Lyon Village - Arlington, VA

Originally the site of a dairy farm owned by a D.C. butter merchant, Lyon Village became a streetcar suburb in the 1930s and 1940s. The land was purchased by developer Frank Lyon, who subsequently divided the 165 acres into individual lots and resold them. This allowed residents to build homes in a variety of styles, of which several are considered historical structures today. No museums reside within the neighborhood’s boundaries, so residents interested in the past head to nearby Rosslyn for historical outlets. Similarly, the nearest art galleries or performing arts venues technically reside in Clarendon. Because locals identify so heavily with Clarendon, the most popular annual event they attend is Clarendon Day, followed by the Rosslyn Jazz Festival.

For access to the best in local cuisine, residents head south toward Clarendon, though plenty of favorites are located just outside Lyon Village boundaries. Spice is a crowd-pleasing cafe on Wilson Boulevard that appeals residents in search of piquant flavors and a diverse menu. Local favorites such as lamb shank and the duck-prosciutto hoagie bring crowds in for both lunch and dinner. Regular patrons say the portions are huge, so this is an excellent place to dine on a small budget with big flavor.

For a satisfying meal with a Middle Eastern influence, head to Kabob Bazaar. The Persian cafe is most famous for its namesake dish: the kabob. Locals overwhelmingly suggest the chicken kabob with sour cherry rice. From falafel to salmon kabobs, there is something for everyone. Affordable prices allow people to sample a variety of the menu, though one bite of the beef kifta dunked in yogurt sauce makes it hard to choose anything else in the future.

Lyon Village doesn't feature a nightlife scene of its own, but a string of bars, pubs and lounges along the Clarendon border foster a social environment. Locals recommend scheduling a tour with Trolley Pub Arlington, a party bus tour that offers riders drink specials and chauffeurs rambunctious groups around to all the best Arlington bars. A stationary night out is more your style, head to the Galaxy Hut. The 2 a.m. closing time means locals can sip on a craft beer from the extensive menu well past midnight. Boasting live music, karaoke and excellent vegan bar food, this place is packed almost every night of the week. Beer mavens particularly love it despite the trendy atmosphere, and almost everyone agrees this is the best bar outside of the city.

Residents in Lyon Village take to the streets as often as they can. Low crime rates and plenty of sidewalks make the area incredibly walkable. Cyclists also appreciate the opportunity to share the roads, since many are biker-friendly, and Wilson Boulevard and Kirkwood Road have designated bike lanes. Environmentally conscious residents even choose to commute to D.C. on the Custis Trail, a cyclist-only trail that runs parallel to the Custis Memorial Parkway into the city. However, a commute by car takes roughly 15 minutes by accessing the George Washington Memorial Parkway from the Lee Highway just north of Highland Street. Even with several other options, public transportation remains a popular alternative. Residents can reach the city in fewer than 10 minutes via the Metro Orange Line, with two stations at Clarendon and Courthouse. Parking in residential areas is common, but locals say spots are hard to come by along both Wilson and Clarendon Boulevard and recommend walking around these roads instead. Additionally, nine bus lines serve the local area, so almost any destination can be reached using one of the routes. Locals in need of a set of wheels use Uber to arrange their nights out or call Red Top Cab for a quick lift.

Residents of Lyon Village appreciate a quiet park where the whole family can enjoy some outdoor time. Lyon Village Park operates as the sole recreational space inside the neighborhood’s boundaries on Highland Street. The free community-gathering space is completely fenced in, making it perfect for families with children who need to let out some energy. In addition to a jungle gym and swings of all sizes, kids can splash around in the spray fountain or make castles in the sandbox. A full-size basketball court and two tennis courts are also part of the 1.5-acre space that attracts athletes who want to play a well-lit game of ball. Pet owners stick to the James Hunter Park off Herndon Street for its registered-only, off-leash dog area. The fenced-in area is filled with turf and plenty of open running space. Pups can also take a plunge in the dog pool and fountain. Locals appreciate the open terrace for its many benches and cleanliness. Unfortunately, both parks are packed to the brim with amenities and do not have spaces large enough for community events. Limited space also means locals have to head to nearby McCoy Park to access paved walking or biking trails.

Residents in Lyon Village certainly pay for their proximity to the District and their flawless homes. The average cost of living sits 35 percent higher than D.C.’s cost due to the expensive housing market. The average rental price for a one-bedroom in Lyon Village sits at $2,253. Public transit prices vary with a one-day Metro Rail pass costing about $14.50, but a one-way bus fare only costs $1.75. Luckily, residents catch a break on all other goods and services. Health care, utilities and groceries, for example, cost the same as they do in the District, and gas prices roughly equal the national average or cost just a few cents more. Affordable amenities overall, such as a beer for $5, help alleviate the high costs associated with housing.

Shopping options in Lyon Village itself are limited, however plenty of retailers congregate along Clarendon Boulevard. Although this cluster of stores falls in Clarendon territory, it lies within easy walking distance of most of Lyon Village. Many high-end chain retailers operate in the area, giving locals the best selection of specialty department stores and boutique-style corporate sellers.

However, a few local shops thrive amidst the big-name competition, such as Current Boutique on Wilson Boulevard. Dozens of racks line the interior of the brand-name consignment shop, allowing locals with a keen eye for fashion to scope out the best deals. Shoppers appreciate the range of brands and categorized inventory, but it’s the option to trade used clothes for cash that keeps them coming back.

Locals grab groceries from chain grocers Trader Joe’s and Whole Foods, but more affordable options such as Giant and CVS Pharmacy serve the same area. For authentic Italian ingredients and sandwiches that draw visitors out from the District, check out The Italian Store at the corner of Lee Highway and North Kirkwood. Residents also attend the Clarendon Farmer's Market or the Arlington Farmer's Market for locally grown produce and handmade goods.