Arlington Heights - Arlington, VA

Arlington Heights was formed around 1909, when 25 subdivisions were integrated. It features a variety of historic homes, mainly Tudor and Colonial styles. Added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2008, Arlington Heights offers a tree-filled neighborhood with two local parks. Arlington County was named for Henry Bennet, the First Earl of Arlington, when it was formed in 1801. Arlington is a census-designated place in the county that would be the second-largest city in the Washington, DC area if it were a city. Arlington House, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, was the home of General Robert E. Lee. Built in 1803, the house is located in Arlington National Cemetery. This National Park includes the house museum, exhibits, and a museum store.

Most restaurants in Arlington Heights are located in the south end of the neighborhood, along Columbia Pike. Here, you'll find local favorites Bangkok 54, the Lost Dog Cafe, Thai Square, and Mom's Pizza. Nightlife includes the popular Purple Lounge, Twisted Vines Bottleshop and Bistro, and P. Brennan's Irish Pub and Restaurant.

Bangkok 54 is famous for its Tom Yum Shrimp Soup, the Panang Curry, and the Spicy Duck. And if the menu inspires you to try and make some Thai food of your own, Bangkok 54 also features a market. The restaurant has been in business for more than 30 years.

You'll feel good having lunch or dinner at the Lost Dog Cafe. Not only are the pizza, sandwiches, and craft beers fantastic, but a portion of the profits go to dog and cat rescue. Locals recommend the Phoenix, the Bureaucrat, and the Bow Wow.

Twisted Vines offers a terrific bistro along with a wine and whisky bar. Attend a wine-tasting event or special wine-and-dinner pairings. The menu changes often, as the chef uses locally-sourced, seasonal ingredients. Join the wine club for perks like discounts, members-only events, and more.

After dinner, head to the Arlington Cinema, a 1930s theater that serves beer and cocktails to enjoy during the movie. In addition to the movie theater (rated one of the best in the DC area), Arlington Cinema also features a comedy club.

Arlington Heights is roughly five miles southwest of Washington, DC. Getting around the DC area is fairly easy. Drivers can take Arlington Boulevard directly into DC, or they can take I-395. Those who prefer mass transit can take the Metro's orange and silver lines into downtown DC. Bicycle lanes and the Arlington Trail make getting around by bicycle easy and enjoyable. Sidewalks throughout the neighborhood make walking possible, as well.

Arlington Heights Park is a small pocket park bordered by South Irving Street and 9th Street. It features picnic tables and benches in a wooded setting. The much larger Thomas Jefferson Park offers soccer fields, a community and fitness center, an art studio, and tennis courts. This park is located between Arlington Boulevard and 2nd Street.

Just east of the neighborhood, Arlington National Cemetery offers several historic locations, including the President John F. Kennedy Gravesite, the Civil War Unknowns Monument, the Arlington House, and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Arlington National Cemetery was established during the Civil War on the site of General Robert E. Lee's house, which the government had confiscated during the war. It was established to prevent Lee from coming home, but today Arlington House is a memorial and a museum.

Living in Arlington can be expensive -- the cost of living in Arlington is about 53 percent higher than the national average. Arlington's average rent in about $1,758 -- luckily, apartments in Arlington Heights are less than that, at about $1,084. Arlington Heights is a terrific option if you decide to buy a home, as well. Detached houses average $585,000 in Arlington Heights -- less than Arlington's average of $780,000.

In the neighborhood, you'll find shops and businesses to the south, along Columbia Pike, and along the neighborhood's western border, Glebe Road. Just a few minutes north of Arlington Heights, Ballston Common Mall is a favorite destination. This mall features an ice-skating venue called the Kettler Capitals Iceplex in addition to its stores. In addition to stores such as Macy's and CVS, the mall also contains the Regal Cinemas Ballston Common 12 movie theater.

Head to Downtown DC for more shopping options, including Nordstrom Rack, Allen Edmonds, Rizik's, Men's Warehouse, and more. Just south of Arlington Heights, the Village at Shirlington is a popular outdoor mall featuring cafes, an AMC theater, Signature Theater, and shops like Hardwood Artisans and Le Village Marche.