Ashburn Farm - Ashburn, VA

Ashburn's beginnings trace back as far as the 18th century, but the area was likely named in the 1870s after a chunk of the Farmwell plantation was sold and renamed. Like many other northern Virginia towns, the real population boom occurred with the arrival of expanded railroad systems. Ashburn was more known as a commercial hub and summer destination for people trying to escape the city. Today, Ashburn houses a few historical landmarks, and the Heritage Farm Museum lies about seven miles away in Sterling. Ashburn Farm residents look forward to a broad calendar events within the community and in neighboring areas, such as themed 5Ks, craft fairs, and family festivals.

A healthy food scene keeps residents of Ashburn satisfied, since they can indulge in cuisine from Greek to Peruvian and Japanese to classic American. Several local restaurants line Ashburn Road, giving locals easy access whenever their stomachs start to rumble. Start with Opa Mezze Grill, a Mediterranean cafe at the Ashburn Village Shopping Center renowned for its Chicago gyro and chicken souvlaki. For dinner, order the lamb kabob to savor the flavors of the tender meat. Locals say you can't go wrong with a side of zucchini fritters, especially if you get a side of tzatziki sauce to dunk them in. If you're indecisive, order the mezze sampler for a tour of Greece that will make you feel like you've left the country to dine alongside the sea.

Feast on the flavors of Ford's Fish Shack in Cameron Chase Village Center on Ice Rink Plaza. The savory restaurant concocts seafood favorites with a twist. Frequent visitors suggest the fish and chips or the Connecticut style lobster roll for a meal that will leave you licking the salty butter off your fingers.

The nightlife scene in Ashburn consists of a slew of bars and pubs with different environments so residents can experience the best of varying social scenes in the absence of rambunctious clubs and late-night amenities more associated with the city. Some locals favor the Ashburn Pub at the Ashburn Village Shopping Center for its happy hour, and a close time well beyond midnight invites thirsty people to sip a few inexpensive beers from an extensive list of brews. The booming bar occasionally features live music and touring local bands. Craft beer fans flock to Lost Rhino Brewing Company and Old Ox Brewery for great-tasting brews accompanied by live music and social events.

Plan to drive a car as your primary means of transportation in Ashburn; it's difficult to reach most destinations on foot. In fact, 87 percent of residents drive on a regular basis, including temporary rides such as taxi services or Uber. A commute to the city by car takes about 45 minutes by accessing the Dulles Access Road from Waxpool Road, though many people choose public transportation for regular commutes.

A shuttle bus picks commuters up from four locations in Ashburn Farm and drops them off at the Dulles North Transit Center, where they can transfer to Loudoun County Transit bus routes that extend to Metro stations or all the way into Washington.

Ashburn Farm boasts 28 miles of walking and biking trails. Many bicyclists head to the W&OD Trail, which cuts through the heart of the neighborhood and runs from Purcellville to Arlington. Residents in Ashburn say parking comes easily, but traffic tends to slow things down a bit.

Several parks lie within Ashburn Farm. Families with children tend to hang out at the 16-acre Ashburn Park on Partlow Road, which includes three playgrounds as well as open spaces for picnics or fresh air. Follow the nature trail down the creek for an afternoon dip in the water. Windmill Park and Trailside Park offer playgrounds and ball fields, and the Breezyhill Recreation Area also features a soccer field.

Ashburn Farm residents cool off in the summer at one of three community pools, and kids can also choose from playgrounds on 19 tot lots scattered throughout Ashburn Farm. A quintet of ponds – Breezyhill Pond, Chokeberry Bond, Gardengate Pond, Summerwood Pond, and Windmill Pond – offer Ashburn Farm residents tranquil views and good spots for fishing.

Several parks pepper the Ashburn area, allowing adventurous residents to bike along the W&OD Trail or watch their furry friends romp in the One Loudoun Dog Park. Locals interested in stretching their legs head to Bles Park off the Riverside Parkway. This free recreation space is best known for scenic trails with gorgeous Potomac views. Joggers and bikers particularly love the space for its lengthy paths. None of these parks host large events, but locals expand their scope to the county for community events and organized programs, such as winter events, summer camps, and small concerts hosted in neighboring town centers.

Living in Ashburn Farm costs about three percent more than the average cost of living in Washington. Residents actually pay less for all goods and services, such as health care, groceries, and utilities. A slightly more expensive housing market makes up the difference between the two locations, with an average monthly rental rate of $1,304 for a standard one-bedroom apartment. Prices overall remain quite affordable, with a beer costing around $4. However, a commute to the city will run a bit more, since gas prices hover about 11 percent higher than the national average and public transit will cost at least $8 for one day.

Retail options in Ashburn cluster around the major thoroughfares, but one-stop shopping centers help form mini districts throughout the neighborhood. Ashburn Farm residents can walk or bike to several small strip malls, such as the Ashburn Farm Market Center and the Ashburn Farm Village Center, to pick up groceries, buy gas, or get some fast food. Residents praise One Loudoun for its restaurants and boutique shops; more serious shoppers can find department stores and other retail chains in and around Dulles Town Center.

The specialty gift shop Zazu, located in Ashbrook Commons, features an eclectic selection of seasonal gifts and year-round treasures. The boutique prides itself on the selection of unique keepsakes and stylish mementos. Fashion lovers come to Brambleton Plaza to frequent Misguided Angels for high-end pieces to complete their wardrobes. Gamers head to University Center to shop at Huzzah Hobbies, while comic book fans flock to Comic Logic, at the Ashburn Village Shopping Center.

Grab groceries from one of a dozen grocery chains, such as Harris Teeter or Wegman's. Ashburn Farm residents have relative ease picking up the essentials, since additional stores such as Giant Food and Global Food bring even more options right to the neighborhood. Locals also enjoy shopping at nearby farmers markets from spring to fall – the Ashburn Farmers Market at One Loudoun on Saturday mornings, the Cascades Market on Sunday mornings, and the Brambleton Market on Sunday mornings. All three feature vendors from all over Virginia, which means locals get the absolute best selection of artisan breads, gourmet treats, locally grown produce, and meat.