Best?
? Thing about the area
Access to mountains/sea/fields/river/city centre - everything you damn well need in one bite sized little place
? Child-friendly cafe
I don't frequent many child friendly cafes but given the local meets are in Next I think it's a fair do that we promote them :)
? Child-free night out
No votes for late night art then :( free wine, a guided tour, local artists & lots of culture. And free wine. (in case it got missed the first time)
? Outside space
Botanic park for me - my local, love the squirrels, bunnies & the fact you can hide in the tropical ravine, palm house or museum if it rains
? Hidden gem
Lagan tow path - bike, walk, feed the ducks, spot the tiddlers, climbing trees, picnicking, or just stuffing your face at nearby cutters (with added bonus of a swift half)
? Community venues/Schools
Crescent Arts Centre (they hire me a lot so fair dos on the bias there) dance, arts, theatre, book clubs, poetry rumbles, life drawing (of course - takes a bow) as well as so many other things I can't even start.
Schools - Sorry, I tried, I really did but I feel I can't recommend without pointing out the downsides, namely money & religion. So best probably to leave this one out - maybe folks could recommend good pre-school or play-groups or groups that run outside of school like sports clubs (erm? maybe not) ::minefield:: 
? Free visitor attraction
Ulster Museum vote here too (tho inching ahead with the tropical ravine if you have small kids with active 'dinosaur-orientated' imaginations)
? Day out
When DS was little, Botanic park et al (museum, cafe, picnic, swings blah blah blah). Bit older the towpath for a bit of tree climbing, tiddler spotting, duck feeding etc. Nowadays - special events in Queen's or W5 - mostly science related.
? Places to live
With you on South Belfast Tee maybe not exactly where I am now but certainly not to far. In all the years I've been in Belfast I have never lived more than 2miles from where I do now. Having said that a very good friend lives in Knocknagoney & his place is lovely - with Stormount not too far.
? Places to shop
No Alibis for books - hands down David is the most lovely man & rarely a thing he doesn't know about books. I also like Nutmeg in city centre for when I feel a hennaed hair blast from school vibe hit me. Clothes I do have a fondness for TK Maxx since I went in after a whole day's shopping without a sausage and discovered 3 beautiful outfits in one trip to the changing rooms, tho I do like a wander thru Vic Sq ::deliberately has forgotten name of lovely designer I craved last time::