North Springfield - Springfield, VA

In 1661, King Charles II granted the land that now includes Springfield to English nobility. Fairfax County takes its name from Lord Fairfax, who came to own much of the land through an advantageous marriage, and the county lines began to take shape in the mid-18th century. The county ran on tobacco and agriculture until the 1950s. Villages, including North Springfield, started developing during the 1950s, and The North Springfield Civic Association dates back to 1956.

No major museums operate in greater Springfield, but the nearby historic town of Alexandria has many options. The Stabler Leadbeater Apothecacy Museum showcases one of Alexandria's oldest operating businesses. The museum's exhibits show a remarkable number of antique medical and pharmacy materials. Annual community events in Springfield include the Springfield 5K and the Springfield Community BridgeWalk.

The diverse population of Springfield brings in a number of unique dining and nightlife options for its residents. For instance, Pho Cong Ly Noodle & Grill serves steaming bowls of authentic Vietnamese pho. Make sure to order a side of its freshly made spring rolls. The crunchy exterior and succulent inside of the roll always make you wish you had ordered a second helping.

For the best pastries and hearty sandwiches in town, head over to the Swiss Bakery & Pastry Shop, which includes an extensive beer and wine selection. =Best of all, the eatery prepares its baked goods and bread every day in North Springfield. For breakfast, try the traditional and savory Berner rosti. This Swiss roll comes packed with fried egg, bacon, potatoes and cheese. Try the warm and hearty schnitzel sandwich for lunch or dinner with a classic German beer. The most popular dessert items include its strudel, fruit tarts, and chocolate croissants.

Nightlife options in North Springfield proper are limited, so residents often venture out to nearby Annandale or Springfield for fun evening activities. The Cue Club in Annandale provides billiards, karaoke, darts and Korean bar food and drinks. The Cue Club creates the atmosphere of a neighborhood bar thanks to its relaxed atmosphere, friendly staff and decent beer selection.

Use a car, the public bus or metro to commute to Washington, D.C., and the surrounding areas. Using a car in North Springfield may be the most convenient way to get around, but the nearby Franconia-Springfield metro station takes you into the city more quickly by avoiding rush-hour traffic. Public buses also run through many sections of North Springfield.

Hailing a cab or catching an Uber does not take much effort. Make sure to call ahead if you choose to depart from a strictly residential because cabs do not roam the streets in North Springfield.

Residents do not have much trouble finding available and cheap public parking. Many shopping complexes, apartment units and neighborhoods come equipped with lots or even driveways and garages. However, if you venture into the more densely populated areas of Northern Virginia, such as Arlington or Alexandria, parking becomes more of a challenge. Sidewalks and bike lanes in many areas of North Springfield help make walking and cycling convenient options for those who choose not to drive exclusively.

Open to the public without an entry fee, Lake Accotink Park in North Springfield provides its visitors with a 55-acre lake as well as plentiful activities and facilities. The park allows dogs as long their owners keep them leashed.

In addition to moving views of its lake and wetlands, the park provides boat rentals and fishing opportunities. Families enjoy the miniature golf course, which charges just $4 for adults and $3 for children. Children love the 26-horse antique carousel built during the 1930s and 1940s, and rides cost just $1.75. Exercise-minded visitors enjoy the plentiful bike trails around the park as well as the volleyball and basketball courts.

The cost of living in the North Virginia suburbs of Washington, D.C, exceeds the cost of living in most places in the United States. However, North Springfield, especially for its proximity to Washington, D.C., treats your budget better than similar urban suburbs. Rental prices in North Springfield generally fall lower than the cost of renting similar residences in other parts of the county. The average rent for a one-bedroom residence here lies just under $1,200. Still, North Springfield certainly has affluent residents, with the median household income close to $100,000.

Commuters to Washington, D.C, enjoy living in Springfield because of the ease with which they can travel to Washington, D.C. A one-way metro fare to the city costs between $3 and $4 depending on the final destination and time of day.

Dining out in North Springfield generally results in a smaller bill than if you chose to dine out in Washington, D.C. For instance, a beer at a typical pub sets you back about $4 to $6, and an entrée costs about $10 to $12 at a mid-range establishment.

The Springfield Town Center supports over 200 stores and lies just a few miles from North Springfield. The town center has a variety of high-end options, such as Chico's, J. Crew and Michael Kors, as well as a number of budget shops, such as Forever 21, Payless Shoes and Target. After a busy shopping trip, residents often have a meal at one of the six large dining establishments or watch a film at the movie theatre.

Residents who prefer to skirt the mall scene do the majority of their shopping at some of the local boutiques. Athletes find a full range of fitness clothes and other accessories at Metro Run & Walk. The owners of this local, independent shop in Springfield are all experienced athletes who can provide shoppers with expert advice on the gear best suited for their bodies and lifestyle.

The local gaming and hobby shop, Curio Cavern, greets shoppers with wall-to-wall displays and a variety of gaming items that range from magic cards to board games. The shop also hosts popular gaming events and tournaments.

Residents have a few grocery store options in a five-mile vicinity, including Giant, Whole Foods, and Trader Joe's. For fresh produce and local food items, check out the Annadale Farmer's Market on Thursday mornings from May through November. This market attracts about a dozen local vendors each week.