Highland Park Augusta, GA

While most Southern cities suffered in the decades following the Civil War, Augusta developed a strong economy on the back of its thriving cotton industry. That particular trade, and the money that could be made partaking in it, attracted many residents to the city. Prior to World War II, most Augusta residents preferred to live downtown or in Old Town.

After the War, when the automobile became a mainstay in the driveways of American families, many sought to live farther out from the downtown hustle. This gave birth to neighborhoods such as Highland Park, which were developed in the late 1940s and '50s.

Residents travel downtown for cultural offerings that include the Morris Museum of Art, which specializes in Southern art. During the week of the Masters golf tournament, Augusta hosts many events, including its Par-Tee On the Green dance party for all ages.

Living in Highland Park means you have access to dozens of great restaurants, including local haunts and chain establishments. Many sit along Wrightsboro Road and include fare that ranges from Chinese and Italian to steak and barbecue.

Sheehan's Irish Pub sits in a homey brick building on Central Avenue and serves the best Cajun seafood in Augusta. Start your meal with a fried green tomato salad before plunging into a locally renowned entrée such as the catfish Louisianne or the honey-lacquered duck. While you wait for your meal, sip a refreshing glass of vino from Sheehan's extensive wine list. Local favorites include the Frog's Leap sauvignon blanc and the Candor zinfandel. If you prefer beer, no worries Sheehan's has several brews on tap and features great specials every day of the week.

Like most desirable neighborhoods, Highland Park features a go-to Chinese haunt: China King. Known for fast service and scrumptious food, China King offers counter service and ranks as one of the most popular lunch destinations in the area. Most diners order take-out or have their meal delivered; however, the restaurant provides a few tables for those who want to eat in. Popular menu items include the beef lo mein and the pepper steak with onions.

Vallarta Mexican Restaurant serves authentic fare from south of the border in a festive setting that includes an outdoor patio, large televisions and a full bar. Stop by Vallarta to meet friends after work and unwind with a handcrafted organic margarita before chowing down on awesome menu selections such as chicken fajitas and seafood burritos.

Sheehan's and Vallarta provide nightlife and entertainment as well as fine dining, but locals in search of an even bigger party don't have to travel far - downtown Augusta, with its walkable strip of bars, clubs and live music venues, is less than 5 miles away.

Highland Park streets don't have sidewalks or bike lanes, so most residents limit their walking or biking in the area to casual daytime strolls or rides, walking pets or visiting neighbors. They usually drive to commute to work and run errands.

Because the neighborhood provides plenty of free parking and quick access to several major thoroughfares in Augusta, commuting from Highland Park is usually a low-stress endeavor.

If you don't want to drive, call one of the many taxi companies that operate in the area for a ride. Public transportation consists of a city bus, which has very low fares and features a stop next to Highland Park.

Wood Park serves the community with a walking track, playground and basketball courts. It doesn't have exercise facilities, but its splash pad water play area is very popular with kids, while its walking trail that encircles several acres of green space provides ample opportunity to exercise and burn calories. Admission runs $2 per person, with free parking. Wood Park doesn't host annual events, but many local groups enjoy renting its facilities for parties, banquets and other special events.

In Highland Park, residents enjoy a lower cost of living than the average Augusta resident. Expect to pay an average of $450 a month to rent a one-bedroom apartment. A beer in a local bar costs around $3 for a pint. Area gas prices run about 9 percent lower than the national average, while a bus ticket downtown costs only $1.25.

Residents take the 5-mile drive west on Wrightsboro Road to the Augusta Mall for large shopping trips. The largest enclosed mall in the region, Augusta Mall features big-box stores such as Macy's and Sears alongside high-end retailers that include The Limited.

Local boutiques and specialty shops also dot the neighborhood and give locals somewhere to shop for unique gifts and knickknacks. The expert florists at Annie's Floral Boutique can help you put together the perfect floral arrangement for any occasion, or if you just want to let someone special know you're thinking of him or her.

Women love to shop at the trendy SOHO on Highland Avenue. This family-owned boutique, run by three generations, prides itself on dressing women of all ages. Teens to grandmothers enjoy perusing the latest fashions and accessories at SOHO and appreciate the Southern hospitality and excellent fashion advice from the staff. The Bi-Lo on Wrightsboro Road serves locals for large grocery-shopping trips, while the Augusta Market at the River operates every Saturday from early spring until late fall and carries local produce, meat and baked goods from an assortment of vendors.