Pimmit Hills - Falls Church, VA

The neighborhood of Pimmit Hills was born to house veterans following World War II. Since the farmland was just outside of Tyson’s Corner, the neighborhood was an ideal location for constructing single-family homes in the 1950s. It has maintained its diverse group of inhabitants and continues to be almost completely residential since locals resist major developments. No museums reside inside the neighborhood boundaries, so locals travel to nearby Vienna to catch glimpses of the past. Similarly, the sole annual event hosted is Pimmit Hills Day, a yearly festival with food and family activities. To indulge in a prominent art scene, locals head to the galleries in Tyson’s Corner.

Similar to retail options, restaurants and local cafes are found outside Pimmit Hills in Tyson’s Corner. However, at least three small eateries reside almost inside the neighborhood. Taco Bamba provides locals with an affordable Mexican staple. The small café specializes in hearty tacos with a unique twist, such as beef tongue or spicy shrimp forming the base of each miniature masterpiece. The affordable prices warrant trying a large selection from the menu, so locals suggest starting with a Taco Bamba or Black Pearl. However, one bite of the Al Pastor, which combines chunks of pineapple with pork, will have you hooked on Taco Bamba.

For sit-down meals with lots of local flavor, head to the Idylwood Grill and Wine Bar on Pimmit Drive. The restaurant sits nestled inside a small strip mall, but once you’re seated in the dining room, you'll feel in the heart of a city. Locals suggest attending for dinner first since the menu features elegant dishes such as lamb shank atop risotto. Seafood lovers appreciate the eclectic list of underwater delicacies and consider the flounder stuffed with crab meat the best in the business. From tender pasta smothered in creamy sauce to grilled swordfish, you can’t go wrong dining at the grill. Long-time customers recommend stopping in for brunch and frequently checking the dessert menu for new additions, though the chocolate mousse cake melts so effortlessly in your mouth you may not want to stray from its succulence.

The nightlife scene in Pimmit Hills is quiet, with an absence of rambunctious clubs or dive bars. However, late-night fun can still be found by attending nearby venues such as Art’s Tavern, a Pimmit Drive venue that rotates live music and week-night trivia. In addition to excellent mixed drinks and savory snacks, sip on an exotic margarita at bargain prices since the tavern hosts a three-hour happy hour almost every day. If trendy local beers aren't your style, check out the drink specials at the bar where locals say sociable bartenders sling big-flavor drinks for small-town prices. Live bands contribute to the exciting atmosphere inside, and a closing time well after midnight invites locals to hang out for hours on end. Residents also enjoy the string of pubs and wine bars that line the Leesburg Pike outside the neighborhood’s western border, and the nearest music venue is The State Theatre in Falls Church City.

Residents in Pimmit Hills heavily depend on cars for the majority of their transportation needs. Most residential neighborhoods are walkable with sidewalks and safe streets, but residents interested in reaching amenities on foot don’t have much success since these locations are too far to reach without a set of wheels. Getting around with a bicycle is easier, with Pimmit Drive and Lisle Avenue stretching across the neighborhood as biker-friendly streets.

Commuting to the city by car takes roughly 30 minutes by accessing the Custis Memorial Parkway from the Leesburg Pike in Pimmit Hills. However, the neighborhood’s boundaries are formed by Dulles Toll Road, the Capital Beltway and Custis Memorial Parkway, so residents can easily head in any direction. Parking in residential areas occurs frequently, but no designated lots or garages are available for park and ride commuters. Locals regularly commute to the city via public transportation. The Washington Metro Orange Line heads directly to the city from the West Falls Church Station and Bus Bay at the neighborhood’s southeastern point. Destinations within the town can be reached with the 3T bus route or by scheduling a ride through Uber or a nearby taxi service.

Residents of Pimmit Hills have plenty of little green spaces to escape to, however Olney Park consistently tops the list for free recreation. Between the tennis courts, large open fields, picnic shelters and playground, there's something for everyone. Athletes take to the courts, while joggers and pet-owners stroll through the gravel paths. The annual Pimmit Hills Day festival resides inside the park and serves as the community’s largest organized gathering for the whole family. Another free family favorite is the Griffith Park off Griffith Road. While this space is much smaller, it still offers swings and a playground. An additional set of walking trails wind through the trees for another great place to take in the greenery nestled between homes.

Residents in Pimmit Hills pay for all they get from living between several popular neighborhoods. With an average cost of living about 12 percent higher than D.C.’s, residents pay more for some standards services, such as utilities and transportation. A one-day metro rail pass runs $14.50, but a one-way bus fair only costs $1.75.

However, prices for groceries and health care are slightly less than the city’s, leaving an expensive housing market to make up the difference between the two locations. The average rental price in Pimmit Hills sits at $1,442 for a standard one-bedroom apartment. Additionally, fuel prices level out to be equal with or a few cents less than the national average. A break in some costs, such as a beer at a local pub for $5, help alleviate the high costs affiliated with housing and transportation.

Shopping options in Pimmit Hills are limited, but all the essentials and many of the splurges can be found within a few miles. Generally locals flock to Tyson’s Corner up the road for the best in fashion boutiques and department store selections, but a small cluster of stores exists at the intersection of the Leesburg Pike with Paxton Road.

Head to the Potomac River Running Store, a local area chain which specializes in equipping you with all your running and athletic gear needs, as well as offering coaching services and injury screenings. Nearby you will also find the ever-welcoming WylieWagg, a pet store which focuses on the well-being of the animals it caters to. Stop by for items useful in caring for dogs, cats, birds, and other small pets.

Locals pick up groceries from the Trader Joes or Whole Foods Market in the Idylwood Plaza or fill their baskets with fresh produce and local meat from the Falls Church Farmer's Market. The market on Park Avenue specializes in high-quality items, such as pure dairy products and succulent peaches. A weekly chef’s demo showcases local restaurants and samples of signature or seasonal dishes.