Arboretum - Austin, TX

Most of Austin's modern history can be tied back to its position as the Capital of Texas. Periods of great development have occurred throughout the region, especially after World War II and during the 1970s and '80s. Northwest Austin, including the Arboretum, grew by leaps and bounds during this time. Since the 2000s, the city has also gained a reputation as the live music capital of the world.

No museums or theaters lie within the neighborhoods, but locals know that a thriving arts scene lies just to the south in Austin. Museums worth a visit include the Lyndon B. Johnson Presidential Library and the Mexic-Arte Museum. The Austin City Limits Festival, housed in Zilker Park every October, features mainstream bands, art and local food vendors. Those interested in attending should purchase tickets early, as they sell out every year.

Most restaurant, bar and nightlife options available near neighborhoods lie along Highway 183. Here, large chain restaurants and bars stand aside small, locally owned establishments, and residents describe most as casual, family friendly eateries. Locals love to spend an evening at the Pour House Pint & Pies dining on scrumptious dishes in a relaxing setting with personable staff. Diners enjoy the handcrafted pizzas and hearty pasta dishes, such as the pesto linguine with shrimp. For dessert, be sure to try the homemade cheesecake. Stocked with over 35 beers, a slew of wines and an extensive cocktail list, Pour House also delivers in the alcohol department.

The Caspian Grill, known for creating authentic Persian dishes, consistently receives rave reviews from diners looking to add a little spice and diversity to their diet. The food, though extraordinarily affordable, remains fresh. Don't expect to get a po' boy made with frozen shrimp here. Menu items come chock-full of fresh veggies and green herbs. The favorite, of course, remains the shrimp po' boy. Diner's also can't go wrong with any of the many kebab choices served here.

For some great bars, head to any number of places along and directly off of Highway 183. The Riata Bar & Grill, found on Riata Trace Parkway, provides customers with a laid-back sports bar. Happy hour occurs every week day from 4 to 7 p.m., and on weekends from noon until 7 p.m. Pub food specialties include the traditional Philly cheese steak and the ragin' Cajun sandwich. Many regulars rave about the fresh buns used for the burgers.

Other popular bar hangouts in the Pavilion and Angus Ranch include B.B. Rover's, the Brick House Tavern & Tap and the Water Tank. Austin has become known for its amazing local music scene. Residents throughout the city head downtown to the Paramount Theatre, Austin City Limits at the Moody Theater and the Rattle Inn. Lively nightclubs in the area include the Eastern, Flamingo Cantina and the Jackalope.

Close to 86 percent of all residents living in the Arboretum commute to work with a personal vehicle or by carpooling. Walking or biking to nearby amenities is not common, as most residents live a mile or more away from most of the restaurants and retail shops. For the adventurous, bike lanes lie along Jollyville Road, Barrington Way and Rain Creek Parkway. Drivers heading to downtown Austin follow Highway 183 south to Texas Highway 1. Interstate 35 can be accessed by driving south along Highway 183. Visitors and residents park along residential streets at no charge. The 3 percent of residents that utilize public transportation generally go with Capital Metro service. Buses operate along Highway 183 into downtown every 40 minutes from 5:30 a.m. until midnight. Taxi companies and Uber both service the Arboretum.

Austin operates a large number of neighborhood parks, a handful of which lie in or near the Arboretum. All parks in Austin, aside from nature preserves, allow dogs on a leash, and most do not charge an entrance fee. Oakview Neighborhood Park sits on Oak View Drive, adjacent to the Kathy Caraway Elementary School. This 7-acre facility houses a large picnic shelter, multiple picnic tables, a playground, two tennis courts and a walking trail. Riata Neighborhood park, to the east of the neighborhood, also features a playground, walking trail and tennis courts.

Balcones District Park covers over 50 acres and has become a popular place for families to enjoy an afternoon at the swimming hole. Many area athletes train at Balcones' athletic fields and ball courts. There are many annual events hosted by the Austin Parks Department and the Austin Parks Foundation. The Austin Parks Foundation puts on movies in the park annually at Republic Square Park. Other popular events include the Austin City Limits Music Festival and National Trails Day.

The cost of living in the Arboretum averages the same as most Austin neighborhoods, and lies 4 percent above the national average. Renters typically pay an average of $975 a month for a one-bedroom apartment. Transportation costs average slightly lower in Austin than compared with the national average. Bus service with Capital Metro costs riders $1.25 each way, or $41.25 for a 31-day pass. Gas prices lie 12 percent below the national average. A pint of local beer from popular microbreweries, such as South Austin Brewing Company, cost patrons between $4 and $5, depending on the establishment.

Most shopping opportunities lie along Highway 183, similar to most of the Arboretum's other amenities. A good mixture of small specialty shops and larger big-box retailers sit along this busy corridor. Residents count on tried-and-true favorites such as Big Lots, Walgreens and Academy Sports & Outdoors for general retail needs. For upscale shops and name brands, shoppers head to The Domain, where featured retailers include Anthropologie, BCBG and Burberry.

Brides and bridesmaids throughout the Austin area love to check out the racks at the Bridesmaid's Store, located at the intersection of Highway 183 and Technology Boulevard. Choose from elegant dresses for both the bride and bridesmaids, as well as accessories such as shoes, veils and jewelry. Since 1993, this store has attracted budget-minded brides-to-be seeking quality designs and a large inventory from which to choose.

Buck's Bike Superstore also lies close to the neighborhoods. This cyclist's heaven features popular bicycles made by Giant, Redline, Raleigh and Jamis. Occasional sales bring steep discounts on these bikes and accessories. If you need a quick seasonal tune-up or basic repairs, count on Buck's for quick, straightforward, affordable service.

Locals purchase groceries at a number of markets along Highway 183, including two H-E-B locations found at the intersection of Spicewood Springs Road and Mirado Circle. Asia Market lies north of The Arboretum. Cedar Park Farmers Market serves as the closest venue for farm-fresh produce, opening on Saturday mornings from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. all year long. Austin houses many other farmers markets near downtown, including the Mueller Farmers Market and the Sustainable Food Center Farmers Market.