South View - Fayetteville, NC

Fayetteville became a center for industry early on in the history of North Carolina due to the Cape Fear River. This waterway allowed traders to transports goods from the port city of Wilmington and loggers and farmers to send their goods down river to be sold and traded. Many of the local businesses were burned and destroyed when General Sherman made his famous march through the south, which eventually ended the Civil War.

By the 1960s, the area had experienced significant growth due to the expansion of Fort Bragg and Pope Air Force Base. Today, residents can learn more about the town's history and the military by visiting the Museum of the Cape Fear, the Airborne and Special Operations Museum and JFK Special Warfare Museum, just to name a few. A wealth of museum opportunities ensures that there's always something new to learn and see in the area. Military ceremonies and memorial runs occur throughout the year to mark historical events.

While the South View doesn't play host to a long list of restaurants, the local establishments do provide a truly unique dining experience.

Marita Schlenmerstube sits at the northern edge of the neighborhood and serves fresh, made from scratch German food. Locals visit to enjoy a taste of home cooking and dine on the famous schnitzel and spaetzle. This hidden gem remains in business after years of service simply by creating hearty dishes in a warm and inviting atmosphere.

Wine lovers travel a few miles west to the Wine Cafe to sample bottles from all over the world. The tasting room allows visitors to try a variety of products from different vineyards and learn more about the wine-making process. This location also features a shop where patrons can purchase craft beers, artisan cheeses and other gifts.

At 22 Klicks Bar & Grill, patrons gather after work to enjoy a cold beer and snack on gator bites and fried pickles. This military-themed hangout appeals to a lot of the local veterans and active duty service members who stop by to socialize over a drink. Nightlife in the area is generally subdued and relaxed.

For more entertainment options, residents drive north into the downtown area. The Cameo Art House Theater serves drinks and plays recent independent movie releases. At the Crown Center Theater visitors can catch a variety of shows throughout the year that range from bull riding competitions to big name bands.

Drivers have the easiest time traveling around this sprawling neighborhood. Highway 301 runs north and south along the eastern border and can quickly take travelers into downtown Fayetteville. Head south on the highway to connect with I-95. Subdivisions and quiet streets feature plenty of convenient and free parking.

While pedestrians can safely stroll the residential areas of the neighborhood, traveling to different areas on foot could prove more difficult. The country roads don't provide sidewalks or bike-friendly lanes. Passengers may also have a hard time finding a ride. Regular bus routes don't service this area, but residents can schedule to have a city van pick them up if they call ahead for a ride. Uber does not service the area, and taxis are not easily flagged down.

Nature lovers visit the Butler Nature Preserve along the shores of Hope Mills Lake to take dogs hiking on the miles of trails, go fishing and enjoy the day doing some bird watching.

At the Cumberland County Park, visitors can enjoy a variety of outdoor and sports-centric activities for children of all ages. This large park houses tennis courts, baseball fields, jogging trails, a playground, picnic shelters and just about anything a family would want for a day of fun.

Residents can use the parks free or charge and often return for Fourth of July celebrations and the annual Dogwood Festival.

The cost of living in South View runs well below that of the rest of the city. Residents can rent a one-bedroom home for $605 per month. Gas prices trend on par with national averages, and passengers can catch a ride on a local bus for $1.25 per ride. Locals who visit the local bar for a drink after work pay just $3 for a bottle of domestic beer.

South View residents head west to Main Street to shop at large national chain stores. This stretch of highway hosts Family Dollar, Walmart, Walgreens and many other familiar names. While these stores provide the perfect locations to pick up household essentials, downtown Fayetteville has more unique options for specialty store and boutiques.

All Things by Hand attracts artists and craftsmen from all over the state. This shop seeks to inspire creativity while also providing a wide selection of materials for making any kind of art. From yarn and fabrics to metals and gemstones, no matter what kind of medium shoppers like to work with, this eclectic shop provides affordable options. It also has a full schedule of classes for those looking to learn new skills and start projects.

Down the street at the Gullah Girl Boutique, women can shop for fashion-forward clothes that have a bit of an edge. The boutique provides a selection of pants, dresses, blouses and accessories that feature plunging necklines as well as handcrafted leather and signature pieces made by local designers. Shoppers visit to find that perfect item of clothing to spruce up their wardrobe and break out of fashion ruts.

In addition to Walmart, residents also visit the nearby Food Lion to stock up on groceries. Locals also have the option of heading to the Fayetteville Farmers' Market on Wednesdays and Saturdays to purchase seasonal produce.