West Rogers Park - Chicago, IL

During construction of the North Shore Channel in 1909, workers began building their cottages in the western streets of the community. When workers moved from other parts of Chicago to find jobs, the region became known as West Ridge. Following World War I, the cozy bungalows and cottages that are still present today began popping up as the neighborhood grew.

After World War II, West Ridge witnessed a population surge. This established West Ridge as a diverse community, tolerant of all cultures and unique qualities. A sense of community is felt among the manicured streets today, with Devon Street serving as a communal retail hub for residents to mingle.

West Ridge has partnered with Rogers Park to establish a historical society in hopes of collecting, preserving and sharing the diverse history of Chicago's north side. Additional glimpses into the past can only be observed at the organization's Morse Avenue location, featuring museum exhibits and oral history accounts.

For a true taste of India or Pakistan, look no further than Devon Avenue. There is no place in America like Devon Street, and paan stains speckle the sidewalks.

Uru Swati is a casual Indian restaurant with a spicy kick to every plate. Boasting Swati specials under $14 a plate, Thaali lovers can afford to eat an Indian feast on a regular basis. Vegetarians have a huge selection of food to choose from as well, and the garlic naan is a staple in West Ridge.

If you find yourself craving smoky barbecue, grab brisket tacos and truffle macaroni and cheese from Rub's Backcountry Smokehouse on Western Avenue. Stop at the liquor store across the street and purchase a beverage that best complements your $8 half pound of pulled pork, smothered in the popular St. Louis sauce.

Head to Katsu Japanese on Peterson Avenue for an exuberant bang for your buck, with average dining costs around $61. Constantly rated as one of the top restaurants in West Ridge, diners praise this sushi eatery for its high quality fish with generous portions. The sashimi omakase, priced above $150, comes with about 25 pieces, premium shoyu and wasabi, and is finished with shaved 24 karat gold. It's no wonder this literal sushi goldmine has attracted attention from USA Today and Zagat.

Residents of West Ridge have a variety of options when it comes to transit. There are about 12 bus lines passing through the area, which makes it a primary method of getting around for most of the locals. Bikers can also move around with relative ease, though walking through the safe streets and soaking in the charm is preferred by students and families.

The walk score of 80 also means you can get to the restaurant hub on Devon Avenue without needing to hop on a bus. If your errands take you more than 30 minutes outside the neighborhood, it may be better to drive or rent a car, especially since public transportation does not have good access to major highways. Additionally, the residential feel and low tourism rate of West Ridge allows parking to be more accessible than other areas in Chicago.

The intimate feel of this neighborhood within a city attracts many families and couples to the abundance of parks, gardens, tennis courts and picnic areas.

One of the most visited of these parks is Indian Boundary Park, a gem hidden away in West Rogers Park off Lunt Avenue. Offering more than the standard playground and benches, Indian Boundary Park also has a small petting zoo on the north end, tennis courts on the western end, a spray fountain for kids, and an new indoor play center that offers dance classes, performances and free concerts through the year. Best of all, this park is free, and residents with kids flock to take in the peaceful scenery on winding paths that eventually lead to a duck-filled pond.

Locals also swear by the 90 acre Warren Park for its free and accessible parking. The largest outdoor recreation center in the area provides year-round sports for teens and photography classes for artistic visitors. This is also the prime location for ice skating during the winter months, and a few laps around the rink will only cost $7 including skates. A sledding hill in the park remains a well-kept secret despite being the biggest hill in an otherwise flat neighborhood. Head to Warren Park for a jog on the paved paths, and grab a Mexican ice cream treat from a truck vendor before heading home.

Your furry friends are allowed almost anywhere in parks and around town as long as they stay on their leashes and don't ruin the clean reputation of West Ridge streets.

With West Ridge's proximity to desirable restaurants and charming streets, those interested in living in the neighborhood will pay about 3 percent more in living costs than Chicago in general. With almost 50 percent of residents living in rentals, the competition is tough. A decent studio apartment starts at $800 and averages around $1,000, depending on its size and amenities.

West Ridge is known for commercial centers that cater to its richly diverse population. With a notable Indian culture, it is no surprise that Devon Avenue, or "Little India," is lined with authentic and esteemed shopping options. This is the primary area for local shops and restaurants, and locals say it is teeming with saris, fabrics, native jewelry and ethnic groceries.

Shopping at Raaz Inc. whisks you away to another country where you can find authentic Kurtas in any size. Brush up on your bargaining skills, because almost all the products in this area do not have prices listed, even though they may be designer outfits.

Though the majority of retailers along the strip sell clothing, Resham's is a home decor boutique where you can find everything from floor pillows to a Tibetan singing bowl. Featured by Yoga Chicago, this boutique is loved by locals in search of Indian handicrafts and gift items.

Bakeries comprise many of the available grocery stores in this area, such as Levinson's Bakery on Devon, which sells fresh kosher breads, pies and challah. For crisp and inexpensive produce, visit Fresh Farms International Market, where locals rave about the juice bar and recommend trying something new every time you visit, starting with coconut milk.

Gohyang Food Market offers authentic Korean groceries along with prepared food options. Hard-to-find items abound on the shelves of this store, and locals say that this neighborhood gem offers a convenient alternative to the big grocery markets that require a trip outside the neighborhood. If you prefer a larger selection, Cermak Fresh market is your most convenient option. The Rogers Park location features a meat and seafood department, along with a deli and fresh food section. Fresh flowers and extensive produce options round out the aisles. Cermak features weekly deals and even accepts payroll checks for payment, when accompanied by valid identification.