Southwest Huntsville - Huntsville, AL

South Outer Madison was first created in 1818 by a man named John Cartwright. Originally named Madison Station, the city and surrounding neighborhoods grew in size over the years. As the site of a major American Civil War battle in 1864, the area holds significance due to its fight for the confederacy at that time. Since the 1980s, the area has grown massively; it had only 4,000 people in 1980 and now houses 42,938 people or more according to a 2010 census.

Located in nearby Huntsville, museums such as the U.S. Space and Rocket Center, Sci-Quest, or others can be visited. South Outer Madison hosts several art galleries, including 16 Main Gallery and Art Brokers Gallery. Art 4 Paws, a celebration of the use of pets in art, allows locals to spend time with their pets while creating and exploring local art. This festival takes place yearly in April.

Restaurants in South Outer Madison range from fast-food establishments to enjoyable local pubs. Most restaurants in the area can be found around County Line Road.

For wine tasting, beers and lagers on tap, locals head to The Stem and Stein. Located on County Line Road, this establishment's relaxed atmosphere and toned lighting makes it a popular evening stop. Try the tasty antipasti skewers or soup of the day with a bottle of white or red wine.

Another restaurant that serves as a nightlife location, the Cork & Crust Pizzeria & Wine Bar located on County Line Road sits just down the street from The Stem and Stein. Try the pizzeria's Santa Maria New York strip steak, or delight in the tastes of the roast pork valdostano, which comes with prosciutto, sage and a brandy demi glace.

For those seeking a taste of traditional Japanese foods, head to Edo Japanese Restaurant. With traditional Japanese seating, sushi dishes like yellow tail or Ebi, and a reputation that proceeds it, the restaurant holds a place of popularity with the locals. Located on Intercom Drive, this restaurant shouldn't be missed.

Most residents head to one of the above wineries or pubs for a night out since no nightclubs exist in the direct vicinity. The pubs stay open late, making them an ideal choice for a night out on the town.

Residents find driving personal vehicles the easiest way to get around South Outer Madison. Public transportation includes buses operated through the Hunstville Shuttle Bus System, which extends into Madison for pick-up and drop-off services. Public parking sits available throughout Huntsville for those commuting, and residents of Madison primarily have access to free parking at shops and home.

Residents find hailing a cab difficult in the outskirts of Madison, making it vital to call for pick up. However, Uber doesn't currently service the Madison area.

To access Huntsville, residents take Interstate 565 east. Route 72 passes to the north of Madison, and Route 255 heads north off Interstate 565. Those wishing to walk Madison may find that few areas lie close enough together to do so. Biking lanes aren't common, so biking can be dangerous for those uneducated in riding on busy roads.

Families and individuals enjoy a variety of parks in Madison. Dublin Memorial Park features a diving well, double-court gymnasium, kiddie pool, locker room, fishing pond, tennis courts and other enjoyable activities for anyone who visits. The park costs $1 for those over 60, $2 for those ages 4 to 10, and $3 for those ages 11 to 59 per visit when they go to the park's center facility. The walking track entrance fee costs $2, and tennis courts cost $3 for singles per player or $2 per player for doubles teams. The park's public playground remains free.

Dogs do best at the local 1.43-acre park, Mill Creek Dog Park. This park has three separate areas for large and small dogs as well as an area for unleashing that allows all dogs to interact.

Residents expect to pay approximately 13 percent more to live in Madison than in other areas of Alabama. A one-bedroom residence costs approximately $663 per month. Gas prices fall 6 percent lower than the national average. A one-way fare on the Huntsville Shuttle Bus System costs $1, and a free downtown route runs on Friday and Saturday from 5 p.m until 12 a.m. For beers or lagers, residents expect to pay between $4.50 and $9 per drink.

Several areas in and around Madison focus on shopping. Residents head to Madison Station Antiques to pick up specialty and high-value items, such as old furniture or restored vases from years ago. Located on Main Street in Madison, this shop retains customers through fair pricing and a variety of unique antiquities.

For other shops, locals need to head to Huntsville. There, many shopping malls and individual stores can be found. Alabama Constitution Village provides souvenirs for the area, while Bridge Street Town Centre on The Bridge Street has shops everyone can enjoy. Bridge Street Town Center has high-value shops like Kate Spade New York and Lucky Brand Jeans alongside specialty shops and boutiques like Altar'd State, a Christian retailer with fashion apparel, accessories and home items.

Silhouette Boutique provides female fashions for all ages, from toddlers to adults. Locals head to the shop, which stands on Whitesburg Drive, for a unique collection of clothing unlikely to be found elsewhere. With personalized service, this shop has a reputation for positive interactions.

Grocery stores in the area include The Fresh Market, Walmart Supercenter and Save-A-Lot. The Madison City Farmers Market takes place from April through November on Hughes Road.