Northpoint Milwaukee, WI

When downtown Milwaukee began growing in the 1840s, wealthy businessmen built mansions by the lake, continually moving northward as time went on. The neighborhood now known as Northpoint saw its big residential boom in the 1890s, when many of the current homes were built, and most of the vacant spots in northern part of the neighborhood were filled by the 1920s. This unique set of circumstances transformed the lakeside stretch of land into a metropolitan gold coast.

Northpoint continues to captivate residents with its cultural attractions, such as the Villa Terrace Decorative Arts Museum, an old lakefront villa showcasing renaissance gardens and artwork from the 15th through the 18th centuries. Also check out the Charles Allis Art Museum nestled in a Tudor-style mansion. Be sure to catch a movie at the old Oriental Theatre, and head to the lake shore to watch the Fourth of July fireworks display with your neighbors.

Just like the historic homes lining the bay, Northpoint's dining scene charms residents with an eclectic assortment of trendy cafes and a unique culinary flavor all its own. Take a stroll down Prospect or Farwell avenues to discover sandwich houses, fusion restaurants, and modern European cuisine, or head to the historic Six Points retail area for a chic nightlife scene featuring everything from old-school bars and pubs to an upscale jazz lounge.

Despite its name, Simple Cafe draws a steady crowd of locals with its creative menu featuring Korean favorites and breakfast dishes with a twist. For a morning pick-me-up, you can't go wrong with the corned beef hash, a sautéed mixture of potatoes, cheese, egg and sizzling diced meat. When stopping by for lunch, try the healthy walnut burger with steaming red potatoes for a guilt-free pleasure, or try the Korean BBQ bowl, a local favorite.

For a taste of Europe right here in Milwaukee, stop by Allium for a glass of pinot noir or blood sazerac. This trendy restaurant and wine bar serves up gourmet cuisine at reasonable prices, with tempting dishes such as the white pizza topped with goat cheese and artichoke hearts. Stop by during the holiday season for a nostalgic evening of festive decor, spiced cider and hot butterscotch rum pudding.

When the sun sets, head to the Jazz Estate to listen to live bands and jazz musicians play while you sip on a strong martini. With a small cover charge and no drink minimum, this authentic jazz house draws a crowd from all over East Side to enjoy the intimate atmosphere and cool vibes.

Northpoint remains a car-dominated neighborhood with few public transportation options, but its close proximity to downtown makes for an easy work commute. Hop onto Prospect Avenue to reach the nearby entrance to Interstate 43, or take the scenic route along Lincoln Memorial Drive. The streets in the retail areas provide metered parking for a moderate fee, but you can find free spaces in the residential areas if you're willing to hunt for a space.

If you need a quick ride into downtown, call a ride-share service such as Uber or the Yellow Cab company. The Milwaukee County Transit System also services the area at frequent bus stops along major roads. Bicycle enthusiast cruise down the bike lanes along Farwell Avenue and North Avenue during the summer months, and well-maintained sidewalks let you easily navigate the neighborhood on foot.

Get out and enjoy a warm day in Milwaukee by cruising down the lakefront bike trails or catching some rays at Bradford Beach. Head to the sandy shores to use a volleyball court for a small fee, or sit back with a beer from one of the beachside bars. Go for a morning jog along a paved path, and later return to rest under the shade of a tiki hut while your kids play in the sand. You can even walk you four-legged friends in certain areas of the beach.

Head to Juneau Park for scenic vistas of the bay and historic monuments, such as the towering statue of Solomon Juneau, one of founding fathers of Milwaukee. Stroll through the open green space, or walk to nearby Back Bay Park to let your kids enjoy the playground.

Featuring a convenient location and some of the priciest homes in Milwaukee, Northpoint's cost of living hovers well above the city's average. Renters can expect to pay an average of $1,156.42 per month to rent in this upscale community. Gas prices generally fall 11 percent below the national average, and taking the bus to downtown Milwaukee costs around $2.25 for a one-way trip. Going out for a drink means paying around $6 to $7 for a beer at the local bars.

Northpoint's convenient locale puts you just minutes from some of the biggest malls and fashion boutiques in Milwaukee, but locals know that the neighborhood's age-old retail scene has developed a unique flavor unlike anything else in the city. Just stroll through the retail cluster near the corner of Farwell and North avenues or the trendy shops on Downer Avenue to find a spread of local bicycle shops, modern clothing retailers, record stores and rustic boutiques filled with handcrafted jewelry.

You know you've found something special the moment you visit Off the Beaten Path with its expansive collection of new and used vinyl records and refurbished record players. Although music lovers come by to chat and browse the latest titles, you can also find unique gifts, such as fused glass, hemp necklaces and earrings handmade by local artisans.

Load up on organic produce and natural food items at Whole Foods Market, or buy some bread and wine at Koppa's Farwell Foods. Don't forget to stop by the East Side Green Market during the summer to stock up on local fruits and veggies.