Crestview Heights - Wichita, KS

As the largest and oldest city in Kansas, Wichita hosts most of the state's cultural events and houses its most prominent museums. The city sponsors both the Wichita Art Museum and the Wichita Center For The Arts. Both organizations provide educational opportunities for all ages and draw attention to Midwestern artists through traveling exhibits.

Every spring, the Wichita Black Arts Festival celebrates the artistic achievements of the local African-American community. This event consists of a parade, live music, and an outdoor exhibit by artists and craftsmen. Admission costs $3.

Thousands of visitors arrive at the Tallgrass Film Festival each year, and over the course of five days, they enjoy nearly 200 independent films from around the world. The event attracts hundreds of producers and actors who come to both view the films and talk with the audience. The films shown include dramas, documentaries, foreign films and cult classics.

Old Town remains Wichita's premier location for upscale restaurants, but you don't need to leave the neighborhood for casual dining. In fact, you find some of the best burgers in town right down the street at Bionic Burger. Attempt to consume the 6 Million Dollar Burger if you dare. Topped with mountains of cheese, pickles and jalapeños, this double-patty burger is not for the faint of heart. You can always go easy on yourself with the single bacon cheddar burger. Regardless of your choice, be sure to order a basket of hand-cut fries.

Zaytun specializes in Mediterranean and Middle-Eastern cuisine, with a special focus on fusion pizzas. Vegetarians appreciate that a significant portion of the menu devotes itself to meat-free dishes. Try the fiery seekh kabab pizza garnished with cilantro chutney and green chilis. Put out the flames with a tall glass of the house special, freshly squeezed mango lemonade. Weekend afternoons draw a crowd, so be prepared to wait for a table.

If you feel apprehensive about enjoying seafood in the Midwest, let Newport Grill ease your mind. This restaurant's incredible assortment of seafood arrives by plane each morning, as fresh as you find on the coasts. The modern dining area and patio overlook a small private lake, creating an intimate atmosphere ideal for dinner dates. Start with a glass of white wine and rock shrimp "cigars." Carnivores should choose the filet Oscar, while the Hawaiian ahi tuna appeals to those looking for lighter fare; either way, save room for chocolate beignets.

Don't even think about counting calories at Albero Cafe. The hearty Italian-American cuisine makes you feel like a member of the family. Nothing brings contentment like an evening filled with homemade pasta, laughter and wine. Relax with friends over generous portions of rich fettuccini formaggio and spaghetti bolognese. Topped off with tiramisu, this meal leaves you with tighter pants and a refreshed spirit.

Generally, residents head to Old Town on the weekends to visit the bars and clubs, but Crestview Heights houses a few neighborhood bars suitable for laid-back Friday nights after work. Drop by O'Briens Irish Pub to catch the big game and enjoy Guinness on tap, or watch your troubles go up in smoke at Lava Hookah Lounge. For more excitement, drive down to Wine Dive for a large specialty cocktail selection and a menu featuring small plates.

This neighborhood spreads out too far for walking, so residents usually drive everywhere they need to go. Close proximity to Interstate 135 simplifies travel, but you have to pay to park downtown. Avoid driving by using Uber or calling a taxi service, as you can't hail a cab from the street.

Bicycling remains popular regardless of the fact that Wichita is not the most bike-friendly city. The city does not provide bike lanes but does maintain multi-use paths in several areas.

Public transportation consists of the Wichita Transit Bus Service, which makes frequent stops throughout the city but does not travel to neighboring towns. Crestview Heights residents can hop on the bus from the many stops along 21st Street and Woodlawn Boulevard.

At 14 miles to the southwest, Wichita Mid-Continent Airport serves as the neighborhood's nearest airport. This airport does not fly internationally, so you may need to book connecting flights out of larger airports.

Crestview Heights contains only one park, but many consider it one of the most beautiful parks in the city. Chisholm Creek Park encompasses hundreds of acres of woodlands, wetlands and plains and provides numerous amenities. Experience the peace and tranquility of the 4-mile nature trail; signs help you identify the area's many native birds and other wildlife. This section of the park forbids dogs and bicycles, but your canine companions may join you on the 8-mile multi-use path. If you enjoy fishing, two ponds offer you ample opportunities to indulge in your favorite hobby.

Picnic areas and playgrounds allow families to spend quality time together, as does the park's Great Plains Nature Center. The youngest members of the family can participate in storytime activities, while parents and older children can join in the Full Moon Walk and search for nocturnal animals. Workshops teach adults the basics of beekeeping and birdwatching. All programs at the Nature Center remain free.

The cost of living in this neighborhood sits lower than Wichita's average due to modest housing and transportation costs. You can rent a one-bedroom apartment for approximately $490 a month.

With gas prices 13 percent less than the national average, filling your tank proves painless, and public transportation remains just as economical. Ride anywhere on the bus for just $2, or less if you purchase a monthly bus pass. When you visit a local pub, expect a pint to cost around $4.

Grocery shop for the basics at nearby Dillons, Aldi's, and Save-a-Lot, and shop for organic and specialty products at GreenAcres Market. During the summer and autumn, Wichita holds its farmers market every Saturday in Old Town. In addition to purchasing locally sourced produce, meats, and cheeses, you can spend a pleasant morning enjoying live music and cooking demonstrations by the city's top chefs.

Residents typically shop at either the Bradley Fair Shopping Center, an upscale outdoor mall, or Towne East Square, an indoor mall containing most of the popular department stores and apparel chains. Boutiques and independently owned shops most often make their homes in Old Towne, but a few can be found near Crestview Heights.

In the days before Amazon, bookstores such as Watermark Books & Cafe were taken for granted, but now locals appreciate their importance. More than just another place to shop, this store fosters friendship and community spirit with 13 different book clubs. After you pick up some new reading material, head to the cafe side of the building to enjoy a cup of coffee with a freshly baked scone.

Like bookstores, toy stores seem to be a relic of a bygone era, but Wings of the Wind still provides personalized attention, high-quality toys and unique gifts. Don't expect to find the toys you see on television commercials, but you can find puzzles, games, robots and much more. If you need to grab a last-minute gift, take advantage of the free gift-wrapping service.