Arlington Ridge - Arlington, VA

Arlington Ridge is rich in history. Its high elevation and proximity to Washington made it a key strategic position during the Civil War. The Union built Fort Albany on Prospect Hill and Fort Scott on the highest point of the Ridge to help secure the capital. The forts no longer exist, but parks where they once stood are designated as historic sites. The Hume School on Arlington Ridge Road, built in 1891, now houses the Arlington County Historical Society. Residents who want to steep themselves in more history can get to the museums on the National Mall in just minutes.

Arlington Ridge holds annual community events geared toward families, such as a Halloween parade. Residents also attend festivals in Crystal City, including Sip and Salsa an outdoor food and wine tasting event held in September or the free outdoor film festival held every Monday during the summer.

Drive less than 10 minutes in any direction from Arlington Ridge and you find restaurant hubs in Shirlington, Alexandria and Clarendon, but the closest lies within walking distance on 23rd Street in Crystal City. More than 20 restaurants line this block, featuring flavors from around the world. Bistro 7107 showcases the flavors of the 7,107 islands in the Philippine archipelago. Locals give high marks to the Sisig — sautéed pork with a crispy, crackling skin topped with red onions, green chillies and a dash of cream — and the Shanghai lumpia, Filipino style egg rolls. At Portofino Restaurant, a family-owned institution in Crystal City, the manicotti, spaghetti carbonara and chicken marsala come highly recommended. Your experience at Portofino won't be complete unless you have the canoli for dessert. For Ethiopian food served family style, go to Enjera Restaurant, where the chicken spris, awaze beef or the vegetarian sampler truly satisfy.

Some of the best nightlife in the area happens on 23rd Street as well. At the Crystal City Sports Pub, you can watch your favorite teams on the numerous TVs and play pool, video games, Foosball and darts. The club's three floors each have their own vibe, from raucous fun to a quieter non-smoking club level. Over at the Tortoise & Hare, you can hear live music Thursday through Saturday nights, play trivia games on Tuesdays and catch open mike night on Wednesdays. Locals flock to Freddie's Beach Bar & Restaurant, a fun bar featuring a glittery interior with karaoke every night and bingo on Wednesdays.

Residents in Arlington Ridge have several options for getting around. Most of the neighborhood streets include sidewalks, and some residents can walk to work, shopping and restaurants in the adjacent communities. Arlington Ridge's close proximity to Metro, Washington's subway system, make it a highly desirable neighborhood. Residents can walk or take a Metrobus or Arlington Transit bus to the Crystal City or Pentagon City Metro stations. It takes about 15 minutes to get to Metro Center in D.C. from either station and less than 10 minutes to get to L'Enfant Plaza.

Most roads in the neighborhood are bicycle friendly. Bike lanes on parts of Army Navy Drive and South Eads Street in Crystal City help bikers commute safely. Off-street trails as well as the Mount Vernon Trail and Four Mile Run Trail also help cyclists navigate the area. For those without a bike, Capital Bikeshare operates several stations in Pentagon City and Crystal City.

Drivers in the neighborhood rely on South Arlington Ridge Road, which runs through the middle of the community. Army Navy Drive, South Joyce Street and South Glebe Road also connect residents to nearby towns. Route 1 and Interstate 395 whisk drivers to D.C., Old Town Alexandria and Ronald Reagan National Airport. Some streets in eastern Arlington Ridge require permits for street parking to prevent commuters from parking there and taking the Metro from Crystal City. Those without a car have the option of using the car-sharing service ZipCar, ride-sharing service Uber or calling a taxi for a pickup.

Several small parks dot the neighborhood's south end, including Fraser Park, James W. Haley Park and Oakcrest Park. They provide trails and picnic facilities for local families to enjoy time outside. In Prospect Hill Park in the northern corner of Arlington Ridge, visitors enjoy the view of Washington, the Potomac River and the Air Force Memorial. It makes a great spot to watch the 4th of July fireworks on the National Mall. The largest park in the neighborhood, Fort Scott Park, sits on almost 12 acres and includes nature trails, a paved path, a playground, a baseball field, a basketball court and a lighted tennis court wall. Parking at the parks is free, and you can bring your dog as long as it stays on a leash and off the athletic fields. Area residents enjoy going for a run, walk or bike ride on Four Mile Run Trail, which winds by the south end of the neighborhood.

Along with the convenience and beauty of living in Arlington Ridge comes a higher price tag. The cost of living in Washington, D.C., sits 34 percent higher than the national average, but you can expect to pay even more in Arlington Ridge — about 22 percent more. The neighborhood consists of single-family homes, with no apartment buildings and only a few condominium complexes clustered in the northern end of the neighborhood. Residents pay approximately 10 percent more than the national average for gas, and about $6 for a beer at a local bar. Public transportation on an Arlington Transit bus or Metrobus costs $1.75, and taking Metrorail from Crystal City to Metro Center in D.C. costs $2.45 during rush hour.

Arlington Ridge lies adjacent to abundant shopping opportunities. National chains sit just minutes away at the shops at Pentagon Row and the Fashion Centre at Pentagon City, a mall featuring more than 170 stores, including high-end retailers such as Hugo Boss and Coach.

For boutique shopping, Gossip on 23rd in Crystal City combines great customer service, trendy styles and reasonable prices into an unforgettable shopping experience. Crystal City's proximity to the Pentagon means a lot of military personnel pass through. Many of them stop at the Ship's Hatch to pick up nautical- and military-themed gifts and merchandise. You can shop for a special piece of art to add to your home or office at the Gallery Underground, which showcases the work of regional artists.

When you need groceries, you have to leave the neighborhood, but you don't have to go far. Fill your cart at the Harris Teeter in Pentagon Row or the Giant on South Glebe Road. Use the Costco in Pentagon City to stock up on staples and for the freshest foods, stop by the Crystal City farmers market on Tuesday afternoons between April and November.