Southdale Indianapolis, IN

Although the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers established Perry Township in 1822, the area remained largely rural until the housing boom of the 1950s, leading to Indianapolis' suburban sprawl. Southdale soon grew as a residential neighborhood, filling its empty lots primarily with single-family homes.

Take a short drive to the historic Hannah House for a walk through history, or head downtown to explore the city's thriving arts scene. Living in Southdale also places you near some of Indianapolis' top annual festivals, such as the Indianapolis 500 Festival and the Indy Jazz Fest.

Southdale residents have plenty of fast-food options along East Street, and a short drive to nearby neighborhoods opens up a world of diverse dining possibilities from themed international restaurants to pubs and classic grills. Find tons of cheap eats ideal for a quick lunch or a laid-back steak dinner after work.

Let the decadent flavors and spices overtake you with every meal at The Clay Oven, a favorite spot for authentic Indian fare. Share the Tandoori mixed grill platter with friends, so you don't have to choose between Reshmi chicken kabobs, Tandoori shrimp, fish tikka and lamb boti kabobs. Every serving of naan is freshly made and warm from the kitchen, making it the perfect accompaniment to the hearty sauces of butter chicken and lamb vindaloo.

When you crave authentic Mexican street tacos, head over to Los Compadres to order some tacos al pastor complete with cilantro, onion, fresh lime juice and the perfect amount of hot sauce. You can get a few tacos with a Mexican Coke for just a few bucks, so stop by whenever you need a quick, satisfying meal that doesn't hurt your wallet.

Southdale locals drive up to Bynum's Steakhouse to enjoy some of the best ribeye, prime rib and sirloin steak on Indianapolis' south side. Be sure to try the salad with a homemade blue cheese dressing, and order a bottle of Blue Moon for the perfect complement to your steak. Each meal comes with a bowl of savory French onion soup, so be careful not to order too much.

The area doesn't have much in terms of nightlife, but an unbeatable party scene in downtown Indianapolis awaits a short drive away. Locals also stop by Robby's Pub for cheap drinks, pool games and a friendly crowd. The pub is open all day, but the party atmosphere comes alive at night when regulars assemble to watch sports and load up on beer and food specials, such as 50-cent wings.

Whether you work on the south side or in downtown, hop on East Street or U.S. 40 for an easy commute. Driving downtown normally takes around 15 minutes, with most Southdale residents choosing to travel by car. If you prefer public transportation, hop on an IndyGo bus from one of the stops along East Street.

Enjoy plenty of free parking along the residential streets, and call Uber or Indianapolis Yellow Cab if you need a quick ride. The neighborhood has no bike lanes, but bicycle enthusiasts enjoy a safe cruise down the quiet streets as well as easy access to the nearby Circle City Bikes and Fitness shop. Although you can walk to perform basic errands, most destinations are best reached by car.

Southdale itself doesn't have any public parks, but some of the city's most popular green spaces lie a few miles north. Head to Garfield Park to explore the Garfield Park Arts Center, stroll through the lush conservatory or relax in the sunken gardens. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this 19th-century park stands as the oldest public park in the city. Here you can play a game on the horseshoe pits, or simply watch the water fountains as they dance with colored lights and synchronized music. For some night time entertainment, don't miss the Music in the Garden summer concert series. Be aware that the conservatory and certain special events charge a minimal fee. For a more laid-back adventure, stop by Columbia Park to walk your canine companion on the grassy lawn, watch your kids climb on the playground or go for your morning jog on the running track.

Southdale's overall cost of living hovers close to average for the Indianapolis metro area. If you choose to rent, expect to pay around $661 for a one-bedroom apartment. Taking the bus into downtown Indianapolis costs you around $1.75, while gas prices fall around 13 percent below the national average. Grabbing a pint of beer at the local pubs usually costs you around $5 to $6.

The small Southdale community has a humble retail scene with only a few amenities along East Street, but a trendy mix of boutiques, fashion retailers and specialty stores await in the surrounding neighborhoods. Head to Southern Plaza Shopping Center a few blocks north to browse the latest fashions or pick up a new book.

Stocking a huge selection of books, CDs and DVDs with most items prided under $5, Books on Sale remains one of Perry Township's best kept secrets. Find odd titles that you can't get anywhere else as you browse through more than 100,000 books lining the bookshelves, reminiscent of a library. Keep an eye out for bargain days that tack hefty discounts onto children's books, older books and hardcover books, and feel free to let the staff know what you're looking for so they can find it for you.

Far from your typical nursery or garden store, Soule's Garden features a beautiful display garden filled with ferns, leafy shade plants, rare woodland plants and hardy winter shrubs. Choose your Allegan Fog, Clematis Betina or bog-loving Arisaema dracontium from the display, and come back several weeks later to receive your cuttings. Don't miss the annual daylily open house to pick out some gorgeous garden favorites.

For your weekly grocery needs, pick up your basics at the nearby Kroger, or get some bargain food items at Save-A-Lot. If you're searching for fresh produce from local growers, take a short drive to the Indianapolis City Market.