Tangletown - Minneapolis, MN

Lumber tycoon William Washburn and a host of other investors bought several hundred acres of farmland in 1886 to build an elite residential development, but hard economic times prevented them from going through with their plans until the early 20th century. Development continued through the 1920s, and the neighborhood remains an elite suburb of historic mansions to this day. Take a walk through Tangletown to see rows of Colonial and Tudor homes from the 1910 through the 1920s along with some Victorian estates dating back to the 1880s.

The neighborhood has developed culturally as well, with establishments like the Simply Jane art studio and Woolly Red Rug fabric store catering to the artistic crowd. Also, check out the Museum of Russian Art just south of Diamond Lake Road. To celebrate Tangletown's unique culture and community ties, don't miss the Fourth of July celebration featuring a big parade and family festival.

The dining scene in Tangletown is anything but ordinary, with a treasure trove of trendy local eateries that express just as much character as the quirky neighborhood that hosts them. A few fast-food joints provide cheap eats throughout Tangletown, but the core restaurants along 46th and Nicollet carry mid-priced fare. Whether you're craving a grass-fed burger in an eco-friendly restaurant or lively Latin cuisine, you might never want to venture out of the neighborhood for lunch again.

For gourmet meals served amidst a laid-back atmosphere, pull up a chair at Cafe Ena to savor creative American-Latin fusion cuisine with a pop of color. Locals flock here daily to catch up on the latest gossip while sipping on the best sangrias in town. Try the grouper if you're in the mood for seafood, and check back regularly for seasonal menu changes.

When you enter Wise Acre Eatery, you know Tangletown hides something special, as stringed light bulbs and green vines hang from the ceiling. Order the black bean burger for a full-flavored vegetarian indulgence, or satisfy your sweet tooth with the creamy custard topped with bacon brittle. The secret to the farm-fresh cuisine is seasonal produce and a nearby greenhouse that allows the local farmers to grass-feed their livestock year-round.

You don't find much nightlife in this peaceful neighborhood, but you're never more than a 10-minute drive from the clubs, bars and live music venues of downtown Minneapolis. For local entertainment, stop by King's Wine Bar to enjoy some affordable wine from the bottle or a pint of craft beer. The name may sound high-class, but you find plenty of casual diners mixed in with wine connoisseurs here.

Tangletown may feel like a back-country haven, but its location along Interstate 35W gives you easy access to the metro center of Minneapolis within a 10-minute drive. Car owners also look forward to free street parking along the neighborhood's hilly roads. If you don't feel like driving, give Uber or Suburban Taxi a call for a quick ride into town.

Although 80 percent of residents own cars, you can also reach downtown via the Metro buses that make stops along Lyndale and Nicollet. Tangletown has a network of bike-friendly streets that are safe for both bikers and pedestrians, but keep in mind that the neighborhood's hilly roads make for quite a workout.

Whether you're biking along the Minnehaha Creek and Parkway or kicking back at Fuller Park, you find plenty of free outdoor recreation in Tangletown. Fuller Park stands as a center point for the community, with the iconic 1936 water tower guarding the top of the hill.

Walk your dog, play on the basketball courts or let your kids splash around in the wading pool during the summer. When winter hits, embrace the icy weather with some sledding or building a snowman. Don't miss the park's summer events such as the Earth Day picnic and park clean-up.

Known for its affluent homes and rustic atmosphere, Tangletown has an above-average cost of living for the Minneapolis metro area. The area's few apartment complexes run from $900 to $1,000 per month for a one-bedroom apartment.

When filling up your car, expect to pay around 9 percent lower than the national gas price average. Transportation costs remain low, with the buses charging $1.75 during standard hours and $2.25 during rush hours. Expect to pay around $6 for a pint of ale at a neighborhood establishment like King's.

Take a walk to the retail strip near the intersection of 48th and Grand to browse charming storefronts below bright-colored canopies and vintage neon signs. You may be just minutes from some of the biggest malls, department stores and fashion boutiques in Minneapolis, but don't miss Tangletown's eclectic selection of convenience stores, thrift shops and specialty retailers as you stroll past Fuller Park. Walk into A Little Bird on Grand for a spread of antiques and homemade gifts arranged atop vintage furniture in a single room. Find hidden treasures like vintage purses, fine china and costume jewelry as well as hand-made soap and other unique gifts. The prices may be on the higher end for some items, but you're sure to enjoy some great deals and the staff that treats you like family. If you're looking for a way to beat the winter blues, check out Tangletown Gardens to explore a year-round nursery and gift shop. Let the plant-savvy staff help you pick out the perfect perennials or pick up some charming vases and potted plants. You'll also find some breathtaking sculptures by local artists. For your weekly grocery shopping, stop by Kowalski's Market for your bread and milk along with gourmet finds like sushi, or pick up some snacks at the Holiday gas station. You can also pick up fresh veggies at the summer farmers' market outside Tangletown Gardens, which harvests its produce from the on-site mini farm.