Hewitt Area - Greensboro, NC

Greensboro, historically a commercial and manufacturing hub for the textile, tobacco and furniture industries, drew in a large number of residents between the 1960s and 1990s during a period of great industrial growth. Hewitt Area also flourished during this time due to its proximity to nearby colleges. Most houses and rental properties in the neighborhood were built in the 1980s. Modern day residents continue to see improvements in the community's infrastructure.

Hewitt Area residents needn't travel far to experience Greensboro's thriving arts scene. The Irene Cullis Art Gallery, located on the campus of Greensboro College, features revolving art exhibits. Greensboro's 17Days Festival, put on by ArtsGreensboro, celebrates Greensboro's arts and culture and features artists, workshops and live entertainment.

Restaurants throughout Hewitt Area line the corridors of South Holden Road, Wendover Avenue West and north of the neighborhood along West Market Street. Fast food and casual chain establishments, including Dunkin Donuts, Ruby Tuesday and Subway, lie next to a large number of quality, locally owned dining destinations, many of them serving ethnic cuisine. Kiosco Mexican Grill on Spring Garden Street prepares some of Greensboro's most authentic and popular Mexican dishes. The menu, filled with favorites such as fajitas, chimichangas and freshly made margaritas, satisfies every craving. Kiosco also serves many specialty platters, such as lime-cured fish. Locals enjoy hanging out on the outdoor patio during the warmer months. Vietnamese food-lovers love the pho and noodle dishes at Pho Hien Vuong. The perfectly prepared pho broth has the ideal mixture of spices and complements the meat, rice vermicelli and fresh herbs of the soup. Many menu options are available for all dietary preferences, including vegetarians. Another nearby favorite of locals, Arigato Japanese Steak and Seafood House, remains one of the best places in the area for a special date night. Combining basic, fresh ingredients, Arigato serves hearty portions of hibachi entrees. Because Arigato has been voted the Piedmont Triad's best Japanese restaurant three years in a row, the lines can be long during the dinner rush, so be sure to get here early. For nightlife, Hewitt Area residents visit a number of nearby bars along South Holden Road, including Chemistry Nightclub. Comedy Zone, a stand-up comedy venue that also sells drinks and pub food, hosts shows most nights of the week. Upscale nightclubs and music venues such as Blind Tiger and Greene Street Club lie closer to downtown Greensboro.

Hewitt Area residents utilize alternative modes of transportation more commonly than those in other Greensboro neighborhoods for their everyday commutes. Over 82 percent of residents drive or carpool to work, and an additional 10 percent use Greensboro's public transportation system. Drivers heading to downtown Greensboro follow Wendover Road West east to West Market Street. To access Interstate 40, just drive south on either Patterson Street or Wendover Avenue West. The Lee Street parking lot sits due east of Hewitt Area, though most visitors find parking along residential streets adequate.

The Greensboro Transit Authority operates buses throughout Hewitt Area. Bus stops lie along Hewitt Street and Wendover Avenue. Residents can also take advantage of taxi and Uber services when they need more personalized transportation.

Hewitt Area has bike lanes along Hewitt Street and Norwalk Street; few, however, choose to walk to amenities here.

Greensboro operates many city and neighborhood parks for the enjoyment of residents. Southeast of Hewitt Area lies Hunter Hills neighborhood park. This small outdoor park, shaped in a crescent, has a creek meandering through the property, a good-sized playground and a basketball court. Slightly further south sits Amber Park, known for its scenic paths and a small, sparkling creek perfect for little ones who love to explore nature. These parks, and others throughout Greensboro, do not charge an entrance fee, remain open dawn to dusk and welcome dogs.

Greensboro's Parks and Recreation Department plays host to a large number of festivals and annual events throughout the year. Center City Park, situated in the heart of Greensboro, remains the most popular venue because of its location. Center City Cinema features family-friendly films every other week from May through September. Barber Park houses the annual Carolina Blues Festival which happens every May.

The cost of living in Hewitt Area equals to the average cost of living for the city of Greensboro, which lies 5 percent below the national average. Housing costs in Greensboro remain notoriously affordable, at close to 20 percent below the national average. Renters, who make up over 90 percent of the residential population, can expect to pay $588 a month for a one-bedroom apartment in Hewitt Area.

The Greensboro Transit Authority charges bus riders $1.50 for one-way fare to downtown and $4 for a day pass. Although gas prices fluctuate often, Hewitt Area residents pay 2 percent more than the national average. College students and others enjoying local beer from area favorites such as Natty Greene's will pay around $5 a pint.

You'll find most shopping in and around Hewitt Area scattered along Wendover Avenue West, Norwalk Street and South Holden Road. These stores, on the whole, sell affordable goods and services and include retailers such as Discount Tire, CarMax and multiple car dealerships. Many of the speciality stores found around Hewitt Area sell cars, car parts and accessories. Boutique shops and upscale retailers can be found at the Four Seasons Town Centre mall in south Greensboro. On Spring Valley Road, Kosmic Kickz specializes in the sale of name-brand sneakers, accessories and athletic apparel for men and women. This store even carries consumer consignment gear, perfect for those on a budget. Head to Kosmic Kickz on Monday afternoons to take advantage of the weekly 35 percent discount. Graham Sporting Goods, situated to the west of Hewitt Area, has become one of Greenboro's most popular and well-trusted sports gear retailers. Products sold here include uniforms and gear for baseball, basketball, softball, football, soccer and lacrosse players. You can order customizable shirts, hats and other accessories in-house. Team coaches and parents alike appreciate the sincere customer service and fast turnaround at Graham Sporting Goods. Hewitt Area locals purchase groceries at the Costco warehouse and Walmart Supercenter along Wendover Road. Smaller ethnic markets in the area include the American Grocery Store and Dong Huong Fresh Fish Market. The Piedmont Triad Farmers Market, one of only four state-operated markets, lies 10 miles west of Hewitt Area and remains open seven days a week, year-round.