Hurstbourne - Louisville, KY

While the area of Hurstbourne has been inhabited since the late 1700s, it did not officially add its name to the map until 1982. Until then, it remained an unincorporated area outside of Louisville that would have been annexed had its residents not established themselves as independent. The population of the area grew after 1965 when new industries came to the area and as Louisville continued to outgrow its current space.

The history of the area lives through the homes and compounds that made up the city center long before Hustbourne incorporated. Some of these have been preserved as a monument to the town. Residents explore local culture through the fine arts at places like Oz Galleries and Dreamz Dance Company. Many of the annual events in Hursbourne revolve around high-energy activity, and locals join in on 10K and 5K races with the rest of the community.

Dining in Hurstbourne provides a mix of national chains and independent, family-owned restaurants. Eateries represent just about every culture within the area, and locals find meals that range in price from fast food to fine dining without leaving the boundaries of this small city. Find some of the local gems and take a drive down Hurstbourne Parkway or Taylorsville Road.

For a menu that provides several standard favorites served up with a twist, try Mussel and Burger Bar. Start the meal with the short rib nachos, which regulars say sounds strange but turns into a perfect, flavorful combination. The calamari comes with a little bit of unexpected spice, and the mussels in red sauce have a loyal following. If you've never had a gourmet burger, then make sure you order one here. The menu features several of gourmet burgers, from the Spanish Blue to the Italian Job.

Stop by Shalimar Indian Restaurant for cultural cuisine served up with several different options. Try the buffet for lunch, or order from the menu at dinner. Regulars love the chicken tikka masala served with garlic naan, For the vegetarian crowd, patrons adore the vegetable samosas. The desserts also get high reviews from customers who enjoy the kheer and jelebis. For nightlife in the area, stop by one of the restaurants that house a full bar. For dance clubs or live music, heading into Louisville remains the best bet. Brownie's The Shed Grille & Bar has the closest and best option for a full bar paired with good food. The fare encourages locals to try a pint with a burger or a mixed drink with just about anything else. Stop by for a great happy hour menu, or watch a game with the crew.

Interstate 64 brings people to Hurstbourne while giving locals a way to connect to other major areas. Residents without a vehicle of their own get around the area through public buses run by TARC. The scheduled routes take them all through Louisville and into neighboring communities as well. Catch a cab through companies that run through Louisville, but you'll have to call in advance or try a ride share such as Uber that serves Louisville. Drivers may travel beyond the city limits. Free parking exists throughout Hurstbourne for those who do have their own vehicles, or residents travel around to downtown areas on foot or via bicycle. A network of bike and pedestrian paths makes foot-powered transport safe and easy. To get into the big city, however, residents need motorized transportation of some sort.

Hurstbourne's small area doesn't leave a lot of space for undeveloped locations, but parks still manage to pop up throughout the neighborhood. Locals utilize facilities for exercise, fun, entertainment and relaxation. The locations welcome leashed pets, and the public options remain free for residents to use.

E. P. "Tom" Sawyer State Park has amenities for just about every activity that you may imagine. Start with several walking trails including a fitness trail as well as a nature walk or explore the facilities for basketball, baseball, swimming, tennis, pickleball and BMX riding. The park stays open all year, and it ensures some major exercise for those who want less structured activity. On certain days throughout the month, the park goes to the dogs as it transitions to a short term dog park for residents and their pooches to enjoy.

For something a little more organized, local golf courses and country clubs offer options for leisure and friendly competition, but each charge an entry or membership fee. Parks host events for members and residents throughout the year, ranging from concerts in the park to exercise classes.

The median household income in Hurstbourne far surpasses the median for Louisville. At $95,000, residents make more than $50,000 more per household every year, on average. Cost of living in Hustbourne runs about 8 percent lower than the national average and more than 50 percent lower than nearby Louisville. Residents rent one-bedroom apartments in the area for just under $850 per month.

Filling up a tank of gas if you have a car of your own costs about 5 percent more than that national average, and bus transport makes it possible to get to the center of Louisville for just $1.50. For a night out, a domestic beer in the area comes in at $2.50.

Mixed within the big shopping malls and national chains that fill up many of the store fronts in Hurtsbourne, you'll find some true gems. The independently owned shops run the gamut from electronics and sporting goods to consignments and furniture, and they balance out the mass-produced nature of the big name shops. To find some of the local treasures, head to Hurstbourne Parkway.

Residents find ultra modern, high value furniture at Contemporary Galleries. The stocked showroom houses pieces that specialize in sleek and low profile, and if you don't see it on the floor, the staff try to find it for you elsewhere. Outfit your outside at Thieneman Greenhouse, and get your garden looking green and lush with the staff's guidance about plants, bushes, fertilizers and more. Custom Bytes sells new and gently used electronics, and it has helpful technicians who answer questions and point you in the right direction. For a new outfit at a thrift price, head to SugarBaker's Classy Consignments. This shop stocks labels that range from bargain to high end and has clothing for men, women and children.

For groceries, residents head to Valu Market, and they get locally grown produce and handmade goods at Lucky's Farmer's Market.