Mars Hill - Indianapolis, IN

A group of local businessmen tried to transform this area into an early planned community and manufacturing hub with a plan to sell 8,000 lots for $400 each to raise funds for development. Unfortunately, the necessary number of lots never sold, so they lacked the funds to follow through with the project.

There have been many struggles regarding the city’s treatment of local residents. It took decades to resolve the drainage and sanitation issues, but since the 1990s, Mars Hill has been improving. It has since developed into a solid working class neighborhood of single-family homes.

The nearest museum, the Rolls-Royce Heritage Trust Allison Branch, focuses chiefly on Allison, which became part of Rolls-Royce in 1995. The museum maintains aircraft engines made by both Rolls-Royce and its U.S. predecessor, Allison Engine Company.

The neighborhood's proximity to the city ensure a slight arts scene. The nearby Starmaker Studio for Performing Arts provides dance classes and performances in the community.

On Kentucky Avenue, amid several fast food and chain restaurants, Mickey and Bill’s Pizza maintains a half-century history of pleasing the community. In addition to hot, fresh pizza and Italian entrées, such as its signature “Mars Monster,” this restaurant has a “take and bake” option which allows you to heat up its prepared pizza to be hot and ready at any time.

For those who enjoy a bit of history with their meal, try the Library Restaurant & Pub, located in a beautifully well-restored historic building. Diners enjoy fine wines, steak, seafood and even vegetarian dishes surrounded by vintage crystal chandeliers, exquisite woodwork and thought-provoking oil paintings.

The Side Wok Café provides some of the best Chinese food in the greater Indianapolis area. Stop in to have some egg rolls or buffalo wings followed by its house special soup and an entrée of sweet and sour pork or Hunan chicken. Guests can also conveniently order anything on the menu through its website for home or office delivery.

Indianapolis has a number of exciting music venues, including Indiana’s oldest bar, the award-winning Slippery Noodle Inn. Listed in the National Resister of Historic Places, a lot of famous musicians have played here. Live bands rule the weekends, while a blues jam comes together every Wednesday night. The Slippery Noodle sells gift cards and provides catering. It also runs a number of lunch and drink specials throughout the week.

Head over to Radio Radio in Fountain Square for one of the best live music venues in the city. With a top-notch sound-system, it attracts all of the best bands, and best of all, it maintains a smoke-free establishment. Buy your tickets in advance to ensure entry because its shows often sell out.

Although most people in the Mars Hill area have a car, IndyGo, the mass transit system for Indianapolis, provides bus service throughout the area. Residents also have the option to schedule rides through local taxi services as well as Uber. Free public parking exists throughout the neighborhood, but as you approach the downtown area, parking gets expensive and more difficult to find. Route 40 runs through this part of town and connects to I-70 and I-465.

Considering the lack of sidewalks and biking lanes, the roads in the area aren't friendly to pedestrians and cyclists. Parks present a safer alternative for outdoor activities such as walking, jogging and cycling.

Lovely Garfield Park Conservatory & Sunken Garden holds the distinction of being the city’s oldest multi-use green space. This 136-acre park has workshops, gardening demonstrations and youth education as well as guest lecturers on horticulture and landscaping. Special exhibits throughout the year at the conservatory include holiday poinsettias, orchids and a spring bulb show. While it charges a nominal fee for special events and to tour the conservatory, admission to the sunken garden costs nothing. A full calendar of events keeps youngsters occupied while they learn about plants and nature.

For off-leash fun, the Waggin’ Tails Bark Park, which requires membership for the protection of owners and their pets, has obstacle training equipment, benches and water fountains for both dogs and people.

The biggest annual event in the area, the Indy 500, takes place on Memorial Day weekend each year at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, attracting upwards of 250,000 visitors from around the world. This race, over 100 years old, covers 200 laps around a 2.5 mile track. The 33 cars that compete range from 550 to 700 horsepower.

Another popular event, the Indiana Sports Festival, receives billing as a statewide interactive sports experience for all ages and skill levels. With hands-on demonstrations, clinics and competitions for both traditional and non-traditional sports, the festival provides a family-friendly sports experience.

The average one-bedroom apartment rents for around $550 per month, which makes the cost of living here somewhat lower than the city’s average. Gasoline runs about 10 percent below the national average, and $1.75 gets you to downtown Indianapolis on a bus. However, when heading out for the night to a local watering hole, a pint of beer can cost $6 to $8.

The best shopping remains in the city. However, a number of plazas and malls with chain stores line the roadways throughout the vicinity, with most catering to bargain hunters.

Athena's prides itself on having the hottest fashions available in all sizes at a great price. Its stock includes leggings, sweaters, scarves, purses and everything else necessary to complete anyone's desired look.

The Designer Consigner Boutique specializes in designer clothing and accessories for formal occasions. It often buys items outright, giving cash on the spot for designer and better-brand clothing, purses and shoes. All wedding gowns and formal wear sells here on consignment.

The Marsh supermarket on Kentucky Avenue provides residents with most of their groceries. However, the Waterman’s family farm on route 37 has a great farmers market during the growing season.