Town And Country Estates - Winston-Salem, NC

Like the entire area, the history of Town and Country Estates is tied to both the R.J. Reynolds family and the Moravian settlers of the mid 1700s. The neighborhood itself grew to be a bedroom community in the 1950s and expanded to its present state along with nearby Wake Forest University, which moved here in the 1950s. The neighborhood's crown jewel is Bethabara Historic Park, a living museum of a 1753 Moravian village.

Most of the growth occurred along Reynolda Road, with strip malls and apartment complexes lining this commercial thoroughfare. The simple homes, set on large lots along winding, dead-end roads, have changed little over the years.

Wake Forest University hosts many performances and art showings. Annual events abound in the region, ranging from the North Carolina Wine Festival to winter holiday Festival of Lights.

The bulk of the dining options for residents lies along Reynolda Road. With several Italian, Mexican and Asian options, a drive down Reynolda opens you up to a number of choices for a meal out. In addition to the ethnic offerings, classic Southern cuisine shines here. MamaZoe Michael's serves up a variety of classic and specialty dishes with a Southern vibe. Fried chicken, oven-roasted meats and shrimp and grits count among the favorites.

Wake Forest University sports memorabilia line the walls at Tequila, a Mexican restaurant with a sports bar vibe. Students and locals alike consider this the best Mexican food in town. House-made salsas, fresh chips and a wide variety of burrito and enchilada options delight the taste buds. The weekend margarita specials are one of the main draws.

The only Indian restaurant for miles, Golden India serves fabulous curries and a house special vegetarian Thali dish that can't be missed.

The jukebox at the aptly named Friendly Tavern keeps the mood up, and the drinks flow with this mixed crowd of locals and college students. This place packs them in on the weekends, so come early to get a table or a seat at the bar.

Residents of Town and Country Estates get around by car. Reynolda Road provides a quick shot into downtown Winston-Salem, 5 miles to the south.

Within the city center, you can ride all day on the Winston-Salem Transit Authority buses, but you can't go far. Locals who work downtown often drive to the edge of the city before boarding a bus, avoiding the hassle and cost of parking.

Taxis can be ordered but seldom hailed, except on the streets of downtown after events. Uber does not offer service in Winston-Salem.

Pedestrian-friendly streets bisect the neighborhood, and kids ride bikes to school and to the parks. Wide green belts and cycling/jogging trails line the area, providing easy human-powered transportation corridors. Check out the Bethabara Trail as an excellent example.

Bethabara Park, a national historic landmark that dates back to 1753, highlights the history of the Moravian settlers who started a religious center and trading post on this site. Twenty miles of nature trails, a museum, guided tours and wildlife viewing await you here, free of charge all year long. Families can spend entire days visiting the various buildings, interpretive trails and open spaces.

Pocket parks and open spaces, including a lovely area surrounding Mill Creek on the west side of the neighborhood, give Town and Country Estates a pastoral, quiet feel. Several greenbelts with trails for walking and cycling run through the region, and Wake Forest University to the south features many gardens and green spaces. Washington Park near downtown Winston-Salem provides residents with an off-leash area for dogs.

Low living costs appeal to residents here. Housing is very affordable, with a one-bedroom unit averaging only $530. Home prices for purchasers are similarly low, with prices well below the national average. In addition, living in Town and Country Estates carries a far lower price tag than in the city itself or even most of the adjacent communities.

Public buses don't serve the neighborhood, but once in the city you can ride all day for $1, with free transfers between routes. Gas prices compare favorably to the national average and are 5 percent lower than the rest of the state. Getting a cold beer at one of the local restaurants or pubs costs a mere $3.

Reynolda Road hosts the shopping for local residents, but most head to Winston-Salem for most of their shopping needs. Still, there are a few spots worth checking out. The Reynolda Manor Shopping Center features a few national chain stores along with a cobbler, a drug store and a pet supply store. Locals come here for their grocery needs at Lowes Foods. Several other groceries, including a Food Lion, can be found within a 3-mile drive.

A bit to the north, check out Piedmont Books and Rae's Flower Shop, locally owned small businesses that residents patronize and swear by. Cobblestone Farmers Market in Winston-Salem features a year-round indoor market with local vendors and organic fruits and vegetables.