Outer Derby/Haysville Derby, KS

Derby, originally called El Paso, Kansas, is the largest of Wichita's suburbs, and the Outer Derby and Haysville areas are among the most desirable neighborhoods in Derby. Both areas have a small-town feel while still being close to the largest city in Kansas.

The Fall Festival, a three-day event, has been attracting visitors from the region to Haysville every October for about 30 years, and the Derby BBQ Festival in September brings the atmosphere of the big barbecue competitions normally associated with Kansas City to the north.

Most of the restaurants in the area can be found on two major roads, South Rock Road and Baltimore Avenue.

For those looking to catch the big game on TV, Little Buster's Sports Bar and Grill provides patrons with a traditional sports bar atmosphere and high quality food. Known for their juicy hamburgers and ice-cold beer, Little Buster's is also popular with families on Wednesday nights, thanks to its discounts for kids.

If you enjoy a more home-cooked dining experience, Riverside Cafe is sure to be a hit. With legendary catfish fillets and fried chicken, you'll feel right at home in the dining room being served by some of the friendliest staff around. Save room for dessert, though, because the fruit pies are worth a trip themselves.

Looking for somewhere to go to unwind after a long day? You'll find like-minded people at two of the bars in the area: The Shop, on Baltimore, and Madrocks on Rock Road. The Shop has live music and karaoke on Fridays, and Madrocks has an outdoor patio with two fireplaces, making it a comfortable place to enjoy a drink even on a cool evening. Both are popular places to watch sports on a Saturday or Sunday afternoon with friends.

Getting around downtown Haysville is as easy as a short walk, although most people traveling in and out of the area prefer cars for most excursions. Interstate 35 is the major artery through Wichita, and is a toll road. Travel between Wichita and Derby is quickest using Kansas Highway 15, and Haysville is connected directly to Wichita via U.S. Highway 81.

Public transportation, although common in Wichita, is not available in the Outer Derby and Haysville area. Taxis should be arranged to be dispatched from Wichita in advance of any trip. Uber does not service the area.

It is not uncommon to see bicyclists in the neighborhood, although usually not as a primary way of getting around the city. The streets are quiet and generally very safe for those wishing to ride a bike.

There are a number of parks in the area. The city of Haysville maintains 12 parks, the largest of which, Riggs Park, has a small fishing lake and walking and biking trail, as well as an 18-hole disc golf course that is very popular with disc golfers from the area and from Wichita.

Haysville Historic Park, just to the east, is another popular park for picnics and family events, and is the site of the Haysville Fall Festival in addition to the annual Fourth of July celebration, which draws crowds from many of the neighboring towns.

In the Derby area, High Park also provides residents with a fishing lake and recreation facilities, in addition to a newly updated hiking trail designed to be challenging and scenic.

Along with the small-town feel comes lower prices. Gas prices in the area run 12 percent less than the national average, and food and drink prices are low as well. A beer can be found at the local bars for less than $3.

At and average of $571 per month for a one-bedroom apartment, Haysville is cheaper than more popular areas, and Haysville has discounts on property taxes for those who choose to build their homes in the area as part of the "Build Haysville" initiative. Many housing options are available to fit any budget, and those looking to make an investment have a lot of options to purchase older homes that need a little updating.

Locals rely on two local grocery store for most of their needs: Homeland, in Haysville, and Dillons, in Derby, are both national chains that have fresh food at decent prices. Other national retailers such as Walmart, Kohl's and Lowe's, can be found along Baltimore Avenue in Derby.

If you're looking for fresh locally sourced fruits and vegetables, the Hometown Market is open every Saturday from June to September. More than just a farmer's market, Hometown Market is a place where you can find artwork, crafts, baked goods and more, all produced by members of the community. This fresh-air market is just one of the places that makes Haysville feel like home.

For those with a touch of nostalgia, the Derby Antique Market can be a treasure trove, and with over 160 merchants, the treasures change almost daily. In addition to the collectibles and antiques, vendors also sell handmade gifts and furniture, making this a great place to go if you are looking for a unique gift for that hard-to-buy-for friend or relative.

Just north of Haysville sits Cox Farm, a produce farm that also specializes in jams, jellies and honey produced by other farmers in the area. Cox Farm also hosts a Fall Festival from late September until the end of October, with a pumpkin patch, hay rides and plenty of activities for kids.