South Peace Haven - Winston-Salem, NC

After merging in 1913, the cities of Winston and Salem became one of the biggest hubs of the textile and tobacco industries. With over 60 percent of residents employed by either R.J. Reynolds or Hanes, the demand for working-class housing was large, and most houses within South Peace Haven were built between 1960 and 1990 for this purpose. Modern residents no longer identify with the working-class families of South Peace Haven's heyday. Instead, young professionals seeking quality residences and a tight-knit community have started calling this community home.

Winston-Salem houses a number of museums, a thriving arts scene and numerous annual events throughout the year. Locals should familiarize themselves with some of Winston-Salem's best galleries and museums, including the Old Salem Museum and Gardens and Artworks Gallery. The River Run International Film Festival, which takes place every April, showcases films designed to educate and inspire the Triad's residents.

Restaurants in and around South Peace Haven can generally be described as casual and contemporary. Though most restaurants sit along Country Club Road and Jonestown Road, locals find great places just outside the neighborhood boundary as well. Compared with many other neighborhoods throughout Winston-Salem, South Peace Haven does not contain many fast food restaurants.

The Basil Leaf Thai & Sushi restaurant features tons of curried dishes made to order. Choose from more than 70 rolls of sushi, or grab a specialty of the house. Duck with red curry sauce arrives at your table with coconut milk, bamboo shoots, pineapple and raisins alongside kaffir lime leaves and basil. Try the catfish specialty for an American take with classic Thai seasonings. Soft-shell crab represents a delicacy of this restaurant.

Try the casual oSo Eats, a place known for its perfect blend of simple and funky foods. Chefs at oSo Eats create some great culinary masterpieces out of locally sourced food. The menu includes something for everyone such as pasta, beef and seafood. Definitely try the mussels for an appetizer and finish the meal with a hearty helping of oSo's interesting take on bananas Foster.

Barbecue lovers from around the Triad flock to Little Richard's BBQ for fabulously smoked meats, large portions of sides and a great atmosphere. Lexington-style BBQ, known for its hickory-smoked flavor, comes prepared here at Little Richard's with a special sauce that regulars rave about. For newbies to barbecue, start with the pulled pork sandwich, add a bit of coleslaw and then a huge serving of barbecue sauce to prepare for the one of the best meals of your life.

Trendy nightclubs are best found in downtown Winston-Salem. Popular hangouts include Burke Street Pub. Live music represents another reason to head downtown. Happening venues include the gigantic Foothills Brewing brewpub. This popular destination features billiards, a tasting room, a full menu of pub favorites, and live music.

Close to 93 percent of those commuting to work take a personal vehicle or carpool, while less than 1 percent of residents utilize public transportation. Winston-Salem Transit Authority does provide bus service from South Peace Haven to downtown, with buses running hourly along Country Club Road from 6 a.m. until 7 p.m. on weekdays. Taxi companies also operate within this neighborhood, as does Uber.

Drivers heading to downtown Winston-Salem take US Route 421 South to South Main Street, and follow that straight into the city center. Commuters can also take US Route 421 South to access Interstate 40. Residents and visitors should park along residential streets, as no lots or garages lie within the neighborhood.

Manny residents find that they can walk to nearby restaurants and bars, but most everyday errands require a car or another mode of transportation. Bike lanes can be found along South Peace Haven Road, Country Club Road and Jonestown Road.

Winston-Salem operates 74 parks and other recreational facilities and many can be found right around South Peace Haven. Residents enjoy spending an afternoon with their children at the South Fork Community Center. This recreational spot has an indoor gymnasium and many outdoor amenities such as lighted tennis courts and walking trails. Exercise enthusiasts appreciate the Sherwood Parcourse, just north of the neighborhood. The park features a figure eight trail with calisthenics stations along the way. Another great place to take a walk is along the Muddy Creek Greenway. A three-mile trail leads walkers along the scenic waters of Muddy Creek. Dogs are welcome at all of these facilities, but must be on a leash. Winston-Salem parks do not charge an entrance fee, though facility rental fees may be incurred at the South Fork Community Center.

Tanglewood Park lies south of South Peace Haven and hosts many community-wide events throughout the year. One of the most popular, family-friendly festivals is the Festival of Lights. Every year, during the months of November and December, thousands of lights decorate the park. Children enjoy taking a carriage ride and visiting Santa Claus while attending the festival.

The cost of living in the South Peace Haven neighborhood averages about the same as most neighborhoods in Winston-Salem. Renters can expect to pay $515 on a one-bedroom apartment. Transportation costs in South Peace Haven mirror the rest of the Piedmont Triad. Winston-Salem Transit Authority charges $1 for one-way fare. Gas prices in South Peace Haven sit 2 percent above the national average. This city also houses a number of great microbreweries, and most charge around $5 for a pint of beer.

Everyday retail stores and service providers line Country Club Road and Jonestown Road. Though none can be considered truly upscale, most shopping needs can be met directly in and around South Peace Haven. Harper Hill Commons, at the intersection of Country Club Road and South Peace Haven Road, houses the majority of major retailers including Harris Teeter and Walgreens. Within this complex lies one of Winston-Salem's more popular, locally-owned sports memorabilia shops. Score More Sports Collectibles sells memorabilia and licensed merchandise for everyone's favorite football, baseball and basketball teams. Collectors love the selection and the personable service afforded here at Score More.

Locals have many options when it comes to purchasing groceries. Most head north to Country Club Road to shop at either Food Lion or Harris Teeter. Those living in the southern portions of South Peace Haven may drive to the Walmart Supercenter, situated south of the neighborhood along Kester Mill Road. Winston-Salem's famous Cobblestone Farmers Market can be found in Old Salem. This market hosts vendors selling fresh produce, meats and everyday goods and remains open from April through November. Let it Grow Produce, found on Country Club Road, gives area residents an additional outlet to purchase quality local produce. With the goal of providing pesticide-free food to the community, Let it Grow Produce keeps health and nutrition concerns at the forefront of their business model.