Southeast Winston-Salem - Winston-Salem, NC

Winston-Salem developed when the towns of Winston and Salem merged in the early part of the 20th century. The consolidation was not supported by everyone but turned out to be successful as the city grew, developing park, schools, churches and hospitals. Even during the Great Depression, when city officials made necessary cuts to the budget, some residents of the area were well-off enough to donate money toward building Reynolds Memorial Hospital. The outer business district shares the overall history of the city, but it doesn't really deliver on cultural, festival or arts scenes. Just to the south, however, residents can visit the New Winston Museum and the American Furniture Hall of Fame.

Little Richard's Lexington BBQ, which began as a single location in northern Winston-Salem, has a location on Gumtree Road. Though the owner expanded the restaurant into a local chain, Little Richard's still serves up some of the best pork barbecue sandwiches in the South. Slow cooked for 16 hours and then chopped and sauced, you can order the pork on a large or small bun.

Most residents and workers of the outer business district look south to Highpoint or north to other Winston-Salem neighborhoods for more food options. Anyone looking for a quick breakfast before work can snag a homemade biscuit stuffed with country ham, fried chicken, and other common breakfast sandwich ingredients such as eggs, cheese, or bacon at the Biscuit Factory in Highpoint. Nearby, baristas at Debeen Espresso pour to-order coffee, including espressos, for art, music and professional crowds. The eco-friendly coffee bar also bakes up delicious goodies such as muffins and brownies, and vegan and gluten-free options let everyone enjoy good conversation over sweet treats.

For nightlife, residents of the Outer Business District can travel a few miles west, north, or south to find dance clubs, bars, or music venues. Johnny and June's to the west offers some of all three for the western-loving crowd and features popular acts such as Tracy Lawrence alongside local country talent. Each Friday, club goers benefit from $1, $2, and $3 drink selections, and the club hosts regular drink specials on ladies' nights.

Residents and commuters travel the outer business district via their own motor vehicles with some individuals using ride share and commuting services, including Uber. Cab drivers don't make a habit of hanging out on city streets as in larger cities or downtown areas, but residents can call several local companies for service when needed. City transit doesn't come into the district, though drivers easily reach downtown via Highways 109, 311 or 52. Interstate 40 runs along the northern border of the neighborhood, with the business leg of 40 passing through downtown Winston-Salem a few miles to the north. Residents find parking to be relatively easy and always free.

Within the outer business district, residents can travel most roadways on foot or bike if desired. Major roads, including Friendship Ledford Road and Gumtree Road, feature bike-friendly construction, and those out for some two-wheeled exercise can take advantage of the bike trail around the Meadowlands Golf Club.

For a nice serene escape to greenery, Sedge Garden Park provides a suitable option to those east of Winston-Salem. On the southwest side, Hobby Park offers another peaceful retreat. The area also is home to several golf courses. Within a few miles from the neighborhood center, you can play a round at the Meadowlands Golf Club, Olde Homeplace Golf Course or the Maple Leaf Golf Club.

The overall cost of living for the outer business district runs about 6.4 percent lower than the average cost of living in Winston-Salem as a whole, and the neighborhood cost of living runs almost 17 percent lower than the national average. With a median rental rate of $545 for a one-bedroom apartment, residents can find affordable housing options in the neighborhood.

Gas costs in the outer business district average around 7 percent lower than national numbers, and you can expect to pay $3 to $5 for a bottle or draft beer in drinking holes nearby. Keep an eye on specials, and you could bring the beer cost down to a dollar or two.

At the heart of the outer business district, a Food Lion provides a grocery stop on Thomasville Road. Residents can also travel to Highpoint and other nearby neighborhoods to access a Lowes Foods. No farmers markets make a home in the neighborhood, but you can find fresh produce at local grocery stores or at markets in downtown Winston-Salem.

For all the food, accessories or good advice for your pets, visit Let's Pet. Locals love the attentive staff, selection and prices. For more shopping choices, hit the area just north of Interstate 40, which houses shopping malls and a variety of chain stores to fit various budgets.