Lakemont Augusta, GA

Named after Princess Augusta, wife of the Prince of Wales, this area was originally home to the Creek and Cherokee Indians. These tribes used to cross the Savannah River at Augusta, situated on the fall line. Augusta was the second capital of Georgia from 1785 to 1795 and grew as a market for cotton. This area played a major role in the Revolutionary War and Civil War. The only structure built by the Confederate states, Confederate Powderworks, stands here. The boyhood home of President Woodrow Wilson, one of the many historic buildings still standing, can also be found here. At the Augusta Museum of History, browse through memorabilia belonging to musician James Brown or trace the evolution of golf. Explore thousands of years of Augusta’s history at the award-winning Augusta's Story permanent exhibition. The Gertrude Herbert Institute of Art showcases national and international, contemporary art and conducts fine art classes.

Restaurants clustered around Washington Road serve everything from Cajun and Indian, to Japanese and Southern comfort food. For Southern fare served cafeteria style, head to Honey from the Rock Café and dig into some fine sweet potato casserole, pork chops and fried green tomatoes. For dessert, try key lime pie or German chocolate cake. Go early, as this joint opens only for lunch, and it can get crowded. Experience fine dining at Curry Hut, an Indian restaurant on Washington Road. Order samosas, saag paneer, chicken tikka masala and garlic naan, while you cool down with a glass of mago lassi. To savor a range of chutneys, sides and entrées, go for the lunch buffet. Vegetarian and vegan menu options, friendly, attentive staff and flavorful food has earned this restaurant many loyal customers. A smattering of bars, dance clubs and lounges entertain the locals in this area. Dance the night away at Surreal at Surrey, an upscale night club with a huge dance floor and V.I.P. lounge. Drink specials for ladies on Friday night and a cool bar area make it a good place to hang out. Unwind at the Partridge Inn with perfectly made mojitos. Enjoy outdoor seating, complete with couches and coffee tables, with a scenic view of Walton Valley. The eatery serves flavorful bar foods, such as buffalo wings and crab cakes. An extensive brunch spread brings locals here on Sundays. Other popular weekly events include Live Jazz Fridays and Wine Down Wednesdays with discounts on bottles of wine.

Augusta Public Transit serves part of the city with nine fixed routes and para-transit services. A majority of residents drive their own vehicles to work, and a significant percentage also carpool with friends and co-workers. Walking and biking may not be good options in this car-dependent neighborhood, with both activities restricted to pedestrian and biking trails. Interstate 20 is easily accessible from Lakemont, connecting Atlanta and the city of Columbia in South Carolina. With parking spaces freely available around businesses and offices and a few parking lots in the downtown area, residents find parking an easy affair. Taxi services include Sunshine Cab, Speedy Cab and Caribbean Cab. Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft do not currently operate in the Augusta-Richmond County area.

Activities such as boating, biking and hiking thrive in Lakemont, nestled between the Savannah River and Lake Olmsted. Several sports facilities, parks and recreation centers give residents so many opportunities to enjoy nature and the great outdoors. At Lake Olmsted Park, launch a boat, eat a picnic lunch and play a game of disc golf. The park includes an athletic field, gazebo and walking track. Eisenhower Athletic Complex and Park conducts youth baseball, softball, soccer, football and cheerleading classes. The complex also has an outdoor walking track, open space and rental facilities. Dogs and their owners love Pendleton King Bark Park for its water fountains, pool and small dog area. The low fence in this shady and fairly large park may be problematic if you have a big dog. Walk or bike along the historic Augusta Canal or enjoy a day at the Riverwalk in Downtown Augusta, along the Savannah River. With bricked upper and lower levels, a Japanese garden with a peaceful waterfall, a boat marina and so much more, Riverwalk provides locals a perfect escape from the city, and also doubles as a great venue for hosting events. The Candlelight Jazz Concert Series, held from May to September, features live bands playing jazz under the stars. Grab a blanket, some food and enjoy the performance. Expect to pay $5 for this event at Riverwalk. A free summer movies event called Movies at the Common features monthly shows of family friendly movies.

The cost of living in Lakemont sits slightly higher than the cost of living in Augusta and 13 percent lower than the national average. Gasoline prices fall 7 percent below the national average. Expect an average rent of $520 for a one-bedroom residence. A bus trip to Augusta costs $1.25 and a bottle of beer costs $2.

Proximity to large malls, small boutiques, antique stores and consignment shops makes Lakemont’s location very desirable. The two-storied Augusta Mall, with tons of clothing and shoe stores, a large food court and ample parking, provides residents with much-needed retail therapy. Find vintage clothing from the 70s and 80s at Mema Had One on Washington Road. This 4,200 square foot store carries antique furniture and kitchen equipment, toys and war memorabilia. Expect affordable prices, new inventory and friendly service at this antique store. Soho Boutique on Highland Avenue, specializes in trendy, current women’s clothing, boots and accessories. The cordial staff assist customers in picking outfits for any occasion and also help with fitting. Kroger, Fresh Market and Publix Supermarket service this area. The Augusta Market at the Augusta Riverwalk, sells local organic produce, fresh eggs, pasture-raised lamb and local milk. Food and art vendors, live music and its location by the river draws locals to this fun event on Saturday.