Shelard Park - Saint Louis Park, MN

Shelard Park occupies a unique position geographically situated in the northwest corner of St. Louis Park where highway 169 intersects interstate 394, effectively separating it from the rest of the community. The make-up remains mainly commercial with rental properties comprising the residential presence. Little to no retail or services exist in this neighborhood of St. Louis Park.

The land Shelard Park now occupies was annexed from the city of Minnetonka in 1955 and was originally planned as a shopping center. When plans for the center fell through, the area became the city's first planned, mixed-use neighborhood. Town homes, condominiums and apartments encircle the 7-acre wetland of Sherland Park. High-rise office towers, parking ramps, and low-rise office buildings form the outer ring around the green space and residential area.

Charming and cozy, Restaurant Baku serves up traditional Russian cooking. Family friendly with good food but even better people watching, expect to see group celebrations here and family gatherings. Friendly staff advise you, but be prepared to be in the minority unless you speak Russian. On every night but Saturdays when live music fills this hot spot, Russian pop music streams from the sound system. Locals call the kebabs a standout menu item. Baku only opens for dinner Thursday through Friday, but this restaurant conveniently provides takeout too.

Most residents of the Shelard Park area commute by car with many taking advantage of carpools, which allows for the use of the high-occupancy vehicle lane, or sane lane, on interstate 394 into the city. However, buses provide an easily accessible alternative, and several bus stops dot Ford Road and Shelard Parkway, which encircle the area. One mile to the east, on General Mills Boulevard, a park-and-ride lot exists with several buses making stops there.

Any cabs seen in the area are likely dropping off riders at one of the many office complexes or the nearby Minneapolis Marriott West. Cabs generally can't be hailed due to the fact that there are no local streets in this area.

Residents have the option of calling a car service, however. Uber, available in the Minneapolis area, runs about $32 to $44 for a one-way ride to the Minneapolis-St. Paul airport from Shelard Park.

Residents walk only in green spaces, and to-and-from the small strip mall that houses three or four restaurants. While one of the area's most desirable features, the easy access to two major highways comes as a drawback as well, as it limits walking or biking options.

The green space within this area, Shelard Park, provides residents and visitors with over 7 acres of wetlands and trails. Free to anyone, it offers a basketball court, a picnic shelter, grills, picnic tables and a play structure. Patrons generally live in the area, as the only parking available comes in the form of parking ramps for the nearby office complexes. No annual events are held at the park.

Public transportation, in the form of buses, runs $2.25 for a regular fare or $3 for the express fare. All Minneapolis transit buses conveniently provide bike carriers in case you want to head out for ride in another part of town.

For those looking to rent in the area, a one-bedroom apartment starts around $950 a month for 750 square feet.

Gasoline in this area of town comes in about 6 percent higher than the national average. A ticket to the movies at the local theater runs $7.50 for adults and $5.50 for kids ages 11 and under. Add a meal to the evening at the movies for $6.50 to $10.00 a person.

The cost of living in St. Louis Park, and therefore Shelard Park, runs higher than the national average. Groceries and housing take the biggest bite from a budget here.

There is no shopping area in this section of St. Louis Park. However, the Holiday Station store provides an exception, which sells gas and convenience items such as milk and bread.

However, an option still exists for spending money. Spa Blu, located at the Metro Point office complex provides haircuts, facials, waxes and massages. Specializing in organic products and anti-aging facials, it carries Aveda products along with several other brands.

The closest grocery store to this area, Trader Joe's, sits just west on Wayzata Blvd about 5 minutes by car. While Shelard Park doesn't hold a farmer's market, the greater St. Louis Park area provides many options for fresh produce and local goods. The St. Louis Park Farmer's Market stands out as a local favorite, letting locals browse for fresh ingredients, view local art and sample freshly baked goods.