Shenandoah - Baton Rouge, LA

Once part of a Houma Native American hunting ground, Shenandoah evolved into its present state through the early civilization attempts of the city's early Cajun French settlers. Over time, mid-20th century developers plotted out several high-priced subdivisions, including Shenandoah Estates, Wild Woods and White Oak Landing, that led to the area's contemporary affluent residential population.

Visit the annual FestForAll Festival in downtown Baton Rouge to gain exposure to the local arts scene. Featuring a wide variety of local musicians from varying genres and arts and crafts of all types, this family-friendly event also showcases signature dishes from numerous area eateries.

Stop in at the Louisiana Art and Science Museum on nearby River Road South to develop a deeper appreciation for the community. Take your kids to one of the on-site planetarium shows, Egyptian exhibits or regional, national or international arts exhibits that the museum features throughout the year.

Although Shenandoah hosts a wide variety of restaurants, a few gems of the neighborhood stand out for their commitment to consistency and their signature spins on traditional recipes.

City Cafe provides residents with a casual spot to enjoy beloved south Louisiana Cajun/Creole dishes. Shrimp and grits, boudin balls, seasonal boiled crawfish and fried seafood platters stand out among the extensive menu's selections. Try the Atchafalya plate, consisting of fried catfish topped with crawfish étoufée, to experience a unusual take on these two time-honored dishes.

Also situated along the neighborhood's George O'Neal restaurant hub, Kabobs serves traditional Greek and Lebanese fare in a homey, relaxed environment. Expect generous portions of gyro or chicken shawarma kabobs, sandwiches or plates, as well as some of the best Lebanese tea in the area. This favorite spot also serves juicy hamburger steaks and grilled tilapia to satisfy any American-food-only eaters in your party.

Also specializing in Cajun Food, Jasmines on the Bayou on Jones Creek Road serves crawfish-stuffed beignets, blackened chicken Alfredo and pasta jambalaya that keep customers begging for more. The small, intimate eatery also prepares tasty housemade burgers, wraps, po'boys and fresh fish dishes. Save room for the cookie dough spring rolls, a warm dessert treat topped with ice cream.

After dinner, head to the Icehouse Bar & Grill for an ice-cold, 32 degree Fahrenheit draft beer. This slightly upscale establishment also hosts regularly scheduled live music entertainment and food-themed events. Big Heads Tavern on Millerville Road also hosts local and traveling bands in an intimate atmosphere rife with young professionals and LSU faculty and staff.

Shenandoah's direct access to the main thoroughfares of Jefferson Highway and Airline Highway get you to Interstates 12 and 10 within minutes. As a permanent resident, you'll need a car to get around town easily, as most of the neighborhood's subdivisions and residential streets are located far away from the area's commercial sector. Luckily, most area businesses provide you with free parking behind or along the side of their establishments.

When you want to walk or ride your bike, choose streets such as Hoo Shoo Too Road, South Tiger Bend Road and Elliott Road that provide wider, safer lanes than many of the neighborhood's other streets.

When you need a cab ride, reserve one through your smartphone's Uber app or call a cab company directly.

Forest Community Park at the intersection of Millerville and S. Harrells Ferry Roads houses two baseball fields, a children's playground, multiple tennis courts and a fishing pond. The free facility also provides convenient access to the adjacent, no-cost Raising Cane's Dog Park, which provides separate, fenced areas for small and large dogs.

If you're more into biking or hiking, venture over to the free BREC Comite River Park on Hooper Road. Featuring more than 5 miles of jaw-dropping scenic beauty, this hilly terrain allows you to burn off some calories before you stop to rest along the soft, white sand beach. The Waddille Outdoor Center on Flannery Road just minutes from BREC Comite River Park, hosts several local wildlife and environmental seminars throughout the year.

In line with the rest of the area, Shenandoah's average monthly cost for a one-bedroom apartment runs about $766. Its overall cost of living runs about 11 percent higher than that of Baton Rouge. Getting around town comes with a lower-than-average fee, with gas prices falling approximately 17 percent below what the rest of the nation pays per gallon.

You'll also enjoy $1.75 one-way bus rides to the center of the neighborhood and pay between $5 and $6 for a pint of beer at a local pub or grille and bar.

Shenandoah's proximity to a few large local malls allows you to pick up high-end, high-value gifts and self-indulgences in a jiffy. The Mall of Louisiana on Bluebonnet Boulevard, Cortana Mall on Cortana Place or Perkins Rowe shopping center on Perkins Rowe collectively house a wide range of designer clothing, accessory, shoe and home decor stores.

The Purple Cow on Jones Creek Road provides a clean, organized thrift-shopping experience. Expect to find gently used women's, men's and children's clothing and accessories, as well as vintage books, accent furnishings and collectibles.

The Main Street Market on Main Street in downtown Baton Rouge carries a wide variety of fresh, seasonal produce from local farmers. Visit this treasure trove on Saturday mornings for live cooking demonstrations and a chance to speak with specialty fruit and vegetable growers.

When you need dry pantry essentials and personal care products, visit Ralph's Market on Jones Creek Road. Try AZ International Fine Foods on Tiger Bend Road for harder-to-find items such as Argentinian yerba mate tea or Nigerian palm soda.