Sheldon Charter Oak - Hartford, CT

Sheldon/Charter Oak holds a proud position as Hartford's founding settlement, where 17th century English colonists presumably hid a royal charter in a white oak tree. Dutch settlers used the area's riverfront property as a trading post. As the economy developed, the area attracted visionary industrialists and inventors, such as Samuel Colt. The establishment of successful factories fostered population growth as immigrants settled in the area for work.

The factories transformed into apartment housing over time, and red brick buildings still dominate the architectural character of the neighborhood. The Charter Oak Cultural Center is a prominent landmark and a recreation hub for locals who value performing arts and visual arts exhibitions. The Youth Arts Institute at Charter Oak engages young locals in music, dance and art culture, providing instructive courses and interactive events for families.

Living in a neighborhood bordered by downtown Hartford and South Green makes it easy for residents to catch a flick at Spotlight Theatre or meet up with friends for a beer at Arch Street Tavern.

Reserve a table at Peppercorn's Grill for an upscale Italian dinner of seafood-stuffed ravioli in lobster cream sauce. The restaurant offers an entire menu to suit a gluten-free diner's palate, and locals like to take advantage of special two-way discounts for the Bushnell Performing Arts Center. Bring a show ticket and a healthy appetite to take on Peppercorn's grilled Norwegian salmon and decadent creme brulee at a reduced price.

Corner Grinder Shop serves Italian-style pasta and classic sub sandwiches in 10-inch or 16-inch sizes. The restaurant's long-time customers recommend saving cash by dividing a whole chicken cutlet or roast beef sandwich between two people. The accommodating staff is always happy to customize toppings to your preference.

Sample old-world European comfort food at the Polish National Home, a social club and event venue with a restaurant and bar. A very popular dish is the Polish Plate, a combination of pierogies, kielbasa sausage, mashed potatoes, and hunter's stew. A club membership earns patrons discount points on meals and year-round access to exclusive events, such as the New Year's Eve Gala.

Front Street has the best location for cocktails, live entertainment, and fine dining at one of Hartford's most well-rounded entertainment venues, Infinity Music Hall & Bistro. From tribute bands and symphony orchestras to musical comedy acts, Infinity has it all. The venue's ongoing open mic nights showcase the artistic talents of local singers and songwriters.

NIXS restaurant and lounge remains a favorite bar hangout among locals. With its contemporary New England-inspired menu and eclectic party atmosphere, NIXS caters to college hipsters and seasoned foodies alike. A lively crowd forms around the bar, which serves up a diverse beer selection and clever signature cocktails, such as Beach Please and Bad Wolf.

In Sheldon/Charter Oak, busy bus routes and easy access to highways provide flexible options for jetting around the city or commuting out of town. Locals can choose from about 10 bus routes servicing the area, including buses 31, 33, 47, and 53. Buses 37 through 39 reach South Green and the Westfarms Mall in West Hartford, while New Britain commuters use Bus 41.

For express travel by car, Interstate 91 or Route 5 make for an easy drive to towns north and south of Hartford. Route 6 provides westbound and eastbound access before turning into Interstate 84. Sheldon/Charter Oak's residential areas provide free parking close to home, but parking meters are prevalent near the metro center.

While taxis are easy to snag downtown or on the outer west side of Sheldon/Charter Oak near Main Street, scheduling a cab ahead of time is a good idea. Uber also offers ride share service in the area. The area is very pedestrian-friendly, with wide sidewalks. Paved streets and light traffic also make this a bike rider's paradise.

Samuel Colt's vast land holdings once occupied most of Sheldon/Charter Oak's southwest region, and those pristine meadows now serve as the area's premier park. The legendary industrialist's wife donated the tracts of land to the city in the early 20th century in tribute to her husband, leading to the establishment of historic Colt Park a few years later.

Modern-day Colt Park delivers a sports-oriented interactive experience for residents of all ages. The 114-acre grounds house Dillon Stadium, the site of football and soccer games, and two outdoor pools entice locals to stop by to cool off during warm seasons. The playscapes and spray pool allow pint-sized residents to get a daily workout, while well-maintained sports fields, racquetball courts, and basketball courts keep hardcore athletes occupied all year.

The free Charter Oak Landing Park along the Connecticut River offers visitors a chance to see nature at its best. Lighted walkways showcase the riverfront landscape, and boat owners have easy access to fun on the water from the public dock. Grilling stations, fishing spots, playgrounds, and boating companies provide all-day recreation for families who love the outdoors. Pets are welcome to stroll the park trail as well.

As part of the Riverfront Recapture program, Charter Oak Landing connects to three other riverfront parks via bridges. The organization encourages locals to explore the parks with exciting events, including food truck festivals, movie screenings, and fireworks displays.

Average housing expenses for Sheldon/Charter Oak residents are lower than Hartford, making overall living costs slightly lower. Expect to pay a median rent of $960 for a cozy one-bedroom apartment in Sheldon/Charter Oak. The neighborhood lies directly south of downtown Hartford, making it an easy walk to the big city. Bus riders pay about $3 for citywide transportation. Gas prices in the area are roughly 15 percent higher than the national average, while a pint of beer costs $4 to $6 at local pubs.

Sheldon/Charter Oak is primarily a residential area, but shops are located nearby. Residents cross the Connecticut River to East Hartford to shop at popular chains like TJ Maxx, Cabela's, and Burlington Coat Factory.

Stackpole Moore Tryon Tuesday's, a high-end men's and women's clothing store, offers the latest fashions closer to home. This modern boutique specializes in designer threads, bringing the New York City shopping experience to Trumbull Street.

For groceries, corner stores and Spanish markets offer Latin ingredients and food supplies in a pinch, while the C-Town near Colt Park provides a larger inventory for one-stop shopping.

The Thursday Billings Forge Farmers' Market downtown is the place to go for farm-fresh goodies. The Hartford Regional Farmers' Market sets up on Reserve Road southeast of Sheldon/Charter Oak. Locals also drive south to the Wethersfield Farmers' Market during the summer and fall seasons.