Springfield

Springfield is the ideal suburban getaway. With acres of green parks and lakes, residents have the option of spending a day getting lost in nature, or hopping on one of the many major roads that run through the town and taking a day trip to DC. With reasonably priced housing, Springfield is a good option for anyone looking for comfortable living with a relatively small price tag.

To the north, Springfield is bordered by Annandale and Fairfax County. To the east is Franconia, to the south Newington and to the west is West Springfield. Major highways such as I-95 cut right through the middle of the neighborhood, giving residents easy access to DC and other nearby towns.

 

As well as I-95, other major routes close by include I-395 and the Capital Beltway. The center of town is located at the intersection of Route 644 and Route 617, where there is a significant commercial district near the interchange. Residents also have access to the Virginia Railway Express at the Backlick Road Station as well as Washington’s metro Blue Line at the Franconia-Springfield Station. The Fairfax Connector bus and the metro bus also run through the neighborhood for inexpensive traveling.

 

Most of the housing in Springfield are single-family homes, though there are a few limited options for condos. All relatively affordable, compared to the high price tags of Washington, DC, Springfield offers a nice mixture of suburbia homes within minutes of the nations capitol.

Springfield Town Center is the ultimate retail destination, an expansive mall with a wide range of stores, services and restaurants. Typical women’s fashion choices include New York & Company, Victoria’s Secret, and Chico’s. Shoppers also enjoy a number of spas, salons, jewelers and sporting goods stores. The food court offers a convenient place for quick meals between errands. In addition, customers can take advantage of the many sit-down restaurants including Maggiano’s and the Yard House.

 

However, for a more upscale, international eating experience, locals go to The Swiss Bakery, a full-fledged café with breakfast and light lunch fare. Specializing in artisan breads, French pastries and European-style desserts, stepping into this bakery is equivalent to being teleported straight out of the United States into an international culinary experience. The Swiss Bakery offers hard to find world-class chocolates, coffees, teas and condiments and also caters. Customers say that the coffee is consistently good at prices that beat Starbucks—say good-bye to your four-dollar cappuccinos!

 

For an international food experience of another kind, check out Kana Sushi located on Old Keene Mill Road. A hidden gem of Springfield, it is small and easy to pass by. Though its set-up at first appears to be like a fast food joint, there is a nice sit-down area in the back. With excellent customer service, Kana offers a wide selection of sushi, with favorites including the tuna tataki, jalapeno yellowtail and gyoza.

 

For a meal on the go, My Village Chicken is a great alternative to fast food. Offering remarkably cheap prices for pitas and salads, this place is a must if you’ve never tried a gyro before. Platters are served in generous portion sizes and come with your choice of two sides such as black bean corn salsa, mescaline green and cucumber salad. Or, choose from any hot sides such as the chicken chili, chickpeas or steak fries. The options are endless at this local favorite.

 

Finally, if you’re just craving classic American fare, you can’t go wrong with Mike’s American Grill. Located on Backlick Road, Mike’s is great for family dinners or a night out with friends. While it does offer a wide selection of original craft beers, Mike’s is also known for its delicious house-made root beer. Popular menu items include the ozzie rolls, crab cakes, filet mignon and the smoked salmon.

One of the highlights of living in Springfield is Lake Accotink and the surrounding park grounds. With 493 acres of lush green scenery and wildlife, Lake Accontink offers a serene escape into nature. With a mini golf course, bike and boat rentals, antique carousel and picnic areas, there is enough to keep people of all ages entertained for days. The park is the perfect destination for families, dog-owners and runners alike, with an easy four to five mile trail loop.

 

The Springfield Art Guild is another community staple. A non-profit group that serves the local art community, it hosts speakers at monthly meetings that are open to the public. In addition, the Springfield Art Guild sponsors art exhibitions, classes for both children and adults and scholarships for high school and college artists. While it is a great channel for artists to network, it also offers opportunities for the whole community to come together.

 

Good Neighborhood at an Even Better Price

 

Overall, Springfield is the ideal suburban neighborhood. With its many different restaurants, retail options and outdoor recreation, residents have the best of both worlds. Just a train ride away from the city, Springfield is an attractive location for anyone wanting to live near a thriving city, but desire the peace of suburbia.