Barcroft - Arlington, VA

The Lake Barcroft Dam was created in 1913 and today is famous for its fishing. The lake features catfish, sunfish, largemouth bass, and rare freshwater jellyfish. The Barcroft neighborhood was established soon after, building up around the Methodist chapel that would become the Barcroft Community House. The chapel was converted to a school in 1908. In 1914, a second schoolroom was added. Barcroft remained a sleepy rural community until around 1930, when most of the current homes were built.

While Barcroft is mainly a residential neighborhood, you will discover some terrific restaurants along Columbia Pike. Atlacatl Restaurant features Salvadoran cuisine, including pupusas and seafood dishes. According to residents, the La Sopa de Marisco is well worth the visit.

Tortas Y Tacos La Chiquita, another local favorite, is said to have the best Mexican food in the DC area. Be sure to pair your tacos with sangria. Just outside the neighborhood along George Mason Drive, the Pan American Bakery offers everything from an egg and cheese sandwich for breakfast to a choripan for lunch to carne asada for dinner. Be sure to order something from the dessert menu, which includes fruit tarts, eclairs, cake, and more. To enjoy a variety of nightlife and more restaurants, head to downtown DC.

Less than two miles southwest of Downtown Arlington and roughly six miles southwest of Washington DC, Barcroft is perfectly located for easy access to either destination. Take Arlington Boulevard to DC as well as to the Arlington National Cemetery. Mass transit is also available -- take the commuter bus to easily access the Metro's Silver line.

For walkers, joggers, and bicyclists, the Washington and Old Dominion Trail runs along the west side of the neighborhood. The paved rail trail extends 45 miles and is nine feet wide. A horse trail runs alongside the paved trail.

Located on the south end of the neighborhood along Four Mile Run Drive, Barcroft Park includes a sports and fitness center, a community field, and the Four Mile Run Trail. Barcroft Park is a large park covering 65 acres. It also includes a picnic area, playgrounds, tennis courts, batting cages, and a basketball court.

On the east side of the neighborhood, Alcova Heights Park covers 13 acres and includes a playground, sport courts, ball fields, and a picnic shelter. Arlington Hall West Park is in the northeastern section of Barcroft. This park includes a picnic area with grills, a playground, and a multi-use field.

Just north of the neighborhood, Lubber Run Park includes an amphitheater, a basketball court, a picnic shelter with grills, a gazebo, a playground, a paved walking path, and a nature trail. The Lubber Run Community Center has a game room, an indoor playground, meeting rooms, and a multipurpose room.

Due to its rapid rise in popularity, living in Arlington can get expensive. The average rent, for example, is $1,758. Luckily, apartments in Barcroft cost slightly less, averaging around $1,500. The trend continues if you wish to purchase a home -- Arlington's average house will cost about $780,000, while in Barcroft the average home price is $563,000.

While there are several shops and businesses along Columbia Pike, they trend toward utilitarian: ethnic markets, grocery stores, and other small businesses line the road. Head directly north of Barcroft and you'll find Ballston Common Mall, which includes an indoor skating rink and a movie theater. Head west toward Bailey's Crossroads and you'll discover the Leesburg Pike Plaza, Crossroads Place, and chain stores like Ross, Marshalls, Old Navy, and Dick's Sporting Goods. Downtown DC offers terrific shopping, ranging from Nordstrom Rack and Macy's to smaller boutiques and art galleries.