Douglas Park - Arlington, VA

The history of Douglas Park dates back to the early 1900s. In 1927, the neighborhood began appearing on maps, and by the 1930s newly developed homes and communities began to form. The 20th century brought development of apartment complexes and condominiums.

Historical institutions can be found nearly everywhere in Arlington, and just 6 miles away, you can visit the Smithsonian and many of the museums in Washington D.C. Arlington often holds annual art shows and other community events where neighbors gather to participate in hands-on activities and browse through art made by locals.

Visit the Arlington National Cemetery, just a short walk north, to learn more about the city’s past.

Plenty of excitement lies within the confines of the Douglas Park neighborhood. Restaurants and pubs make it possible to find your favorite ethnic cuisine or a place to eat and have drinks. Within walking distance, Café Sazon on Columbia Pike has an array of ethnic options, from enchiladas to silpancho. Head to the counter, and order your meal off of the chalkboard menu. Locals often visit this café for a quick pastry and cup of coffee during the work day.

The Lost Dog Café is located further north on Columbia Pike but still remains within walking distance of the residential parts of the neighborhood. Locals love looking at the funky art pieces hanging in the café as they sit and enjoy a meaty sandwich or a slice of pizza. Some of the tables have bottle cap surfaces laid strategically to create unique art. For around $15, you can get The San Diego, a side of Italian fries and a drink.

For a few laughs, the Arlington Cinema and Drafthouse often has comedy shows and other films showing. You can sit down at a table, order typical movie-theater foods such as soft pretzels, nachos and pizza, and watch a movie projected on the wall right in front of you. Draft beers and other alcoholic beverages make this theater even more interesting. Free parking can be found behind the building, and the cinema also has specials that include $2 movies.

Wander down the way from the cinema to the Purple Lounge, a favorite local haunt. This hookah bar has top-shelf liquor, ethnic food and an array of hookah options. Sit at the bar, and discuss the options with the friendly staff

Travel throughout the community is particularly easy because of the underlying grid pattern. Main roads such as Columbia Pike and the Henry G. Shirley Memorial Highway allow locals to travel further north to parks, museums and Washington D.C. Many residents can be seen walking and riding bicycles on the safe streets and sidewalks during the warm-weather months.

Uber service is available in the area, as well as traditional taxi services. Other forms of transportation include public bus service through Arlington Transit. The bus routes take residents to the main parts of Arlington for just a couple dollars.

The variety of parks available make the Douglas Park community perfect for dog owners, families with children and the elderly. Right in the neighborhood, Barcroft Park features athletic fields, bleacher seats, benches, walking and jogging paths and a gigantic playground for kids. Even pets can have some fun as long as they remain leashed. Bathrooms, free parking and water fountains make this a convenient area to relax or enjoy a game.

The paved trails at Douglas Run allow anyone to enjoy the natural settings, even locals pushing strollers or sitting in wheelchairs. The city of Arlington offers many different parks that appeal to a wide variety of interests. Exercise-centric features, fenced dog runs, swimming pools, bicycle paths and hiking trials can all be enjoyed within the boundaries of the community, and parking remains free at each lot of preserved land.

Living in Douglas Park can be costly. Many of the residents work in the nation’s capital and live in Arlington. Commuting back and forth with a private vehicle remains simple, since gas prices typically run 1 percent lower than the national average. Uber charges about $14 for a ride to Washington D.C., and bus fare costs around $2 one way.

A one-bedroom rental in Douglas Park averages $1,173 a month. Grabbing a beer in a local pub or bar costs upwards of $5 for a pint, unless you find a happy hour or dive bar. Nonetheless, meals and drinks can rack up quickly, depending on where you go. Smaller cafés charge around $10 per meal, while the more upscale restaurants cost much more per plate.

Shopping options in Douglas Park consist of smaller boutiques and thrift shops. For unique home decor, check out Le Village Marche on S. Randolph Street. This shop sits amongst many others that form The Village at Shirlington. Kitchen utensils, wall decor, handmade soaps and more can be purchased in this boutique.

If you enjoy thrift shopping, head toward the Columbia Pike Thrift Shop. This community thrift shop adds new inventory frequently and often holds local art shows. Everything for purchase includes jewelry, art, antiques, clothes and other gently used items or handmade creations.

Many grocery stores and markets exist nearby, especially as you head towards Columbia Heights. The Columbia Pike Farmers Market, a local favorite, sells fresh, reasonably priced produce from area growers.