Aldbrige - Winston-Salem, NC

Winston-Salem has a history that is deeply rooted in both the arts and technology. This city is perhaps best known as the headquarters for the R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company, which makes the famous Camel cigarettes and overshadows an equally impressive dedication to education and fine arts. Over the years, the city also became home to other nationally known corporations such as HanesBrands, Krispy Kreme Doughnuts and Lowes Foods.

Residents can visit the Bethabara Historic District, which is the site of early Moravian settlers who moved from Pennsylvania and created the town. Old Salem represents another monument to the Moravian settlers and houses a living museum with working blacksmiths, bakers and carpenters actively practicing their trades and allowing visitors a glimpse into life during the 1700s.

Art lovers can visit the Museum of Early Southern Decorative Arts or head to the art district at Sixth and Trade Streets.

After a hard day of listening to lectures and hitting the books, locals head to the Village Tavern to enjoy a meal and unwind. This American-style diner features a cozy dining room with leather chairs, long wooden tables and a fireplace that creates a welcoming feel. The menu provides sophisticated takes on the usual burger, pizza and steak. For example, the popular tuna sliders come topped with wasabi aioli, cucumbers and pickled ginger.

At lunch, the Downtown Deli Cafe fills with local workers and students looking to grab a bite to eat before tackling the afternoon. The bright dining room features simple, tasteful decor, perfect for an upscale deli that serves gourmet subs and sandwiches. Not sure what to order? Go for the owner's choice sandwich featuring grilled turkey breast with onions, peppers and pepper jack cheese.

To grab a drink and enjoy a warm summer night, residents visit the Silver Moon Saloon. It sits in a shotgun-style building and features whimsical decorations that cover every inch of the walls and exterior. Friendly bartenders mix favorite drinks, and patrons can grab a seat inside or head to the patio for some good conversation with friends.

Locals also spend evenings listening to the Winston-Salem Symphony or Piedmont Wind Symphony, or catching a play at the West End Opera House. This college town hosts plenty of performances throughout the year for residents to enjoy.

Drivers who live in the Aldbrige neighborhood can easily hop on I-40 to travel east or west through the state and connect with Highway 52, which runs straight north through the heart of the city. Parking won't be a problem in this area of town. Plenty of large lots and free on-street parking make it easy for students to attend class and patronize local businesses.

Passengers can hail a cab, use Uber to find a driver or take a ride on the public transportation system. Bus stops abound, especially around the community college, the mall and the hospital. Traveling among these major landmarks is easy and affordable.

With so many students in the area, the streets have also been designed to accommodate pedestrians. While not every major road is bike friendly, commuters on foot or by bike have plenty of safe routes.

Bolton Park serves as the neighborhood park where residents can visit for free to either get some exercise or enjoy a relaxing day outdoors. This park provides hiking and jogging trails, a picnic shelter with more than 200 seats, a playground, volleyball and tennis courts, and a community pool. Residents can bring along the family dog and use the park to connect with miles of greenways that circle the city.

Annual events include the RiverRun Film Festival, the Winston-Salem Air Show, and the Twin City Rib Fest.

The cost of living in the Aldbrige neighborhood trends below that of much of the city. A one-bedroom residence rents for $599 per month, and a bus ride costs just $1. The city also provides plenty of discounts for qualified passengers. Drivers can expect to pay gas prices that run right on par with national averages. Residents enjoying a night out and a few drinks pay $3 for a bottle of domestic beer.

Aldbrige locals visit the expansive Hanes Mall to do most of their shopping. This large center hosts a long list of popular retail names, including Macy's, Dillard's, Belk, and Old Navy. Other favorites include Banana Republic, Pandora, Brookstone, and Sephora.

Shoppers looking for a more unique experience can visit the Piedmont Craftsmen Gallery located in the city's art district. This shop features the work of local artists and craftspeople who love to work with their hands. Stop by and discover creative pieces of art that can be both functional and decorative. From hand-woven baskets to pottery and jewelry, the selection of items varies greatly in both price and material.

For those who enjoy sifting through antiques, the Old West End area of town features several antique and consignment shops. The Snob Shop and Yours Truly represent just a couple of the shops in the area. Visit to shop for old furniture, vintage clothing, costume jewelry, and a wide range of other great treasures.

Locals visit Harris Teeter and Whole Foods Market to stock up on groceries and other household items, and they head over to the Cobblestone Farmers Market on Tuesdays to purchase produce from local farms.