Annandale, VA

The history of this neighborhood began when Englishman Colonel William H. Fitzhugh purchased 24,000 acres of land that his descendants renamed "Ravensworth," transforming it into a large tobacco plantation that the family farmed for six generations. The plantation's name dropped out of use in 1830 once portions of the land had been sold off, leaving the community of Annandale in its place. Shortly after, businessman William Garges opened a blacksmith shop and livery stable as well as the first steam-driven saw mill in the county, beginning a long period of growth for the neighborhood.

Nearby, visit the National Women's History Museum and the Fort Ward Museum, a preserved fort with exhibits on Civil War topics. Each fall, enjoy the community's Fall Festival, featuring live entertainment and international dancers as well as shopping and entertainment for the kids.

Most entertainment options within the neighborhood congregate around the Little River Turnpike and Columbia Pike intersection, the downtown area located between two of the main thoroughfares through town. Expect a strong Asian influence to most of the local cuisine, with a few home-grown establishments dotted between them.

Visit Rice Pot Asian Cuisine for a fusion of Asian cuisines, including Chinese and Thai, cooked by chefs from Hong Kong. Locals recommend the giant shrimp with garlic sauce or the salt-baked pork chops, with mango mousse cake and Thai tea to finish the meal. This eatery also provides delivery and carry-out alternatives and can host or cater your party.

Try local favourite Kogiya for Korean BBQ and traditional Korean dishes. Choose a noodle or rice dish from the menu or take your pick from the à la carte menu featuring options ranging from spicy sliced rib eye and fatty brisket to pork shoulder, marinated duck and miso pork belly. Enjoy an all-you-can-eat set menu, also focused on BBQ dishes.

Head to Silverado for an all-American brunch, lunch or dinner. Start the day with brioche French toast or squibnocket scrambled eggs, grab a fajita at lunchtime or try the locally recommended grilled salmon at dinner with warm white chocolate bread pudding for dessert. Silverado forms part of a small local chain of restaurants spread throughout the Virginia and Maryland area.

Find plenty of entertainment in Annandale once the sun sets, all in the same general area. Head to Cafe Chocolate for a cocktail menu, food options and karaoke. Play a few games of pool at The Cue Club of go bowling at AMF Annandale Lanes.

Most residents of Annadale rely on personal vehicles for transportation within and outside the neighborhood. A car-dependent city, the neighborhood does feature some metro and rail transport lines. Uber and other ride-share services operate in the area, and you can expect to pay $9 as a starting fare for your transportation. Few taxis travel around Annandale, but you can easily call a local firm to pick you up. Find limited on-street parking in Annandale, most of it at major parks and businesses. The Capital Beltway toll road bisects Annandale and connects to two other major highways to the north and south. This neighborhood is not easily walkable and offers little to no biking infrastructure beyond use of the sidewalks.

For those with exercise on their mind, Wakefield Park features running and biking trails, lighted basketball and tennis courts, a skateboard park and a recreation center. For an afternoon of relaxation, Mason District Park includes a grassy area with nature trails, basketball court, picnic area and a playground for the kids.

Head to Accotink Stream Valley Park, a 493-acre recreation area with a lake that offers water sports, fishing, mini golf and an antique carousel for the young and the young at heart. Annandale Community Park features access to a creek for fishing and the Hidden Oaks Nature Center for kids to explore and learn about nature, with plenty of green areas for picnicking or just enjoying a beautiful day out. All park and green spaces require you keep your pet leashed.

The Annandale Chamber of Commerce holds the outdoor-oriented Fall Festival every October, located in the Safeway parking lot, featuring food vendors, live music, events for the kids and more.

Expect a cost of living in Annandale roughly 36 percent higher than the Virginia state average. The average rental cost for a one-bedroom apartment is $1,347, roughly the same percentage above the state average. Expect to pay between $2 and $5 dollars to reach the city center using public transportation, while a pint of beer will cost around $8 and the price per gallon of gasoline hovers around four percent higher than the national average.

Head to the Annandale Shopping Center on Gallows Road to find several chain stores and some local boutiques, such as Collector's World and Tiffany's Bakery. Along the Little River Turnpike, watch out for hidden gems such as Lil Thingamajigs Gift Shop and The Faceshop, selling Korean skincare products.

Visit Auntie Te's for used, vintage and consignment women's clothing and jewelry. Head to Meadows Farms Nurseries for garderning needs or Total Fashion Garosoo Avenue for Asian-inspired fashion.

For groceries, try H Mart on Heritage Drive, Safeway on Little River Turnpike or Giant Food located on Columbia Pike. The Annandale Farmers Market takes place on Thursdays from May to November, selling farm and orchard produce as well as breads and cheeses.