Montclair - Augusta, GA

After the U.S. Army moved the Signal Training Center and Military Police School to Camp Gordon in 1948, the surrounding neighborhoods grew exponentially. Montclair grew out of one of these expansions and slowly became an important residential center in the 1960s and 1970s.

If you love modern and contemporary dance, Montclair has exactly what you need with two major dance studios located in the vicinity. Whether you want to take classes or simply enjoy their regular performances, head to Augusta West for classical ballet or Augusta ballroom to watch the experts spin in pairs.

Despite the residential feel throughout most of the Montclair neighborhood, locals never find themselves far from a tasty restaurant meal. On nearby Washington Road, choose just about any cuisine, from fast food burgers to sit-down sushi places. A popular locale for sushi aficionados includes Kinki Sushi, which offers both creative rolls and hibachi favorites. With a casual, fun atmosphere and the aroma of the hibachi tempting you to try everything, Kinki Sushi fills you up and leaves you feeling satisfied. Try the make-your-own fantasy roll options, combining a variety of ingredients to create the perfect sushi roll. The staff at Kinki Sushi happily give suggestions on some of their own creative fantasy roll endeavors.

For a fancier night out, head to Edgar's Grille. With a wide selection of dishes that rotate through the menu, Edgar's ensures that even regulars don't get bored with the menu options. Start every meal with one of Edgar's famous appetizers, such as the house pimento cheese with fresh bread. If you're feeling adventurous, try some of the game meat dishes, including rabbit tenders, to discover how delicate and flavorful these meats are. Feel free to stop in just for drinks during happy hour; expect to encounter significant discounts on perfectly mixed drinks, since Edgar's has developed one of the best bar facilities in the city.

This neighborhood contains a few nightlife options in terms of bars or clubs. The Carolina Ale House's unique combination of British and local fare makes it a standout, with contests and events that keep patrons coming back for more. Club Argos, a gay nightclub, hosts frequent events of varying types, ranging from birthday parties to fashion shows, in a safe and fun atmosphere.

Most people living in Montclair prefer to drive the easily accessible streets. With access to Washington Road, I-20 and the 520 loop, locals have no trouble getting where they need to go in the city. Most homes have multiple parking spots available, and ample free public parking spaces line most roads.

Public transportation, however, has serious limits in Montclair. Augusta bus lines do not reach the neighborhood, so if you prefer to ride a bus, you'll have to walk farther into town. Few people end up using public transit here other than seniors or disabled people who are part of the city's dedicated service. However, you can call a taxi to come get you in a pinch, but for quick service, make sure to call ahead.

Many streets in Montclair do not have sidewalks, which makes walking less safe outside of the residential areas. The lack of bike lanes also keeps many cyclists off the roads.

When you want to enjoy recreation time with the family, head to Warren Road Park and Community Center. With a large playground and plenty of picnic areas, this park has become popular with parents of young children. Older children, teens and even adults love to come here and play basketball or tennis on the free outdoor courts. You can even participate in almost any sport imaginable by signing up for community courses or leagues that use the gym. Bring your dog and walk on the outdoor trails, or run on the modern outdoor track. With plenty of activities year-round held at Warren Park, it remains the best place to exercise in the neighborhood.

Slightly higher than the Augusta average, the cost of living remains within reach for most families in Montclair. Median rent for a one-bedroom apartment costs about $815 per month, and a beer sets you back about $5. Gas prices, on the other hand, tend to cost less than in other areas of the city and about 10 percent less than the national average.

Located just ten minutes north of the Augusta Mall, Montclair has easy access to most major chains in the Augusta area. Although most high-end boutiques tend to sit close to the mall itself, Montclair still houses plenty of interesting specialty stores, major grocers and discount shops. The local Walmart Supercenter and Bi-Lo attract numerous residents every day who need to buy groceries or other basics.

Make sure to stop by Branum’s Sewing and Vacuum for eclectic sewing finds or to get your vacuum repaired. Branum's sells an interesting mix of goods such as sewing machines, fabrics and every model of vacuum available; this store has also served the neighborhood faithfully for over 30 years. If you are looking for a new hobby, try out some of Branum's quilting or sewing classes for a fun way to meet new friends and pick up a skill that you can actually use.

For antique shopping, head to the popular Antique Market in Montclair. With a number of tiny antique shops selling everything from furniture to stationary and linens, you could spend all day browsing without getting bored. For the best selection of vintage decorations, head into DÉCOR. Although moderately sized, this antique shop has a deceptively large number of goods for sale.