Spring Valley - Greensboro, NC

Greensboro, established in 1808, began as a modest town with just under 500 residents. By 1828, Henry Humphreys started operating North Carolina's first steam-powered cotton mill. With 75 looms in production, textiles became the city's early trade.

In the 1830s, education became another major component of the city. The city now includes five major universities and colleges, positively affecting the culture and climate of the area.

While there are no museums directly in the vicinity of Spring Valley, there are several located not too far away. A few miles north of the neighborhood, the Witherspoon Art Museum of contemporary American art functions as part of the UNCG campus. Just down the street sits the International Civil Rights Center and Museum.

Each spring, downtown Greensboro hosts the Carolina Blues Festival, the longest running blues festival in the southeast.

Locals benefit from plenty of dining options in and around Spring Valley. Stephanie's II , a local favorite, sits just outside neighborhood boundaries. Stephanie's serves up Southern-inspired dishes, such as fried catfish, chicken wings, meatloaf and barbecue ribs. Patrons rave about the candied yams, fried okra, turnip greens and locally famous mac and cheese.

The Spring Valley Restaurant has been serving neighborhood residents for over 30 years. Specializing in homestyle cooking, this place knows how to leave customers feeling full and satisfied. Stop in for the best breakfast in town, and make sure to order the fresh, made-from-scratch buttermilk biscuits.

While it's just a little bit further away, many residents choose to head west a few miles to Darryl's Wood Fired Grill . Serving 26 draft beers on tap and over 30 wines by the glass, Darryl's is a popular spot to meet friends for a drink. This restaurant also serves liquid nitrogen drinks, so make sure to order one of the many steaming cocktail concoctions on the menu. With several televisions positioned behind the bar, you don't have to worry about missing the big game.

For more lively nightlife options, head into downtown Greensboro. Luckily, some of the best places in town are just a short distance away from Spring Valley.

The Greensboro Transit Authority provides over 1,100 bus stops in the Greensboro and Jamestown area. Several bus routes service the Spring Valley neighborhood, providing quick transportation to nearby shopping areas, downtown and neighboring communities.

Don't expect to hail a cab from the street corner in Spring Valley, but you can call in advance for service. Due to lack of greenways and designated bike lanes, cycling remains a rare transportation method. There are not many attractive destinations within walking distance, making this an uncommon way to get around.

Many of the city's major roads surround the neighborhood, making it quick and easy to drive to most destinations. Because of the neighborhood's prime location, most residents choose driving as their preferred transportation method. Several public parking lots and parking decks are available in the area, most of which are free for the first two hours.

Spring Valley is bordered on the south side by Spring Valley Park, one of the largest parks in the city. This five-acre park is a great place to enjoy a sunny Saturday, with ample green space and a creek running through the center. One side of the park has a playground that is perfect for children, while the other side features a basketball court.

Just west of the neighborhood, Hillsdale Park offers residents a walking trail, open space, a stream and a playground.

If you head east from Spring Valley, you encounter Barber Park, a city park with lots to offer. Visitors can access the impressive indoor sports pavilion with tennis, basketball and volleyball courts as well as the Penn-Wright Baseball Stadium. The outdoor amphitheater is a popular place to host concerts, talent shows and presentations. You can also enjoy the 18-hole disc golf course, walking trail, picnic shelters and children's tot spot. Pets are welcome to accompany their owners on leash.

Right down the street from Spring Valley, the Greensboro Coliseum hosts the Summertime Brews Festival each July. Guests get to enjoy live music and sample hundreds of craft beers from around the country.

The cost of living in Spring Valley is lower than many of the neighborhoods in the city. Expect to pay roughly $600 for a one-bedroom apartment in the area. An adult one-way fare on the city's public transit costs $1.50, while gas prices in the neighborhood are consistent with the national average. Expect to pay around $2.75 for a domestic beer and $4.50 for an import at local bars.

Spring Valley sits just down the street from the city's largest indoor shopping mall. With three levels of retail establishments, the Four Seasons Town Centre has just about everything locals need. Customers enjoy shopping at stores such as American Eagle Outfitters, Foot Locker, H&M and New York & Company. You can also expect large department store shopping with JCPenney and Dillard's.

If boutique shopping better meets your preferences, head closer to downtown. One local favorite is Just Be, a store specializing in eclectic, handmade jewelry, clothing and handbags.

Several grocery stores lie in the vicinity, making it easy for residents to stock the kitchen. The most common options are Food Lion, Lowes Foods and Walmart Neighborhood Market.

The Greensboro Farmers Curb Market is open year round and features fresh, locally grown produce, proteins, pastries and fresh cheese. Patrons can also select items from the gluten-free vegan pantry and enjoy nitrate-free hot dogs and pasture-fed beef.