Okolona Louisville, KY

Okolona, originally called Lone Oak, was in the early 1800s initially a home to farmers from Pennsylvania. This land was used for farming until the 1950s, when the General Electric Appliance Park opened and increased the need for nearby blue-collar housing. No museums or art galleries can be found within this community, but a short drive north toward downtown Louisville gives residents access to the Frazier History Museum, located on West Main Street. The museum showcases British weaponry, artifacts from the American West and an exhibit solely dedicated to medieval England. Not-to-be-missed galleries include Flame Run, Edenside and Zephyr. Louisville entertains a large number of annual events and festivals throughout the year. The St. James Court Art Show occurs every October and celebrates over 200 local artists. The Forecastle Festival in Riverfront Park, a weekend-long musical event, happens every July.

Most of Okolona's restaurants can be found along Preston Highway, Outer Loop and Shepherdsville Road. Though options remain overwhelmingly casual, affordable and chain-operated, a handful of locally owned gems are scattered within the neighborhood. Diners craving Mexican cuisine love to eat at La Carreta in northern Okolona off of Preston Highway. La Carreta has a large menu full of scratch-made, authentic favorites, such as carne asada tacos, carnitas and chile verde. The salsa here is prepared daily, and the chips come out warm and perfectly salted. Residents of Okolona appreciate the reasonably priced beer and margarita selections. Be sure to check this spot's website for daily food and drink specials. Okolona residents have the opportunity to enjoy the burger that Food Network named the "Best Burger in Kentucky." W.W. Cousins, on Outer Loop, serves scratch-made and cooked-to-order burgers and sandwiches. Buns, pastries and other bread products found here are baked daily. Order a half-pound burger or white fish sandwich, and then personalize it with some of the 40 available toppings. All of the popular places to grab an evening drink within the neighborhood are considered major chains. Locals frequently head to Hooters, Tumbleweed Tex Mex Grill & Margarita Bar, Applebee's, and Texas Roadhouse. Locals interested in upscale bars, nightclubs and music venues featuring mainstream acts must travel to downtown Louisville. Some of the best music venues in the city include Headliner's Music Hall and the Louisville Palace Theater. The Nowhere Bar is the place for late night snacks, drinks and pool tables. Located in a large hall-type venue, this establishment stays open until 4 a.m. The bar overflows with large crowds and wannabe singers on karaoke night, and when the weather cooperates, management opens the large garage doors to reveal an impressive outdoor patio area.

Though Okolona contains a good number of options for alternative transportation, over 95 percent of residents drive or carpool to work. Workers commuting into downtown Louisville take Outer Loop west to access Interstate 65. Because no public parking lots or garages exist in Okolona, visitors and residents alike park along residential streets. Locals without cars have a number of alternative transportation options at their disposal. The Transit Authority of River City operates buses along Preston Highway, Outer Loop and Shepherdsville Road. Residents also call on local taxi companies and Uber for service. Okolona is considered walkable for residents living close to the center of the neighborhood where all the amenities are located. However, there are no bike lanes in the area.

The Okolona area includes two parks operated by Louisville's MetroParks. Okolona Park lies in the heart of the neighborhood and covers 15 acres. Families love exploring the ballfields, picnic shelter and playground on sunny days. Roberson Run, to the east on Judge Boulevard, has become one of the best places in town for a leisurely walk with the children and family dog. Locals interested in visiting a larger park head west 3 miles to the expansive Iroquois Park. Iroquois contains multiple athletic fields, walking paths, playgrounds and even an outdoor amphitheater that can seat up to 2,300 people. These parks are free to use and dog friendly. Separate fees may apply if you want to rent picnic shelters or athletic fields. Louisville's Waterfront Park hosts numerous events throughout the year, including Christmas Tree Lane, the Soul Food Festival in June, and the summer music series called Waterfront Wednesdays.

The cost of living in Okolona is 8 percent lower than Louisville's city average and 18 percent lower than the national average. Housing costs remain low around this section of the city, so a one-bedroom apartment costs renters an average of $599 per month. Residents find that other costs incurred, including transportation, goods and services, remain even throughout Louisville's metropolitan area. The Transit Authority of River City charges bus riders $1.50 each way, while gas sits at 10 percent less than the national average. Bars and restaurants in Okolona charge moderate prices, so expect to pay $4 to $5 for a pint of beer.

Residents find ample shopping opportunities throughout Okolona. Nearby shopping complexes include Preston Park Shopping Center and Festival at Jefferson Court. Stores within these centers include Family Dollar, Rent-A-Center, Family Christian Stores and PetSmart, One of the city's largest malls, the Jefferson Mall, lies within the neighborhood and features name-brand retailers such as Jimmy Jazz, Men's Wearhouse and American Eagle Outfitters. In addition, a number of shops selling groceries, auto parts and affordable apparel line Preston Highway and Outer Loop. Southern Comfort Pools and Hot Tubs, on Preston Highway, specializes in assisting shoppers in finding the perfect spa or pool. Name-brand pools and tubs, supplies and expert advice await anyone interested in perusing this local shop. Drive a mile south along Preston Highway to visit American Bootworks. This store carries a large assortment of work shoes and uniforms from name brands, including Converse, Dr. Martens, Georgia Boots and Minnetonka. American Bootworks focuses on selling American-made apparel that meets industrial safety standards. Locals purchase groceries at the Kroger on Outer Loop or at ethnic grocery markets such as Tienda la Chapinlandia and the Miami Food Market. The nearest farmers market, Jeffersontown Farmers Market, opens Saturday mornings year round.