abundance of cheap eats. Locals know that North Perry stands as one of the best places on the south side of Indianapolis to get big portions of American comfort foods at unbeatable prices. The area holds a few unique nightlife options, and a more diverse selection awaits downtown.

For a pile of chicken strips or a monstrous gyro at prices that don't hurt your wallet, stop by King Gyros. A favorite among UIndy students looking for a quick bite after finals, this place serves up a gyro plate stacked with twice as much meat as you need for your pita, but you also have to try the Greek-style gyro salad topped with gyro meat and a house dressing made from scratch. If you have a small wait for your order, take a stab at one of the arcade games near the front of the restaurant.

Head to Shelby Street Diner to savor traditional diner foods like fresh milkshakes, deep-fried onion rings and some of the biggest burgers in town. You get huge portions for the prices, and the authentic 1950s diner atmosphere completes the dining experience. For a real treat, order the tenderloin or the biscuits and gravy.

Providing ample public transportation and convenient access to U.S. 40 and Interstate 65, North Perry has become a popular living space for residents who travel by car or bus. Enjoy free public parking throughout North Perry, and feel free to call Uber or Indianapolis Yellow Cab if you need a quick ride downtown.

IndyGo buses service the area, with most stops located on the northeast side of the township. If you prefer to go the green route, cruise the bike lane that runs along Shelby Street, or take advantage of numerous bike-friendly roads in this modern community. Residents with no vehicle of any kind can always take a short walk to the grocery store or their favorite restaurants.

For a pleasant contrast to North Perry's urban atmosphere, kick back in one of the area's beautiful public parks. Head to Beech Grove to visit Sarah T. Bolton Park, an expansive green space where you can explore a winding creek or eat your lunch in a shaded picnic area. This park has been designated a Certified Wildlife Habitat by the National Wildlife Federation, so keep an eye out for birds, deer and other creatures during your day out. On the other end of North Perry lies Bluff Park, a community favorite with an outdoor pool, several baseball fields and some tennis courts. Let your kids have fun on the playground, and keep an eye out for summer events like bike-in movies.

Residents of North Perry enjoy an overall cost of living that falls well below average for the Indianapolis metro area. If you choose to rent in North Perry, look forward to paying around $458 for a basic one-bedroom apartment. Taking the bus into downtown for a shopping spree costs you $1.75 for a one-way trip, but gas prices fall around 13 percent below the national average. Expect to pay $5 to $6 for a pint of beer at local bars.

North Perry's shopping scene echoes an air of practicality with a rich collection of discount fashion stores, thrift stores, video game shops and bookstores. Pick up some groceries, beauty supplies and anything else you need at convenient shopping centers, such as Southern Plaza, or drive farther south into Perry Township for big-box stores and other national chains. Although North Perry has become a haven for bargain hunters, you need to take a short drive into downtown for upscale fashion boutiques and other high-end stores.

If you're on the hunt for some new reads, forgo the overpriced book shops downtown to visit Books on Sale. This shop prides itself on selling a vast selection of used books, DVDs and CDs with most priced at $5 or less. The tiny exterior conceals a massive stock of titles with genres ranging from self-help and parenting to romance and science fiction. Come on different days of the week to take advantage of special sales, and buy five or more books to receive a hefty discount.

Whether you need a gift for a birthday, a sweetheart or a friend in the hospital, Steve's Flowers and Gifts can make a floral arrangement that will blow you away. Order your flowers by phone, or stop by the shop to browse special gifts like angel figurines, South Bend chocolates, beautiful wind chimes and tapestry throws.

When your grocery day rolls around, North Perry has you covered with a large selection of discount grocers like Save-A-Lot and Walmart. For fresh local produce, head downtown to shop at the Indianapolis City Market, which stays open all year long.