Southwest Oklahoma City - Mustang, OK

The area became settled in 1889 when the US government opened up its unassigned lands for a land run pioneer homestead opportunity. Land was developed quickly and Oklahoma City doubled in size between 1890 and 1900. Once oil was discovered within county limits, the population grew quickly, and oil became a major industry.

Although no museums exist within the neighborhood, a five-minute drive will bring you to the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum. Check out thousands of Native American and Western artworks and artifacts, including the largest collection of American rodeo photography in the nation. Each June the museum becomes an art gallery for its Prix de West event, when local artists sell original works of art as a museum fundraiser.

The neighborhood's diverse culture is mirrored in the diverse eateries of the area. The mostly small, independent stores offer a variety of American and ethnic foods. Locals swear by the house-made tamales of Tamales El Patio. Order the protein of your choice sauteed in cheese as well. Treat yourself to a refreshing banana dipped in chocolate for dessert. Check out Panang Thai restaurant. Named after one of its famous curries, the menu focuses on curry and noodle dishes. The to-die-for curry mixes coconut milk and fresh basil leaves to form a tangy yet sweet dish. If you'd like something lighter, the char-broiled chicken satays provide a fresh, healthy meal.

Craving a burger? Stop by Nic's Grill. Featured on the TV show "Diners, Drive-ins and Dives", these cheeseburgers will please even the pickiest of eaters. Choose your toppings and watch the chef cook it up a seasoned patty right in front of you. Loyal customers of this small restaurant have been known to wait in line for hours for a burger, so be prepared to wait.

For live music head to Cowboys OKC. Locals square dance for hours on the bars large dance floor to local country performances. On weekend nights you can see indoor bull riding next to the dance floor. Live bulls awe spectators at the one-of-a-kind venue. Grab a beer ($1 domestics on Saturday nights) and head to the second floor to a table if you prefer to enjoy the action from afar.

Residents in Southwest Oklahoma rely almost exclusively on their cars to get where they need to go. Highway 4 runs parallel to the neighborhood and connects horizontally with Highway 152. Either of these highways can connect you to Oklahoma City's main artery, Interstate 35W. Since the interstate features at least six and up to eight lanes, residents don't have to deal with as much congestion as similarly sized cities.

If you prefer public transportation, the Metro Transit bus line has several stops in the neighborhood. Almost all the routes lead to hub downtown, so be sure to schedule a little extra time because you'll most likely need to transfer.

The neighborhood does hold a few bike lanes, but bike route signs are more prevalent in the area. The signs signify high bicycle traffic and urge drivers to be aware. Most cyclists prefer to bike the area's parks rather than battle the streets. The residential portion of the area makes for a pleasant stroll, but walkers as well should stay off the busier streets.

The several free parks in the area provide locals the opportunity to get away from it all with a little time outdoors. Amenities such as baseball fields and walking paths help locals stay active, and children love the playgrounds and kiddie pools. Feel free to bring your four-legged friend along — all parks in the neighborhood allow dogs.

Exercise enthusiasts enjoy Woodson Park for its looped walking path and athletic fields. Grab some friends for a pick-up basketball game or a late night baseball game in one of the lighted fields. Woodson caters to players who enjoy variety, as the park features a rugby field and a disc golf course. Families take advantage of nearby Wild Horse Park. Kids love the swimming pool in the summer months and the year-round playground supplies hours of entertainment. Pack a picnic lunch and sit under the pavilion at one of the many picnic tables.

No annual events take place in the area, but ten minutes away you can access the Oklahoma State Fair held in late September of each year. Revel in the carnival-like atmosphere and try your hand at games in the midway, or sit in the beer garden and people watch. Be sure to sample one of the deep-fried selections before you leave. Each night of the fair features a different performer on the main stage, usually a well-known national act.

A slightly lower cost of living draws those on a budget, particularly families and first time home buyers, to the peaceful neighborhood. The typical one-bedroom unit rents for $714 per month and most locations provide easy access to the city. Residents can take public transportation from several stops within the area to Central Oklahoma City for $1.75. Gas runs 22 percent lower than the national average. If you swing by a local pub, you can expect to pay under $4, partly thanks to the many happy hour deals.

Locals prefer high-value stores, and the Outlet Shoppes of Oklahoma City satisfies their need. Get anywhere between 30-70 percent off such retailers as Gap, American Eagle, and Nike. The shopping hub holds a wide selection of clothes and accessories for the whole family.

If you would rather shop locally, swing by the Grand Junction clothing store. A large selection of unique sports apparel pleases local sports fans. That's not all the store sells, however. A variety of clothes and accessories for men and women line the shelves, and residents can find a gift for any occasion. Head to Bow and Arrow Boutique for a fun shopping experience. Full of funky jewelry and hippie tunics, this retro shop features fashionable clothes at a modest price. You may have to dig through the racks to find a size — Bow and Arrow stocks small quantities of items to allow for a wider selection of items.

If it's food you desire, Southwest Oklahoma City has got you covered. Locals prefer to bypass Sam's Club or Walmart and shop instead at local chain Crest Foods. The family-run store places an emphasis on freshness with its top-notch produce and deli sections. Be sure to swing by the bakery to satisfy your sweet tooth. Artful cakes and frosted cookies are artfully prepared. If you'd like more produce options, you'll have to head five minutes out of the neighborhood to nearby Mid Del Farmers Market. Besides fresh fruits and veggies, the market sells tangy ribs slathered in locally made barbecue sauce.