Oakhurst Decatur, GA

Development in the Oakhurst area began in the early 1900s under the unexpected guidance of two legendary local women, Georgia Adams and Lila Ross Wilburn. Under Adams' direction, Wilburn, an architect, designed many of the homes on Adams Street. Oakhurst became an official town in 1910, and it became part of Decatur a few years later in 1916. In its early days, a streetcar line connected Oakhurst to Atlanta. Until the mid 1970s, the Scottish Rite Hospital attracted businesses and residents to the neighborhood. Today, the neighborhood is primarily residential.

Although there are no museums in the neighborhood, Oakhurst hosts a thriving arts and cultural community. The annual Oakhurst Arts and Music Festival shows off local artists and musical groups, as well as a 5K fun run and a parade.

Don't worry if you don't have time to cook -- Oakhurst residents enjoy plenty of gastro pub-style and American dining options. Many restaurants in Oakhurst gather around the Oakhurst Village, a small cluster of businesses located where Oakview Road crosses East Lake Drive. The neighborhood offers a mix of mid-range to upscale food options, many of which are kid-friendly.

Grab an outdoor table at Universal Joint, known among locals as U-Joint, and enjoy the people-watching as you devour a perfectly cooked bleu cheese burger or an order of enormous hot wings. The bar stays open late on weekends, and locals gather after dark to sip draft beers such as Hoptical Illusion and Blue Point Toasted Lager. The bar is so popular that Creative Loafing Atlanta named it one of the city's "best neighborhood bars."

Sip a Kentucky Breakfast Stout at Steinbeck's Ale House while you ponder whether to order the Brisket Tacos with arugula and kimchee or the Pimp Fill'eh sandwich with house-made pickles. On Sundays, indulge in the Creme Brulee French Toast or the Chicken Biscuit with pimiento cheese.

Nightlife options in Oakhurst also center around the Village area; U-Joint is the undisputed neighborhood favorite. If you want to venture farther out of the center of the neighborhood, try the Thinking Man Tavern. Sip on a Scottish Innis while you try your hand at the notoriously difficult Tuesday Trivia Night. Although there are no dedicated music venues, the neighborhood association hosts a series of live jazz concerts each fall on the lawn of the Solarium on Hill Street.

With its small size and pedestrian-friendly streets, Oakhurst provides exceptionally safe walking and biking opportunities. Do not expect to find biking lanes on all streets. Many residents opt to walk to local businesses and restaurants rather than drive. A number of free parking areas cluster around businesses, but spots fill up fast on warm evenings and weekends. For longer journeys, most locals use cars. Oakhurst sits between Highways 154, 155, and 278, allowing quick access to Interstates 285 and 20.

Oakhurst links to the blue line of the MARTA rail system at the East Lake Station on West College Avenue. Buses 24 and 123 also run through the neighborhood. Hailing a cab can be difficult in Oakhurst, so it is best to call for one or request a ride through Uber.

Residents in Oakhurst enjoy several community parks, including McKoy Park and Oakhurst Park. Local fitness buffs enjoy the basketball courts, tennis courts, and baseball diamonds at Oakhurst Park, and local families come for the large play area. Bring your pet to Oakhurst Dog Park, which lies just to the east. McKoy Park draws people of all ages to the pool and skate park. Adults can catch a moment of peace during "adult swim" times at the pool.

Harmony Park, a local favorite, hosts a wide variety of events throughout the year, including Earth Day events and the popular BBQ, Blues & Bluegrass Festival. Each park provides free entry, although special events may involve fees.

The average cost of living in Oakhurst, taking into consideration prices for food and entertainment, averages $63,700 annually. At this amount the neighborhood average is slightly lower than the citywide cost of living for both Decatur and Atlanta. A one-bedroom apartment in Oakhurst rents for an average of $900 per month.

As with restaurants in Oakhurst, most shopping options cluster around the Oakhurst Village square. Small niche markets make up the bulk of the stores in the neighborhood; for clothing, groceries, and upscale shopping, residents travel to downtown Atlanta or the Gallery at South DeKalb shopping mall about five miles south.

At One Step at a Time, an athletic shoe store on East Lake Drive, you'll find a carefully cultivated selection of shoes for walkers and runners. Ask the friendly and experienced owners for advice and personal shoe fittings. Pet owners shouldn't miss Corrina's Corner, a tiny shop that specializes in raw pet food. The ultra-knowledgeable owners make the food on-site using locally-sourced ingredients.

Stop by Oakhurst Market to pick up fresh local produce, hot prepared foods, and custom cuts of meat from the on-site butcher. The friendly community market also sells freshly-baked bread and artisan cheeses, making it a favorite with local foodies. If you're in a hurry, visit the Hop N Shop across the square for snacks and beverages to go. The nearest farmers' market is the Decatur Farmers Market on McDonough Street a few miles north.