Prairie Lake - Kenosha, WI

In the 1830s, settlers arrived in what is now Kenosha, but at that time it went by the names of Pike Creek or Southport. The name changed with the arrival of the automotive industry in the early-20th century. This industry transformed Kenosha into one of Wisconsin's largest cities, but its eventual demise left some areas struggling. Kenosha bounced back, and prides itself on its flourishing economy. The Prairie Lake neighborhood developed relatively recently to house the city's growing population — particularly those residents with a desire for more open space.

The city contains several natural history museums, including the Kenosha Public Museum, a Smithsonian affiliate. View the first woolly mammoth uncovered in Wisconsin, famed for being the most complete specimen found in North America. If you prefer art to natural history, visit the museum's collection of works by Picasso, Chagall and Salvador Dali. Entrance to the museum is free.

Kenosha surprises visitors with the variety and quality of its restaurants. Take a walk down 6th Avenue to find all manner of eateries, from cafés to fine dining on Lake Michigan.

At Daily Dose, enjoy hearty sandwiches and traditional breakfast fare in a cosy neighborhood diner. The home cooking and friendly service turn most customers into regulars. Try the Awesome Beef Panini with its secret garlic sauce.

Special occasions require a visit to Twisted Cuisine. Whether you're savoring small plates and cocktails with your date or celebrating your promotion with a generous entrée, the imaginative flavor combinations earn your applause. Order the New York strip steak, marinated in a maple syrup and caper sauce, but save room for the delightfully strange Fruit Loop Cheesecake.

While not comparable to large cities, this area's nightlife holds its own with a variety of pubs and swanky bars. Head to Wine Knot Bar & Bistro for a night of conversation, laughter and entertainment. Socialize at long communal tables or tuck yourself away at an intimate table for two. Ask for the wine flight and taste three different varieties of red or white vintages. Live music draws a crowd on the weekends, so arrive early to avoid waiting for a seat.

Sip a pint while you look out over the lake at Ashling on the Lough. Although this pub claims Irish ancestry, it specializes in bloody Marys. Try an extra spicy version made with habanero-pepper-infused vodka. Impress your friends with your brain power when you participate in Tuesday night trivia or stop by on the weekends for Celtic folk performances. The casual atmosphere, beautiful views and approachable locals make Ashling's an ideal spot to relax after a stressful week.

Cars are a necessity in this area, but easy access to Interstate 94 and free parking throughout the city make driving hassle-free. When driving proves impossible, Uber comes to your rescue. Taxis do serve the area, but must be called in advance.

Many residents participate in recreational cycling on the city's trails, but you won't see bikes used as a method of transportation. A lack of bike lanes creates an unsafe environment for cyclists, as does inclement weather.

Kenosha Transit maintains several bus routes that operate from downtown and stop throughout the city, while Metra trains take residents to Chicago and its northern suburbs.

The city provides three convenient options for air travel — Kenosha Regional Airport, Chicago O'Hare International Airport and Milwaukee General Mitchell International Airport.

This area spoils its residents with parks, playgrounds and nature preserves. The city maintains five dog parks, several beaches and miles of paved trails for walking and biking — as well as affording outdoor enthusiasts with the opportunity to fish, hunt and camp without straying far from home.

Harbor Park is Kenosha Park District's crowning achievement. It encompasses nearly 70 acres and provides a venue for many of the city's seasonal events. Cool off on the splash pad or walk your dog on the lakeside promenade. View contemporary and traditional sculptures by local artists on the Kenosha Sculpture Walk. Take a scenic tour of the lakefront and the historic districts on the restored vintage streetcars that leave from the park. As the site of the Taste of Wisconsin and the Grill Games events, Harbor Park remains a favorite destination for food lovers. Enter the park for free except during festivals.

This area's cost of living is not only lower than the national average, but also about 1 percent lower than Wisconsin's average. The Prairie Lake neighborhood doesn't have a ton of apartments, but nearby one-bedroom rentals are budget friendly at around $600 a month.

Take advantage of public transportation without breaking the bank. A bus ride costs $1.75, while a Metra ticket sets you back just over $8. Trips to the gas pump are painless, with gas prices 1 percent lower than the national average. Expect to pay around $5 for a pint of beer.

Grocery shop with ease at nearby Piggly Wiggly and Aldi's, or drive a few extra minutes to the popular Woodman's Food Market. The city sponsors five farmers markets, including the year-round Kenosha Harbor Market. In addition to locally grown produce, find dairy products, meats and handcrafted items. Pick up salad ingredients for a light dinner or buy a set of all-natural soaps. It's more than just a market — spend the day enjoying live music and entertainment, and sample ethnic foods from around the world.

The Pleasant Prairie Outlet Mall attracts visitors from Chicago and Milwaukee with its bargain prices on designer clothing and shoes. With 90 different stores, it constitutes the majority of the shopping experience in Kenosha. However, the city still maintains a significant number of independent specialty stores and boutiques.

When you want to provide your pets with the very best, visit K9 Kibble for grain-free foods and doggy fashions and accessories. Find a wide range of American-made pet bedding, toys, collars and leashes. Bring your dog along, and meet local canines and their human companions. Purchase freshly baked dog cookies and cakes for a get-together with your new friends.

Ambitious artists appreciate the selection of beads and jewelry-making supplies at Red Rose's Bead Haven. From wood beads to semi-precious stones, let the incredible array inspire your next project. Best of all, sit down with your new materials and make your project right in the store's open space for working on your designs in the company of fellow hobbyists.