Jamestown/High Point - High Point, NC

Jamestown remains one of the oldest continuing settlements located in this area. Founded by and named after James Mendenhall, the origin of Jamestown dates back to 1816. As Quakers, Jamestown's founding residents attempted to remain neutral during the time of the Civil War. Jamestown is also known for the integral role it played as a stopping point along the Underground Railroad, transporting slaves to freedom in the north. Jamestown hosts an annual Day in the Park Festival on Main Street every September. This family friendly festival is full of crafts, entertainment, food and family activities. The Theatre Art Galleries in High Point offer exhibitions, events and classes to promote artists in the area. A jury selection process chooses artists for solo and group exhibitions. All exhibitions are free to the public.

It is almost impossible to discuss the cuisine of this area and not talk about dishes with a southern flare. Southern Roots is a neighborhood favorite and one of the best kept secrets in the area. The menu tastefully integrates modern American dishes with southern ingredients like pimiento cheese and fried green tomatoes. The warm decor and inviting ambiance combines with the comfort food menu to make the dining experience resemble a home-cooked meal. Locals start the day off the right way by stopping into the Penny Path Cafe and Crepe Shop. Serving the best crepes in the area, the menu boasts a variety of French inspired treats. Whether a customer is craving sweet or savory, there is a crepe on the menu to scratch that itch. A full-service espresso bar provides a wide-variety of coffee drinks to fuel a patron for the day ahead. The Deck is one of Jamestown's most happening nightlife spots. This bar and music venue hybrid attracts quite a crowd, showcasing events around the year. The outdoor patio and stage is a great spot to spend a warm spring night. During the winter, the patio and stage is completely enclosed in a heated tent to keep rain and cold weather at bay.

Driving remains the overwhelming choice when it comes to transportation preferences in Jamestown. Close to 90 percent of the residents choose to drive a personal vehicle to work, play or school. An Amtrak bus station sits less than five miles from Jamestown's city center and provides public transportation to destinations throughout the state and region. There are two cab companies serving the Jamestown area, however they require advance notice of for a ride. Uber provides a reliable ride share option for the area. Jamestown's convenient location means easy access to the Piedmont Triad International Airport for flights throughout the country and the world.

Jamestown has convenient access to several recreational facilities for people looking for anything from a leisurely walk to intense mountain biking. Bikers, runners, and skaters have convenient access to the Bicentennial Greenway Trail, a 14.5 mile paved multi-use path that gets a great amount of use on weekends in nice weather. Jamestown's Wrenn Miller Park attracts residents with its walking trails, picnic shelters and an amphitheater. It also has a Jamestown Veteran Memorial monument to honor the Jamestown residents that served in World War II. Jamestown Park is the most comprehensive park in the area, featuring an 18-hole golf course, soccer fields, baseball fields, a sand volleyball court, cornhole boards, tennis courts and a boating facility. Jamestown is one of the smallest municipalities in the country to own and operate its own public golf course. Jamestown Park is the perfect place to gather with family and friends for a day of outdoor fun.

The cost of living in Jamestown is slightly higher than that of the surrounding area with the housing price segment particularly affected. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Jamestown sits right at $700. When joining friends for a beer at a local pub in Jamestown, beer lovers expect to pay $2.50 for a domestic and $4.00 for an import. Average gas prices in Jamestown sit just slightly higher than those in the surrounding areas and are above the national average as well.

Jamestown possesses prime access to several of the area's major shopping attractions. Furnitureland South is one of the area's biggest shopping establishments, claiming to be the world's largest furniture retailer. With up to 50 percent off of high-end furniture brands, people travel from all over the region to shop at this store. For retail shops, Jamestown residents make the quick drive over to the Oak Hollow Mall. Boasting more than 50 specialty shops, the mall is a great place to spend a Saturday browsing. Shoppers visit for brands like Aeropostale, and Bath and Body Works. For more high-end retailers, Jamestown residents have the option to visit the Shops at Friendly Center, located just a short drive away in Greensboro. Friendly Center offers brands like Anthropologie, J Crew, and Apple. It is also home to a large movie theatre and some of the area's best restaurants. The Shops at Friendly Center makes a good destination for a date night. Neighborhood residents have several local grocers from which to choose. The most popular choices are Harris Teeter, Lowe's Foods, Bestway Grocery, and Walmart Neighborhood Market. Just a short drive away sits the Piedmont area's largest farmers market. The Piedmont Triad Farmers Market is one of four farmers markets operated by the state of North Carolina. The covered market is open every day from 7:30 to 4:30 with vendors selling locally grown produce, homemade baked goods, and farm fresh meats. This farmer's market is open all year round.