Westhill - Mobile, AL

Since Westhill primarily houses residential streets and encompasses a small stretch of land, its history remains tied to that of the entire county’s. Mobile County traces inhabitants back to Native Americans, but was taken under Spanish rule following the American Revolutionary War. The area’s name reportedly comes from a French fortification, which helps paint an accurate picture of its rich past and multiple development influences. This diversity still transcends into modern times with dozens of historical sites and cultural enclaves in the city. Westhill doesn’t have a museum of its own, but the Mobile Museum of Art sits just three miles away on Museum Drive. Likewise, the art and music scenes bloom closer to the city center, but Westhill’s proximity to the university gives it a more youthful and diverse atmosphere. Locals venture outside the neighborhood for Mobile’s extravagant annual events, such as Mobile Mardi Gras and Festival of Flowers.

For the best of Westhill's cuisine, head to Airport Boulevard. Dozens of unique eateries line the road and provide locals with a single strip of excellent cuisines ranging from Mediterranean to good old American barbecue. Whether you're on a college budget or not, grabbing dinner from the Jerusalem Cafe is mandatory. Start with a soothing bowl of lentil soup to preface your chicken Scharwarma. Load up your plate from the legendary Sunday buffet to sample the best of Greek flavors, such as the authentic hummus and lamb skewers.

Make sure to stop in another restaurant that consistently tops the list as a local favorite by dining at Zea Rotisserie & Grill. The unique eatery serves traditional American staples with zesty fusion twists, such as Korean barbecue tacos and Thai ribs alongside corn grits. Vibrant drink specials and one-of-a-kind cocktails make Zea's a popular destination for drinks and late night fun.

Westhill locals appreciate a sophisticated dining room as well, and choose Via Emilia to satisfy their need for a sit-down dinner with stand-up flavor. The romantic atmosphere suits the quality of food, starting with perfectly charred cuts of Grouper or veal picatta. Since the restaurant boasts itself on Italian roots and influences, sampling a plate of spaghetti with shrimp and scallops brings the experience full circle. Save room for dessert, as homemade tiramisu provides the perfect finale to a meal fit for Tuscany.

A relatively exciting nightlife scene borders the neighborhood of Westhill, due largely to the university and the drive to cater to young students. One popular hangout is the Mint Grill & Hookah on Old Shell Road. This classy lounge blends Middle Eastern cuisine with a huge range of tobacco flavors. Extended weekend hours further distinguish Mint as a must-do. For a strong drink in a classy environment, stop into Stir Mobile, an Old Shell Road lounge that blends affordable beverages with a fun atmosphere. A DJ and karaoke bring the environment to life, while dark lighting and swanky decor make the bar a trendy place to sip a cold one near campus.

An overwhelming 95 percent of area residents choose to navigate the neighborhood by car. This also includes temporary lifts, such as local taxis and carpooling, since Uber doesn’t hold a large presence in the city. Having a set of wheels proves essential to living in the neighborhood since most restaurants and shops sit too far apart to reach on foot, though residential streets and major roads bordering the campus attract more walkers. This holds true for biking infrastructure as well, with the most bike-friendly streets and designated lanes popping up along University Boulevard and Old Shell Road. Luckily, free and residential parking remains easy to find. Residents in need of public transportation use the WAVE bus system to travel to local destinations, but no local routes operate for daily commutes to the city. Instead, locals take major highways such as Highway 98 and Interstate 65 to bypass neighborhood traffic.

Residents looking to escape head to the free Municipal Langan Park that tops the northeast side of campus. Less than four miles away, locals retreat to the tree-lined paths for jogs and grassy patches of land that house swings and playgrounds. Scenic lake views are perfect for evening strolls and family picnics. Children particularly appreciate the multiple play stations throughout, while athletes swarm the handful of courts and fields for sports. A full size disc golf course and football field add value to the charming 720-acre green space. Paved paths allow cyclists plenty of space to spin their wheels, while pet owners take to the paths to walk their furry friends. Between everything the park has to offer, it’s truly a place for the whole family. Aside from golf tournaments and sporting events, the park doesn’t host large festivals or programs. However, the Mobile Botanical Gardens and Playhouse in the Park technically belong to the park; these venues bring the added bonus of environmental education and indulgence in theater and arts for children.

Life underneath sunny skies with a small, college-town feel costs slightly more than living in the heart of Mobile, with an average cost of living about nine percent higher than the city’s. Since the majority of residents in Westhill rent, landing the perfect apartments gets competitive, with monthly rates of $573 for a one-bedroom apartment. Additionally, the fuel prices hover about 13 percent higher than the national average, but a break in most costs helps ease expensive housing. For example, residents can enjoy beer from a local pub for $3 to $5. Public transportation fares area also quite affordable at $1.25 for a one-way bus fare.

Westhill lacks a major shopping district, so residents head south to access the retailers that speckle the streets of Berkleigh. However, even these stores are limited in selection and feature mostly corporate chains and department stores. No high-end or specialty boutiques serve the area, but a trip to downtown to fill your closet or apartment with unique items takes less than 25 minutes. Most locally-owned retailers fall more in the service category, giving residents access to quality jewelers or bike shops, for example. While convenience stores such as CVS Pharmacy dot the region, department stores cluster more along Airport Boulevard.

Grab groceries from The Fresh Market or Publix on Airport Boulevard. While big-name grocers are more than plentiful, specialty grocers provide the neighborhood with a bit more flavor than traditional offerings. The Asian Grocery on Old Shell Road packs the perfect selection of foreign favorites at affordable prices while Food Pak International Foods stocks an impressive spread of craft beers, imported spices and Greek-style favorites. A few small farmers’ markets bring people the opportunity to hand-select their produce and organic goods, such as the Westside Tailgate Farmers’ Market, which operates from Schillinger Road on a weekly basis.