Montclaire South - Charlotte, NC

Unlike the neighboring communities of Dilworth and South End that were established in the 1800s, Montclaire South wasn't developed until the late 1960s and early '70s. Today, this neighborhood provides some of the most affordable housing in Charlotte.

Located just a couple of miles up South Boulevard lies Tremont Music Hall. Jewel, Green Day and the iconic Greg Allman include just a few of the acts that have made appearances here over the years. Divided into two venues within the building, and the 400- and 950-person rooms both ensure an intimate concert experience.

While many of the familiar chain restaurants can be found here, the neighborhood also houses many locally owned establishments. Cafe South serves a mix of café and diner fare for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The extensive menu and generous side options cater to the finickiest of tastes. The hobo breakfast, consisting of layers of hash browns, onions, peppers, eggs and bacon and topped with gravy, satisfies the heartiest appetite. For lunch and dinner, the cafe fries smothered in cheese, bacon and jalapeños and served with house-made ranch can't be beat.

For a taste of local flavor, be sure to try Bill Spoon's Barbecue. Specializing in Eastern North Carolina barbecue, one bite of the pulled pork and you can see why this place has won so many awards. The mustard slaw and hush puppies provide a perfect complement to an exceptional meal.

For lovers of Mexican cuisine, The Burrito Factory really hits the spot. A crowd favorite, the massive California wet burrito includes a mix of beef, french fries, queso dip, beans, more cheese and pico de gallo. Also, be sure to stop by for Taco Tuesdays where all chicken, beef and pork tacos cost just 99 cents each.

After dinner, be sure to head over to Barreled At The Lift, located just adjacent to Montclaire South. This intimate, Roaring '20s-themed watering hole serves an eclectic line-up of cocktail choices. If you prefer, challenge the mixologist to create a concoction unique to your tastes. DJs spin popular music from Friday through Monday evenings, but check the company's website for special events throughout the week.

With the LYNX light rail system and Interstate 77 both running adjacent to the area, getting around couldn't be easier. Many of the locals use LYNX to commute to Uptown Charlotte, however the rail line can also be used to travel several miles to the south as well. The CATS public bus line also runs here, making travel to other neighborhoods convenient.

Interstate 77, which can be easily accessed from here, connects to Interstate 485 to the south and north. Additionally, Interstate 77 connects to Interstate 85 to the north, allowing travelers to get to neighboring Gastonia and Kannapolis.

Many residents utilize their vehicles to travel locally. Parking can be found easily and at little or no cost. Additionally, as it's a mostly residential area, many locals can walk or bike to their destination. Sidewalks line most streets, and marked bike lanes can be found on some as well.

Hailing a cab may not be easy, but calling one can be an option, as can Uber.

Residents have a choice between two parks in the neighborhood. Located on the southern end of the community, Ramblewood Park sits on 93 acres and houses an 11-field soccer complex, basketball courts, a playground, picnic facilities and walking trails. If you're a fan of soccer, look no further. The Charlotte Premier Soccer League plays all of its games here, so come on down and cheer on your favorite team for free. Games run from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekends between February and November.

Centrally located and kid-friendly, Archdale Park sits on 16 acres and provides a large multi-purpose field, basketball court, picnic facilities and a playground. Additionally, there's a wooded area for visitors to explore and plenty of trees spread through the park to provide shade during the warm summer months.

In general, the cost of living in Montclaire South remains lower compared to Charlotte. The average cost of renting a one-bedroom apartment runs about $628 per month.

Gas prices tend to be about 8 percent lower than the national average, but if you travel near South Charlotte, make sure to go over the border to South Carolina where gas prices can be 15 to 20 cents cheaper per gallon. A one-day pass for the CATS public transportation system, including access the LYNX light rail line, costs $6.60, with monthly passes sold at a slight discount. A day pass for LYNX only runs $4.40.

Groceries and common household goods tend to be in line with prices in Charlotte, while a pint of beer at the local watering hole runs about $4.

Adjacent South Boulevard houses numerous stores and satisfies any resident's needs. Many of the local grocery chains, such as ALDI and Food Lion, can be found on the northern end of the street, while many specialty grocery stores can be found to the south. Many chain drug stores exist in the area as well. Compare Foods, also just off of South Boulevard, offers hard-to-find international and specialty items along with fresh, quality produce.

SouthPark Mall, located just several miles to the east, offers upscale shopping for residents of the area. Anchored by Neiman Marcus and Nordstrom, the largest mall in Charlotte also houses a wide variety of other retailers, including Abercrombie & Fitch, J. Crew, and Pottery Barn.

Manifest Discs, one of Charlotte's best-kept secrets, can be found just adjacent to the neighborhood as well. Music lovers of all genres can find exactly what they desire here. Sort through seemingly endless racks of new and used vinyl, CDs, concert DVDs, and movies for yourself or for a gift. If you struggle to hold on to your newly found treasures, employees come around and ask to hold items at the register so you may continue to browse.

Just north of the neighborhood lies the Sleepy Poet Antique Mall. Offering everything from outdoor furniture and home decor to artwork and vintage clothing, one could spend an entire day exploring items crafted generations ago.