The Thicket - Greensboro, NC

Greensboro began to grow out of thick forests when the first railroad line came here in the 1840s. It was the final capital city left standing as the Civil War ended, and it underwent a significant transformation in the post-war years as cotton farms gave way to textile factories. Planned growth led by a wave of cutting-edge architects helped the city expand. Greensboro sat at the heart of the Civil Rights movement in the 1960s, becoming famous for the sit-in at the local Woolworth's store.

Just northwest of The Thicket, the Barn Dinner Theatre provides locals with wonderful evenings of theater while dining from a sumptuous buffet. Sign up for a season subscription to make the fun last.

You find plenty of casual restaurants to choose from in The Thicket. While most restaurants serve traditional American food, a smattering of Asian and Mediterranean places also have a voice in local cuisine. Look for places to eat southeast of The Thicket, along Wendover Avenue and Big Tree Way.

Chef Samir Shaltout brings a lifetime of cooking Egyptian food to his exotic menu items at his eponymous restaurant. Start with amazing hummus, then transition into dishes such as the chicken kebab, chicken shawarma, shrimp soup or moussaka. Expect to receive personal attention from the chef when you dine here, and save room for the baklava that locals praise for its minimal sweetness.

Just south of Interstate 40, Tripp's Restaurant sends out an old-school steakhouse vibe, serving excellent steaks in the ambiance of a casual tavern. You find meats cooked to perfect, a wonderful spicy, shrimp appetizer to start and a whole loaf of fresh-baked bread delivered to your table.

When in the mood for fast, casual barbecue, head to Country Barbecue on Wendover Avenue. Some locals swear they don't go anywhere else for barbecue in Greensboro; they love the Lexington-style sliced barbecue and chopped pork that much. Other residents of the neighborhood insist that the hush puppies or tenderloin biscuits alone provide a reason to dine here.

While you find little in the way of nightlife right in The Thicket, venture out into surrounding neighborhoods to find some after-hour fun. Cooper's Ale House on nearby Market Street has big-screens visible from every seat when you want to watch the game with friends, or go later in the evening for live music and karaoke, all washed down with an extensive beer list. Across Interstate 40, Gate City Billiards Club features well-maintained pool tables at reasonable prices in a clean and comfortable environment.

Limited public transportation comes as far west as The Thicket, but the Greensboro Transit Authority's Route 9 connects locals to the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, the Guilford County Courthouse and downtown Greensboro. Airport shuttles, taxi companies and Uber all operate in the area on an on-call basis.

Because of the lack of public transportation options and the spread-out nature of the residential areas, residents of The Thicket often prefer to use their own cars to get around. You' find extensive free parking in the immediate area, as well as easy access to Interstates 40 and 73. Interstate 40 begins in North Carolina and stretches west across the country all the way to California, while Interstate 73 connects cities within the Piedmont region.

The Thicket has limited walkability. While no dedicated bike lanes exist in the area, Big Tree Way provides a bike-friendly road when you want to stretch your legs for a little exercise.

While The Thicket doesn't hold any parks in its boundaries, you can find swatches of nature and just plain fun nearby.

Just south of The Thicket, Celebration Station keeps kids, teens and even adults happy with its miniature golf, arcade, bumper boats, batting cages and go-karts. Pack your pockets full of quarters to have a great time.

As you head toward downtown, the Greensboro Arboretum provides 17 acres of tranquility to all of western Greensboro. Visit this beautifully designed garden to learn about its collections, then come back to participate in tree plantings, juried art exhibits, art classes for kids and the Art Bark activity for dogs every October.

The cost of living in The Thicket runs neck-and-neck with that of the rest of Greensboro and 2 percent less than the overall cost of living in North Carolina. Hop on the bus to get downtown for only $1.50, and if you choose to drive, you pay just 2 percent over the national average price to fill your tank with gas.

An average one-bedroom apartment in The Thicket rents for $590 per month. When you want to grab a beer with friends, expect to pay just $2 to $4 for a pint.

Because of The Thicket's residential nature, you don't find many shopping choices in the immediate vicinity, though Kohl's, Sears, Dick's Sporting Goods, and Macy's all sit just on the other side of Interstate 40 at or near the Wendover Place Shopping Center for your convenience.

Head toward downtown for better shopping options, especially along Market Street. The Shoe Market on Market Street sells top-quality footwear, and the helpful staff know the inventory well to help you find exactly what you seek.

Don't be fooled by the name of Christmas Tree Shops. While you can meet all your Christmas and Hanukkah decorating needs here around the end of the year, during the intervening months, it's a discount home decor store where you always find an unexpected treasure.

Harris Teeter, Costco, Wal-Mart and Aldi all sit near The Thicket neighborhood to help you keep your pantry and refrigerator properly stocked. Head to Carniceria El Mercadito on Muirs Chapel Road to pick up tacos at the taqueria, or choose from a wide variety of Mexican ingredients and fresh meats to prepare your own Mexican feast at home. Li Ming's Global Mart sells Asian fruits, vegetables and other hard-to-find ingredients.