Vienna, VA

Records of the town date back as far as the 1700s, though it officially gained its current name in the 1850s when a prominent doctor settled in the area under the condition it would be named after his hometown in New York. Having only seen one notable Civil War battle, the town went on to establish schools to accommodate a diverse group of settlers who fostered the community’s growth and ignited the charm that can still be felt today. Residents looking for clues from the past head to the Northern Virginia Model Railroaders Museum or walk along the Washington & Old Dominion Railroad-turned-park. Annual events with artistic themes, such as the Wolfe Trap Foundation for the Performing Arts and the Vienna Arts Center gallery, are just a few of the cultural outlets available to locals. The town also prides itself on the annual Viva Vienna Festival.

Unlike retail options, restaurants and local cafes are so plentiful they scatter the town in several locations. Many reside along streets that intersect with Maple Avenue or hover around the shopping mecca at Tyson’s Corner. Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisine in the area is rivaled by none, giving locals at least four prime locations to dine on the flavors outside America.

Start with Plaka Grill on Lawyers Road, a Greek eatery famous for gyros and souvlaki. Locals recommend stopping in before or after rush hours since the promise of sweet baklava gets locals lining up early. Order the Chicago gyro plaka-style for a mountain of lamb and beef marinated in signature spices before being topped with vegetables and the grill’s legendary Tzatziki sauce. Even though a plaka-style includes hand-cut seasoned fries inside the gyro, locals say they're tasty enough to warrant ordering an additional side.

To taste a true bit of local flavor, head to the Maple Avenue Restaurant for traditional favorites such as Hangar steak and fresh seafood. Though locals can chow down on the best of American classics at the restaurant, several dishes come with a unique twist that help elevate it beyond chain steakhouses. Showstopping dishes include Thai okra, crème friache wings and baked chocolate dumplings.

The nightlife scene in Vienna tilts more in the direction of general-admission entertainment with an absence of rambunctious clubs or dive bars. However, late-night fun can still be found by attending venues such as Jammin’ Java, a Maple Avenue venue that rotates live music and touring bands. In addition to craft beer and savory snacks, you can also sip one of the best cups of coffee found in town. If caffeine isn't your style after dinner time, check out the drink specials at the bar where locals say friendly bartenders sling big-flavor drinks for small-town prices. Locals also look to the Vienna Inn and pubs in Tyson’s Corner for casual atmospheres with excellent food and plenty of beer.

Residents in Vienna depend on cars for the majority of their transportation needs. Walkers complete errands or window shop along Maple Avenue since it is the most friendly in terms of businesses being close enough together to reach on foot. Sidewalks also help appeal to locals itching to stretch their legs, but cyclists take to these as well since the town encourages navigation on bicycles. Almost every major street is biker-friendly, particularly along the Washington and Old Dominion trails that cut through the town with designated bike lanes or paths.

Commuting to the city by car takes roughly 35 minutes by accessing the Capital Beltway or Dolley Madison Boulevard, though the former sees a bit less traffic during standard commuting hours. Parking in residential areas occurs frequently, but residents use the Metro parking garages if park-and-ride services are needed. Locals headed to the city can also opt for public transportation. The Washington Metro Orange and Silver Lines head directly to the city with a station in Vienna on Route 66 and one at Tyson’s Corner Metro Station.

Destinations within the town can be reached with one of five bus routes or by scheduling a ride through Uber or a nearby taxi service. A one-day metro rail pass runs $14.50, but a one-way bus fair only costs $1.75.

Residents of Vienna scope out plenty of little green spaces to escape to, with the Meadowlark Botanical Gardens consistently topping the list. With meticulously maintained grounds and stretches of blossoming flowers, locals say this 95-acre complex feels like stepping into a painting. The $5 per person admission fee is a steal compared to the experience of jogging through garden-lined cobblestone paths and grassy trails. Families with children make a point to visit at least once a year since the gardens host a giant Christmas light exhibit that fills the park with luminous bulbs and decorations. Pets on leashes are allowed on the perimeter trail, which makes this location perfect for the whole family. Locals also say visiting during various seasons is essential to witnessing the full range of nature this park offers, namely the Cherry Blossoms and seasonal birds.

Athletes looking for a more exercise-centric park frequent the W&OD Railroad Regional Park for its 45 miles of asphalt trails that wind through leafy suburbs and former colonial parkways. The free trail is perfect for a range of wheeled activities and cross-country skiing during colder months.

Residents in Vienna certainly pay for all they get from living in the popular town. With an average cost of living about 24 percent higher than D.C.’s, residents pay more for some standard services such as utilities. 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 Vienna sits at $1,302 per month for a standard one-bedroom apartment. Additionally, fuel prices hang about 11 percent higher than the national average. A break in some prices, such as a beer at a local pub for $5, help alleviate the high costs associated with housing and transportation.

Local shopping options are most populous along Maple Avenue and near Tyson's Corner, but residents can pick up items from big-name retailers scattered throughout the town. However, to soak in the real vibe of the area, locals prefer to purchase home goods, apparel and décor from local shops. Almost every corporate chain in town competes with a local alternative, such as Spokes Etc. Bicycles or the Vienna Music Exchange on Church Street. Fashion-minded locals appreciate specialty boutiques such as Hermes of Paris, a high-end boutique featuring luxury women's brands and leather goods. LiLi The First caters to a similar clientele with both clothing and accessories. The chic boutique emits a European atmosphere with unique international brands that can only be found in specialty clothing shops.

Smaller home décor shops such as REfind sell trendy furniture and home decor in a consignment atmosphere with a few new pieces stuck in. Shoppers can purchase the best of both high- and low-end items in one location, especially since this store is a goldmine for antiques and rustic pieces. Thrift shoppers also peruse Just Like New or Wardrobe Rescue Upscale Women's Consignment for additional deals that won't break the bank. Pick up a quick gift or whimsical stationary from The Artful Gift Shop, a local business with everything from scarves to handbags and handmade pieces.

Locals buy groceries from chain stores such as Whole Foods or The Fresh Market on Branch Road. However, local options such as The Maple Avenue Market and the ethnic Assal Market remain long-time favorites for people interested in purchasing specialty groceries. The Maple Avenue Market stands out for offering environmentally friendly products such as grass-fed meat and produce from local farms. The market offers a monthly buying program to help ease costs for residents invested in supporting local food initiatives. Locals suggest grabbing a gallon of milk to taste the difference between traditional grocery suppliers and local markets. Similarly, the Assal Market carries hard-to-find Persian groceries with the authentic flavors of that region. Long-time shoppers recommend purchasing baked items from this location, such as lavash or noon e khaamei. The community is also home to at least three farmers' markets, with the Vienna Saturday Market on Center Street being the most popular.