Parkdale-Walden - Kansas City, MO

The neighborhood's origins go all the way back to Native American settlements 6,000 years ago, way before Europeans settled along the Missouri River in the 1840s. Some of the oldest houses near Houston Lake still stand from the 1940s, whereas newer construction to the north stems from suburban growth in the 1990s and the 2000s. What started out as small farms or recreational homes turned into a full-fledged, middle-class neighborhood with larger homes.

The Riverside Music Fest every September serves as the community's main annual festival. Bands play all afternoon before culminating in a fireworks show after 9 p.m. Holiday lighting ceremonies occur in various retail hubs in the area. Go to Kansas City's downtown areas for major annual events, cultural displays and museums.

The Village at Burlington Creek serves as the north terminus of Parkdale-Walden on Northwest 64th Street. This retail area contains around 10 restaurants, about half of which are local, with a few chains and a wine bar. Two establishments serve alcoholic drinks. Em Chamas Brazilian Grill features a huge appetizer bar with 30 items and traditional rodizio service at your table. Choose from rotisserie cuts of beef, chicken, pork and lamb that you can see rotating in the oven. Top sirloin stuffed with provolone is the special of the house. The succulent picanha, a unique cut of beef specially made for Brazilian butchers, has a layer of fat on top of juicy, tender meat. Gauchos bring whatever meat you want to your table among 14 selections, including beef ribs, pork ribs, marinated leg of lamb and pit ham.

Dominic's Casual Italian serves quick, hearty Italian favorites you can order online and have ready when you arrive to pick up your food. The breaded eggplant appetizer goes with savory Italian olive salad for beginner courses. The Italian steak sandwich has hand-breaded beef on a hard Italian roll with a side of tomato sauce for dipping. The baked chicken spedini sandwich contains marinated chicken rolled in breadcrumbs and topped with mozzarella. Dominic's makes its pizza dough fresh daily, and each pie comes with 11 possible toppings, including artichoke hearts.

Head west to Café des Amis, a charming little romantic bistro situated in an upstairs location overlooking the quaint downtown area of Parkville. A native of Champagne, France, Guillaume Hanriot's warm and casual environment provides an exceptional French dining experience. Wooden decks wrap around the restaurant, providing amazing outdoor seating for 50 people amid the shady trees. The owner's wife Ingrid dishes up traditional and progressive French dishes with over 60 wines and after-dinner drinks. Stop in for brunch and try the moules marinieres facon Odile – Prince Edward Island mussels steamed in sherry wine, with fresh herbs, light cream and shallots. For a larger meal, order the faisant au bleuets – pan-seared pheasant served with a white wine and blueberry sauce.

Nightlife in the Village at Burlington Creek revolves around the Swirl Wine Bar & Shoppe. Swirl stays open until 11 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays to serve one of eight wines on tap to go with eight appetizers. You can also purchase some local cheeses.

Wide suburban streets, many of which end in cul-de-sacs, welcome bicyclists, joggers and pedestrians alike. Low traffic means bicycles can easily maneuver busier streets. Most residential roads have sidewalks so kids, pets and parents can walk to the pool or to school. A few taxis service Riverside and Parkville. Uber rides can pick you up at any time.

Park your vehicle in free spots at Burlington Creek. The swimming pool and tennis courts have plenty of parking on hot summer days. Apartments, villas and retirement communities contain more than enough spaces for vehicles of residents and visitors.

Easily access Interstate 29 from NW 64th Street. Take NW Northwood Road to the south where it joins NW River Park Drive to connect with Interstate 635. A drive to Kansas City or west into the Kansas suburbs takes just a few minutes. Pick up a KCATA bus at 56th and Prairie View Road, just north of Houston Lake, weekdays starting at 7:25 a.m. and ending at 5:25 p.m.

Recreational opportunities abound near Parkdale-Walden. To the north of the neighborhood lies the Southern Platte Pass trail that mirrors NW 64th Street. This concrete trail connects two cities and a few shopping centers. Houston Lake features boating, fishing and hiking. Frank Vaydik Park to the east is the largest park close to the neighborhood, with 144 acres that contain baseball fields, walking trails and the Linn Creek community ice arena.

The ice skating rink charges a fee, but most other parks do not have costs attached to them. Leashed dogs are welcome outside, as long as you clean up after them.

Living in Parkdale-Walden costs slightly more than that of the city. A one-bedroom space runs $888.45 on average per month. Most apartments and villas have been built in the past 20 years and contain newer amenities, such as pools and fitness centers. One complex has its own lake next to I-29.

A day pass for KCATA bus service costs $3 with connections to hundreds of stops over the entire metro area. Gas prices are typically 17 percent lower than the national average. A beer costs around $4 at a local pub.

The Village at Burlington Creek features half a dozen locally owned shops, ranging from everyday boutiques to high-end fashion stores. Watercolors High Fashion sells formal wear for prom and Christmas dresses that make you stand out from the crowd. Accessories include tiaras, jewelry, earrings and necklaces for any occasion. During the summer, swimwear reigns supreme.

Hillcrest Thrift Shop has second-hand clothing, home accessories, jewelry, books, and more. The workers are friendly and personable, and the store is clean and well-organized. Hillcrest Thrift Shop's daily sales and specials ensure customers pay low prices for their items. Your purchases help support a good cause, as a portion of each sale goes to the transitional housing program and assists homeless families.

The nearest grocery store is Hy-Vee, which sits right down the street from The Village. For the closest farmers market, travel into downtown Kansas City for several choices.