Woodbine Nashville, TN

The Woodbine neighborhood sits on a swath of land originally called Flat Rock, named after a Native American meeting spot. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Woodbine was important in middle Tennessee for its proximity to a major railroad depot. By the late 1940s, it was considered Nashville's largest suburb, as the city government had not yet annexed it.

Woodbine has largely maintained the same vibe in the decades since World War II, populated by working-class and middle-class residents who choose the area for its low housing costs and proximity to downtown Nashville. The live-and-let-live atmosphere draws residents too; the neighborhood has never been governed by a homeowners' association.

Woodbine residents also come together for annual events such as a holiday potluck, and museums such as the Frist Center for the Visual Arts await a few miles away in downtown Nashville.

Residents of Woodbine love to support local business owners and, as a result, local haunts instead of chain restaurants dominate the culinary scene. It reflects the neighborhood's ethnic diversity and includes Chinese, Mexican, Ethiopian and Thai offerings.

At Gojo Ethiopian Cafe, unique and addictive Ethiopian flavor infuses everything from the lamb chops to the sweet tea. The charming yet casual ambiance at this hidden gem suits everything from a first date to a business lunch, and the food leaves an unforgettable impression. Popular menu items include the doro w'et, consisting of chicken legs marinated in butter and garlic and then sauteed with peppers and onions. A hard-boiled egg on the side rounds out the dish. Creative vegetarian dishes incorporate beans, vegetables, spices and pita bread, and they provide plenty of flavor for diners eschewing meat.

La Hacienda Taqueria serves Nashville's most authentic Mexican food in a rustic atmosphere. Simple yet elegant decor greets diners upon entrance, and traditional art adorns the walls. Steak lovers should be required to try the T-bone topped with jalapenos, onions and tomatoes, and served with rice and beans. Other people may prefer more-traditional Mexican entrees such as soft chicken tacos. The breakfast menu is available all day and includes classics such as the huevos con chorizo, consisting of eggs and Mexican sausage.

No community is complete without a favorite Chinese haunt; in Woodbine, No. 1 Chinese Restaurant fills that role admirably. Its reputation for heaping portion sizes attracts diners with big appetites. Most entrees cost significantly less than $10, but you would never guess it by the volume of food on your plate or the amount of flavor it contains. Regulars' go-to menu choices include the beef lo mein, the shrimp fried rice and the beef egg foo young. Residents who develop a craving for delectable Chinese but who want to stay home can take advantage of No. 1 Chinese's speedy delivery service.

Nashville's famous downtown scene, with its honky-tonks and bars, sits less than 5 miles from Woodbine. While many residents head that direction on Friday and Saturday nights, others stay closer to home and patronize local bars such as Twin Kegs, a neighborhood dive with a huge beer selection, gregarious staff and karaoke every Friday.

When the weather is nice, Woodbine residents walk through the community with pets or to visit neighbors. While the streets do not have sidewalks or bike lanes, low traffic volume makes traveling on foot in Woodbine reasonably safe. That said, most residents use their cars when covering any significant distance. Woodbine offers abundant free parking and easy access to two interstates, I-24 and I-440; this makes commuting to downtown Nashville a breeze.

For those who prefer that someone else do the driving, numerous taxi companies operate in the area, as does Uber, a popular ride-sharing service. Be sure to call in advance, as you cannot hail a cab in Woodbine.

Public transportation is another option. Nashville's MTA bus system provides two stops convenient to Woodbine.

Woodbine houses Coleman Park, which provides a large fitness center, pool, basketball courts and outdoor recreation. Parking and general admission are free, while use of the fitness center requires a fee that can be paid daily or monthly. Children, teens and seniors receive a discounted rate.

Coleman Park hosts many events for area youth and even offers an after-school program and organized sports leagues.

The cost of living in Woodbine runs lower than the average cost of living for the Nashville metro area. Residents pay an average of $666 per month for a one-bedroom apartment, about $3 for a beer in a local pub and $1.70 for a bus ticket to downtown Nashville. Area gas prices hover 10 to 12 percent lower than the national average.

For large shopping trips, Woodbine residents have several options within a 20-minute drive. The sprawling Opry Mills outlet mall, one of the nation's largest, can be accessed via a straight shot down Briley Parkway. The Cool Springs Galleria, a large traditional mall with big-box retail, sits 10 miles south on I-65. High-end shopping is available at the upscale Green Hills Mall. Closer to the neighborhood sit several boutiques and specialty stores popular with residents. Nashville Pickers, only a mile south of Woodbine, carries antiques, art and collectibles. It prides itself on its varied and often unpredictable inventory. On the other side of I-440 sits Extreme Thrift, where you can donate old clothes and household goods, and browse the racks for a bargain. For large grocery trips, a Kroger serves the neighborhood, which also houses smaller markets such as International Food Mart and Woodbine Food Town. The Woodbine Farms & Market operates in Coleman Park at the southwest corner of the neighborhood.