Goshen - Augusta, GA

The Goshen community sits on what was mostly farmland until the mid-20th century. On this land sat the Goshen Plantation, a magnificent estate with a rose garden and multiple pools. The plantation had several owners throughout the 1900s, including a couple in the '60s who sold much of its land to be developed into a golf course. The Goshen Plantation Golf Club remains a big draw to the neighborhood and is considered one of Augusta's finest courses.

After the golf course was finished, residents flocked to the area; this resulted in a real estate boom that saw hundreds of houses constructed during the '70s and '80s. These houses still dominate the neighborhood's real estate stock.

Downtown houses most of Augusta's arts scene, which includes the Morris Museum of Art. Residents from all over the city gather at the riverfront downtown for Fourth of July fireworks and fun.

While Goshen doesn't have any restaurants within its borders, you can access a variety of dining options by heading north on Mike Padgett Highway, which houses chains and local establishments that run the gamut from Southern soul food to authentic Italian.

Chef Redd's BBQ & Breakfast Kitchen serves an all-you-can-eat lunch buffet every day from 10:30 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. Workers in the area stop in and pay one low price to fill their bellies with chopped barbecue, beef brisket and fried chicken. Others prefer to take advantage of Chef Redd's daily specials, such as meatloaf, smothered pork chops and Salisbury steak. If you can't get away from the office for a meal, Chef Redd's provides the friendliest and most prompt catering service in the area – and they even cater to second and third shift workers.

Located in the middle of an older strip mall, Bambino's Pizzeria is easy to miss as you drive by, but those who notice it and decide to give it a try invariably become regulars in short order. Tasty bread, delectable cheese and fresh toppings sourced locally ensure a pizza that is incomparable with the fare found at chain establishments. Locals also give high marks to the calzones at this family-owned establishment.

Victoria's Mexican Restaurant has established itself as the place to go for a fast, inexpensive lunch or a nice sit-down meal. With popular menu items such as its chicken taco salad, locals keep coming back for more. Plus, they feature unbeatable specials that include the Speedy Gonzalez lunch special for only $4. Every meal starts with complimentary chips and salsa; locals will tell you that the salsa at Victoria's outranks that of any other Mexican restaurant in Augusta.

The downtown area houses most of the nightlife options in Augusta; this includes bars, dance clubs and live music venues. Because it only takes 15 minutes to get there from Goshen, many residents head that way when they want a night out. However, if you don't want to make the drive, a few local dives in the area provide closer alternatives for fun. Cuz's, located on Tobacco Road, offers several pool tables and hosts local musicians.

While low traffic in the area makes the streets safe for taking leisurely strolls or walking pets, the Goshen neighborhood is rural and spread out. This makes walking as a primary means of transportation not feasible.

Most residents drive to their destinations. Plenty of free parking in the area, along with easy access to the central city of Augusta via Mike Padgett Highway, make commuting from the Goshen community a low-stress endeavor.

If you don't want to drive, several taxi companies serve the area. You'll want to call in advance for a ride, as you can't hail a cab in the Goshen neighborhood.

While Augusta has a public bus system, the closest stop to Goshen requires about a 10-minute drive north on Mike Padgett Highway.

Although Goshen offers beautiful foliage and plenty of green space, no public parks exist within the neighborhood's boundaries. Therefore, locals drive a few miles east to New Savannah Bluff Lock and Dam Park. It doesn't have exercise facilities or annual events, but it features three picnic shelters, a large fishing area, a boat ramp and several grills. The park provides free parking and admission and welcomes kids and dogs. Fishermen and recreational boaters visit New Savannah to partake in their hobbies, while families come for the beautiful scenery and to enjoy a picnic together.

Goshen residents enjoy a slightly lower cost of living than the average Augusta resident. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment costs an average of $575 per month. A beer in a local bar costs about $3 a pint. Gas prices in the area usually hover about 8 percent lower than the national average, and a ticket to downtown Augusta from the closest bus stop runs $1.25.

The Augusta Mall houses the nearest big-box retail stores and high-end shops. Goshen residents can get to the mall by taking Mike Padgett Highway north to I-520, and then driving 10 miles west on the interstate. Popular stores at the Augusta Mall include the department stores Macy's and Dillard's, as well as high-end stores such as The Limited.

When seeking more unique specialty and gift shops, Goshen residents head to downtown Augusta. The Book Tavern carries not only current bestsellers but also antique, out-of-print and hard-to-find books. Additionally, this locally owned bookseller hosts weekly and monthly gatherings for kids, aspiring writers and literary aficionados.

At Augusta Art and Frame Shop, not only can you have pictures and art framed, but you can receive guidance from local experts on framing options that best complement your piece.

A Food Lion just north of the neighborhood on Mike Padgett Highway serves Goshen residents for large grocery shopping trips. For fresh local produce, meat, baked goods and other edibles from local vendors, residents head downtown to the Augusta Market at the River every Saturday from early spring until late fall.