Thornhill - Mobile, AL

Founded by France in 1702, the embattled city of Mobile changed hands over the years. It became British territory in 1763, and it surrendered to Spanish control before United States troops took over in 1813.

Not many homes stood in the Thornhill area prior to the 1970s when 357 homes went up. The neighborhood showed its greatest growth and sustained development from 1990 to 2005, when more than 1,200 homes were built.

In downtown Mobile, the Dauphin Island historic site gives visitors a glimpse of the past, and the Mobile Carnival Museum showcases artifacts and photos that illustrate the artistry of historic Mardi Gras events.

As the site of the first American celebration in 1703, downtown Mobile observes Mardi Gras in a big way. Residents don't miss the festivities that include more than two weeks of eats, parties, elaborate costumes and spectacular parades.

Most of the district's eateries can be found along Airport Boulevard and Hillcrest Road. McDonald's, Starbucks and Little Caesars Pizza carry the standard fare of quick eats, and a few local favorites serve up unique signature dishes.

Stop in at Montego's Caribbean Café and Bar to enjoy burgers, seafood platters and sandwiches with a spicy kick along with a good selection of beers to cool the fire. Locals say you can't beat the Buffalo shrimp tacos with cilantro lime sour cream and island slaw or the Bad Like Yazz nachos with pulled pork, jerk chicken and pineapple.

Savor the exotic spices and layered flavors of Indian cuisine at Fusion of Flavors. Be sure to try the fresh-baked naan. Choose an entrée and have it prepared to your level of spiciness, or take in the lunch buffet for a changing variety of dishes, including vegetable and chicken samosas, prawn curry rice with coconut milk or lamb biryani cooked with saffron and garnished with nuts and raisins.

For a combination of fresh fruits and sweet treats, round up the kids and make your way to Chill Yogurt Café. Choose your favorite flavor of low-fat yogurt or sorbet, and go crazy at the toppings bar with berries, cherries, cheesecake bits, key lime sauce and much more.

For an evening of drinks, bar bites and the big game, locals head to Heroes Sports Bar & Grille. Enjoy generous pours, a good variety of beer on tap and scrumptious eats, such as Cajun dry-rub wings and crawfish dip with warm pita slices. For dancing, clubbing and music events, locals make the 20-minute drive to Heat Nightclub or the 30-minute drive to the downtown area.

Thornhill rates low on the charts for walkability. If you live at the northern or eastern edge of the neighborhood that contains most of the area shops, you can run some errands on foot, but really you need a vehicle to get around. The district's few restaurants and retailers provide plenty of free parking. Access to highways may not be the most convenient, but in 20 minutes, locals can join I-10 and drive southwest to Biloxi. In 15 minutes, residents can hop on SR-98 and drive northwest to De Soto National Forest for a day of picnics, hiking and bird-watching.

Bus service runs east-west along Airport Boulevard at the district's northern border, and a north-south route crosses the southeast tip of the neighborhood. Uber doesn't provide service in Thornhill. You won't have any luck trying to hail a cab in this neighborhood, but you can phone in to reserve taxi service.

Thornhill doesn't have any bike infrastructure of its own, but it connects to dedicated lanes that travel 1 mile to the north and lead to the University of South Alabama.

Just off the south-eastern tip of the neighborhood, Cottage Hill Park gives Thornhill residents the complete-amenity park experience. Get your fill of team sports on the football field, soccer field or baseball diamond, work on your serve on the tennis court, or hike, bike or jog along the trails. Give the little ones an entertaining workout on the playground equipment, let Fido meet and greet the other canines in the dog run, or if you prefer a more relaxed outing, set up in the picnic area and enjoy a peaceful outdoor meal.

Residents also cash in on easy access to Spring Hill Golf Course. Just 15 minutes away to the northeast, this public course challenges golfers with undulating greens and 18 holes, with a maximum of 6,700 yards from the farthest tee. Green fees come in at $20 for adults and $12 for juniors, making a round of golf an affordable family event.

For free concerts under the stars, Thornhill residents drive to one of several parks in the downtown area where The Mobile Pops perform.

Thornhill's cost of living runs higher than the Mobile average, but daily expenses remain reasonably priced. Expect to pay an average monthly rent of $888 here for a one-bedroom apartment. A one-way bus ticket to the downtown center costs $1.25, and a tall, cool beer at the pub sets you back about $4. Locals enjoy a break at the pump in this neighborhood — gas costs about 8 percent less than the national average.

Retailers in Thornhill share locations with the restaurants along Airport Boulevard and Hillcrest Road. For serious shopping, locals make the 15-minute drive to Bel Air Mall. At this major shopping center, you can find junior fashions from Aeropostale, sporting goods from Champs Sports, department store goods from JCPenney, low-priced goods from Dollar Tree and big-ticket diamond jewellery from Zale's.

If you have an upcoming wedding, prom or other formal event, stop in at I Do Bridal and Formal on Airport Boulevard. The professional staff can help you choose, fit and accessorize the gown of your dreams from Paloma Blanca, Allure or Mori Lee.

Check out the huge variety of hair bows and ribbons at Karan's Bows & More. Choose a shiny satin double bow to go with your little girl's party dress, or customize bows for cheerleaders with the team's logo. You can personalize a variety of merchandise here, including tote bags, backpacks and wristlets.

For groceries, Thornhill residents have Winn-Dixie at the neighborhood's southeast corner. For fresh fruit and veggies, locals have to travel a little farther — the Farmers Market of Mobile and Big Charlie's Produce sit about 20 minutes away to the east.