Merriam Park West - Saint Paul, MN

Merriam Park dates back to the 1880s. During this decade, innkeepers who served Red River Traders settled in the area. Before the area became a family and student neighborhood, traders brought pelts, buffalo robes, hardware, medicine and tools to the area, which was conveniently located in the middle of the two twin cities.

Thanks to its convenient location, families and commuters began settling in the area in the early 20th century, and much of Merriam Park's neighborhood represents the architectural styles of that time. Schools, shops and restaurants quickly followed as the area grew.

Merriam Park residents are positioned in between two of the city's most important festivals. Every year at the end of summer, the Minnesota State Fair displays award-winning livestock and serves up deep fried Twinkies, steaks and everything in between. Grand Old Days, the state's largest one day festival, is a day of music and merry making.

On the east side of the Merriam Park neighborhood sits Pizza Luce, a Minnesotan institution for pizza lovers of all stripes. Whether you prefer to dine on vegan or gluten-free fare, or dive into a traditional feast covered with meats and cheeses, Pizza Luce needs to be on your destination list. Pizzas carry clever names such as the Fire Breathing Dragon or Pizza Athena, and these award-winning pies have innovative additions, including pineapple salsa, wild mushrooms and arugala.

When in the mood for a raucous good time, O'Garas Bar and Grill celebrates Irish heritage, something many St Paulians proudly claim. Patrons catch live music at this venue or cheer for their favorite teams on the TVs. Locals also use O'Gara's as a jumping off point for other events in the metro area. Enjoy a pint at O'Gara's, and then jump on their free Shamrock shuttle for a ride to sporting events, festivals or other special events.

Although there is not much nightlife on tap in the area, residents can easily reach downtown Minneapolis for late night pubbing and clubbing, or they can bicycle north to University Avenue to shoot pool and drink cheap domestic taps at one of the many dive bars lining that road.

Residents who live near Selby can easily walk to this commercial street, and even those who live in the outskirts of the neighborhood drive or bicycle there. Bicycling enthusiasts have named Minneapolis one of the nation's best cities for bicycling, and there are no shortage of bicycle lanes or racks throughout this area.

Traveling by car allows fast and easy access to the city center.Interstate 94 runs through the top end of this neighborhood, making it easy for residents to commute to downtown Saint Paul or Minneapolis. While it can cost around $10 a day to park in some of these downtown neighborhoods, on-street parking in Merriam Park West is free and relatively plentiful for an urban area.

Metro transit buses also serve the area. Riding the bus to any destination in the city costs a mere $1.50, with return fares being free as long as you return within two and a half hours. Express and rush hour buses cost up to $3, and disabled, senior and student fares cost less than a dollar.

Unfortunately the area offers no significant parks, but beautiful outdoor areas are available a short distance to the north and south. Located approximately 3 miles north of Merriam Park, Como Park offers extensive green areas, a free zoo and multiple sporting fields. To the south, Minnehaha Park has stunning waterfalls and serene natural hiking in the middle of an urban area, as well as a leash-off play area for furry family members.

The cost of living in the Merriam Park neighborhood is less than the average cost of living in Minneapolis, with apartment managers charging lower rents in this area as well. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the Merriam Park neighborhood sits between $700 to $820, with apartments becoming more expensive as you travel south toward the mansion-lined Summit Avenue and away from the Interstate 94 corridor.

Gas costs 7 percent less than the national average, and buying a pint of beer won't break your budget either. Look for pints priced at $3 or $4, or wait for a rare special, such as O'Gara's 72nd anniversary celebration, where the Irish haunt offered nickel pints for an hour.

Shops in the Merriam Park neighborhood consist primarily of vintage clothing boutiques and small antique stores. Buy your tapered waist dresses and 1940s hats at Lulas, or wade through consignment fare for the latest styles at Everyday People Clothing Exchange. Get your bike repaired or invest in a new set of wheels at the Express Bike Shop, or walk over to Snelling and check out the handful of shops there.

Although there are no grocery stores immediately in the Merriam Park neighborhood, residents can easily reach a range of grocery stores by bicycle or car. Kowalski's, a family owned and operated grocery store, rivals national organic chains in the quality and selection of its food, and it resides just south of this neighborhood on Grand Avenue. Two natural co-ops, The Hampden Park and Mississippi Market co-op in neighboring areas, waiting on standby to meet all your bulk granola needs, and national chains are a short drive away at the corner of University and Snelling.