Taylor Run Alexandria, VA

From the time Europeans populated Alexandria in 1695 to the start of the 19th century, the area served as an important port to the New World, especially regarding the slave trade. For the next century, the land switched hands a few times. The newly established District of Columbia absorbed that section of Virginia in 1801 but returned the land in 1846. Following Virginia's succession in 1861, the Union regained control of the city until the end of the American Civil War.

One of the leaders of those early years of America and the country's first president, George Washington, is remembered at the George Washington Masonic National Memorial. Located at the eastern tip of the neighborhood, take a tour of this neoclassical shrine dedicated to one of the Founding Fathers, complete with an ornate hall, museum and an observation deck with 360-degree views of the Northern Virginia and D.C.

Very few restaurants exist within Taylor Run itself, especially non-chain restaurants. At the Alexandria Commons in the southwest corner of the neighborhood, classic food court fare exists in the form of Subway, Panera, and Noodles & Company. There proves to be, however, one local spot that residents frequent often. Oriental Star Restaurant serves up Chinese- and Thai-style dishes, such as crispy spring rolls, BBQ spare ribs, sweet and sour chicken and pork dumplings. The Mongolian chicken and General Tso's chicken remain the most popular menu items, however. Dine in, take out or delivery, whatever your preference, Oriental Star has got you covered.

Just outside the neighborhood's south border in the Hoffman Town Center, Delia's Mediterranean Grill & Brick Oven Pizza is the talk of the town. Locals come here for a nice dinner before heading to the Hoffman movie theater to catch the latest flick. Make sure to try the chicken souvlaki and the chef's risotto.

When looking for a good bar, most neighborhood residents head to King Street, the main thoroughfare of Old Town where lively bars can be found in no short order. Heading in the opposite direction, however, Los Toltecos on Duke Street to the west of Taylor Run also makes for a great night out on the town. The food here cannot be dismissed, but the real highlight has to be the bar with an outdoor deck plus the always-fun trivia, bingo, karaoke and comedy nights.

Head one block south of Los Toltecos to Port City Brewing, where every Thursday to Sunday, you can take a public tour and enter the tasting room with housemade draft beers. Many locals argue that Port City ranks as the best standalone brewery in Northern Virginia.

Due to the lack of shops and other amenities within the neighborhood, walking does not accomplish much more than exercise. Cyclists, on the other hand, can get around easily enough on the neighborhood's few bike lanes. The neighborhood does slope upward towards the north end, adding a slight challenge on wheels, but biking generally remains a decent option.

Public transportation riders have ample opportunity to get around town from their Taylor Run home. Alexandria-based DASH buses have stops all throughout the neighborhood. One-way rides cost $1.60, but daily riders should buy a monthly pass for $40.

Just outside the eastern edge of the neighborhood, the King Street Metro Station provides access deeper into Virginia and north into D.C. and Maryland on D.C.-based Metrorail. Metro rides start at $1.75 but range all the up to $5.90 depending on how far you go and at what time of day.

Frequent riders would do well to pick up a reloadable SmarTrip card, which can be used on both of these systems.

Cabs prove much more common in Old Town to the east, so Taylor Run residents find Uber cabs to be much more convenient.

For residents with cars, public parking generally does not prove difficult, especially the further away from Old Town you get. With the extremely convenient access to I-395 and I-95, driving maintains a high level of attraction for neighborhood residents.

Chinquapin Park Recreation Center and Aquatics Facility in the northwest corner of the neighborhood serves as the main local park. The indoor pool stays open year-round as do the outdoor basketball court, tennis courts, racquetball courts, and sand volleyball court. Whether you want to play sports or just yarn for a relaxing day with the family, Chinquapin has it all. You can hang out in the outdoor picnic pavilion, take the kids to the playground, or walk the lush nature trails. If that's not enough, the park also has a fitness room with regular aquatics, sports, and fitness classes.

Angel Park sits alongside the Taylor Run River. This small riverfront park provides some open grass among the trees and water, and it makes a great place to talk the dogs for a walk or go for a jog.

Every year from April through November, the Taylor Run Citizens' Association rounds up volunteers to help clean up Angel and Chinquapin Park. These community efforts represent the sense of pride and togetherness the residents have Taylor Run have.

The $1,297 average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Taylor Run comes in slightly lower, about 10 percent, than the Alexandria average of $1,440.

Gas prices, too, fall slightly below than national averages, by about 5 percent.

Other common expenses, such as restaurant meals, remain relatively high, however, with a decent meal going for $15 and regular-priced beers for $5.

A couple of small boutiques and specialty shops represent the Taylor Run neighborhood well. The It's About Time Shop on Moncure Drive evokes the old-timey and historic feel of the neighborhood, as many locals still come here to get their antique clocks repaired. The Bicycle Pro Shop on Duke Street represents the modern Alexandria of youthful spirit and outdoor energy that many of the locals feel.

Locals head to King Street in Old Town for more commercial shopping. Whether you're on the hunt for high-end of high-value merchandise, surely there exists a store in Old Town to help you. Popular retailers, such as Anthropologie, Crate & Barrel Outlet, and H&M, sit side-by-side with more unique shops, such as An American in Paris, Bellacara, and Bishop Boutique. Old Town has become well-known for its high-end shoes, unique clothing finds, home decor shops, and antique galleries.

Most grocery shopping happens at the Giant in the Alexandria Commons strip mall or at the Alexandria Farmers Market. Many locals head down to Old Town on Saturday mornings to peruse the week's fresh produce, meats, flowers, and baked goods.