Parkland/Hidden Creek - Raleigh, NC

Early in North Carolina's history, Raleigh was named as the state capital and has played a prominent role in the prosperity of the region. Raleigh has the distinction of being one of the few planned communities in the nation. As a result, it provides an ideal balance between greenspaces and residential and commercial areas. Many parks have been protected so that residents can still enjoy its natural settings. The Parkland/Hidden Creek neighborhood represents one the city's newer developments that benefits from the much of the deliberate planning that has gone into creating Raleigh.

Residents enjoy easy access to the North Carolina Museum of Art, the Contemporary Art Museum, Artspace and the Warehouse District, which houses many art galleries. The city plays host to annual events like the Hopscotch Music Festival and International Bluegrass Festival. Sparkcon is another event that attracts innovators from around the state each year.

Residents can grab a quick bite to eat at the nearby strip mall, which houses both Checker's Pizza and Subs and China Wok restaurants. These eateries also provide locals with convenient places to order out when short on time.

For even more family friendly dining options, residents head east to Highway 70. Kickback Jack's has a friendly wait staff and provides an extensive menu with plenty of classic pub fare. Locals visit on game day to dine on juicy burgers, take advantage of drinks specials and watch big-screen televisions. Pool tables provide an additional entertainment option, and an outdoor patio lets visitors dine outdoors on beautiful days. Diners can't go wrong with a plate of hot wings paired with an ice-cold pint of beer.

Just across the street at Ragazzi's Italian Restaurant, diners enjoy simple Italian comfort food. The warm and inviting dining room features tasteful decorations and a modern decor. Chefs prepare daily specials, including lemon chicken and baked manicotti. Locals visit for a taste of home cooking and to enjoy a great selection of wines.

Residents of Parkland/Hidden Creek can catch the latest Hollywood release at the Cary Crossroads Theater or check out performers visiting the Koka Booth Amphitheater. They can also head to downtown Raleigh to enjoy the city's nightlife or listen to local bands play at smaller venues. Sports fans can visit numerous bars in downtown Raleigh to watch Carolina Hurricane hockey games or cheer on NC State's teams.

Drivers only have to travel a few miles north to connect with I-40, which cuts east and west across the entire state. Highway 70 also sits a few miles to the east and provide drivers with access to both a main north/south route and a variety of shopping centers. Parking in this largely suburban and residential area won't be a problem, no matter what time of day.

Passengers looking for a ride can schedule a pickup by cab or locate an Uber driver. The nearby Lake Wheeler Road bus stops also provides locals with easy access to the city's extensive public transportation system.

Lake Wheeler also provides pedestrians with a bike-friendly road that connects to the Raleigh Greenway System for access to all parts of the city.

Parkland/Hidden Creek residents sit within close proximity to the Carolina Pine Community Center, which provides a variety of facilities to accommodate almost any activity. Paved and wooded trails surround the park, providing walkers, hikers and joggers with plenty of space to exercise. The parks also features a playground, baseball fields, tennis courts and sand volleyball courts. In addition, the community center features indoor basketball courts, and a fenced-in dog parks sits at the eastern edge of the park. Families can bring their dogs and enjoy a full day of outdoor activities without having to pay any fees.

Long distance runners and bikers can also use Lake Wheeler to connect to the Raleigh Greenway System and enjoy miles of paved and well-maintained trails that intersect along the way with other parks. Lake Johnson accounts for just one park along the route and provides access to a variety of water sports, including paddle boarding, fishing, kayaking and sailing. Visitors can bring their own boats or rent one at the lakehouse for a small fee.

The cost of living in the Parkland/Hidden Creek neighborhood remains affordable, although housing costs do run higher than other parts of Raleigh. Rent for a one-bedroom residence costs approximately $800 per month. Locals can catch a bus ride downtown for $1.25 each way, and drivers spend about 10 percent less than the national average on gas.

Residents have their choice of several area shopping centers. A short drive west into Cary lets residents of Parkland/Hidden Creek enjoy the Cary Crossroads Plaza, which houses a Best Buy, Target, Pier I, Dick's Sporting Goods and many other popular national chains. A lot of these same big-name stores have locations along Highway 70, located to the east of the neighborhood. This stretch of road also provides other unique shops, including the Cause for Paws Thrift Store. This large store carries a great selection of furniture, books and used clothing at incredible prices. Daily specials allow customers to save even more, and a significant portion of the profits go to helping animals in local shelters. Foodies and home chefs should not miss out on the opportunity to visit the United Restaurant Equipment Company. While it provides bulk materials and supplies to restaurants, it also opens its doors to the public, so anyone can shop the unique selection of bargain-priced kitchen gadgets and utensils. Stock up on necessities, and purchase helpful tools that make meal preparation easier. Residents can stock up on groceries at the local Food Lion or head to Highway 70 to visit the Walmart Supercenter. This neighborhood also sits just a few miles north of the famous State Farmers' Market, which opens daily throughout the year to provide seasonal produce and artisan wares.