North Leg - Augusta, GA

When the Augusta Mall opened in 1978, the surrounding area quickly built up around it. Despite a downturn in housing prices and increase in crime in the neighborhood in the 1990s, North Leg has since recovered well and continues to grow.

The nearby Grover C. Maxwell Performing Arts Theatre on the campus of Augusta State University attracts a number of major films, theater productions, dance troops and musicians who add plenty of culture to the area. Similarly, occasionally artists put on showings at the mall itself making it easy for residents to find the art scene in town.

For the best selection of restaurants, head to Wrightsboro Road leading up to the mall to find just about any type of cuisine you could want. When you want a casual bite or takeout, make sure to stop by Myung’s China Wings for their marinated wings. While Myung's has a menu of Chinese dishes to choose from, people come here for the wings. You can get wings in a variety of Chinese and American styles with many flavored sauces to choose from. If you like traditional dips, you can order just one kind, but most patrons like to mix up two or three sauces in an order to create new, addictive flavors. You can even play the lottery as you wait for your food, since Myung's sells scratch-off tickets.

Domo Japanese Grill provides another quick and tasty option. Referred to as the "no frill Japanese grill," Domo serves up traditional hibachi options at low prices. While most of the grill options suggest typical Japanese favorites, you may also order some Korean dishes including fiery beef and perfectly flavored kimchi. People laud the mixed meat hibachi grill meals as something every first time visitor should try. Make sure to get plenty of white sauce for your rice, as it really makes the hibachi experience taste right.

When you want to relax with a cocktail, you can choose from a number of bars and lounges. To really impress your friends, head to Level 9 Sports Bar and Grill on Thursdays to see local favorites Mighty Peanut and Anthony B run the show for Old School night. Relax with a drink and talk or get up and dance at Level 9, as sectioned areas make it easy to get on the dance floor or to stay seated with your drink. More of a lounge or casual club than a sports bar, Level 9 creates an atmosphere perfect for a night out. For a more laid back time stop in at Village Deli Sub & Pub where you can take away your order, eat in or just have a pint.

With easy access to the city via I-520 and Gordon Highway, North Leg has been made for driving a personal vehicle. People can park for free at the mall and along most roads in the neighborhood. While public transportation has many limits in Augusta, The Augusta Mall bus line passes through the North Leg neighborhood often, giving residents a simple way to get downtown for just $1.25. If you need a more direct ride, you can simply call to reserve a taxi.

With few sidewalks or bike lanes, North Leg has little recourse for cyclists and pedestrians to travel safely. You can find people choosing to bike on smaller residential streets.

Just a few minutes from North Leg, Rosebud Lake reservoir provides a lush green space for the neighborhood. Although not formally a park, Rosebud Lake has nearby trails perfect for a run or a relaxing walk with your dog. You can even bring along the kids to let them see the plants growing around the lake and breathe in the fresh air.

The cost of living in North Leg compares similarly with the Augusta average, yet remains a highly affordable place to live. You can rent a one-bedroom apartment for an average of $615 per month and purchase a beer at a local bar for just $5. Even gas costs less here, averaging about 9 percent less than the national average per gallon.

Centered around the Augusta Mall, North Leg has plenty of shops available to residents. Whether you prefer high-end boutiques or discount warehouses, you can find it here. Most people head to the local Kroger, Food Lion, or Walmart Supercenter for groceries and other basic necessities.

When you need something more specific, plenty of local specialty shops sell a variety of goods. Head to De La Pop, for example, to taste over 100 flavors of gourmet popcorn. Choose sweet treats, like birthday cake and puppy-chow popcorn, or salty snacks, like bacon cheddar and salt and vinegar popcorn, for a bite to eat when you need a boost.

If you have tired of seeing the same styles over and over at every store in the mall, head to the My Story women's boutique for some new options. With unique takes on the hottest trends, My Story sells original, funky brands that have yet to make it big. With a dedication to bringing attention to new, often local, designers, My Story can introduce you to your new favorite brand. Make sure to stop by often to find out what new discoveries the owners have made and want to pass on to you.