Lee Vista - Orlando, FL

Airport North rests inside the city of Orlando, and it shares a part in its rich history. The area remained fairly undeveloped, inhabited only by the Creek and Native American tribes, until 1536, when Europeans settled in the area.

The Reconstruction Era brought in the next large change in population and led to Orlando's incorporation as a city in 1885. The Florida Land Boom during the 1920s enabled the construction of neighborhoods and the city's continued development. The city remains a focal point within Florida's citrus industry, and it also houses major attractions and entertainment parks, including Walt Disney World and Universal Studios.

The Orange County Regional History Center gives residents the opportunity to learn more about Orlando's history during the pre-Disney days. Experience the local arts scene at Super Awesome Cool Pottery, where you can view artwork and take classes.

A wide selection of dining options surrounds Airport North, especially around the Orlando International Airport. Sample authentic Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine at Habibi Lebanese Semoran. Start off with the stuffed grape leaves for an appetizer, and then order the hummus and mixed shawarma platter for your main course. The falafel platter also makes for an appetizing entree. Great service and reasonable prices keep customers coming back for more.

When you crave tasty barbecue, head to Sonny's BBQ for slow-cooked pork, beef, chicken and turkey. Order the sampler if you have trouble deciding what to choose. Sides accompany most dinners and include homemade coleslaw, BBQ beans, and macaroni and cheese. Save room for dessert, and bite into the homemade fruit cobbler, homestyle banana pudding or the double chocolate brownie bliss.

Plenty of bars and lounges surround Airport North, allowing residents to catch some nightlife fun. Locals love the the Falcon Bar & Gallery, which consists of a wine bar and art gallery. Check out some amazing artwork while sipping on a glass of vino.

Gather your friends for a night of bowling and drinks at Three Point Bowling. Bowl three games and rent shoes for under $10 per person on weekdays and $12 on weekends. Also, order the bar's signature drink, the Red Death.

The local hangout for karaoke, watching sports and spending time with friends is Jerry's Nice and Easy Bar and Grill. It also has pool tables, so challenge a friend to a game of billiards. This dive bar only accepts cash, so don't forget to stop by the ATM first.

Just about 80 percent of residents prefer to drive their own vehicles in the Airport North neighborhood. Commuters can easily reach the city center of Orlando in 20 minutes via FL-408. Some free residential street parking is available, but expect to pay a fee when parking near the airport.

Since Orlando International Airport sits a mere two miles away, cabs frequent the area. You can always call ahead to ensure prompt service if you need to reach a destination in a hurry, or you can schedule a ride through Uber.

As a busy section of Orlando, bikers and walkers should stick to the nearby trails and paths that run through the area rather than trying to cycle or stroll on unsafe streets. Jump on the Lynx bus service when you opt for public transportation.

Get some vitamin D by catching some sun and outdoor fun at one of the neighborhood parks. The B-52 Memorial Park invites you to have a picnic and relax. The park houses a massive B-52D Stratofortress and also acts as a memorial site. The amazing site draws adults to the property. While kids are welcome, the park does not have a playground. No fees apply to the park, so take a break from busy city life to bask in the sun. Additionally, take the opportunity to pay homage to veterans at the annual Memorial Day ceremony held on the property.

Experience fun for all ages at Barber Park. Enjoy recreational fun by playing basketball or soccer at its on-site facilities. Two covered playgrounds keep the kids entertained for hours, and don't forget to bring the pooch along to run around at the property's dog park. Here, you often find joggers and walkers revving up their heart rates as they get in their daily exercise. The park also hosts the annual Barber Park Fall Festival and Movie Night in November.

The cost of living in Airport North checks in at nine percent less than Orlando's average. Those who rent one-bedroom apartments in Airport North pay around $923 per month. When utilizing public transportation, riders pay $2 for a one-way trip. Drivers plan on spending four percent more than the national average at local gas stations. If you want to grab a beer at a local bar, the average cold brew costs $9.

Locals delight in upscale shopping only 11 miles away at The Mall at Millenia. Michael Kors, Burberry, TAG Heuer, Emporio Armani, Louis Vuitton and Kate Spade New York provide high-value shopping for customers. The mall also has a Macy's, Bloomingdale's, J. Crew and Banana Republic. The Florida Mall sits a mere 6 miles away and houses chain stores, including Disney and GAP, and department stores, such as Dillard's and Sears. The mall also provides chain dining options if you need a bite to eat after a day of shopping.

When you want to step away from chain stores and experience unique shopping, visit Prerana Beauty and Boutique, located approximately 8 miles from Airport North. This boutique sells exquisite Indian clothing and beautiful jewelry pieces. The shop also has a threading area in the back for quick eyebrow shaping.

Etoile Boutique sells women's clothing as well as vintage and consignment items only 9 miles away. The boutique also provides customers with in-house sewing and alterations to ensure the perfect fit. Its clients love the variety of locally made jewelry and hand-selected clothing options that flatter every body type.

Support local farmers by shopping at the Orlando Farmers Market in the nearby South Eola/Thornton Park neighborhood on Sunday afternoons. Featuring live music, a beer garden and vendors selling everything from freshly squeezed orange juice to fall-off-the-bone barbecue chicken, this farmers market also offers a consistent variety of fresh fruits and vegetables. Residents enjoy shopping at Freshfields Farm for fruits, vegetables and meat. Customers rave about the huge smoked turkey drumsticks, and don't forget to grab a cone from the store's ice cream shop. Local residents who prefer a supermarket shopping experience patronize the nearby Publix.