South Square - Durham, NC

The Valley Run neighborhood serves as a suburban and commercial extension of both Chapel Hill and Durham. As both these cities continued to expand in the 1980s, growth increased along 15-501 to provide ample housing and shopping options for residents. Valley Run was born of necessity in order to accommodate steady population growth.

Because of the neighborhood's central location between two major area cities, residents get to take advantage of a long list of museums and educational opportunities provided by both Duke University and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

The Morehead Planetarium and Science Center on the campus of the University of North Carolina opens six days a week to host public visitors and special events. Residents can also attend regular performances during the warmer months at the outdoor Forest Theater.

With a short drive into Durham, locals can walk through the Sarah P. Duke Memorial Gardens or visit the Museum of Life and Science.

Residents of Valley Run get to experience the active nightlife and famous restaurant scene in both Durham and Chapel Hill alongside great dining just down the block.

Drivers head just a mile or so northeast on 15-501 to eat at the popular Carolina Ale House. The first Carolina Ale House opened in 1999 with the goal of providing residents with a warm and welcoming atmosphere modeled after British pubs. The family-owned business provides customers with a neighborhood bar that has a truly North Carolina flair. Go for the classic bar food and enjoy the best chicken wings in town. With seven different rubs and sauces to choose from, these wings let diners try a variety of flavors and test their tolerance for heat. The menu also features more sophisticated and lighter fare, including Parmesan encrusted chicken and grilled salmon. Order a Bud Light on tap or experience local brews from Big Boss, Natty Greene's and many more.

For some international flavor, head a little further down the street to the Sitar Indian Restaurant. The affordable lunch buffet provides the perfect way to try as many dishes as possible. Go back for seconds of jasmine rice, red curry chicken and fresh, sauteed vegetables. Stop by to sample the dinner menu on Friday and Saturday nights and listen to live sitar music.

Enjoy some after-dinner entertainment by catching the latest Hollywood release at the Carmike Wynnsong 15, or head into Chapel Hill and see live bands any night of the week at The Cave and Local 506. For dancing, drive to downtown Durham and visit The Bar, a LGBT-friendly establishment that features daily drink specials and a rowdy weekend club scene.

Drivers, passengers and pedestrians find it safe and easy to travel the Valley Run neighborhood. The Martin Luther King Jr. Parkway, I-40 and 15-501 all sit within short driving distance, making it easy for residents to commute to work or visit friends and family across town.

Regular bus stops line all the streets of the major highways, including 15-501. Passengers can also hop a ride on the Triangle Transit buses, which transport commuters to nearby cities and the Research Triangle Park.

Sidewalks line the vast majority or streets, but only smaller roads with lower speed limits also have dedicated bike lanes.

Hailing a cab in Valley Run could prove difficult, but the area's closer to downtown Durham and Chapel Hill enjoy more regular taxi service. Uber provides another easy option for finding a ride.

While much of the area is highly developed, residents can head a few miles east to the Southern Boundaries Park to get outside for some exercise and take advantage of the sports facilities. A greenway provides a smooth path for joggers and bikers, kids can climb all over the play equipment, and anyone can enjoy the basketball and tennis courts, free of charge. Bring the dogs, pack a lunch and set up your own picnic at one of the tables or the available shelter.

The cost of housing in Valley Run trends on par with nearby neighborhoods. Renting a one-bedroom apartment costs about $730 per month. Take the bus downtown for just $2 and enjoy a pint at one of the local bars for about $4. Drivers can expect to pay 10 percent above national averages for a gallon of gas.

Valley Run residents appreciate easy access to a large number of popular retail chains. Target, TJ Maxx, JoAnn Fabrics, Best Buy and many more all have locations in the neighborhood. Many specialty stores also occupy spaces in the strip malls that line the streets. Comic book and action hero fans can visit Atomic Empire to shop for all sorts of collectibles, games and action figures. The shop also holds daily tournaments for players to test their skills against one another.

The Li Ming's Global Market also offers a unique shopping experience for anyone who likes to spend time in the kitchen. While they specialize in hard-to-find Asian spices and ingredients, the store also has an impressive selection of foods and kitchen items from around the world. Stock up on gadgets that make food preparation easier and head home to try out some new recipes.

Residents stock up on groceries at the local Harris Teeter and enjoy their choice of heading to the Durham, Chapel Hill or Carrboro Farmers Markets to purchase fresh, local produce.