Lake Francis/Drake Park - Fayetteville, NC

For thousands of years, the Fayetteville area was inhabited by several local Indian tribes. During the 1700s, the state started to encourage English settlers to move up the Cape Fear River and establish more permanent cities. Two groups of Scottish eventually moved in and set up a trade route between their Fayetteville and the port city of Wilmington. The ability to move goods up and down the river allowed the city to prosper and also meant that it played a key role in the Civil War.

The city has since become known as the home of one of the nation's largest military bases. During the 1960s, Fort Bragg and Pope Airforce underwent major expansions, and the population of the city surged. Residents can learn more about the agricultural and military history of the city by visiting the Museum of Cape Fear and the Airborne and Special Operations Museum.

Residents head east on Highway 401, which forms the northern border of the neighborhood, to enjoy a great selection of restaurants. The 316 Oyster Bar serves as one of the most popular dining destinations in the city. This family friendly establishment has the nostalgic feel of an old-time diner but with a more sophisticated menu that features fresh seafood shipped in from the coast daily. Every visit should start with a plate of steamed oysters served with cocktail sauce. From there, diners can choose from among steak, tuna, catfish, lobster, salmon and a variety of other seafood served with a choice of sides.

Locals also flock to Chris's Steak House for an upscale dining experience, perfect for date nights or other special occasions. The warm and intimate dining room features dark wood paneling, leather chairs and white linen tablecloths for a classic and timeless look. Seafood lovers can order Alaskan king crab and lobster tails, but the selection of steaks serves as the real highlight of the menu. Diners can choose from among a variety of cuts that can be cooked to order and spiced to perfection.

To enjoy a few beers and watch the big game, residents head north on Highway 401 to visit Buffalo Wild Wings or the Carolina Ale House. Both locations feature plenty of big screens televisions, great drink specials and pub-style foods, such as hot wings and fried pickles.

Other nearby entertainment options include the Carmike Cinema complex, where visitors can catch the latest Hollywood release, the Comedy Zone Night Club, and North Carolina State Ballet Company.

Drives can take Highway 59, otherwise known as Hope Mills Road, north to Highway 401 Business and connect with the All American Expressway and I-95. Ample on-street parking throughout the neighborhood also caters to drivers, although public transportation provides plenty of nearby stops. Regular routes service the northern section of the neighborhood and allow residents access to affordable and reliable transportation.

Hailing a cab in this residential area can be difficult, but Uber also provides service for passengers looking for a ride. Pedestrians can safely walk or bike subdivision streets, but traveling along main routes may prove more difficult. The city does not have designated bike lanes, so commuting on foot or by bike may present some dangers.

Residents visit Lamon Park to use the playground equipment and play on the Frisbee golf course. Open spaces also provide plenty of room to run around with the dog, play a game of catch and participate in a variety of athletic activities. Pet owners can also head to the Riverside Dog Park to spend the afternoon socializing with the neighbors.

The annual Christmas in the Park event provides one of the biggest yearly gatherings and allows residents to enjoy the outdoors and celebrate the holidays.

The cost of living in the Lake Francis/Drake Park neighborhood trends below that of the rest of the city. Residents can rent a one-bedroom residence for around $594 per month. A bus ride costs $1.25 each way, and drivers pay gas prices that run on par with national averages. Those who enjoy a couple drinks after work can expect to pay $3 for a bottle of domestic beer.

Residents enjoy convenient access to a number of shopping centers. The nearby Cross Creek Mall houses a long list of popular retail chains, including Macy's, JCPenney, Belk, and many more. Speciality boutiques and locally owned shops line the streets throughout the city, but the downtown historic district serves as the most centralized location for unique shopping.

The Lodestone Arts and Antique shop carries a large selection of collectible furniture, kitchen items and old toys that provide any home with a great conversation piece. Costumers can stock up on items to redecorate their homes or simply find that perfect gift for an upcoming special occasion. Prices vary, allowing anyone to find a special item that fits their budget.

Collectors can also visit the Shops at 123 Hay Street in downtown Fayetteville to pick up a variety of plates, cups, and other porcelain, ceramic and glass items. This unique shop sells everything from furniture and dishes to quilts and prints from various historical periods. Visitors can purchase a wide selection of gifts at affordable prices.

Residents stock up on groceries at the local Harris Teeter and Food Lion locations and visit the Carolina Farmer's Market to purchase fresh produce throughout the year.