South Side - Mount Vernon, NY

Residents moved from the Bronx and Manhattan into the South Side neighborhood during the mid-20th century to take advantage of the lower cost. A shift from a city filled with residential homes to a city of regional commerce began shaping the neighborhood into the cultural melting pot of today. Mount Vernon continues to expand and remains the fastest-growing city in New York.

In step with the city's dedication to preserving its culture, Arts on Third hosts the largest arts festival in the county, bringing crowds of 40,000 every summer. Many consider the highlights of the day to be the local artisans' fine art row, live music on three stages, boxing and wrestling matches, and the different vendors selling food.

A funky spot in a deceptively small dining space, Ripe Kitchen and Bar houses a dimly lit and unpretentious Caribbean restaurant. Try the curried goat or the jerk chicken, and sit on the outdoor patio area to be transplanted back to the islands. The rum punch also does a good job of keeping the small bar packed to full capacity.

Steam House Restaurant and Lounge serves American and Caribbean flavors in a minimalist yet classy dining area. The waffle beef sliders, two Angus beef patties between hunks of scrumptious Belgian waffles, are rumored to solve all your problems while the steak, mash, and mac leave diners feeling alive for the first time. A generous weekly happy hour and drink specials bring droves of residents in on a daily basis.

For good Chinese food, head to Golden Gate Chinese Restaurant. A local favorite, try one of either their special combination plates, including Mongolian beef or shrimp egg foo young, that comes with pork fried rice and an egg roll for a happy belly.

With no bars in the neighborhood, nightlife comes in the form of pubs, bars, and lounges in the booming downtown district. Maggie Spillane's Alehouse houses a bar spanning two floors with late night dancing on the weekends downstairs. The rooftop bar accommodates crowds on warm summer nights and the ambiance cannot be missed.

Three of the county's busiest highways serve Mount Vernon: the Bronx River Parkway, the Hutchinson Parkway and the Cross Country Parkway. Interstates 95 and 87 lie less than a mile away from the city's borders, making getting into and out of the South Side neighborhood a cinch.

The Westchester County Bee-Line Bus System and Metro-North Railroad serve thousands of commuters everyday, with service on the Harlem Line and the New Haven Line. Call ahead for taxi service, or book an Uber from your smartphone. Parking can be crowded at times, with metered and timed spots dominating the streets.

Mount Vernon remains invested in the safety of pedestrians utilizing the city's roads and sidewalks. Planning, designing, and implementing on-road bike lanes, wide center medians, and increased shared-use paths provides a smoother ride or walk for pedestrians commuting to work.

Within the city limits, you'll find a number of large and small parks, with Wilson's Woods, a 23-acre, county-owned park, anchoring the other smaller parks. A wave pool and water slides, spray deck, and Tudor-style bathhouse make the park a popular spot in the summer months, while picnicking and fishing in the park's lake provide a needed respite from the energy of the city.

ETB Ice Hutch houses a domed sports facility featuring an ice hockey rink in the winter, and Sports Underdome has indoor tennis and golf available throughout the year. Outdoor fields, a track for running, and a tennis court are also provided within the park's grounds. Brush Park features four regulation-sized baseball fields, dugouts, food service booth,s and restroom facilities alongside a children's playground and garden areas.

The city hosts many annual events such as the Memorial Day parade in May or Ben Gordon Week, during which the NBA star returns to his roots every year to give back to the community that shaped him. Celebrations include concerts, a family festival, and community service projects performed alongside the man himself.

Living in South Side comes with a considerably lower price tag than nearby Manhattan. With a one-bedroom apartment in South Side costing $1,038 a month and a beer at the local watering hole setting you back $7, the price remains much more affordable. A one-way ticket into Manhattan's city center costs $4, and gas prices typically run 15 percent higher than national averages.

Funky art galleries mingle with independent shops and chain stores in the small-town feel of the downtown district on Mount Vernon's south side. Harmony Designs Furniture & Interiors hosts a classy home goods and gift shop in the downtown shopping district. A passion for home interiors permeates the selection of kitschy furniture, posh pillows, and hand-selected gift baskets. For the perfect floral arrangement head over to Badolato's Gramatan Florist. This family-owned and operated business offers some of the finest floral arrangements and gifts in the area.

While perusing the shops, stop into Provisions Bake Shop, a comfy cafe producing sweet delights and comfort foods such as the creamy, dreamy macaroni and cheese. While you're at it, take home some toffee and cherry chip cookies.

Neighborhood grocery options include Whole Foods Market, BJ's Wholesale Club, DeCicco's Family Market, and Super Stop & Shop. The Mount Vernon Fresh Connect Farmers' Market hosts a market every Thursday June through September selling locally sourced produce, nuts, pastries, honey, and wine.