Highland Park - Raleigh, NC

Raleigh has the unique distinction of being one of the few planned cities in America. For this reason, the city has been able to grow, expand and meet the demands of an ever-increasing population with relatively few hiccups along the way.

The city was officially founded in 1792 and eventually named after the English explorer Sir Walter Raleigh. Despite being the state capital and the seat of government, the city remained relatively small until the 1980s when Research Triangle Park started to gain traction and major companies from around the world set up their global headquarters right on the edge of the city. Highland Park developed in response to housing needs and currently serves as home base to many top level employees and executives.

While Highland Park remains largely residential, Raleigh does have an active arts scene in the Warehouse District, which also houses the Contemporary Art Museum.

For convenient dining options, residents head south to Falls of Neuse or east to Highway 1. Both these major roads are lined with a mixture of typical fast-food restaurants and locally owned eateries. Mizu features a menu packed with unique sushi rolls and Japanese cuisine. This family-owned restaurant serves the best sushi, nigiri and sashimi rolls made with fresh baby octopus, king salmon, toro and other tasty ingredients. Stop by at lunch time and order a bento lunchbox to go and enjoy a delicious, healthy and affordable meal.

At El Tapatio, diners enjoy a fun and casual dining room filled with tile-covered tables and carved wooden chairs. Whimsical overhead lamps add to the festive and friendly feel. Servers arrive at the table with a heaping basket of homemade tortilla chips and salsa to get the meal started. Every dish comes in generous portions and cooked to perfection. The shrimp fajitas rank at the top of list for favorite dishes, although diners really can't go wrong with any of the signature dishes on the menu.

For American style food and a great selection of beers, locals head to the Carolina Ale House. This regional chain was created with the goal of replicating the popular neighborhood pubs found in England. The first restaurant became so popular that several more locations have opened around the Triangle area. It features daily drink specials, big screen televisions for game-day gatherings and a menu full of traditional pub food. Start with a plate of hot wings and a pint of cold beer and enjoy a night with friends.

Residents always have the option of heading into downtown Raleigh for a long list of music and entertainment venues, including the Lincoln Theater, Pour House, Red Hat Amphitheater and King's Barcade. However, most locals opt for a quiet night close to home and catch a movie at the Marquee Cinemas.

You can travel a few miles east to connect to Highway 1, which runs north and south and takes you directly into downtown Raleigh. This major road also connects with I-540, which creates a direct route west into Research Triangle Park and provides easy access for commuters heading to work. With plenty of on-street parking, finding a spot in Highland Park is never a problem.

Passengers looking to use the public transportation system can catch a ride on one of several regular bus routes with stops along Falls of Neuse and Highway 1. Hailing a cab in this largely residential area can be nearly impossible, but Uber does service Highland Park, so residents can call ahead of a ride.

Pedestrians can safely enjoy an evening stroll through the neighborhood, and bicyclists interested in traveling the neighborhood can plan a bike-friendly route that takes advantage of local trails and bike lanes.

Highland Park residents enjoy easy access to the sprawling Falls Lake State Recreation Area. This large park includes a lake, miles and miles of hiking trails, camping facilities, picnic shelters and playgrounds. Visitors can fish, go boating and enjoy the great outdoors however they like. Visitors pay $6 per car and can bring along the family dog for a day of fun. The nearby Wakefield High School also provides locals with access to track facilities and fields for a variety of athletic activities.

While this park doesn't host any annual events, it does hold educational programs throughout the year so that visitors and learn more about the local flora and fauna from expert guides.

The cost of living in this wealthy and exclusive neighborhood runs well above other areas of the city. Renters can expect to pay $850 per month for a one-bedroom residence. However, public transportation costs just $1.50 per ride, and drivers pay about 10 percent below the national average cost for a gallon of gas. Grab a drink at a local bar, and pay $4 for a pint of beer.

The Wakefield Crossing Shopping Center provides the most convenient destination for basic shopping needs. This local strip mall houses a Food Lion for residents to stock up on groceries. The center also contains a Tuesday Morning, which features a selection of brand-name clothing lines and household items at discounted prices.

In addition to nearby grocery stores, Highland Park residents can also visit the Wake Forest Farmers Market to stock up on produce and seasonal items from local producers. Peruse fresh fruits and vegetables every Saturday morning from 8 a.m. to noon all year long. For more shopping options, locals head east toward Highway 1 where boutiques dot the landscape. The Lollipop Toy Shop provides a magical shopping experience for kids and parents alike. A husband-and-wife team created this store with the goal of getting back to basics and encouraging kids to play in imaginative ways. It carries a selection of educational and scientific toys, such as ant farms and telescopes, as well as building-block and construction sets for more creative play.

Affordable Creative Framer & Art provides custom framing, unique posters and affordable artwork for any decorative style. Check out seasonal selections for various times of year, including winter holidays and Father's Day. View and purchase works from local artists, including some very special cuckoo clocks. The owner rotates several artists' work throughout the year so residents can get a feel for the local art scene.