Southwood Park - Fort Wayne, IN

Southwood Park sits within Fort Wayne, one of the largest cities in Indiana. Named after the fort built there when the United States took control of the area, the city developed through the manufacturing industry. An economic and population boom occurred after World War II, and through its continued development the city earned several livability awards towards the end of the 20th century.

The adjacent areas have museums and art galleries, including the Karpeles Manuscript Library, the Chief Richardville House and the Wunderkammer Company. While the city holds many annual events, none take place within this neighborhood.

The neighborhood features a varied mix of restaurants, each with its own cuisine specialties.

For an upscale, family-owned restaurant, visit Chappell's Steaks and Seafood. Since it uses only the freshest ingredients, menu options change often based on the market, a testament to Chappell's commitment to quality. A quiet, romantic atmosphere complemented by live music makes this an ideal choice for a dinner date. Those who like spicy foods should try the seafood pasta with Cajun sauce, which showcases how this restaurant takes traditional dishes and adds modern flavors.

Friendly service, low prices and traditional northern Chinese meals characterize the experience at China Palace. Food comes out fast, so you don't stay hungry for long here. A casual vibe makes everyone feel at home here, but if you actually want to eat at home, China Palace also has takeout and delivery service. Make sure to try the egg rolls, a well-made and addictive specialty of this restaurant.

Spyros Pancake House gives those with a sweet tooth an affordable option for breakfast or brunch. You get plenty to eat here, so you can fill up on food to start your day. As expected, the pancakes highlight Spyros' menu, especially if you get them with a cinnamon roll topper.

As far as nightlife goes, Southward Park has plenty of local bars, so you can mix it up or choose one as your hangout spot. For a friendly atmosphere, check out The Office Tavern. Live entertainment comes through a couple days per week, and the bar features an open jam on Thursdays where anyone can play their music. This tavern keeps the prices low with different drink specials every day, so you don't have to worry about going broke here.

Most residents travel around by car, but biking provides an alternate option for certain commutes.

The area has quick highway access, with U.S. Route 27 a short drive east. That highway runs north and south, making it the most convenient option for trips around the city. Certain streets around the neighborhood allow street parking, just check the signs first.

Citilink buses service the city, with Route 1 stopping by Southood Park on Bluffton Road. Taxis also service the area but ride share companies, such as Uber, do not. Pick up times after calling for a taxi vary.

You may enjoy recreational walks around the neighborhood, but destinations tend to be too far for walking to be an option. A bike, on the other hand, can get you around quickly enough to handle errands and possibly commuting. The area has flat terrain, and many streets have bike lanes to make riding a bike safer.

When you want to enjoy the outdoors, Southward Park has a well-maintained golf course and a couple free nearby parks.

Open since 1928, Foster Golf Course gives residents a convenient place to go shoot 18 holes. The fee varies depending on when you want to golf, but you save money by signing up for a membership, which also gets you access to members-only events. With a driving range, a pro shop and multiple leagues taking place, this course has plenty to do during the season. Foster Golf Course welcomes kids, and even has a special that allows them to play free later on in the day.

At 8.9 acres, Psi Ote Park has space for sports or just relaxing in the sun. A paved trail going through the grass and trees makes this park ideal for a nice jog or a peaceful picnic lunch. With a basketball court and a playground, Psi Ote Park has play options for kids of all ages. You can bring your dog to this park, just keep it on a leash and clean up after it. The Great Tree Canopy Comeback occurs every year at different Fort Wayne Parks, including Psi Ote Park in 2014. The park doesn't hold any other annual events, but other parks throughout the city do.

Southwood Park carries a slightly higher cost of living than the city average. The cost of renting apartments can still be reasonable, with a one-bedroom apartment renting for an average of $500 per month.

A Metro ride to the city center costs $1.25 for a one-way ticket, and gas prices come in around 4 percent higher than the national average. A pint at the local pub usually costs about $3.

Residents of this neighborhood can head east to the Southgate Plaza when stocking up on the essentials, then spend the rest of the day perusing the specialty shops around the area.

If you like to look good while still wearing a unique outfit, try Lavonne's Clothing & Fashions. With an organized layout, this shop features men's and women's clothing ranging from casual wear to professional attire. Clothes can be custom ordered here, ensuring you the perfect fit. Lavonne's stocks limited numbers of each item, so don't worry about getting any mass-produced items here.

Anyone who enjoys sorting through old antiques should visit Finders Keepers. With an extensive collection of goods including excellent quality antique furniture, you don't have to worry about sorting through any junk here. Convenient to both buyers and sellers, come here whether you need to sell your old furniture or you want to redecorate. Ask the friendly staff if you have trouble finding anything.

Nearby grocery store options include Save-A-Lot Food Store, located near Southwood Park on Bluffton, and Kroger located at the Southgate Plaza. The area doesn't have any farmers markets, but the YLNI Farmers Market takes place in downtown Fort Wayne.