Manassas Park, VA

Manassas Park truly developed as a place for the people following its important beginnings as Civil War battlegrounds. Starting in 1955, a group of citizens built the first subdivision and founded a civic association a year later. By 1957, “the park” became a town, until it expanded by 600 acres of land in 1974 when it achieved city status. With iconic battles fought nearby, the city now treasures at least three historic sites on the National Register of Historic Places. Curious residents head a few miles south to Manassas, which houses the area’s primary museum on Prince William Street. Similarly, residents also depend on Manassas for its artistic culture and scene, namely, the Center for the Arts on Battle Street. Manassas Park teams with greater Manassas to put on annual events, such as the Greater Manassas Christmas Parade and the Manassas Fall Jubilee.

Residents with an appetite depend on a few local eateries to satisfy their big-flavor cravings. One of the most popular joints in town remains Bacon's BBQ, a southern-style restaurant known for hearty meat platters and family recipes. Barbecue enthusiasts swear by the pulled pork sandwich but suggest topping it off with a unique sauce, such as the spicy Carolina barbecue. From juicy ribs to tender brisket, Bacon's is the go-to place when locals are in need of a sweet or smoky meat fix. If you don't have room for dessert, grab a pecan pie to go and a few sticks of housemade jerky. Make sure to keep an eye out, since Bacon's also operates an equally tasty food truck with the same menu favorites, which makes scoring a peach cobbler or barbecue bowl even easier.

Zesty Mexican flavors and esteemed tacos can be found for under $10 at Tortilleria El Molino. Offering house-made delicacies, such as horchata and fresh, flaky tortillas, this local cafe makes you think you've crossed the border. Inexpensive specials, such as the $1 taco, draw in crowds of hungry residents looking for a go-to spot. While the savory beef pockets bring people in, the well-rounded menu makes them stay. Favorites range from pollo Milanese sandwiches to carne asada tacos and chorizo dishes.

Other local favorites sit just outside the Manassas Park boundaries, but driving an extra mile or two doesn't stop anyone from indulging in huge cheesy pies from Tony's New York Pizza. Though the pizza warrants driving from as far as D.C. to taste, locals say venturing into the side dishes and alternative entrées gives an equal reward. If you aren't in the mood for a loaded veggie pizza, order the famous meat-filled stromboli or sausage and potatoes.

A few bars characterize the late night fun in Manassas Park, since the family-oriented community doesn't focus on rambunctious nights on the town. Philadelphia Tavern, known as Philly Tavern to its fans, is the place to go for tasty drinks and friendly atmosphere. Order the baked brie with your beverage, or nosh on a cheesesteak sandwich. Beer-loving locals stop by for happy hour to score deals on draft beer or enjoy a seasonal flavor. Manassas also houses a string of other neighborhood taverns, such as the Old Towne Sports Pub and the BadWolf Brewing Company, which allow residents to venture south to mingle.

The unique shape of Manassas Park requires residents to own a car, since the boundaries transcend across Centreville road in a thin rectangular shape. In fact, 89 percent of locals choose driving or carpooling as their primary means of transportation. Though many residents who live here actually work in Virginia rather than D.C., a commute to the city by car takes about 45 minutes. Locals who opt for public transportation take the Red MMD bus route from the Centreville Road Station to Tyson’s Corner before connecting to the Silver Rail Line, which takes about an hour and a half total. Driving distances outside the region are reached via Interstate 66 or by connecting to Interstate 95 from the Prince William Parkway. Short errands in town can be reached on foot if the destination lies within a few blocks of the Manassas Drive and Centreville Road intersection. Cyclists feel restricted by the lack of bike infrastructure or biker-friendly roads, so those looking to travel with a reduced environmental impact seek taxis or rides from Uber. This also helps ease the burden of finding a parking spot, though free spaces are populous in most public places and residential neighborhoods. The VRE Manassas Park station also provides plenty of free spaces.

Though the Manassas Park Community Center technically isn’t a luscious outdoor space, it plays a major part in the community’s recreation scene. The facility on Adams Street hosts events for all groups, including day camps for children and adult dodge-ball tournaments. In addition to fitness equipment and organized leagues, residents with pets take to the outdoor dog park for its cleanliness and designated areas for different sized breeds. Members pay a monthly flat fee but consider it a steal for all the activities available to them. Both the recreation center and dog arena belong to Costello Park, which houses softball and baseball fields of its own. The resident-only park has free admission, and visitors only pay for rentals or equipment. Families in need of a wide open space for children to run around attend Signal Hill Park. This natural space caters to those looking for free quiet picnic areas amid jungle gyms and athletic fields. The pond area in particular attracts a large young crowd during warmer months. Since the park sits nestled inside a circular paved lot, joggers can run the perimeter for a quick workout but cyclists stick to the indoor facilities of the Community Rec Center. No annual events are hosted at either part aside from organized leagues and the games associated with them.

One glimmering aspect of life in Manassas Park remains its striking affordability. At an average of 16 percent less than the city’s average, residents pay less for all standard goods and services than they would in Washington, D.C. Health care, groceries, utilities and transportation all cost less than comparable areas. Fuel prices sit exactly even with the national average, and rent for a one-bedroom apartment runs $1,321 a month. To top off the slew of inexpensive facets of life in Manassas Park, residents can also enjoy a beer for $3 to $5.

Because of the city’s close proximity and relative dependence on Manassas, the majority of unique shopping options reside 4 miles south, along Liberia Avenue and Centreville Road. However, all basic needs can be met with the stores in Manassas Park, since many of them are chain retailers or big-name outlets.

To peruse venues such as the Manassas Park Shopping Center and Sister Thrift & Consignment, locals again head to Centreville Road. The thrift store beats out corporate competition for curated antiques and second-hand furniture, though their artistic displays and functional styling help prove their inventory to be treasure rather than trash. Thrift mavens use the local consignment shop to furnish their homes trendy statement pieces and one-of-a-kind furniture. Fashion-minded shoppers also head west of Manassas Park to spend long evenings walking through the various shopping plazas along Sudley Road.

Between chain grocers such as Food Lion and the Latin Megamart, locals buy groceries from a variety of stores along Centreville Road. A large number of specialty and local grocers sweeten the mix, such as A&A Halal Grocery on Manassas Drive. The store presents aisles of unique items from hard to find fresh halal meat to bakery items reminiscent of other countries. In addition to the Friday Farmers’ Market hosted inside city hall, residents overwhelmingly support the Old Town Manassas Farmers’ Market operating on West Street. This market sells twice a week year-round and showcases a variety of different vendors, selling items from artisan breads and local honey to inexpensive produce and ripe herbs. Locals suggest bringing plenty of cash so you can grab snacks to munch on, especially if the pickle stand or cupcake sellers are present.