Rose Hill - Alexandria, VA

The earliest inhabitants of this area were the Taux people, who were driven out and sent to Maryland by the early colonists in 1670. Fairfax County was formed in 1742 and named after Thomas Fairfax. It was an important region during the Civil War, and the Battle of Chantilly was fought here. The economy was mostly rural, until after World War II when the growth of the federal government transformed it to a suburban area.

See inscriptions on the walls that bring to life the stories of soldiers that lived, trained and recouped in the farmland and house at the Historic Blenheim and Civil War Interpretive Center. The center holds monthly Civil War programs.

Attend the Springfield Days community festival with car shows, cardboard boat regatta, a 5K run, farmers market and PetFest. Enjoy activities for all ages and interests at this annual festival.

Top-notch restaurants in Fairfax with cuisines ranging from Lebanese to Italian, contribute to the exciting food scene in Rose Hill.

Namaste on Rose Hill Drive, serves up Indian staples such as chicken tikka masala, channa masala, vegetable korma, dal and rice, but the location stands apart with its fresh, flavorful, and perfectly cooked dishes. Try the garlic naan, chicken makhani and lamb vindaloo. The buffet and friendly staff make this place a local favorite.

Walk into Osteria Marzano a modern Italian restaurant on Walker Lane, and savor freshly made pasta in delicate sauces, high-quality cheese, and meat. Start with the polpette, two meatballs with spicy tomato sauce and a dollop of ricotta cheese. Order the short-rib ravioli or the tagliolini with mushrooms in a creamy sauce. For dessert, share a Nutella pizza with marshmallows. Enjoy drinks from the extensive wine list and cocktail menu.

Fun to hang out on any night, Shooters Sports Bar has a large bar and lots of LCDs for sports fans. The extensive menu features Asian-inspired cuisine as well as hamburgers and sandwiches. With great happy hour deals and friendly staff, locals love this place. Other bars, pubs and dance clubs help make nightlife in Rose Hill vibrant and entertaining.

Known for long commute times, Rose Hill has excellent public transit options that locals use to get around. The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority runs metro buses, Metrorail and Metrorail parking lots. Ten Metrorail stations in Fairfax and one located in Franconia/Springfield, make it easy to access neighboring towns and cities from Rose Hill. Higher fares apply during peak travel times. Free parking at metro operated lots applies only on weekends and federal holidays. Fairfax Connector buses connect smaller towns and businesses within Fairfax County.

Interstate-495 or the Capital Beltway runs through Rose Hill and Fairfax County, connecting it to Washington, D.C., and other cities. Residents stay off roads during rush hour or use express-tolled lanes to avoid delays. Other highways include Interstate-66, I-95 and I-395.

Sidewalks and biking lanes exist and help ease the traffic congestion by encouraging residents to walk and ride their bikes. Rose Hill remains mostly a car-dependent neighborhood.

Only five taxi cab companies have licenses to operate in Fairfax County and include Fairfax Yellow Cab, Fairfax Red Top Cab, White Top Cab, Springfield Yellow Cab and enviroCAB. Taxis usually arrive within 15 to 20 minutes but may take longer during peak hours. Uber serves D.C. and surrounding areas.

Rose Hill, with its close proximity to numerous free parks, lakes and marinas by the Potomac River, offers residents and visitors ample opportunities to enjoy fishing, hiking, biking and boating.

Visit the largest park in Fairfax County, the Huntley Meadows Park, just minutes from Rose Hill, with wetlands, wildflower meadows and a forest. One of the best sites for bird watching, with over 200 species sighted, this park has a boardwalk and observation tower. Watch frogs, beavers, herons and dragonflies in the 1,425-acre park. The park permits dogs on leashes in most areas outside of the boardwalk.

For a day out with family, try Lake Accotink Park with its 4-mile loop around the lake, mini golf, carousel, marina and playground. In the fall and spring, rent paddle boats for just $5 an hour. This park allows dogs, so bring your pet along for a good walk around the lake. On Friday nights in the summer, enjoy the performances of local bands in the park.

The cost of living in the wealthy neighborhood of Rose Hill is nearly equivalent to the cost of living in Washington, D.C., with the median rent for a one-bedroom residence at $1,260. Gasoline prices are 4 percent higher than the national average, and a mug of beer costs $3. A trip to Washington DC on a metro bus costs $4.15.

Springfield Town Center, the closest shopping mall to Rose Hill, has top-notch fashion stores, dining options, a cinema theatre and a fitness center.

For the latest in French fashion and accessories, head to An American in Paris on King Street. Offering regularly updated merchandise and only the highest-quality items, this boutique is a local treasure, offering a taste of elegant European couture. Ask Joelle, the knowledgeable owner, for help locating anything you need, and be sure to handle the delicate merchandise carefully. Giant Food and Trader Joe's serve the grocery needs of this neighborhood. The closest farmers market, the West End Farmers Market, opens on Sunday morning and closes a little after noon.