North Central - Virginia Beach, VA

The rich history of Virginia Beach began in 1907 when John Smith and his crew came ashore to begin building Jamestown. Over the centuries, the area transformed from a small colony into a thriving vacation spot. North Central remained mostly undeveloped until the 1800s, when a few wealthy residents came to build their estates.

Take a walk through time with a tour at the Francis Land House, a 19th-century Georgian-style plantation home filled with antique furniture and beautiful gardens. You can also take a short drive along Virginia Beach Boulevard to explore the museums in nearby neighborhoods. Although North Central does not host many galleries or art shows, it plays host to a unique art scene in downtown. For a taste of community culture, don't miss the city's annual events, which include the Neptune Festival, the American Music Festival, and the Boardwalk Art Show and Festival.

North Central's dining scene along Virginia Beach Boulevard serves up everything from gourmet cuisine to cheap home-style sandwiches. Every restaurant here exudes an air of elegance, from the quirky tea houses and fresh delis to the seafood restaurants and burger grills. Although this unique atmosphere might fool you into thinking that you're dining in the heart of artsy downtown, this collection of culinary favorites carries a distinct North Central flavor.

Channel your inner tea fanatic at Quintin's Tea Emporium, a unique shop that stocks the biggest selection of fine teas in Virginia Beach. Its selections ranges from black and oolong to rooibos and tisanes. Just tell the kind staff what flavors you like to receive their happy guidance about which loose leaf blends suit your tastes. The shop stocks plenty of brewing supplies so that you can enjoy a cup in your living room, but you can also have the staff brew a cup for you to sip from fine china as you browse a newspaper in the dining area.

A hidden gem filled with creative meat and seafood dishes, Braise draws a loyal crowd with favorites such as the braised ribs with cheese grits, stuffed rock fish and seared tuna. This place even serves gourmet vegan options made with Gardein faux chicken if you're on a plant-based diet. Don't leave without sampling its specialty desserts, which include chocolate ravioli and chocolate cake with mocha ice cream.

When in the mood for a hearty sandwich with fresh cuts, stop by The Route 58 Delicatessen to order a pastrami or corned beef sandwich stuffed with thinly sliced deli meats to the bursting point. This places serves huge portions that easily feed two, so don't be put off by the hefty prices.

Although most residents head downtown to explore a rich nightlife scene with karaoke and live music, North Central has a few surprising finds. Join the local crowd at L.A.'s Nightclub for one of the best happy hours in the neighborhood with domestic brews, wells and cherry bombs at rock-bottom prices. The glitzy lounge atmosphere, talented DJs and late-night entertainment make for a great night out on the town.

North Central may feel cut off from the city with its winding roads and waterways, but commuters enjoy easy access to downtown via Virginia Beach Boulevard and the Norfolk Virginia Beach Expressway. Most residents navigate the neighborhood by car, enjoying plenty of free parking even in the retail district. If you need a quick ride into town, call a local taxi service, such as Best Rides Taxi Cab Service, or a ride-share service such as Uber.

Buses from the Hampton Bay Transit service the neighborhood, but you only find stops along Virginia Beach Boulevard. A bike trail runs along a small section of Little Neck Road with no other bike lanes present throughout North Central. However, the laid-back residential streets make for a safe, easy ride if you do choose to travel by bike. If you prefer to walk, keep in mind that the neighborhood's suburban setting means most amenities don't lie within walking distance of the residential streets.

The neighborhood has no public parks of its own, so many locals choose to walk their dogs or jog along the sidewalks. Residents also take their pooches into downtown Virginia Beach to play on the public beaches during spring, fall and winter.

Mount Trashmore Park stands out as an attractive nearby green space with its two grassy mountains made from compacted trash. Let your kids play in the skate park and climb on the playgrounds, or go for your morning jog on its walking paths. You can also fish from the shore on the two lakes and grab a bite at the concessions stand in the summer before playing some volleyball. If you want to get a workout in, take advantage of the 10 outdoor fitness stations situated around Lake Trashmore.

The overall cost of living in the North Central neighborhood hovers a little above average for Virginia Beach. If you choose to rent, be ready to pay around $948 for a one-bedroom apartment. Taking the bus into downtown Virginia Beach generally costs $1.75, and gas prices fall around 11 percent below the national average. When you go out for a drink at one of the local bars, expect to pay around $5 to $6 for a pint.

On the south end of the neighborhood along Virginia Beach Boulevard, you find a thriving retail scene teeming with hobby shops, markets and national fashion retailers. Drive down the street to discover upscale consignment fashions, unique home decor and all the staples of suburban living.

Step into Worth the Wait to discover a whimsical collection of jewelry, watches, handbags and heels from designer brands. Here, you find a stylish assortment of high-end clothing that fits the season, but many pieces lean toward the more conservative crowd. Think floral prints, vintage lace and mother-of-the-bride evening gowns. Whether you want to sell your gently used apparel or get some great deals on sale days, Worth the Wait has you covered.

For nautical and beach-themed decor to fill your new house or apartment, check out The Sterling Seahorse. Customize your home with an array of beautifully crafted carpets, flooring, wallpaper and fabric. Also, find cute gifts, holiday-themed decor and wall art. If you don't see what you want, talk to the staff about ordering custom furniture for your home or patio.

Drive down to the retail area to grab your weekly groceries at Kroger, or pick up some bulk food items at Sam's Club. For some fresh produce, don't forget to visit the nearby Virginia Beach Farmers Market.