South Gate - Millersville, MD

South Gate developed from its rural roots into a residential community with the expansion of Glen Burnie to the north and the business brought in by the Baltimore and Annapolis Railroad. The railroad ran through the area until it closed in 1950 due to increased competition from buses and private automobiles. The following decades saw many schools and developments built in the area, as well as one of the first shopping centers to be labeled a mall in 1958. South Gate continued to serve as a residential neighborhood just south of Glen Burnie. South Gate was incorporated into Glen Burnie as a neighborhood for the 2010 census.

Documenting the history of the area's involvement in the Civil War, the Fort George G. Meade Museum opens Wednesday through Sunday, showcasing a range of artwork and memorabilia outlining the fort's historic events.

The wide variety of local restaurants and pubs in South Gate provides residents with a bevy of options for spending their nights out with family, friends and loved ones. Whether you're looking for a romantic evening in an upscale establishment, a quick bite to eat in the middle of a work day or a relaxing place to unwind at the end of the day, South Gate has what you want.

The unassuming location of Simple Sands Deli belies the quality of the food served within the establishment. Stop by the gas station on Ritchie Highway to chat with the friendly owner and order one of the deli's specialty sandwiches. Try the smoked mid-western for a hot panini dripping with flavor.

Right outside of the neighborhood along Generals Highway sits a great seafood restaurant called Lures Bar and Grille. Fish tacos, stuffed rangoons and fried seafood bites make this one of the locals' favorite places to dine. Enjoy the dim lighting on the back patio, or sit inside the elegant dining room while you sip on one of the wines from their extensive collection as you look over the menu.

A rugged establishment with the kind of small-town charm that makes a regular out of many customers, Founders Tavern & Grille combines farm-to-table service, ensuring local and fresh ingredients for every order, with a full bar and a friendly serving staff. Not sure what to order? Try the pork belly BLT with a side of homemade applesauce to get a taste for the spectacular flavors available. Don't forget to order the Founders' specialty cocktail, the Jefferson mule.

Sporting an extensive craft beer menu and an electric nightlife energy, Libations on Veterans Highway provides local South Gate residents with a perfect place to let loose after a grueling work week. Catch live local performances on the weekends, or stop by during the week to take advantage of the happy hour specials.

Interstate 97 and Routes 2, 38, 100 and 174 run through South Gate, providing locals with easy travel in any direction. In addition to ride-share services such as Lyft and Uber, Baltimore's taxicab services ferry South Gate locals to and from the city. Call ahead if you plan to use a cab, as hailing one in the area can be difficult.

The residential nature of this area makes public parking freely available. Cyclists can use the bike lanes incorporated into many major roads. Although the majority of South Gate residents rely on a car to get around, the MTA services the area with bus stops along Governor Ritchie Highway.

Head toward South Gate's center to visit Southgate/Old Mill Park. This expansive green space and community activity center makes a great place to spend the afternoon outdoors with family or friends. Meet up for a game of tennis or basketball on one of the courts provided, or bring your dog along on-leash to jog the paved trail or hike the winding nature trail.

Families looking for a fun weekend event can head south into Pasadena to visit Kinder Farm Park and get involved in the farm's regular schedule of events. Kids can learn farming techniques and animal care hands-on with some of the farm's livestock while budding green thumbs can rent out a plot in the gardening hub and attend workshops detailing eco-friendly and sustainable basic vegetable gardening skills.

South Gate's cost of living averages around 14 percent higher than that of Baltimore overall. A standard one-bedroom apartment in the area rents for an average of $1,064 per month. A 24-hour MTA pass for both the bus and Baltimore metro service costs $3.50. South Gate pubs charge an average of $5 for a pint of beer, and gas prices in the area hang around 8 percent beneath the national average.

South Gate residents head to the southwest corner of the neighborhood to knock out a number of shopping errands in one trip. The Northway Shopping Center collects a number of high-profile stores in one place for your convenience, including Royal Farms, Shoppers Food Warehouse, Hallmark and Redbox. Other grocery store options in the area include ALDI, Weis Markets and Giant Foods.

Open from April through October each year, Duvall's Marketplace west of Glen Burnie in Jessup provides the local area with its nearest producers-only farmers market. Stop by to browse the wares on display in a number of vendor stalls, and purchase fresh-baked bread, organic produce and locally produced arts and crafts.

In the Northway Shopping Center, stop by Cha-Ching Consignment before getting some shopping done, and browse the discount racks of unique clothing pieces and curated consignment selections you can't find anywhere else. In addition to the handbags and accessories, the extensive jewelry selection makes the trip worthwhile all on its own.

On Governor Ritchie Highway, Ollie’s Bargain Outlet provides the Glen Burnie area with an eclectic array of low-priced electronics, furniture, appliances and books. Those who enjoy hunting for bargain deals should browse the enormous selection of wares available at Ollie's Bargains Outlet.