Buckingham Arlington, VA

With more than 150 buildings -- many of which are apartment buildings -- listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Buckingham is a unique neighborhood. Most of the Colonial Revival buildings were built in the 1930s, and the neighborhood is a National Historic District. The many gardens and courtyards set this neighborhood apart, making it a terrific location in Arlington. Buckingham was the final design by Henry Wright, a well-known architect who died in 1936. He believed in garden cities -- planned urban communities that included lush greenbelts and a village center filled with shops and restaurants. And while some of the apartment buildings were demolished during the 1950s, the neighborhood still retains its garden city feel, complete with ample green space and mature trees.

With its proximity to downtown Arlington, Buckingham features a variety of terrific restaurant choices with several more just blocks away. Located along North Pershing Drive, the El Paso Cafe offers a terrific selection of Tex-Mex and Salvadoran cuisine. Be sure to go on a Sunday night to enjoy the mariachi party. If you want to try Pakistani food, head to Ravi Kabob House, located off North Glebe Road. Top-secret local favorites include the Chicken Karahi, Somosa, and the Lamb Kabobs. For special events, Ravi Kabob offers catering services. Head toward the Ballston Common Mall to discover a wide variety of restaurants, such as Sweetgreen, an eco-friendly restaurant serving up salads, bowls, and soups. For something a little more decadent, Buzz Bakeshop is famous for their cupcakes. This bakery also serves coffee, breakfast items, quiche, sandwiches, and more. Kapnos Taverna offers Greek cuisine that includes gyros, dolmades, and spanakopita. It also offers some brunch selections, including Greek Coffee Waffles, Crab Benedict, Baklava French Toast, and Spit Chicken and Waffles (served with Greek honey). With DC only six miles away, a wide variety of nightclubs and theaters are just a short distance away from Buckingham. Visit the National Theatre, the Warner Theatre, or the historic Ford's Theatre to enjoy a selection of Broadway shows, live music, and more. Catch a game or performance at the Verizon Center, which is home to the Washington Capitals hockey team and the Washington Wizards basketball team.

With ample sidewalks and bike lanes, Buckingham is a very pedestrian-friendly neighborhood. Bus stops are scattered along most roads, providing easy access to mass transit. The Virginia Square Metro Station is within walking distance from Buckingham, and the Orange line will take you directly to DC in minutes. If you prefer to drive, Arlington Boulevard will take you to DC. For longer trips, the Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport is about six miles from Buckingham.

Named for the neighborhood's designer, Henry Wright Park is a tiny park with plenty of amenities. This park has a large playground, picnic tables, and a gazebo. Lubber Run Park is a large park featuring an amphitheater, a nature trail, a paved walking/jogging path, a picnic area, a playground, a basketball court, and a volleyball net.

Even though Buckingham is a historic district, the price to live in the beautiful buildings scattered throughout the neighborhood is surprisingly affordable. While the average rent in Arlington is $1,758, it is just $1,318 for an apartment in Buckingham. There are single-family homes in Buckingham, as well, and those average about $672,000 (compared to the Arlington average of $780,000). While there are a few businesses scattered in and near the neighborhood, most Buckingham residents work outside the neighborhood in neighboring Arlington and DC.

Ample shopping is available along North Glebe Road, especially in and around Ballston Common Mall. The mall includes an ice-skating rink and a movie theater as well as smaller boutiques and a Macy's. Strip plazas around the mall offer more shopping, from Freshbikes Cycling and the Tennis Factory to car dealerships, banks, and grocery stores. With Downtown DC just a short drive or train ride away, a variety of shopping is minutes away. And because DC is so pedestrian-friendly, you can stroll along the streets exploring the shops before trying one of the fantastic restaurants for lunch or dinner.