Airmont - Mobile, AL

Founded by the French in 1702, Mobile acted as the capital of French Louisiana. The original city location up river from its present spot flooded frequently, leading to Mobile's relocation in 1711.

The Mobile community celebrated its first Carnival in 1703, which makes the city the birthplace of the American Mardi Gras. The city continues this tradition every year, giving New Orleans a surprising run for its money.

Airmont residents only need to travel as far as downtown to find arts and culture. Explore area history at the Mobile Carnival Museum and the Oakleigh Museum, and enjoy the annual BayFest, the largest music festival in the state.

The restaurant scene in Airmont and the surrounding area is a diverse selection of laid-back joints and upscale eateries that offer everything from fresh seafood to authentic ethnic cuisine. Though it doesn't look like much from the outside, Jamaican Vibes Restaurant dishes out spicy fare that never disappoints. In addition to jerk chicken and creamy macaroni and cheese, this casual spot serves delightfully obscure food, such as curry goat served over yellow rice with plantains or cabbage. The reasonable prices and great service keep patrons coming back for more.

When you're craving the exotic, try the fresh sushi and tasty Thai fried rice at Rice Asian Grill and Sushi Bar. This family-owned restaurant serves Asian fusion cuisine and specialties such as Thai barbecue chicken and char-grilled pork. Favored Sushi rolls include the Spicy Volcano and the crunchy Bama Bama.

For evening fun, you don't need to travel too far to find what you're looking for. Nearby Bumpers Billiards is a cool spot to hang out and shoot a game of pool or grab a burger and an ice-cold beer. The bar carries a variety of beers on tap, including Hercules Double IPA and 312 Urban wheat ale.

Office Lounge, a small neighborhood joint on Government Boulevard, has friendly bartenders, a rocking jukebox and a pool table. Every day from 4-7 p.m., The Midtown Pub on South Florida Street pours domestic beer for just $2.25 a glass. Karaoke nights, held on Sundays and Tuesdays, give you the perfect excuse to round up friends and sing your heart out.

Airmont residents have access to several major roadways and public transportation modes, making it fast and easy to get around. The Wave Transit System provides transportation services to the Airmont area with several routes, including the Highway 90/Tillman's Corner shuttle. The Route 18 bus includes stops at Cottage Hill Shopping Center, Mobile Regional Airport and Bel-Air Mall, where you can transfer to other routes. Although Uber doesn't operate in the Mobile area, you can call to arrange taxi service with one of the local cab companies.

Though some walk or hop on public transportation, most Airmont residents drive to work each day. You can commute to downtown Mobile using Interstates 65 and 10, U.S. Route 90 or Cottage Hill Road. Parking your car is rarely an issue thanks to an abundance of on- and off-street parking.

On a sunny day, you might see your neighbors out walking or biking for exercise and recreation. The neighborhood doesn't have any bike lanes or bike paths, but cyclists have several nearby options, including bike-friendly South University Boulevard and a bike trail near Montimar Drive.

When weather permits, play at Matthews Park, which includes sports fields, or head to Demetropolis Park. This park sports picnic pavilions, a nice playground, tennis courts and softball/baseball fields.

Another outdoor option is Medal of Honor Park, which has plenty of paved walking and jogging trails in addition to sports fields and a playground for the kids. It also has a dog park that provides separate sections for small and large dogs.

With a cost of living that falls approximately 1 percent below the Mobile average, Airmont is a more affordable option than living in the city. A one-bedroom apartment typically costs an average of $431 a month. Expect to pay around $4 for a pint of beer at a local bar, though you can definitely find cheaper drinks during happy hour. A one-way ticket for The Wave Transit System bus costs $1.25, while area gas prices hover 13 to 14 percent below the national average.

Most area stores line major roadways, such as Cottage Hill Road and U.S. Route 90. Big name chains and auto part stores make up the bulk of the area's shopping scene, but you can still find a few diamonds in the rough without traveling all the way into downtown.

Little Monkey Toes in the Bel-Air shopping center specializes in clothing and shoes for children. Choose from brands such as Attitude Pie, Flit and Flitter, BebeMonde and Livie and Luca. The Ginger House is another great spot to shop for the little ones – it specializes in custom-made children's clothing, including coats, sleepwear and bathing suits.

The closest places to buy groceries in the neighborhood include Winn-Dixie, Walmart and The Fresh Market, an upscale store that sells local produce and prepared meals in addition to gourmet goods. Residents also stock up on fresh produce, herbs and plants at Big Charlie's Produce and the Westside Tailgate Farmers Market.