Oakton, VA

As the former home of George Washington and George Mason, Fairfax County holds many claims to fame. The development and use of towns such as Oakton date back to the Revolutionary War, though the majority of the regions that cluster in the county have a rich Civil War history. In fact, many buildings built and used by both Confederate and Union soldiers still stand today as a testament of the area’s vivid timeline. Locals itching to know more about the past can visit the National Firearms Museum in Fairfax or scope out preserved spots, such as the Oakton Schoolhouse and Hunter Mill Corridor. Without a prominent art or music scene, residents look forward to annual events in nearby towns, such as Vienna’s Wolfe Trap Foundation for the Performing Arts Festival and the Fairfax Fair just a few miles south.

Local eateries stand limited in number, but this does not mean they lack in flavor. Residents can dine on delicacies from a range of countries, but Yoko Japanese Restaurant consistently tops the list. The Chain Bridge Road café specializes in classic sushi favorites, but locals come for the original recipes, such as the Kenny roll. Patrons suggest splitting a traditional favorite from the regular menu before flipping over to the list of specialties. Try the Pink Lady or the island roll.

For a true taste of Middle Eastern cuisine, stop for dinner at Tigris Middle Eastern Grill. The local restaurant serves an esteemed menu of fresh halal meats and house-ground kebabs. Warm up with a bowl of chicken lentil soup before moving on to a beef shawarma. Vegetarians appreciate the entirely separate vegetarian menu with equally tasty dishes, such as the falafel platter and creamy hummus appetizer. Affordable lunch specials make it easy to pop in for a quick lunch, while the option for takeout allows kebab mavens to indulge whenever they feel the craving.

A quiet nightlife scene means residents need to travel outside the Oakton boundaries for a rowdy night of partying. Less than 3 miles away lies Jammin’ Java, a Vienna venue that showcases live performances and touring bands. Grab a craft beer to wash down your savory snacks, or sip on one of the best cups of joe in miles. Locals who prefer mixed drinks to caffeine check out the drink specials at the bar, where social bartenders sling big-flavor drinks for small-town prices.

The Epicure Café on Lee Highway sits even closer to Oakton. The Mediterranean bar and café features live music and open mic nights, but locals particularly enjoy comedy nights and the affordable cold beer.

Getting around Oakton by car remains the most popular method of transportation. Because the neighborhood stretches across nearly 10 miles, walkers only complete errands on foot around the intersection of Hunter Mill Road and Chain Bridge Road. Plenty of sidewalks also help appeal to locals itching to stretch their legs, but they must share with cyclists since limited bike infrastructure restricts bikers to areas south of Courthouse Road.

Commuting to the city by car takes roughly 35 minutes by accessing the Interstate 66, but public transportation provides residents with the opportunity to avoid traffic and limited paid parking. The Washington Metro Orange Line heads directly to the city from the Vienna Metro Station on Vaden Drive. You can reach destinations within the town by bus via Route 123. Locals who prefer a set of wheels schedule rides through Uber or a nearby taxi service.

Residents of Oakton prefer one green space to all others: Nottoway Park off Courthouse Road. The large, free park has everything from separate sport courts for baseball and basketball to hiking trails in the woods. Locals say this spot is perfect for a peaceful jog or bike ride, especially since some of the trails are paved. While the park welcomes dogs on leashes, most pet lovers keep to the designated dog park for its fenced in space designed with rambunctious pets in mind. With organized sport leagues and occasional car shows, the park constantly has something going on. If you stumble far enough through the trees, you can catch a glimpse of the historic Hunter House, a property built in 1890. The site now hosts Nottaway Nights, a free concert series put on throughout the summer.

Residents in Oakton certainly pay for all they get from living in the popular area. With an average cost of living about 15 percent higher than that of the D.C. area, residents pay more for some standard services, such as utilities and transportation. However, prices for groceries and health care are slightly less than the city’s, leaving an expensive housing market to make up the difference between the two locations. The average rental price in Oakton sits at $1,542 for a standard one-bedroom apartment. Additionally, fuel prices hover about 17 percent higher than the national average. A break in some costs, such as a beer at a local pub for $4, help alleviate the high costs associated with housing and transportation.

Shopping options in Oakton lack the zeal of its neighbors, since the majority of shops cluster just outside the neighborhood’s borders in Vienna and along Fairfax Boulevard. However, a small group of convenience and service stores reside at the Chain Bridge Road and Hunter Mill Road intersection inside the Oakton Shopping Center. Residents come here for groceries from Giant or grab quick odds and ends from the Tiger Mart.

Aside from corporate retailers, locals purchase goods from smaller shops, such as the children’s boutique Tabby Cat or Abbey's Hallmark Shop. For the best in local boutiques and trendy finds, residents head to the heart of Vienna or Tyson’s Corner for an abundance of high-end and bargain shops. Fashion lovers particularly appreciate the close proximity to Wardrobe Rescue Upscale, a women's consignment shop on Maple Avenue regarded as a true treasure trove of high-end wardrobe staples. The Fair Oaks Mall rests just 4 miles away from the center of Oakton, so locals can also head south to reach more variety. No specialty grocers sell in Oakton, but people in search of fresh produce and locally raised meat head to the Oakton Smart Market farmers summer market. The Saturday market features different vendors with deals that beat the local supermarkets.