Lake Aumond - Augusta, GA

Lake Aumond is a residential area in Augusta, Georgia. The town of Augusta was founded in 1735 and named after Princess Augusta of Saxe-Gotha who later gave birth to King George III. The town was settled when James Oglethorpe sent troops from Savannah north along the Savannah River. Raes Creek, a large tributary from the Savannah river, feeds into Lake Aumond to the east and slightly north of the Augusta city center.

Lake Aumond does not contain any museums or art galleries. Residents travel into the city center to find museums such as the Lacy Craft Laney Museum of Black History and the Gertrude Hebert Institute of Art. Augusta has been home to the Masters Golf Tournament since 1934.

Lake Aumond offers a variety of restaurants, cafes and other eateries to satisfy even the pickiest eater or fill the odd craving.

Rae’s Coastal Café has been a local favorite since it opened its doors in 1992. The chefs specialize in Jamaican jerk chicken, but other dishes on the menu are just as savory as the restaurant's staple. Grab an order of jerk chicken wings for an appetizer before digging into your entrée. Try the scallops — prepared each day at the whimsy of the chef; baked, sautéed or grilled, delectable in all forms. Locals gather at the full bar to have a drink and converse with friends and neighbors. Use your GPS, and follow the route specifically because the unassuming building in the middle of a residential area can be somewhat hard to find.

Take your spouse or business client to Finch and Fifth when the night calls for an elegant meal. Located on Berkmans Road near the Westover Memorial Park, the restaurant presents a sophisticated menu for both lunch and dinner. Get your meal started with the fresh bruschetta then move on to the crab cake Caesar. Round out your meal or your night with a signature cocktail such as the Agave-Tay or Ginger Cat from the full bar.

Search no further than Big Mama’s Soul Food for good old-fashioned home cooking. Dishes including pork chops and gravy, grilled catfish and meatloaf are local favorites. Don’t forget the side of collard greens, okra and fried green tomatoes. The small diner on Wrightsboro Road opens at 9 and closes by 5, catering specifically to the lunch crowds. Many neighborhood restaurants feature full bars with custom cocktail recipes. Customers looking to enjoy happy hour specials frequently meet with friends before heading home or out to dinner.

Lake Aumond residents enjoy the views of country living and the amenities of a big city. The wide tree lined streets feature wide shoulders but no sidewalks. None of the streets have dedicated bike lanes, but speed limits do not exceed 40 miles per hour here, so it should be safe.

Interstate 520 and Walton Way provide commuters with easy commutes to the city. Interstate 520 plays a strategic role in most commuting plans as it circles around the city of Augusta. Don’t expect to be able to hail a cab here; instead, call in advance to one of the local cab companies for pick up.

Commuters in Lake Aumond prefer their vehicles for travel because the choices for public transportation in the area are limited. The closest bus stop sits at the Augusta Mall, but when you travel between the mall and the Doctor’s Hospital, a signal to the driver lets you exit the bus near the neighborhood.

The neighborhood doesn’t contain any parks, but the Pendleton King Park and Pendleton King Bark Park sit 4 miles to the southwest. Residents enjoy the park for its new playgrounds and open spaces for picnicking. The park also includes an 18-hole disc golf course, tennis courts, a workout trail and a scenic tree trail. Dogs enjoy the park too, and owners who like to let their dogs run off leash can visit the bark park for a fenced-in run with exercise obstacles for friendly pooches.

Areas such as the Franke Pavilion, Hydrangea Garden, the Touch and Smell Garden and the Blue Garden with its gazebo are available to rent for events such as birthday parties and weddings.

The cost of living in Lake Aumond rises two percent above the national average, but the area runs 18 percent higher than Augusta. Residents trade the high cost of living for lower crime rates and better school systems. An average one-bedroom apartment runs at around $497 per month.

One-way fare on the Augusta Public Transit system costs approximately $1.25, and frequent commuters should consider a monthly pass for $50. Gas prices in Augusta fall to approximately 2 percent lower than the national average. You can expect to pay around $4 for a pint of beer at local bars and restaurants.

Residents drive just over two miles west to buy groceries at Kroger, while a trip 1.5 miles north results in shopping options such as Target and Best Buy. The Augusta Market on the River opens Saturdays in the Spring from 8 a.m until 2 p.m.

Residents looking for the latest designs in fashion congregate at SOHO in the Surrey Center on Highland Avenue. The owner and operator has been helping Augusta natives dress since 1994 when he took over his aunt and uncle’s fashion store. The staff prides themselves on getting to know each of their customers and making sure they leave with the perfect outfit for their needs.

Mema Had One carries antiques and other fabulous finds —labeled as junk to help spice up your home with interesting furniture and accent pieces. The 4,200-square-foot house is filled from attic to basement with vintage collectibles, period pieces and even an old jukebox and Coke machine. The store swears that after you look around, you will find something that your grandma had.

High-end shoppers will find the latest in fashion at the Augusta Mall, located just three miles away from Lake Aumond. The large shopping center holds anchor stores such as Macy’s, Dillard’s, JCPenney, and Sears and specialty fashion stores like Michael Kors, LOFT, Chico's, and Ann Taylor.