Westover - Fayetteville, NC

Fayetteville was originally inhabited by Siouan Indian tribes. During the early 1700s, English settlers also started moving to the area to take advantage of the Cape Fear River, which offered a convenient trade route that connected to the port city of Wilmington. The city's strategic location along the river helped bring a variety of industries to the area and create a prime destination for entrepreneurs and workers.

The city experienced a huge population increase during the 1960s with the expansion of Fort Bragg and Pope Air Force Base. The Westover neighborhood represents just one of many residential areas created to accommodate the large number of military families.

The Airborne and Special Operations museum located in downtown Fayetteville helps visitors learn more about the significance of Fort Bragg and military history. Annual events to honor veterans take place throughout the year to mark important anniversaries.

While the neighborhood doesn't have any restaurants right on site, residents only have to take a short drive east to Highway 401 for a variety of dining options. Locals head to the Bombay Bistro to enjoy authentic Indian food in a simple and inviting setting. The unassuming exterior doesn't do justice to the quality of food inside. The menu features plenty of vegetarian options, as well as specialties like butter chicken served in a creamy tomato sauce and spicy chicken curry.

Residents also enjoy eating at the Miyabi Japanese Steakhouse, which serves Japanese dishes and fresh sushi. This family-friendly restaurant features a kids menu and a long list of Japanese beers. The fillet mignon with jumbo shrimp stands out as a favorite among loyal customers. The chefs put an international twist on this classic surf-and-turf dish by adding a blend of Japanese spices for extra flavor and tenderness. The local Carolina Ale House serves as the main gathering place for locals who want to grab a beer and cheer on their favorite teams. This popular regional chain, styled after traditional English pubs, creates a space where people can relax, socialize, snack on hot wings and enjoy a few drinks. The spacious dining room provides plenty of big-screen televisions so everyone can enjoy a great view of the action. Choose from among several specialty sauces served with the famous chicken wings, and test your tolerance for heat and spice. The menu also features lighter fare, such as grilled chicken and quinoa, for those counting calories.

For entertainment, residents can catch popular Hollywood releases at the Carmike Marketfair 15 Cinemas, see a movie in Imax at the Carmike Patriot 14, listen to the Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra or get tickets to the latest event at the Crown Complex, which hosts everything from bull riding to concerts.

The All American Expressway forms the eastern border of the Westover neighborhood and provides residents with easy access to the base and other major areas of the city. Drivers also enjoy free parking in Westover and throughout the city. Passengers can take advantage of the pubic bus system, which provides regular routes to several bus stops in the neighborhood. Those looking to hail a cab have better luck along major roads. Uber also services the city and provides yet another convenient transportation option.

While pedestrians can safely walk and bike the streets throughout the subdivisions, traveling along major roads can be more difficult. This large city does not provide bike lanes or bike-friendly roads, so commuting by bike or on foot presents some difficulties.

Residents visit Westover park, located right in the center of the neighborhood, to enjoy a variety of outdoor activities. The park features soccer and baseball fields, tennis courts, playground equipment and plenty of open spaces for locals to play catch and run around. Runners and walkers can use the track to clock some miles, and local community groups hold bootcamp classes during the mornings to encourage health and fitness. Patrons can bring along the family dog and enjoy the park for free.

The cost of living in Westover runs on par with other areas of the city. Renting a one-bedroom residence costs around $718 per month, and passengers pay about $1.25 per ride to use the public buses. Gas prices trend about 5 percent above national averages. Local bars feature drink specials throughout the week, and patrons can buy bottle of domestic beer for around $3.

Westover residents can visit the Cross Creek Mall to shop at some of their favorite stores. This expansive shopping center features Target, Bath and Body Works, Lane Bryant, American Eagle and many other popular stores.

Downtown Fayetteville provides more options for unique shopping experiences at locally owned shops and boutiques. Diane's Vintage Market specializes in antique furniture that will spruce up any room, but also carries a selection of jewelry, soy candles and organic soaps. Shoppers can purchase unique accent pieces for the home or smaller items that make great gifts.

Locals head to the House of Hollywood to purchase the perfect dress for special occasions. This women's boutique carries big name brands and styles created by local designers. The friendly sales staff help shoppers find all the right clothing and accessories to put together a complete outfit for an affordable price. Shop its selection of sophisticated clothing and feel confident and dressed to impress.

Residents head to the local Harris Teeter to stock up on groceries. The Fayetteville Farmers' Market also opens on Wednesdays and Saturdays from April through December to provide residents with access to fresh, local produce.