Cary Crossroads/Apex - Apex, NC

Allison Francis Page founded the town of Cary in 1854. He quickly started laying roads and building a sawmill, general store and post office. Soon after his arrival, a railroad was built, making the city more accessible to entrepreneurs looking for a new place to settle and set up shop. The area led a relatively quiet existence until 1971 when plans for Research Triangle Park come to fruition. This planned development was designed to attract some of the brightest scientific minds and best companies, and it certainly worked. When IBM moved its headquarters from New York to RTP, the influx of Northerners to the area began, and South Cary/Apex expanded to accommodate the housing and shopping needs of a growing population.

Every August, local residents come together to celebrate the Lazy Daze festival and draw attention to the thriving community of artists in the area.

South Cary and Apex consists of a sprawling area with many different pockets of shopping and restaurants throughout the neighborhood. From the typical fast-food restaurants and chain eateries to world-class restaurants, this neighborhood has it all.

For a true fine-dining experience, visit the swanky, award-winning An located on Renaissance Park Place. This Asian bistro offers a sophisticated menu that includes sushi, duck, and beef tenderloin that melts in your mouth. Beautifully plated dishes make it hard to dig in, but the taste surpasses the presentation. Treat your special someone to a romantic date night and a sumptuous feast.

For more award-winning and nationally recognized cuisine, make reservations at Herons. This luxurious restaurant is part of the historic Umstead Hotel and Spa and represents the best in luxury accommodations the area has to offer. Not only do they serve impeccable dishes, they also house an art collection and a wine cellar filled with over 2,500 bottles. For a true taste of the state, order the Carolina flounder served with potato hash, butternut squash, and sweet curry.

The local nightlife leaves nothing to be desired. Catch a film at the local multiplex, catch a concert at the Koka Booth Amphitheater, or grab a drink at one of the local bars.

Drivers can easily hop on Highway 1 and head northeast into Raleigh for work or to enjoy the neighboring city's restaurants and entertainment venues. Traveling by car is by far the easiest way to get around this rather expansive area. While the neighborhood does offer some bus service, be sure to plan ahead because stops can be sparsely located. If you do find a convenient place to catch a bus, a ride costs just $2.

Don't worry about having to drive in circles to find a parking spot. The South Cary/Apex neighborhood provides ample free parking no matter where you happen to be. While hailing a cab in this suburban and mostly residential area can be difficult, Uber provides an affordable transportation alternative.

The pedestrian-friendly streets and subdivisions stand out as the best characteristics of this area. Enjoy walking or biking without having to worry about safety issues, and use the extensive greenway system to avoid roads and bike lanes altogether.

This pre-planned community is filled with dozens of parks, many of which are connected by the greenway system. To spend an afternoon socializing with other dog lovers, visit the Cary Dog Park on Maynard Road. For a small fee, you can purchase a daily, monthly or yearly pass.

For family fun and plenty of space to play catch, visit Walnut Street park. It features a playground, walking path and picnic tables. Feel free to bring along the dog and take him for a stroll as well.

The Spring Daze Arts Festival, Independence Day Celebration and Dreamfest are just some of the annual events that are held at these local parks.

Because of its prime location, the cost of living in the South Cary/Apex neighborhood runs higher than the rest of the Raleigh area. A one-bedroom apartment rents for around $850 per month. Commuting to downtown Raleigh on one of the available bus routes costs $2 per ride, but money-saving monthly and yearly passes cut costs for frequent riders. Gas prices in the area are on par with national averages and about 10 percent higher than other parts of Raleigh. Head out for a beer, and expect to pay around $4 per pint for a domestic brew.

To hit up some of your favorite stores, such as Stein Mart, Party City, and DSW, head over to Crossroads Plaza shopping center. For a more unique shopping experience and a look at what local artisans have created, head to Chatham Street and the Cary Gallery of Artists. Visitors can simply browse or invest in one-of-a-kind creations. From handmade jewelry to pottery and paintings, there is something for everyone.

Cary Towne Center Mall is home to Belk, JCPenney, Dillard's, and Dave and Buster's. This mall contains a variety of popular stores, including Foot Locker, the Limited, American Eagle, and Journeys. The mall includes a food court, and several restaurants surround the mall.

South Cary/Apex residents also enjoy treasure hunting at Vintage Vogue, which features an eclectic collection of antique furniture, clothing, and jewelry. Visitors never know quite what to expect, and exploring the different nooks and crannies of the store helps create a fun shopping experience.

For groceries, residents have their choice out of Harris Teeter, Whole Foods, and Trader Joe's. They can also take a short drive east on I-40 to visit the NC State Farmers Market, which opens daily to the public.