Garner/Fuquay Varina - Garner, NC

North Carolina was one of the thirteen original colonies, and Raleigh has been the state's seat of government ever since. In its early history, it was a rural place and a home to working people and farmers. At the beginning of the 1900s, the city began to expand more rapidly as people from around the state came to attend North Carolina State University.

Things really took off when Research Triangle Park opened in 1959. This business development is headquarters to some of the biggest global companies. IBM, Qualcom, Lenovo and many other notable names have headquarters in the park. Its establishment brought in scientists and intellectuals from all over the country, which is part of why Raleigh is such a prosperous city today. In addition to major businesses, the city houses the state's capitol and legislative buildings and the art, history, kids' and natural history museums.

This neighborhood is the cultural center for Raleigh's Hispanic population. The influence of this demographic can be seen in the abundance of authentic Mexican restaurants, bakeries and grocery stores located throughout the neighborhood. For a wider selection of restaurants, head 2 miles north to the bustling downtown. Residents have the luxury of sampling food from some of the best chefs in the country, including the James Beard award winning chef Ashley Christensen who owns and runs four restaurants in the area. Each of her locations focuses in using local, seasonal ingredients and is known for a signature dish. For years, her Poole's Diner restaurant has been voted as the winner of the best mac and cheese in the Triangle Area. It represents the ultimate in comfort food with a southern flare. Beasley's Chicken and Honey is another Christensen hotspot that specializes in crispy fried chicken and traditional Southern foods. Head over Sunday morning for a hardy brunch of chicken biscuits, okra and mimosas. Just down the street, in an area full of great restaurants, sits another local favorite: Sitti. This family owned and operated Lebanese restaurant offers a selection of smaller entrees that encourage you to sample from the menu. Be sure to start with some hummus before moving to main courses of Chicken artichoke, kabobs and tender lamb chops. The interior is tastefully done, and on a warm night, it has one of the best outdoor patios in town. In addition to great restaurants, the city is also full of great bars, clubs and music venues. Stop by The Foundation to sample an impressive list of bourbons that range from Jim Bean to specialty small batches that are only available for a limited time. Head just a few blocks down the street to Kings for the best in local music. The Red Hat Amphitheater hosts larger acts, and the Duke Energy Center for the Performing Arts is host to the state's ballet and symphony.

Outlying South Raleigh sits about two miles away from the center of downtown. With plenty of sidewalks, it is easily a walkable or bikeable distance. Clean, reliable buses run regularly through the neighborhood, offering constant access to all parts of the city. Hailing a cab is easy even in this largely residential area.

Once you are downtown, there is plenty of on-street parking and parking decks. Both options cost about $1.25 per hour but are free after 5 p.m. and on weekends. If you just need to quickly get a few block across town, you can call or hail one of the city's many pedicabs. They are a fun way to see the city, and the drivers are paid in tips, so you can offer up whatever amount you want. There is also a free bus service called the "R Line," which transports passengers around the central downtown area.

The major expressway I-40 cuts right through the neighborhood, providing quick and easy access to this thoroughfare that runs east and west all the way from the North Carolina coast to California. If all else fails, the city does allow Uber and Lyft rides.

The City of Oaks is full of parks that are connected by an extensive greenway system that's ideal for biking and jogging. The beautiful Dorethea Dix Campus occupies a large swath of South Raleigh and forms a border between the greenway and downtown. This open, hilly campus is slated to become the city's new "Central Park" in the coming years. Using the paths and enjoying a picnic in the park is free of charge and provides great fun for the family. The Dix campus also plays host to the annual National Alliance Mental Illness walk, which raises money to spread awareness and fund treatment for mentally ill patients.

Pullen Park sits right across the street from Dorthea Dix and offers fun activities such as paddle boats, a train ride and many other amusements in addition to a pool and basketball and tennis courts. The outdoor areas are free and open to the public, but access to the pool and several of the rides involves a small fee.

The Lake Wheeler dog park is also located just a few miles down the street and provides the perfect place for you and your pooch to get out and socialize. As a resident of the Outying South Raleigh area, you can have access to some of the city's best parks and amenities.

The cost of living in Outlying South Raleigh is cheaper than the rest of the city. Although most of the housing is for small families, you could find a one-bedroom apartment for around $500. A bus ride downtown is just $2, and gas prices are not only the lowest in the city but also some of the lowest in the country. If you stop by one of the local bars, expect to pay about $3-4 for a beer, although they usually run great specials.

There is plenty of great shopping located just minutes from Outlying South Raleigh. Target, Home Depot, PetCo, and many other nationally known retail stores are located just a few miles south. For even more shopping fun, you can visit the Crabtree Valley Mall, which is home to some more high-end yet recognizable stores and brands.

For a unique shopping experience, check out some of the city's great boutiques and thrift stores. Father and Son Antique Shop has a selection of great furniture, vintage clothing and old, forgotten toys from your childhood. The Accipiter Gallery is a must visit for gifts and locally made arts and crafts. From handcrafted wooden boxes and puzzles to high-end watches, this local gem has it all.

If you need to stock the pantry, Kroger and Wal-Mart are just a few miles away. Best of all, the State Farmers Market is open every day until 4 p.m., and is just one or two exits west off the expressway.