Lincolnia Alexandria, VA

Lincolnia originally developed as a community of freed slaves after the Civil War. People slowly cultivated the local economy, which met with a large population boost when transportation methods surrounding D.C. suburbs rapidly expanded. World War II brought expanded employment opportunities closer to the capital, which made the northern Virginia suburbs all the more appealing.

Eventually, Lincolnia transitioned from a rural and agriculturally based economy to the business-oriented hub of today. Residents who want to immerse themselves in the past visit historic landmarks in town, such as the first schoolhouse, or head up Interstate 395 to peruse the exhibits at the Fort Ward Museum. Without a prominent music or arts scene, locals depend on events to fill their weekends, such as the Fall Festival. Residents also attend the art festivals hosted in Potomac.

Plenty of tasty eateries reside in the heart of Lincolnia, with a large group populating the intersection of the Little River Turnpike with Lincolnia Road. From exotic Middle Eastern cuisine to traditional American favorites, this area allows residents and visitors to savor the tastes of the world without leaving the neighborhood. Start with Pho Factory, an affordable Vietnamese café known for its flavorful broths and tender cuts of meat. Order one of the signature bowls that combine soft noodles with a burst of strong flavors, or opt for the wings, which locals praise alongside the vegetarian fried rice. Wash it all down with a tangy fruit smoothie for a meal that leaves you both satisfied and able to afford a second visit.

Send your taste buds on a trip around the world with the flavors of Enat Restaurant on Chambliss Street. The authentic Ethiopian restaurant concocts hearty platters smothered in spices and well-loved sauces. Long-time patrons recommend the vegetarian sampler with any lamb dish, such as the lamb tibs. Meat lovers scarf down the tenderloin and ribeye tibs before moving on to the sweet finale created by heaven-sent baklava and fresh espresso. Thanks to a closing time beyond midnight, hungry patrons can dine on the savory and spicy flavors of Enat for almost any meal, including a midnight snack complete with Ethiopian beer.

Pizza enthusiasts make pit stops at Valentino’s New York Style Pizzeria on Beauregard Street for a slice of cheesy pie and side of famed garlic knots. Though the classic recipes sell out quickly, locals also suggest trying the specials, such as the Buffalo Chicken or Pizza Bianca. Large individual slices and thin crust make this joint feel straight from New York City, but Valentino’s method of loading on the chunky toppings stays unique to Lincolnia.

The nightlife scene of D.C. and Alexandria doesn't quite spill over into the Lincolnia suburb, but locals scope out a few neighborhood pubs to hang out at following a long day of work. Clyde’s at Mark Center provides locals both a generous drink menu and tasty selection of seafood. Locals suggest keeping an eye out for specials, such as half-price wine on certain week nights. Night owls also appreciate the second wave of drink specials called the late night happy hour, which corresponds perfectly with live music. Other pubs outside Lincolnia provide alternative locations to sip cocktails and craft brews, such as Shooter McGee’s on Duke Street and Alley Cat on Whiting Street. The latter attracts lively crowds with the guts to sing live karaoke, though the menu of strong cocktails helps ease any nerves about singing.

Lincolnia requires residents to own a car since about 82 percent of people choose driving as their primary means of getting around. However, competition for parking spots get tough, especially since most metered spaces drive up the price of parking quickly. However, traveling on foot or by bicycle proves more difficult than locating parking since almost no bike-friendly roads exist in the area. Retail spots and restaurants are too spread out for locals to reach by walking, which further reiterates the need for wheels. Luckily, people can schedule rides with GoGreen Cab or Uber. Public transportation also makes commuting to the city effortless since locals hop on bus routes 7A or 7F to connect to the Blue Metro line at the Pentagon Metro Station before heading into the city center. Residents who don’t work in D.C. access the Henry G. Shirley Memorial Highway or connect to Capital Beltway to navigate through northern Virginia.

Locals head to the Green Spring Gardens on Green Spring Road to take in the best of nature. The free park invites residents to wander among the wooded stretches until they encounter the stream and small ponds before circling back to the tropical greenhouse. The 11-acre green space serves as the perfect picnic spot since open grassy fields and scenic views fill every inch of the park. Locals looking to stretch their feet use the paved walking path for short jogs before exploring the grounds of the historic house on site.

Families with active children or pets prefer the Dora Kelley Nature Park on Sanger Avenue for scenic streams with small waterfalls and more room to roam. Pets on leashes are welcome and the area holds the reputation of being an excellent swimming spot for dogs. Some paved trails and paths appeal to bike riders and joggers since the only other exercise-centric locations consist of community rec centers with indoor equipment. Though this free space spans 45 acres, neither park hosts large events or gatherings aside from educational classes at Green Spring Gardens. Locals who attend events such as the Fall Festival look to the Lincolnia Park Civic Association and Recreation Centers for larger organized events within the community.

The safe residential enclave tucked inside an urban oasis of employment and housing options comes with a decent price tag. The average cost of living in Lincolnia hovers about 2 percent higher than D.C.’s, but residents pay similar prices for standard goods and services, such as utilities, health care and groceries. In fact, the higher costs associated with Lincolnia result from a more expensive housing market, with the average monthly price of a one-bedroom apartment coming in at $1,377. Additionally, gas prices sit about 6 percent higher than the national average. To help ease the cost of housing and some aspects of transportation, residents sip on $5 beers, one of the perks of living in the semi-affordable area.

Retail options cling to the eastern side of Interstate 395 since Lincolnia itself has a primarily residential makeup. However, all necessities and a few splurges lie just a few miles away in either direction. Corporate retailers dominate the market with standalone department stores and chain sellers, such as Macy's and Gamestop. Residents appreciate the close proximity of the Landmark Mall for a one-stop shop for both apparel and products. Local shops face steep competition selling in the area, so trendy boutiques and high-end specialty stores reside in Old Town rather than the outskirts of Alexandria. Therefore, thrift lovers and fashion mavens turn to neighboring areas for consignment treasures and name-brand accessories.

Pick up groceries and basic home goods from chain stores such as Harris Teeter and Safeway, though shoppers in need of specialty items frequent Global Food on Winston Court for ethnic delicacies and hard-to-find-favorites. The store sees a lot of traffic for its breadth of offerings, including designated aisles for specific food groups and the countries associated with them. Small convenience stores also scatter the area, making it easy to gather last-minute goods. Lincolnia doesn't host a farmers’ market of its own, but the West End Farmers’ Market operates on Brenman Park Drive just a few miles away. Locals favor this market for its excellent location and occasional live performances, but the vendors selling organic and home-grown produce keep them coming back. This particular market also produces assembled items, such as clothing and pre-baked snacks, rather than simply selling their fresh ingredients individually.