Brookridge Winston-Salem, NC

Most of the homes in Brookridge are of a 1950s vintage, and the area grew slowly and almost reluctantly along with the surrounding area. Tied to a large degree to Wake Forest University and its growth, this neighborhood showcases many museums and a wide variety to arts and culture events. The Reynolda House Museum of American Art, housed in the beautifully restored 1917 Reynolds Mansion should not be missed for its art collections and the compelling history lesson on the region.

Annual events abound in the region, ranging from the North Carolina Wine Festival to holiday Festival of Lights.

Galleries and small stages feature local artists and performers year round, with Wake Forest University serving as the center of this scene.

While fast-food chains dominate the scene near Wake Forest University, a drive along Reynolds Road reveals a wide variety of local restaurants from which to choose. When locals are hosting out-of-town guests, they bring them to Village Tavern, a quaint gastropub with a rotating menu and great cocktails. The shrimp and grits stand out from the menu as a must-try.

Southern hospitality and home cooking draw diners to Mama Zoe Michael's. An eclectic menu full of classic dishes and a surprising array of ethnic specialties greet diners, with the oven-roasted turkey and Savannah Fried Chicken taking center stage. Mama Zoe Michael's also holds the unofficial title as the favorite breakfast spot in the neighborhood.

For the best Mexican food in town, try Mi Pueblo Mexican Grill. The food here is fresh, the service good and the beers cheap. It's hard to go wrong with an enchilada plate and a cold beer, and that is exactly the vibe Mi Pueblo puts out there.

Not surprisingly, the area around the university features a number of bars, taverns and pubs catering to the college student. The nightlife here doesn't necessarily appeal to everyone, but if you just want a few beers and a place to hang out with friends, several night spots fit the bill. The Last Resort features beach-themed decor near the Wake Forest University campus. Sit back, relax, and sip on a huge fruity drink among a ton of college students as you unwind from a long day of work. The jukebox at the aptly named Friendly Tavern keeps the mood up, and the drinks flow with this mixed crowd of locals and college students.

Downtown Winston-Salem remains the area's premier destination if you love live music, dancing and late-night adventures. Local bands and national touring acts stop at Ziggy's, a place where die-hard fans can buy an annual pass that provides access to every show at the club.

Reynolda Road and University Parkway provide easy access from Brookridge to downtown. Limited parking availability near Wake Forest University and in downtown Winston-Salem makes public transportation a popular option. The Winston-Salem Transit Authority operates dozens of bus routes connecting all parts of the city and surrounding neighborhoods. Their mobile apps and website track buses in real time, providing passengers up to the minute information on travel times.

Taxis are available but rarely on the streets waiting to be hailed except in the city after major events or near the main commercial district. Getting a ride from Uber comes easily.

The streets and sidewalks in Brookridge are pedestrian and bicycle friendly, and kids often ride bikes to school or the park. The Bethabara Trail winds through the neighborhood, providing an excellent path for cyclists.

Brookridge offers everything from small neighborhood pocket parks to full sports complexes. Polo Park, near the university, provides tennis courts and playground equipment, and places like Hine Soccer Park are open to the public when there aren't scheduled matches being played. The crown jewel of the are, however, has to be Historic Bethabara Park, a national historic landmark that dates back to 1753 and highlights the history of the Moravian settlers who started a religious center and trading post on this site. 20 miles of nature trails, a museum, guided tours, and wildlife viewing await you here, free of charge, all year long.

Several greenbelts with trails for walking and cycling run through the region, and Wake Forest University features many gardens and open spaces.

Washington Park near downtown Winston-Salem provides residents with an off-leash area for dogs.

Life in Brookridge carries a relatively low price tag, though the sight of ornate southern mansions and gardens might suggest otherwise. There are certainly some exclusive parts of this neighborhood, but the proximity to the university means affordable housing. A one bedroom unit here averages just over $600.

A ride to downtown Winston-Salem on a WSTA bus costs $1, and a cold beer at the local pub will run you a mere $3.

Gas prices here sit right at the national average.

Aside from a few boutiques, specialty shops and big box stores, the shopping scene in Brookridge leaves much to be desired. Residents head into Winston-Salem itself for most of their shopping needs. Still, there are a few spots worth checking out. The Reynolda Manor Shopping Center showcases a few national chain stores along with a cobbler, a fabric shop, and a pet supply store. Locals come here for their grocery needs at Lowes. Several other groceries, including a Food Lion, can be found within a 2-mile drive.

For shoes or women's clothing, head to Monkee's of the Village. Once named one of Winston-Salem's retailers of the year, this specialty shop features a gigantic selection of trendsetting clothes and accessories.

Cobblestone Farmers Market features a year-round indoor market with local vendors and organic fruits and vegetables.