National Hills - Augusta, GA

The area of Augusta along the river was once inhabited by various indigenous peoples, who relied on it for fishing and transportation and to cross the Savannah River. National Hills developed along with the rest of the city, developing short-staple cotton on its plantations and creating cotton gins. In recent years, the National Hills shopping center has strengthened the economy of the city as a whole, adding 3000 new jobs to the county.

Head southeast to visit the Lucy Craft Laney Museum of Black History and the Morris Museum of Art, as well as the boyhood home of President Woodrow Wilson and the Augusta Museum of History. On the border of the neighborhood, watch out for The Masters at the Augusta National Golf Club each year.

Head to the southern border of National Hills to find the majority of dining and nightlife opportunities within the neighborhood, most of them chain brands such as Red Lobster, Arby's and Wendy's. Even so, a few local establishments exist within the area.

For Southern food at its finest, drop in to Honey from the Rock Cafe on Washington Road. The menu changes throughout the week, but sticks to traditional favorites such as baked chicken, country style steak and meatloaf. Add comfort food side dishes to your entree, such as creamed corn, mashed potatoes and fried green tomatoes. Finish your meal with ice cream hand-churned on the premises, or a pie made with cream cheese, peanut butter or key lime.

A hometown tradition for the residents of National Hills, T-Bonz Steakhouse on Washington Road allows residents and visitors a chance to enjoy an early bird dinner any day of the week featuring dishes such as beef tips, chopped steak and Maryland-style crab cakes. Choose a hand cut steak for your entree or enjoy a sandwich or burger with sides such as seasoned fries and garlic whipped potatoes. On Throwback Thursdays, T-Bonz provides a menu of traditional favorites such as crispy potato fries in ranch dressing and cheese and Angus beef cheeseburgers.

If you prefer Mexican fare, try Vallarta Mexican , with one of its two locations to be found on Washington Road. Sip an organic margarita or a pitcher of lime as you wait for your meal, or order to go if you're in a hurry. The extensive menu at this eatery ticks all the boxes of Mexican food, including entrees such as chimichanga, quesadillas, fajitas and burritos. Alternatively, try one of the house specialties, such as chicken and beef flautas topped with cheese sauce, chalupa, texalla and rice.

Your nightlife options, though limited, provide plenty of variety as evening falls. Catch a movie at Masters Cinema or take dance lessons at the Country Club. Watch a game at the Somewhere in Augusta sports bar, enjoy a cocktail and a game of pool at the Cue & Brew Pub or hit the dance floor at the Double Eagle Club.

The number 5 bus route through the Augusta public transport system runs through this neighborhood, stopping at destinations such as Center West Parkway, Ezekial Harris House, the Green Jackets Stadium and the GA Military College. Uber does not operate within the city of Augusta, though a call a local taxi company can arrange a pickup.

Not particularly friendly to cyclists or pedestrians, a car is needed to get around this neighborhood and commute to the surrounding areas. With the Carl Sanders Highway on the north border of National Hills, and Washington road travelling south into the city or north to the surrounding region, you'll have an easy time commuting. Expect a reasonable amount of on-street parking, mostly for customers of the malls and local businesses.

Both families and exercise enthusiasts enjoy the Eisenhower Park, the site of a sizeable athletic complex. Take advantage of the athletic fields or the outdoor walking track, or bring the kids for one of many regular sporting events and programs, such as football, soccer, basketball and cheerleading. To the north, along the Savannah River, the Augusta Canal Historic Trail proves perfect for cycling, hiking or walking your dog. Just to the east, visit Bedford Heights Park for a picnic and playground and to enjoy the outdoors. All parks are free to enter, save for the Augusta National Golf Club on the southern border, one of the most famous golf clubs in the world and home to The Masters.

Slightly more expensive than the average for the city, living in Augusta costs you less than the average for the State of Georgia and over 12 percent less than the national mean. The median rental cost for a one-bedroom apartment sits at around $600 per month while a one-way fare to the center of the city runs just over a dollar on the bus. Expect to pay just under $8 for a glass of beer in a local pub or restaurant, while the cost of gasoline by the gallon rests around 7.5 percent below the national average.

Known for its great shopping, the National Hills neighborhood includes malls such as the Village at Riverwatch and the Washington Crossing Shopping Center, as well as the Fairway Square Shopping Center. As well as chain brands such as Mary Kay Cosmetics and Cabelas, residents find some home grown shopping opportunities in the area. Visit Windsor Fine Jewelers for diamonds and precious metals. My Lollipop Kids offers handmade children's clothing and Marcella's stocks fine cigars and tobaccos. Visit Enchanted Realms for collectibles, or Faithful Reflections for stationery.

Pick up your groceries at one of several local stores, such as the Publix Super Market, the Fresh Market, Costco and Kroger, or find natural foods and vitamins at New Life. Find the closest farmer's markets to the east, near the center of the city, at Augusta Market at the River and the West End Market.