Boulevard - Newport News, VA

Settlers established the area now called Newport News during the colonial years. In 1961, they incorporated the land as part of Warwick County, but the two localities eventually separated and formed their own municipalities. The Boulevard community remained within Warwick County. This split proved temporary. In 1958, citizens voted to consolidate the two areas back into one city called Newport News. In 1961, Christopher Newport University opened in close proximity to the community, spurring an increase in population and diversity.

The Mariners Museum features several exhibits about the history of Newport News. A historic land marker commemorates the Hiddenwood neighborhood, which is located within the Boulevard community. Christopher Newport University maintains an art gallery that features local artists. Exhibits change on a regular basis and the school welcomes visits from the public.

Boulevard residents can eat well within the community, with a variety of restaurants. From upscale establishments to carry out eateries, you find the cuisine that satisfies your hunger. Azzurri Italian Restaurant has been serving customers since 2008. Locally owned and operated, the establishment gives diners an authentic Italian experience. Azzurri means blue in Italian, and the owner says that it symbolizes his support for nearby Christopher Newport University. Stop in for a selection of seven baked pasta entrees or handcrafted pizzas with a variety of toppings.

Warwick Restaurant serves up good food in a diner setting. Order a Southern style breakfast with country ham and a bowl of grits. Fried oysters and a side of fries fill you up during a lunchtime break. The line can get long, so allow yourself some extra time for this good meal. If you like to spend your weekend nights on the dance floor, travel 15 minutes down the road to the Alley in Newmarket Square. Hip-hop music blasts from the speakers as patrons fill the expansive dance area. The kitchen staff keeps the wings coming, while the bar staff keeps the drinks flowing.

Vehicles provide the most convenient mode of transportation in the area, but you can walk to complete some errands. Hampton Roads Transit maintains the public bus system, which runs a regular schedule through the Boulevard neighborhood. Hailing a taxi cab is possible, but challenging. Residents use Uber as another mode of transportation.

When driving your own car, you're sure to find parking available at most businesses, but keep change in your car because some areas of the community only provide on-street, metered spaces. Reaching the highway exit takes a little effort, with a 5-mile drive down the road. Depending on the amount of traffic, your travel time can range from 10 to 20 minutes.

Areas near the college have sidewalks, but pedestrians should still exercise caution when walking on the major thoroughfares. Bikers must also be careful, due to a limited number of bike lanes.

Newport News operates more than 30 parks throughout the city. Riverview Farm Park includes a 3,000-square-foot skateboarding facility for the teenagers to enjoy. The same facility also maintains a designated dog park where registered pets run and play with other four-legged friends. The registration fee only costs $10 a year, with no other entry fees.

Deer Park sits around the corner from the Boulevard community. Its boundless playground allows children of all physical abilities to play. The first facility of its kind in the city, the entire playground provides wheelchair accessibility, with specially made recreation equipment. Hiking trails provide an opportunity for physical activity in this free public park.

Each summer, the Department of Parks and Recreation sponsors a July 4th celebration in the Newport News Park complete with children's activities and food vendors. The night sky lights up with fireworks for visitors to enjoy.

The cost of living in the Boulevard area is lower than the cost in Newport News. Renting a one-bedroom apartment in the community costs a median of $697 per month, which is substantially lower than the citywide average. Traveling to the city's center by public transportation only costs $3.50 for a round trip, and a beer in one of the local pubs sets you back $6. Filling up your gas tank also proves economical, with gas prices that fall below the national average.

The Boulevard community overflows with shopping opportunities, especially along Warwick Boulevard. Shoppers have access to high-end boutiques and high-value discount retailers. Locals treasure the American Oldies Records with its collection of vintage albums. Operating for more than 30 years, the owners pride themselves on servicing lovers of all musical genres and tastes. With the largest collection of used records in southern Virginia, American Oldies Records earns its place as a local gem.

Blush Bridal Consignment Boutique offers a small and intimate venue for private bridal gown fittings, staffed by friendly faces eager to help you find the perfect dress for your big day. Despite the small size of the shop, they offer a generous selection of new and gently-used gowns for women of all shapes and sizes.

Nancy's Calico Shop caters to local quilters and sewers with machines, supplies and fabrics. Located in the Hiddenwood Shopping Center, the owners open their doors to the community for embroidery classes. Each month brings a Sew Day, where new and old friends bond and sew together.

Harris Teeter gives Boulevard shoppers a top-notch grocery experience. Its large stores feature fresh seafood and expansive produce selections. Food Lion also serves the area, providing more value in a modest shopping environment. From May through September, visit the Farmer's Market at City Center, about 10 miles down the road. Local farmers stock the market with a variety of fresh produce.