Chantilly, VA

Chantilly was born when colonial plantations were built here in the 1700s. The Chantilly Plantation was built just prior to the Civil War, but was destroyed by Federal Troops in 1863. The area retained the title of Chantilly despite its namesake going down in flames. Growth continued in the area when the Little River Turnpike made traveling here more direct, and the neighborhood was established as a suburb of D.C. in the 1980s, when developers built outward to support the bigger city’s population.

Residents interested in history head to the Smithsonian Institute or to one of several preserved historic sites, such as the Ox Hill Battlefield Park. Since Chantilly has been so steeped in political and military history, museums and colonial sites overshadow any art or music scenes. Most annual events in the county are hosted in nearby Vienna or Centreville, but locals attend smaller fairs in town, such as the Sugarloaf Craft Festival.

There's no shortage of excellent cuisine in Chantilly, with the majority of local eateries clustering around the Lee Jackson Memorial Highway and Sulley Road. Locals taste it all from vegetarian and Asian Fusion to Indian and American staples with a twist.

Lotus Vegetarian Restaurant appeals to anyone in search of hearty meals with powerful flavors. Local favorites, such as pumpkin chowder and avocado rolls, please vegetarians and meat-eaters alike, but the General Tso's Surprise stands as the real crowd pleaser — the cooks pan fry chunks of soy protein before tossing them in a bath of zesty chili sauce. Wash it all down with a soy tea or strawberry-banana smoothie to get hooked on Lotus.

Head to Megabytes Eatery for classic deli-style entrees that incorporate a bit of Asian flair. Regular patrons overwhelmingly suggest the mega hurt rolls, a group of fried rolls stuffed with spicy pork. From chili cheese tater tots to the mega-hot banh mi, this establishment serves up something for everyone. Affordable prices and huge portions make this an economical and filling option for daily lunches.

The nightlife scene in Chantilly features a string of bars, pubs and lounges that stay open late and foster social atmospheres. Line of Departure on Interval Street comes in first in terms of excellent liquor and classic mixed drinks. Locals appreciate this neighborhood bar, and frequently come out for bourbon tastings and a quiet drink after a long day. Another popular spot, Dogfish Head AleHouse, features microbrews from this well-known Delaware brewery. Order off of the extensive pub menu and be sure to check out the beer pairings. Locals in search of a more active atmosphere frequent Bungalow Billiards and Brew Company for cheap mugs of beer and a round of pool.

Residents in Chantilly heavily depend on cars for the majority of their transportation needs. The size of the area prevents it from being very walkable, except around the intersection of Walney Road and the Lee Jackson Memorial Highway, where locals on foot can reach restaurants or shops within five minutes. Cycling around the area remains a different story, as most major roads are bike-friendly, with bike lanes on multiple roads that branch from the Lee Jackson Memorial Highway, including thoroughfares like the Fairfax County Parkway and Centreville Road.

Commuting to D.C. by car takes roughly an hour by accessing Interstate 66 from the Lee Jackson Memorial Parkway in Chantilly. Parking in residential areas remains plentiful, but no designated lots or garages are available for park-and-ride commuters.

Many residents regularly commute to the city via public transportation. The Washington Metro Blue, Orange and Silver Lines heads directly to D.C. from the Rosslyn Metro Station, so local riders take the 5A bus route to reach this transportation hub. Destinations within Chantilly can be reached with the 1C or 2B bus routes, or by scheduling a ride through Uber or a local taxi service.

The residents of Chantilly appreciate a quiet park where the whole family can enjoy some green space. Continually regarded as a community favorite, Ellanor C. Lawrence Park on Walney Road allows locals to escape into nature through a series of walking trails. Joggers use the trails to exercise, while pet owners stroll along the streams with their furry friends on leashes. Families appreciate the playground and Saturdays Arts in the Park, which features free music performances and activities tailored for children. Locals suggest checking out the welcome center and nature exhibits, as well as exploring the historic parts of the grounds that lead to a 19th-century dairy.

Rock Hill District Park houses the area’s sole dog park. Next to the gated canine area sits a series of fields, where organized sports take place. Athletes looking for the ultimate sports complex prefer Popular Tree Park, while runners and cyclists stick to the Rocky Run Stream Valley Trail on Stringfellow Road. Most parks in Chantilly do not host large events, though summer activities or weekly programs similar to Arts in the Park can be attended for some routine fun.

Residents in Chantilly pay slightly less for many facets of life than they would in the city. However, the average cost of living remains about 2 percent higher than D.C.’s due to an expensive housing market. The average rental price in Chantilly sits at $1,511 for a standard one-bedroom apartment. Transportation drives up the cost of living as well, with gas prices hovering about 5 percent higher than the national average. Public transit prices vary, with a one-day metro rail pass costing about $14.50 — but a one-way bus fair costs only $1.75. Luckily, residents catch a break on other goods and services, such as health care, utilities and groceries. Affordable luxuries, such as a beer for $5 at local pubs, help alleviate the high costs associated with housing and transportation.

Shopping options in Chantilly congregate around the intersection of Sully Road and the Lee Jackson Memorial Highway, and extend down Walney Road. Many large chain retailers operate in the area, giving locals a great selection of high-end department stores and bargain outlets.

Not many boutiques thrive against the corporate competition, but Style Ride Boutique combines mobility with unique women’s apparel for a unique shop that fashion-minded residents enjoy. Dozens of outfits line the shop, which is housed of an automobile similar to a food truck, and the racks consists of flowing summer dresses and one-of-a-kind blouses. Shoppers appreciate the range of sizes and rotating inventory.

Other, more specialized retail stores cater to residents with niche hobbies, such as the comic-book store Game Parlor, and Sun & Ski, an outdoor shop for adventurous types. Even though locals can purchase everything new, many prefer to stick to more affordable options from eclectic thrift stores, such as the Habitat For Humanity thrift shop and Pender Regift Thrift Store on Brookfield Corp Drive.

Locals grab groceries from several establishments that range from big-name specialty grocers to neighborhood convenience stores. With corporate grocers like Harris Teeter and Aldi dominating the grocery space, only one local specialty grocer exists in the area — India Bazaar combines freshly made grab-and-go meals with typical ethnic products and hard to find spices. The nearest community farmers market lies in Reston, though locals often venture to Fairfax for the markets that operate there.