Lake Ridge - Woodbridge, VA

George Mason was born in Virginia in 1725. He was a delegate to the US Constitutional Convention in 1787, but he refused to sign -- he objected to the lack of a bill of rights, and he wanted an immediate end to the slave trade. He had written a Virginia Declaration of Rights in 1776, and James Madison eventually used that to introduce the Bill of Rights at the First Congress in 1789. As a result, George Mason is regarded as the father of the US Bill of Rights. Mason's son, Thomas Mason, inherited some of his land after his death. That land was located on the south side of the Occoquan River, and Mason named his plantation Woodbridge. He built a wooden toll bridge to replace the ferry across the river. Eventually, a village developed and was named for this plantation: Woodbridge. During the 1960s and '70s, a planned community was built along the river and named Lake Ridge. This large neighborhood was eventually annexed, along with Dale City, by Woodbridge to form one large CDP. Leesylvania State Park in Woodbridge contains the historic Freestone Point Confederate Battery, gun emplacements from the Civil War. The battery is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Another historic site, Rippon Lodge, is the oldest house in Prince William County. It was built around 1747 as part of Richard Blackburn's tobacco plantation. The house museum is open to the public seasonally, from May through October. In addition to the historic house, the site contains 43 acres of gardens, walking trails, and the Blackburn family cemetery.

On the south side of the neighborhood, Dillingham Square contains several restaurants, including House of Chou, Ariang Steakhouse, and Brittany's. Residents recommend the Egg Foo Young and Crab Rangoon at House of Chou. Ariang Steakhouse is known for their sushi, while Brittany's is the go-to local hangout with a sports bar atmosphere. Merchant Plaza, another local shopping plaza, contains the popular chains Panera Bread and Chipotle Mexican Grill. It is also home to Siam Bistro, a popular Thai restaurant that serves some terrific Larb Gai and Massaman Curry. Follow Old Bridge Road just outside of Lake Ridge and you'll find Brooke Centre. This shopping plaza holds a secret gem -- Rahama Restaurant. This West African restaurant is well-known for their authentic flavors. Try the Tuo Zaafi or the Peanut Butter Soup.

Old Bridge Road is the main street through the neighborhood, with I-95 situated just south of Lake Ridge. The PRTC Transit Center, located at Tackett's Mill Shopping Center, provides bus service to the Franconia-Springfield Metro Station. From here, take the Blue Line train directly into DC. Head south on I-95 to reach Marine Corps Base Quantico in about 25 minutes. Bus service from Tackett's Mill is also available.

Located on the Occoquan Reservoir, Lake Ridge Park covers 74 acres and offers access to the Occoquan Water Trail, a hiking trail with fantastic views. The park also contains the Lake Ridge Park Marina, which offers seasonal boat rentals, a boat launch, picnic areas, playgrounds, horseshoe pits, and a miniature golf course. Old Hickory Golf Club provides a professionally-designed golf course, a large putting green, and an indoor golf academy. The clubhouse, with a 3,600-square-foot ballroom, dining room, and veranda, is available for special events like weddings and banquets.

The average rent for apartments in Lake Ridge average $1,700. Homes in the area typically sell for about $304,000, which is higher than the state average of $239,000. The cost of living is also higher than the US average, at 133.3 as opposed to 100.

Tackett's Mill, located on the south end of the neighborhood, is a popular shopping mall and the location of the Tackett's Mill Farmer's Market (May through October). The stores are set around a private lake with a pedestrian bridge. Shops here include Edgemoor Art Studio, Lake Ridge Florist, Pet Value, Massage Envy, and Safeway. A replica of the original Tackett's Mill is part of this shopping plaza. The original mill was one of the earliest in the area, dating back to the 1600s. Dillingham Square, another shopping plaza, is located off Old Bridge Road. This shopping plaza contains a Food Lion, Gold's Gym, GNC, and Dollar Tree. Also on Old Bridge Road, Merchant Plaza contains several restaurants, the UPS Store, and a CVS Pharmacy. Follow Minnieville Road, located on the south end of the neighborhood, to Smoketown Road and you'll find Potomac Mills Mall, a large mall with an Ikea, Nordstrom Rack, Sears Outlet, JC Penney, Burlington Coat Factory, and CostCo. A large AMC theater is also located in the mall.