I am completely in love with Arlington, Virginia. Even though I moved here 9 years ago from arguably one of the world’s most beloved and traveled cities – San Francisco – I have always felt at home in Arlington and know most of its true treasures.
One of the ways I felt so at home when I moved here was I bought a house (that does help one feel more at home than renting) for the first time and I had some awesome Realtors who showed me where the best places to eat are. I don’t mean 4 star restaurants, but the dives and take out joints that will become your staples. When you are new to a city, knowing where to get good grub is very important, and for those first few days unpacking, take out or delivery will probably give you a better meal than cooking if you can’t find your pots and pans!
So, step one: Buy a house! Nothing makes you feel more at peace and connected to your community than home ownership. After literally throwing away tons of money in rent in San Francisco for 3 years, I was determined to buy a house when we got here. And of course, we could not afford what we wanted and had to make compromises. Luckily, we found this house (see below). It was not this cute when we bought it but it met our basic criteria: North Arlington, short commute for my husband, easy Metro access, good schools for when we had kids, 3 bedrooms 2 baths, a basement. Not too picky. it needed a ton of work and we did it. And a lovely couple bought it from us when we were ready to move on and now they are selling this gem.
And fortunately for some lucky buyer, it is being listed again this week: 2818 N. Sycamore St, Arlington, VA 22207. 3 bedroom, 2 full bath, two level home with lovely finishes. Open Sunday, July 25, 1-4 pm.
This house, as you can see, is a charmer, loaded with curb appeal. From the landscaped yard to the flagstone walkway and extra-wide front stairs to the red door – this house will grab you before you even go inside! Then the interior delights even more with sunshine streaming through ample windows in every room.
Everything’s been updated: Kitchen has nice white 42 inch cabinets, windows are replaced with low-e glass and efficient dual panes, both baths have new tile floors and vanities, all bedrooms have closet organizers, custom wooden blinds adorn nearly all rooms. Plus, the basement is roomy and has a nice sized rec room with high ceilings, recessed lights and new berber carpet.
All of this in Berkshire Oakwood, one of Arlington’s most beloved neighborhoods, walkable to East Falls Church Metro, shops, dining, Falls Church City farmers market and a quick commute to almost the entire DC Metro area!
Listed at $599,000, it is sure to grab another buyer as it did myself and the current owners. It is a charmed place to live! Click on the link to my Facebook page for more pictures.
Now, once you buy this charming house, here are some of the best take out and hang out joints to help you out on those nights of unpacking and getting your bearings in your new community of Arlington:
Lost Dog Cafe: Oh how I love this place. They have over 52 specialty sandwiches such as the Fat Molly and The Big Dog and about 30 kinds of pizza, plus shakes, malts, ice cream and they even deliver beer! Located in Westover, about 1.5 miles from this house – they most certainly do deliver here. And not only do they make great food and deliver it, they are also a wonderful charity for homeless pets. The Lost Dog and Cat Rescue Foundation is one of the area’s biggest advocate for lost animals and keeps thousands of pets each year from being euthanized by placing them in homes.
Thai Thai: Some of the best Thai food in Arlington, located about 2 miles away in the shopping center on the corner of George Mason and Lee Highway. Although they tell you they will deliver in 40 minutes, they usually get to your house in 10. Spectacular Panang Curry and Pad Thai!
Westover Beer Garden: Okay, I really love this place too and technically it’s not a take out place, but rather a cool place to hang out and meet new friends/neighbors. Right across the street from the Lost Dog, this place has created a college type garden party in the outdoor space adjacent to the Westover Market. They have live bands and lots of cool exotic beers on tap. If you want to feel like you are at a college party, but know that it’s okay to bring your baby – stop by the Beer Garden. They are open every day and have live music every Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
That’s all the takeout/hang out tips for now. There are more, but I will save them for my next blog. Come see this adorable house this Sunday, 1-4. 2818 N. Sycamore Street in Arlington. There’s tons of street parking!
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