Northeast Raleigh - Raleigh, NC

Raleigh owes much of its beauty to the fact that it was one of the first planned cities in America. Developers created the city with a certain vision in mind, aiming to preserve the natural landscape while also allowing for population growth. You can see the results of their efforts in the abundance of large mature oaks, greenways and parks throughout the city, including the Northeast neighborhood.

While Raleigh has served as the capital since the state was first settled, it became an even more important hub when the Research Triangle Park opened in the 1970s. This modern industrial park houses some of the world's leading medical and technology company and has drawn residents from all over the country and the world.

While the Northeast neighborhood remains a largely industrial area, downtown Raleigh hosts a thriving arts community mainly located in the Warehouse District.

Downtown Raleigh houses the main restaurant district in town, but Northeast Raleigh is filled with hidden gems that occupy spaces in the area's many strip malls. These unassuming locations host some of the best in international cuisine prepared by talented chefs.

To experience some of the best Thai food in the city, visit the popular Lemongrass Thai Restaurant located just off I-540. The casual dining atmosphere provides a nice place to enjoy a meal, but doesn't begin to do justice to the caliber of food served up to local diners. For a taste of classic Thai spice and heat, be sure to try the chicken green curry made with coconut milk and garnished with green bell peppers.

Another "must-visit" located just off the beaten path on New Bern Avenue serves authentic Malaysian food that simply can't be found anywhere else in the city. Red Pepper Asian has great lunch specials and a large menu that includes both Chinese and Thai-inspired dishes and Malaysian specialities such as tom yam soup. The menu doesn't list every dish, so don't be afraid to ask for recommendations and try some more exotic entrées.

Catch the latest game on the big screen and enjoy a cold pint of beer at one of the area's sports bars. Locals flock to Tailgaters Sports Bar to cheer on the local college teams. Its casual and low-key atmosphere provides the perfect place to pull up a stool and spend the afternoon rooting for your favorite players.

Although Northeast Raleigh has a rather subdued nightlife, residents are just a 15-minute drive from the downtown area, which teems with activity on any given night. The Red Hat Amphitheatre hosts some of the biggest musical acts in the country, and Kings Barcade provides a more intimate venue to listen to local bands.

Residents who work in Northeast Raleigh can easily reach this area of town via I-540, I-40 and Highway 64. The public transit system extends service to this area although bus stops tend to be spread out. Hailing a cab can be difficult due to the industrial setting, but Uber provides a great alternative to affordable transportation. Drivers don't have to worry about searching for parking. Most of the businesses sit off the main roads and offer spacious parking lots. Pedestrians may find it a bit more difficult to travel the neighborhood on foot. While sidewalks line most of the major streets, bikers may be forced to ride directly in traffic.

Northeast Raleigh provides plenty of opportunities for residents to get out, enjoy the beautiful weather and engage in their favorite activities. The nearby Buffaloe Road Athletic Park features an aquatic center, outdoor track, playground and six baseball and softball fields. Families can walk or bike the pedestrian trail that borders the park and enjoy a picnic lunch at one of the many outdoor shelters. Dogs are welcome in most areas of the park although you may want to keep them off the fields.

Help serve the community by volunteering for the Annual Special Olympics competition held at the park.

The cost of living in Northeast Raleigh runs on a par with the rest of the city, with the average one-bedroom apartment renting for $750 per month. However, the neighborhood does enjoy some of the cheapest gas prices in the city. Drivers pay about 10 percent below the national average for a gallon of gas. Save even more money on transportation by using the public bus system and pay just $2 for a ride to the downtown area. Enjoy an affordable beer at one of the local bars for about $4 a pint.

The Triangle Town Center Mall sits at the southern end of the Northeast Raleigh neighborhood. From H&M to Barnes & Noble and Sears, this mall has all the staples you would expect.

To experience a more unique shopping experience, head west to the North Hills Shopping Center. This outdoor mall provides a mixture of chain stores and specialty boutiques. Gena Chandler carries designer women's clothing for the fashionista looking for signature pieces to add to her wardrobe.

The foodie who enjoys all things local and unique must visit Midtown Olive Oil. This specialty store offers small batches of olive oils and vinegars made right in North Carolina and imported from around the world. Their products make the perfect hostess gift.

Residents can stock up on groceries at chain stores such as Harris Teeter and Food Lion, or head south to the North Carolina State Farmers Market to save on local produce and artisan wares.