Chapel Ridge - Tallahassee, FL Area Guide

The name Tallahassee means "old town" or "old fields" and was originally given by the Seminole Indians who first inhabited the area in the 18th century. Tallahassee was officially named as Florida's capital in 1824, when state legislature mandated that a capital between St. Augustine and Pensacola be chosen. The city grew to build banks, universities, police departments and hotels throughout the 19th century, and its population began to flourish. To preserve some of this rich history, the Museum of Florida History was built on Bronough Street. Exhibits include a giant mastodon skeleton, old Civil War memorabilia and World War II artifacts, such as uniforms, naval badges and draft cards. The Tallahassee Museum also preserves important pieces of the area's history. Tours of old houses and schools, 1920s airline cabooses and a wildlife exhibit of rare Florida animals in their natural habitats can all be found on site.

Tallahassee is well-known for its diverse selection of dining options, and Chapel Ridge residents enjoy close proximity to its best-kept restaurant secrets. You can stay in the neighborhood or travel outside the neighborhood for access to the city's best eateries in every direction. For calzones, crepes and baked sandwiches visit Doughlicious on West Call Street. Open late, this local hot spot also delivers it's cheap tasty treats. Try the Chipolte Chicken Calzone or their $6 special calzone of the day. Visit Gordo's on West Pensacola Street for a no frills traditional Cuban meal. Enjoy traditional Cuban dishes such as the Cuban sandwich or the media Noche or try their take on the hamburger which has a 10oz patty served with lettuce, tomato, pickles, onions, mustard and covered with their famous Gordo sauce. Locals recommend that what ever you order don't forget to get extra Gordo sauce. The neighborhood also has plenty of chain restaurant and fast food options that line West Tennessee and West Pensacola Streets. These quick dining options include Chipotle, Chick-Fil-A, Waffle House, Subway, Mellow Mushroom, and Whataburger. At night time, locals head to Zingales Billiards and Sports Bar for games of pool and cold pitchers of brew. The family owned and operated pool hall even serves up chicken wings and hamburgers if you bring an appetite along. For an impressive tap list and great happy hour specials, visit Proof Brewing Co. and Bottle Shop. With over 50 draught choices and beer brewed in-house, Proof makes for the ultimate college hangout.

Although the StarMetro bus services the neighborhood, routes are limited. Driving or hailing one of the many cabs available in the area is usually the best option. You can also try Uber for a less expensive alternative. Public parking is plentiful, with many free designated parking areas. If you head downtown though, be prepared to pay a few bucks in the more popular areas of town. For daily commuters, Route 90 borders Chapel Ridge and take just a few minutes to reach. Biking to school or work is also a relatively safe option. Several roads in the neighborhood feature dedicated bike lanes, while Chapel Drive offers biking trails to cyclists. About 50 percent of the neighborhood has sidewalks, so you'll need to plan walking routes accordingly.

Although you'll have to travel outside Chapel Ridge for some of the area's parks, you won't be disappointed in what you find. The Cascades Park in central Tallahassee features a splash pad for kids, spacious green spaces, numerous ponds, walking trails, lots of flower beds and breathtaking foliage throughout. The Capital City Amphitheater also borders the park. Travel north to Lake Ella for a dog-friendly park with gorgeous water views. This hidden gem features walking trails around the lake, where you'll find a variety of bird species and beautiful trees. If you get thirsty while exploring the park, Black Dog coffee shop sits just off the lake's paths. Chapel Ridge doesn't host any annual events within the neighborhood, but Tallahassee is famous for putting on many memorable events throughout the year. Check out Chili Fest in January for tastings of world-class chili and the Jazz and Blues Festival in March, a weekend full of nationally recognized performers and up-and-coming stars. Other events worth attending include the FSU Flying High Circus, the North Florida Wine and Food Festival, and the Jingle Jubilee.

The Chapel Ridge neighborhood benefits from an affordable cost of living that's on par with the city average. Compared to the rest of the country, residents enjoy an impressive 9 percent lower cost of living. One-bedroom apartments in the area go for just $760 per month, and a trip to the Tallahassee city center on the StarMetro bus will run you $1.25 for a one-way fare. You can also pick up a weekly or monthly pass, priced at $10 and $38, respectively. Expect to pay around $4 for a cold pint of beer at the local watering hole and roughly 6 percent more than the national average for a gallon of gas.

Chapel Ridge residents enjoy a slew of high-value stores and boutiques around the neighborhood, as well as a number of options for groceries and fresh produce. For the bare essentials, visit the CVS in the Varsity Shopping Center. If you need to stock up on everyday groceries and household items, a Publix services the neighborhood on Ocala Road. At the Downtown Marketplace Farmers Market, check out the freshly baked bread, honey, organic produce and local vendors selling art. Though there are hardly any boutiques in there area, there is a local branch of chain consignment shop Plato's Closet. Plato's Closet carries brand name, gently used guys' and girls' clothing and accessories in the latest styles for younger generations. If you're searching for fairly priced bags, shoes, jewelry and clothing, look no further than Henri Girl Boutique. The chic women's clothing store offers trendy fashion items in a variety of styles, including denim, party wear and casual attire. Travel just south of the University to the Reef Boutique. Here, shoppers find an assortment of fun accessories and fashionable women's clothing.