Rolling Roads - Greensboro, NC

Greensboro's earliest days were spent as a paper town that was mapped out but devoid of buildings and people. Named after Nathanael Greene, a hero during the Revolutionary War, the city was originally established to be the Guilford County seat, thanks to its location in the center of the county. During the early 1800s, the population slowly grew into a frontier town powered by textile production. After the Civil War, the city expanded with new businesses and a flood of new inhabitants.

Rolling Roads residents don't need to travel too far to take part in the city's vibrant arts and culture scene. Downtown houses galleries such as The Artery Gallery and the Elsewhere living museum, in addition to other museums, including the International Civil Rights Center and Museum. Annual festivals and events, including the Carolina Blues Festival and the historic district’s Fun Fourth Festival, bring the entire community together.

You don't need to travel to downtown Greensboro to find a great spot for a meal or a night out. Many establishments call the Rolling Roads vicinity home, including the chain restaurants located in Four Seasons Town Center and along High Point Road, which serve up everything from classic barbecue to Asian and Mexican fare.

Although the decor at Villa Del Mar could be described as campy or kitschy with its cowboy hats, posters and artificial flowers, the food keeps locals coming back for what many describe as the best Mexican cuisine in the city. Choose from street tacos such as the carnitas, lengua or al pastor. Other specialties include tortas, quesadillas and burritos, which you can spice up with the house-made diablo hot sauce. When you have a craving for home-style Southern food, give Stephanie's a try. Choose from appetizers such as Southern fried wings and barbecued meatballs or entrées such as slow-cooked ribs slathered in homemade sauce and fried catfish. If you have enough room, try the homemade banana pudding for a sweet ending to your meal.

Locals come to Darryl's Wood Fired Grill for dinner or for an ice-cold brew at the bar. Menu specialties include beef and pork ribs with fries, Cajun shrimp, Darryl's signature lasagna and braised beef tips. What makes Darryl's really stand out though is its spacious patios and its cocktail, wine and beer selection. In addition to its liquid nitrogen drinks, Darryl's has more than 26 beers on tap, with one of the most extensive lists of craft beers in the area.

For a night out on the town, buy a ticket to a show or sports event at the nearby Greensboro Coliseum Complex. Ham's Restaurant, a nearby chain, has live music or karaoke on most nights. Alternatively, take a drive downtown, home to numerous local bars such as Churchill's on Elm. This cigar bar features a great selection of single-malt scotch brands, craft bourbons and premium draft beers. As an added bonus, the bar has live jazz on Thursdays and live music every Friday and Saturday.

Numerous transportation options, convenient access to public transportation and proximity to highways makes traveling in and around Rolling Roads safe and fast.

Greensboro Transit Authority provides bus service to the area, with lines that include Routes 2 and 12. Stops include the Four Seasons Towne Center, Glenwood Recreation Center, Glenwood Library, Carolina Theater, Greensboro College and Greensboro Convention and Visitors Bureau. Arrange a ride with Uber, or call for a taxi to take you to catch your flight at Piedmont Triad International Airport, located 13 miles away.

While some of your neighbors may take advantage of public transportation, the majority of residents drive or carpool to work. With Rolling Roads's access to major roadways, commuting downtown and traveling in the region remains easy and convenient. Choose from three different routes that lead downtown, including Freeman Mill Road, West Lee Street and South Elm-Eugene Street. The neighborhood is also located near Interstates 40, 73 and 85.

Leave the car parked at home and walk or bike to your destination. This pedestrian- and cyclist-friendly metropolitan area features a dedicated trail in the park and shared roadways that connect residents with more than 45 miles of trails, making bicycling popular for recreation and as an alternative means of transportation. Thanks to plenty of on- and off-street parking, finding a parking spot rarely presents a problem for Rolling Roads residents.

Spend a gorgeous Saturday afternoon at one of the nearby parks, which include the 18-1/2-acre park for which the neighborhood was named. Rolling Roads Park has a fun playground for kids and a path perfect for walking your leashed pup or taking a spin on your bike. Hillsdale Park spans 49 acres, with plenty of open spaces in addition to a paved trail, sports court, playground and a picturesque stream.

Downtown parks, such as Center City Park and Festival Park host seasonal events, including movies in the park, free concerts and art exhibits.

Life in Rolling Roads generally costs approximately two percent less than the average cost of living for North Carolina and about five percent less than the national average cost. Rental prices for one-bedroom apartments in the Rolling Roads area average between $555 and $600. When you want to go out and relax with a cold one, expect to pay $4 to $5 for a pint of beer at your local watering hole.

The neighborhood has reasonable transportation costs, which helps keep commuting costs in check. One-way fare on Greensboro Transit Authority costs $1.50 with free transfers to other lines. You can also buy an unlimited day pass for $4. Gas prices in the area hover near the national average cost.

Big-name chains and automotive services and sales make up the bulk of the shops in the Rolling Roads vicinity. The three-level mall at Four Seasons Town Center houses numerous big-name stores, including Dillard's and JCPenney, in addition to smaller, lesser-known shops such as Dazzle Up, Vanity and the Christ Lyke cart selling women's clothing.

When you want to find a bargain, check out Blessingdales Thrift Shop, which carries a variety of clothing, accessories, furniture, books and household goods such as tableware and decor. Proceeds from thrift shop sales go to support the Greater Piedmont Teen Challenge.

For a more unique shopping experience, your best bet is to take a quick trip downtown, where you find numerous boutiques and specialty stores, including Sisters on Tate, which carries an eclectic mix of on-trend, yet affordable gifts, home decor, clothing and jewelry. The moment you step through the flowing bubbles that greet you at the door of Just Be, you are greeted by an extraordinary array of handmade and fair-trade goods and gifts, including jewelry, journals, candles and clothing. The one-of-a-kind items crafted by various artists, such as Bone Sigh Arts, Anne Carter, An Open Sketchbook and Christy Gunter, make an ideal gift or a special addition to your own closet or home.

Residents can choose from several nearby grocery stores, including Aldi, Walmart, Food Lion, Town and Country Meat Produce Market and Circle K. The Greensboro Farmers Curb Market, located downtown, has been connecting the Greensboro community with local and regional farmers since 1874 when it was first established. In addition to some of the freshest produce, plants and flowers, the market also features baked goods, art and crafts. Watch for periodic events, such as the annual Chili Challenge or the Holiday Market.