River Pointe-Masonboro Commons - Wilmington, NC

The history of this area of Wilmington closely ties to major events during the Civil War. Fort Fishers, which provided a stronghold for Confederate soldiers, sits a few miles south of the neighborhood. Wilmington served as a primary port for receiving essential supplies during the war, and the fort played a strong role in protecting blockade runners that transported goods. When the fort fell to Union forces, the south lost its last source for supplies and the war ended just days later. Today, residents can visit Fort Fisher and learn more about the pivotal role it played in the war.

The Fort Fisher Aquarium also calls this area home, providing a great place for families to learn about the local ecosystem and interact with wildlife. Annual events include the Race the Planet 5K and Civil War re-enactments. The River Pointe-Masonboro Commons neighborhood enables easy access to all these attractions.

Residents head east to Highway 421 for local dining options. A lot of the restaurants here cater to tourists who visit during the warmer months to enjoy the beaches and sample the fresh seafood. The Highway 55 restaurant replicates a 1950s diner to provide customers with a fun, vintage-inspired dining room. It serves up classic American food, including burgers, fries and shakes. The shrimp po' boy also tops the list of local favorites, with large shrimp topped with lettuce, tomato and the restaurant's own special sauce.

Joe's Oasis attracts both locals and visitors, serving as a prime gathering place to watch big games and enjoy a few beers. The large outdoor patio features plenty of big-screen televisions, so diners don't have to miss out on the great weather while cheering on their favorite teams. Daily drink specials include buckets of ice-cold beer and rum and cokes. Patrons usually order the hot wings and fried pickles as starters before diving into a plate of fish tacos covered in cabbage and pico de gallo. For more fresh seafood options, locals visit the Fish Bites Seafood Restaurant. This casual diner sells seafood to customers who want to prepare their own meals or cooks up classic dishes like lobster bisque and coconut shrimp for those looking to dine in. It provides a affordable and family-friendly location to sample the bounty of local seafood.

To enjoy more entertainment and nightlife options, drive north to the Cardinal Bands and Billiards to play some pool and listen to local bands play classic rock music and original songs. Downtown Wilmington also hosts a variety of live music venues, bars, and clubs that allow residents to enjoy a night out on the town. Pravda and Ibiza host bands and dance parties throughout the week.

Residents can use a variety or transportation methods to easily travel the neighborhood. Drivers enjoy plenty of free parking and access to Highway 421, which serves as the major route that runs north and south. Pedestrians also have access to plenty of sidewalks that make it safe to bike or walk to the beach. Bike lanes also line many of the major roads, making this entire area very bike-friendly.

Passengers can also use the local Wave Transit system to catch a bus and head out of the neighborhood. A main bus stops sits at the eastern edge of the area, providing regular service throughout the week.

Hailing a cab can be difficult, so residents usually call ahead for a ride or use Uber to locate a driver nearby.

Locals visit the Veterans Sports Park Complex to take advantage of baseball and soccer fields, tennis courts, open spaces, walking paths, picnic shelters and playgrounds. This family- and dog-friendly park allows the athletically inclined to play their favorite sports and enjoy the temperate climate.

The Carolina Beach State Park serves as another popular destination. This park features miles of hiking trails, a marina for boaters and plenty of space for off-shore fishing. Visitors can also rent a campsite and stay for a few days for a small fee. Visit during the summer and enjoy the Carolina Beach Music Festival.

Living in the River Pointe-Masonboro Commons neighborhood remains relatively cheap, especially considering the natural beauty of the area and its proximity to popular beaches. Renting a one-bedroom residence costs $709 per month. Drivers pay gas prices that run on par with national averages, and passengers can catch a ride on the bus for $1.25 per ride. Locals can grab a beer at one of the local bars for just $3 per bottle.

The main shopping area for local residents sits just a few miles north on Highway 421, hosting popular national retail chains such as Walmart, Home Depot and Hallmark. Locals head into downtown Wilmington to take advantage of boutiques and specialty shops with a more interesting selection of goods.

At Second Skin Vintage, shoppers can pick up vintage clothing that will perk up any wardrobe and provide some real conversation pieces. Every item in the collection is thoroughly researched and guaranteed to be at least 20 years old. The owners have a true passion for both clothing and vintage styles, and that can be seen in the great inventory. From skirts and jewelry to sunglasses and shoes, shoppers can find it all at this store.

To continue the vintage experience, head across the street to Gravity Records, which specializes in hard-to-find albums and vinyl records. Shop the store's extensive collection of out-of-print CDs, DVDs, cassette tapes and records for hidden treasures, or special order a product and have it shipped free of charge. Music lovers flock to this location to talk shop and socialize with like-minded people.

Residents have their choice of visiting nearby Walmart, Food Lion and Kroger locations to stock up on groceries and other household essentials. The Wrightsville Beach Farmers' Market also sells fresh produce throughout the year.