Wyrick Park - Milwaukee, WI

Wyrick Park and the surrounding areas saw their first white settlers in 1835, and the region thrived as a largely agricultural community throughout the mid to late 1800s. Wyrick Park later became a residential area under the governance of Milwaukee, but it continues to hold on to its rural heritage.

This suburban paradise lies a short drive from the museums and other cultural attractions of downtown Milwaukee. Stroll through the Villa Terrace Decorative Arts Museum, or learn something new at the Discovery World science museum. Be sure to check out nearby annual events like Glendale's Oktoberfest celebration with folk dancing, brass bands and German festival food.

This rural suburb doesn't have a dining scene of its own, but a short drive to Good Hope Road near Destiny High School or down Teutonia Avenue brings you to a spread of fast-food restaurants, pizza joints and local China bistros for a cheap lunch made with high-quality ingredients. Whether you crave soul food, chow mein or a fresh chili dog, the area's diverse culinary options are sure to satisfy your hunger. You don't find much of a nightlife scene this far from downtown, but a few dive bars with laid-back vibes draw in the locals for a cheap beer.

For authentic Chinese cuisine, head to Yen Ching, an upscale eatery that evokes images of Imperial China with its ornate ceiling and intricate red decor. Order go-to favorites like cashew chicken or twice cooked pork, and don't miss out on underrated dishes like the crispy fried wontons and sizzling rice soup. Locals come here for cheap lunch specials, and the cooks often dish up portions big enough to feed two.

For a quick lunch, make a stop at Mike's Red Hots for some zesty hot dogs. Residents working nearby never miss a chance to order some Chicago dogs, Italian beef dogs or chili dogs. Order takeout or delivery for a satisfying meal on the run.

If you crave soul food, pull up a chair at Bungalow Restaurant II to order yourself a fried chicken platter complete with your choice of home-style sides like mac 'n cheese and mashed potatoes with gravy. Be sure to try the catfish filets along with the restaurant's irresistible fried okra.

Join the locals at The Thirsty Fox just northeast of Wyrick Park to catch up on the neighborhood gossip. Choose a cocktail from the full bar or order bloody marys at rock-bottom prices. Sit out on the patio during the summer to drink your beer under the moonlight.

Hop in your car to navigate this green suburb that rests less than 2 miles from Interstate 43 to the east and the Fon Du Lac Freeway to the west. Most residents choose to drive, and an abundance of free parking creates a stress-free environment for driving to the park or stopping by to say "hello" to your neighbors. Ride-share services like Uber don't come out this far, but you can always call a Yellow Cab from the central city area for a ride into downtown.

Looking for public transportation? Hop on the bus from one of the stops on 60th Street. No bike lanes cross through the neighborhood, but the sleepy streets make for a relaxing recreational ride during the warmer months. If you prefer to walk, keep in mind that the neighborhood's scattered layout makes for a long trek to run your errands.

When you need an escape from the daily grind, stop by Wyrick Park, the neighborhood's only public park and community green space. Take your kids to climb on the playground or play a game in the soccer field, or just enjoy a picnic on the grass under the shade trees. Locals also come here to walk their beloved canine companions. For more options, head to nearby Brown Deer Park to enjoy the sledding hill during the winter. Also take advantage of the paved path for a short bike ride or a morning jog.

Wyrick Park residents enjoy a low cost of living by Milwaukee standards with affordable groceries and housing. Renters can expect to pay around $700 for a one-bedroom apartment in this charming neighborhood. Take the bus into downtown Milwaukee for $2.25, or fill your gas tank while paying about 9 percent below the national average. Also enjoy cheap entertainment with a beer at local bars like The Thirsty Fox costing just $3 to $4.

Living in Wyrick Park places you just minutes from the upscale boutiques and shopping centers in downtown Milwaukee. The neighborhood's own retail scene remains simple with a collection of discount stores and other amenities alongside auto shops and home-building services along Good Hope Road and Mill Road. However, you still find some unique specialty stores scattered throughout the area for some casual browsing.

Whether you're into model trains, remote-control cars or vintage games, check out Happy Hobby for some hidden treasures. Find a collection of hard-to-find antiques ranging from steam-powered miniature vehicles to model helicopters. Big-time hobbyists come here for older models and vintage parts that rarely grace the shelves of more mainstream hobby shops.

Head to Minors Garden Center to find saplings to plant in your new yard or potted plants to populate your apartment. Also browse intricate fountains, gnomes and garden ornaments, or pick up beautiful flowering plants like blue lilac. Be sure to stop by during the holidays for poinsettias and fresh-cut Christmas trees.

Pick up all your basic groceries like bread, milk and burgers at Pick 'n Save or Save A Lot just outside the neighborhood. Don't forget to check out nearby Brown Deer Farmers Market for local produce, pickled kohlrabi and fresh sunflowers.