South Perry - Indianapolis, IN

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers laid out the area of Perry Township in 1822, but the neighborhoods remained primarily rural until nearly a century later. The region grew as a result of Indianapolis' suburban spread with the majority of homes built from the 1950s through the 1980s.

Residents need to take a short drive to downtown Indianapolis to find history museums and art centers, but South Perry has its own collection of craft stores and dance academies to help you channel your inner artist. Living here also gives you easy access to the city's biggest annual events including the Indy International Festival and the Indy Jazz Fest

South Perry's pleasant mix of hometown diners and trendy bistros with creative cuisine create a culinary scene that caters to every generation. Explore East Street to discover a restaurant spread teeming with classic American grills, exotic Indian restaurants, Greek eateries and BBQ joints. You can also find a nice variety of local pubs for a quick drink while more diverse nightlife options with live music await a short drive away in downtown Indianapolis.

For traditional Indian cuisine with a modern twist, sit down with some fresh garlic naan at The Clay Oven. Vegan and vegetarian guests find plenty to eat from both the menu and the lunch buffet while omnivores come for favorites like the mango chicken and the chicken tikka. Be sure to top off your meal with a bottle of imported Indian beer for an authentic Indian dining experience.

One of the best-kept local secrets in the neighborhood, Lincoln Square Pancake House serves up some of the best breakfast dishes in South Perry. If you have a big appetite, don't hesitate to order The Farm, a heaping plate of fried chicken, bacon-topped biscuits with gravy, crisp hash browns and eggs cooked to your liking. Order a mini waffle or two if you need a little something extra, but be warned that the portions here rarely fail to satisfy.

Shelves upon shelves of top-quality spirits greet you when you walk into McGilvery's Taphouse, a traditional Irish pub that comes alive after dinnertime. Shoot some pool while enjoying a pint of Guinness, or fill your stomach with unique dishes such as a kale and quinoa veggie burger and a house-made Reuben that make you wonder why pub food has a reputation for mediocrity.

Automobiles dominate the transportation scene in this suburban area with most residents commuting to work via the Interstate 65 and U.S. 40. Enjoy plenty of free parking in South Perry along the streets and in spacious retail lots. If you need a quick ride to the nearby airport, feel free to give Uber or Indianapolis Yellow Cab a call.

South Perry has limited public transportation with IndyGo buses making stops along a few major roads including Madison Avenue and East Street. For a greener solution, take your trusty bike down the area's bike-friendly roads, or cruise down bike lanes on Madison Avenue and a few other roads. Keep in mind that the region's spacious layout makes navigating the neighborhoods on foot a bit of a challenge.

Whether you want to enjoy a picnic with your kids or get fit while breathing some fresh air, head to one of South Perry's green spaces for a pleasant getaway. Standing at the heart of the community is Perry Park, a public green space with an NHL-sized ice skating rink that hosts hockey games, leagues and public skating. During the warmer months, splash around in the aquatic park complete with two water slides. You can also take your kids to enjoy the playground, shoot some hoops on the basketball courts or have some fun on the tennis courts. Just be aware that some facilities charge a small fee.

Head south to find German Park, a reservation-only private park that provides top amenities for a set fee. Here you find a picnic pavilion complete with a dance floor, a well-stocked kitchen, playgrounds and other facilities. The rustic look and modern amenities create the perfect atmosphere for weddings, anniversary celebrations and church picnics. The park also hosts events including Oktoberfest, and the Edelweiss German restaurant located on the grounds is always open to the public.

Living in one of South Perry's pleasant communities lets you enjoy a cost of living that falls below average for the Indianapolis metro area. Renting a one-bedroom apartment in the area generally costs around $581, and buying a pint of beer at one of the local pubs costs around $5 to $6. If you need to take the bus into downtown Indianapolis, expect to pay around $1.75 for a one-way trip. Gas prices remain reasonable, hovering around 13 percent below the national average.

South Perry residents enjoy a down-home shopping scene teeming with antique shops, bookstores and hobby shops. Head to the East Street retail strip to pick up the newest issue of your favorite comic, a top-quality mountain bike or fresh flowers for your home. Grab all your staples at the shopping centers scattered around Greenwood, or head a few blocks south to Greenwood Park Mall for a wide selection of upscale fashion boutiques.

Treasure hunters who crave vintage fashions and old collectibles might spend hours browsing Southport Antique Mall, a gathering place for some of the area's most unique antique vendors. Buy some retro Coke bottles, a quirky hand-crafted doll or a vintage suitcase. The mall has a few non-antique items scattered among older items, but avid antiquers has no trouble finding a trove of hidden treasures in this South Perry gem.

Stop by Comic Book University to browse one of the largest collections of comic books, games and collectible figurines this side of Indianapolis. Get together with friends to play your favorite trading card game in one of the shop's fully equipped gaming rooms, or spend some time browsing back issues of both popular and hard-to-find comic titles. Keep an eye out for special gaming nights, tournaments and new product celebrations held throughout the month.

South Perry holds an eclectic collection of big-name supermarkets alongside exotic and natural food stores to satisfy all your grocery needs. Stop by Saraga International Grocery for a variety of imported goods, or head to Earth Fare to buy some organic ingredients. For some local fruits and veggies, be sure to check out the Fresh Thyme Farmers Market.