Glenwood Raleigh, NC

Raleigh began as an agricultural community and became the state capitol. Even as the center of government, the city remained relatively small until major technology companies began to set up shop in the area during the 1970s. Raleigh quickly expanded as an influx of workers moved to the city and its surrounding neighborhoods. The pace of growth increased even more around the year 2000. Small businesses, art galleries and cultural centers filled up empty buildings that had been a part of the downtown landscape.

For those interested in the area's historical, cultural, and artistic scenes, Central Raleigh houses the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, the North Carolina Museum of History, the Marbles Kids' Museum and much more. The Contemporary Art Museum serves as another significant cultural draw right in the heart of the Warehouse District. Walk the streets during the First Friday event every month to visit local galleries and artist communities that hold open houses at that time.

While most of this neighborhood consists of residential areas, the northern portion also hosts a centralized shopping and dining destination. North Hills rests just on the other side of I-440 and features a long list of popular restaurants and specialty stores.

Locals also flock to the unique Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar, which features an interesting fusion of American food and sushi. Diners can order burgers or sushi, or try one of its signature burgushi rolls, which combines the best of both worlds. For instance, the Mary Had A Little Lamb-urgushi Roll consists of all natural ground seasoned lamb, kalamata olives, capers, feta cheese and red onions all rolled up in rice and seaweed paper. Be sure to call ahead to secure a table at this popular restaurant.

To grab a drink, take a short drive south into downtown and visit the Raleigh Times Bar, which is housed in the city's old newspaper building and holds a lot of local history. Enjoy the weather on the rooftop patio, or snag a table outside on the sidewalk. It serves from an extensive list of local and craft beers, so don't be afraid to try something new.

Residents can spend their evenings catching the latest Hollywood releases at the Regal North Hills Stadium 14 movie theater. For live music, locals gather at the Pour House, Lincoln Theater or Red Hat Amphitheater, and for performances of the North Carolina Ballet, they head to the Duke Energy Center for the Performing Arts.

Drivers enjoy easy access to both I-440, which loops around the entire city, and Glenwood Avenue, which runs directly downtown. Plenty of free parking spots and garages make it convenient to visit local stores, but drivers may have to do a few laps before finding a spot in this busy neighborhood.

Hailing a cab in this mainly residential area can be difficult, so call ahead for a ride or use Uber to find a nearby driver. Local transit passengers also enjoy a top-notch public transportation system with regular bus routes to and from North Central Raleigh for just $2 each way.

Pedestrians and cyclists alike easily navigate the area. Sidewalks run throughout the neighborhood, and a significant portion of the streets feature bike lanes that allow drivers and cyclists to co-exist.

Visit the Green Acres park located right in the middle of North Central Raleigh to enjoy a stroll on the paved walking paths. This greenway also welcomes dogs and bicyclists. To enjoy a game of tennis or play some pick-up basketball, head to the North Hills Park. Residents can also take a short drive north on Glenwood to the William B. Umstead Park, which provides miles of trails, several lakes for fishing and boating, and plenty of camp sites. Anyone can take advantage of these parks and amenities for free.

The parks host running races throughout the year. Additionally, they put on a variety of classes that range from kayaking to bird watching.

The cost of living in this upscale neighborhood runs higher than in the rest of the city. A one-bedroom apartment rents for $830 per month. Gas prices tend to stay about 10 percent below the national average, saving drivers some money at the pump. Save even more on transportation by taking advantage of the bus system, which charges $2 per ride. However, certain routes don't cost anything at all. If you head downtown for a beer, expect to pay around $5 for a pint of local brew.

Residents can visit the expansive Crabtree Valley Mall, which houses popular high-end retail stores, or head to the North Hills outdoor mall for even more shopping options. Best Buy, REI and Target all have stores in both locations.

For a more unique shopping experience, residents can drive a couple miles south to the Five Points section of town. This area plays host to vintage clothing stores, antique shops and art galleries. Nofo the Pig carries a great selection of vintage jewelry, locally made food items, and Raleigh-themed t-shirts, mugs and other accessories. It provides the perfect place to pick out a special gift.

For those looking for antiques, the Antiques Emporium lies along Clark Avenue in downtown at the Cameron Village Shopping Center. The shop offers a selection of silver, china and jewelry, and you can browse through a collection of old books for that special reader on your gift list.

Both Trader Joe's and Whole Foods have locations right in North Central Raleigh. Residents can also stock up on local produce by taking a short drive down to the North Carolina Farmer's Market, which opens every day to host dozens of vendors.