East Montgomery - Montgomery, AL

People began settling in outer east Montgomery during the mid-19th century. The small farming community continued to grow throughout the 1800s, and by the early 1900s Pike Road was a small, booming town. While small, the main town area’s location along Interstate 85 brought the area an abundance of business that helped support the more rural areas of the Town of Pike Road and Cecil.

Residents in outer east Montgomery travel into the city to visit museums, such as the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts, The Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald Museum, the Rosa Parks Museum and the Freedom Rides Museum. Montgomery also hosts several annual events, including the Southern Makers festival, Feast of Flavours and the Alabama Horse Council Horse Fair.

Restaurants in the outer east portion of Montgomery sit along Interstate 85, close to Montgomery, as well as on routes 271 and 110. Residents have a variety of dining options, including fast-food restaurants, chain restaurants, and restaurants that serve international fare, such as Mexican, Mediterranean, and Japanese.

The contemporary yet casual atmosphere at La Jolla on Vaughn Road makes the upscale restaurant a great date-night spot. The establishment features an extensive wine list that includes more than 100 wine options, with a focus on American wine, and amazing entrees such as braised beef short ribs and seafood risotto. Start your meal with a house salad topped with goat cheese crostini, golden grape tomatoes, and a vinaigrette made from blood oranges, pears, and cranberries, but make sure you save room for dessert. You don't want to miss La Jolla's bananas foster cheesecake.

For seafood, visit Sommer's Place on Vaughn Road. Crowds rave about the restaurant's prime rib, crab claws, and tilapia. Visit Sommer's Place on Fridays for its amazing fish specials, and make sure you try the trout.

Outer east residents drive west on Interstate 85 toward Montgomery for the best nightlife experiences. The Board Room in the Vaughn Plaza shopping center features a relaxed atmosphere that appeals to the local after-work crowd and is a popular venue for all ages, while Rock Bottom American Pub's live music attracts those ready for a more adventurous evening. Dance the night away at Stuckeys, or check out the local band scene at Head on the Door. Both also reside in the Vaughn Place shopping center on Vaughn Road.

As a mainly rural area, residents in Outer East Montgomery remain car-dependent. Fortunately, access to Interstate 85 and U.S. Route 80, as well as ample free parking options in the area, make driving an easy mode of transportation.

Montgomery’s public buses don’t service the area, and neither does Uber. However, a few of the local taxi companies arrange rides by phone through the Town of Pike Road and Cecil. Walking and bike riding aren’t feasible modes of transportation for Outer East Montgomery residents either. Most of the area’s rural roads don’t have sidewalks or designated bike lanes, so walking or riding a bike can't be considered safe.

You won’t find many park options in Outer East Montgomery. However, exercise enthusiasts can jog, roller skate, walk or ride bikes along the Pike Road Natural Trail. The trail begins on the southern side of Meriwether Road, between Barnes Road and U.S. Highway 231. The trailhead features ample room for parking and a picnic pavilion with a charcoal grill, tables and a public restroom.

Vaughn Road Park has something for everyone to enjoy. The park features a Boundless Playground designed for all kids, tennis courts, picnic shelters, large, open green space and a smaller traditional-style playground. Also located on Vaughn Road, Ida Belle Young Park features a sight-impaired playground, a tennis court and a large natural play area with a massive green space.

The Blount Cultural Park, a 77-acre park that houses the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts, features miles of walking trails and ponds surrounded by well-maintained landscaped areas. The park houses the world-renowned Alabama Shakespeare Festival, which presents numerous theatrical performances throughout the year, as well as a dedicated dog park. The Bark Park features separate areas for large and small dogs, benches, fountains, wash stations and gazebos.

The cost of living in Outer East Montgomery averages approximately 19 percent higher than Montgomery’s average cost of living. The higher cost of living percentage mainly applies to the area’s higher housing costs, but you should also expect to pay slightly more for things such as dining out and evening entertainment.

Expect to pay around $669 per month to rent a one-bedroom apartment, and around $5 for a beer at a local bar. Typically, gas prices average around 8 percent lower than the national average.

Like the area's restaurants, local stores sit along Interstate 85, and more options await you as you get closer to Montgomery. The Shoppes at Eastchase sits directly east of downtown Montgomery. This mall houses a variety of department stores and chain stores, making it easy for residents living in Outer East Montgomery to shop without venturing into the downtown area.

Cronier's Fine Jewelry on Eastern Boulevard specializes in jewelry, including engagement rings, necklaces, and bracelets. The family-owned business prides itself in selling one-of-a-kind pieces with richly colored gemstones and intricate details that make them stand out from the jewelry available at typical chain jewelry establishments.

When you're ready to decorate your Montgomery apartment, visit Rudy Furniture on Eastern Boulevard. The family-owned and operated furniture store carries a wide selection of furniture for every room. Purchase new furniture for your child's bedroom, or buy the items you need to revamp your home office.

Outer East Montgomery residents have several grocery options. Complete your major grocery trips at Walmart, Target, Costco, or Publix. El Chido on North Burbank Drive specializes in Latin American fare, and Indian Spices on Eastdale Circle sells Indian groceries. Visit the Mom & Pop Convenience Store on Boyd-Cooper Parkway to pick up any necessities needed in between large grocery trips. The Montgomery Curb Market, a seasonal farmers market on Madison Avenue in Montgomery, opens Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays to sell fresh fruit and vegetables.