Ridgemoor - Grand Rapids, MI

During the early 1800s, European fur traders moved to the area and worked with local Ottawa Indians to build trading posts and try to develop an industry in this portion of the state. By the latter half of the century, lumber had taken over as the main driver behind the local economy and soon the city became known for its furniture, earning the nickname Furniture City.

This reputation continued even as the automobile industry grew and employed many of the residents. The town has a legacy of people working with their hands, whether through building furniture or working on the assembly line. The modern manifestation of this legacy has been a thriving arts scene. In addition to the Grand Rapids Art Museum, the town attracts thousands of famous artists from around the world for the ArtPrize exhibit and competition, which awards hundreds of thousands of dollars to support artists and their work.

At the southern and northern border of Ridegmoor, residents have their choice of the typical fast food fare and other restaurants that tend to pop up along main thoroughfares. From Taco Bell and Subway to Buffalo Wild Wings and El Arriero Mexican restaurant, the neighborhood hosts plenty of family-friendly food options for grabbing a quick bite to eat.

At Shiraz, diners can sample authentic Persian cuisine while enjoying the sophisticated decor, which features white linen tablecloths, leather dining chairs and Persian art. Start with the light and refreshing maust kihar made with creamy cucumber yogurt sauce, walnuts and raisins. As a main dish, sample the list of kabobs served family-style upon request. The chicken, shrimp and lamb represent popular and tasty options. Diners can fill up on healthy grilled foods made with natural ingredients and leave feeling full but not stuffed, all for a reasonable price.

For drinks, residents visit the Twisted Bull, which features a fun country theme and serves up popular domestic beers on draft. If you fancy a fun night of dancing, be sure to come here on Friday or Saturday nights to experience some great live music beginning at 9:30 p.m. For microbrews and specialty martinis, head south to Bar Louie.

Most of the bars in the area provide a place to gather, socialize and watch the big game. Residents can also head out for a night of drinks and bowling at the AMF Eastbrook Lanes or head further into downtown Grand Rapids for a wider variety of bars, clubs and entertainment. The Van Andel Arena hosts amateur sports games, and the Wealthy Theater alternates between featuring live bands and screening retro films.

Traveling outside the Ridgemoor neighborhood and to other sections of Grand Rapids or Michigan can be convenient using the I-96 or highway 131. Drivers only have to head a couple of miles to connect with one of these major roads, and ample parking throughout Ridgemoor makes it easy to park and visit friends and family.

Despite the neighborhood's location on the outskirts of the downtown area, residents still enjoy plenty of access to public transportation. Bus stops line the streets every few blocks, making it easy to catch a ride. Those who want to hail a cab or use Uber services can head to a main intersection to flag down a driver.

Pedestrians also have an easy time traveling the neighborhood. The subdivisions feature sidewalks throughout and the vast majority of roads either have designated bike lanes or have been designed to be bike-friendly.

The MacKay-Jaycees Park provides plenty of open space for picnics, playing a game of catch or organizing an ultimate Frisbee tournament. Residents can use the playground, baseball fields, soccer fields, tennis courts, jogging trails and many other convenient amenities for free throught the year.

Dog owners can head north of Ridgemoor to the Hillcrest Dog Park. This park features areas for both small and large dogs, plenty of green space to run and sections covered in wood chips.

Nature lovers shouldn't miss the chance to stroll the Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park. Stop by in January for the Orchid Show or warm up a cold February night with a wine tasting in the park's guest center.

The cost of living in the Ridgemoor neighborhood runs slightly above that of the rest of Grand Rapids. Renting a one-bedroom apartment in this wealthy area of town costs $710 per month. A single ride on the bus system costs $1.50, although frequent passengers can purchase passes to save even more money. Drivers can also save money at the pump with gas prices that trend about 15% below national averages. Residents can expect to pay $3 for a bottle of domestic beer when they head out for an after-dinner drink.

Ridgemoor residents enjoy convenient and easy access to several main shopping districts. The Breton Village Shopping Center sits in the middle of this section of town and houses popular apparel stores as well as a GNC, Chow Hound Pet Supplies and much more. For even more options, head south to Shops at CenterPointe.

In the East Hills section of town, the Global Infusion store carries a selection of handmade fair trade items from all over the world. Shop for clothing, jewelry, furniture and hard-to-find food items. Patrons can feel good about the fact that their money is helping support entrepreneurs located in rural villages and communities all over the globe.

Head to a nearby Meijer or ALDI to stock up on groceries and other essential household items. The Fulton Street Farmers Market also opens every Saturday throughout the year to serve customers and provide access to fresh and affordable seasonal produce.