Wesley Heights - Washington, DC

People lived in the areas surrounding each neighborhood even before Columbus hit the shores of the New World. Colonial land grants across the residential areas of McLean Gardens, Wesley Heights and Cathedral Heights date back as far as the 1600s and 1700s, and large plots of farm and residential land were passed through families and changed hands due to debts several times over the centuries.

Residential growth occurred after the nation's capital found its home in Washington D.C. Cathedral Heights is named for a cathedral situated in the area, and the gardens at McLean Gardens were originally developed on land shared by friends James Stoddert and Colonel Thomas Addison. As this area surrounds American University the campus provides museum and learning opportunities, and a modest arts scene. For major events and festivals, residents must travel outside the neighborhoods.

Restaurants lightly pepper the area, though most residents flock to main thoroughfares such as Wisconsin Avenue for a bite to eat. From chains to specialty cafes, diners find plenty of food options. Throughout the three neighborhoods, pizza night may involve a trip to 2 Amys Neapolitan Pizzeria , where authentic Italian pies go nicely with the wine and beer bar. Share a classic marinara pizza with garlic and oregano, or get stuffed with pizzas that abound with fresh mozzarella and ricotta. On Saturday evenings, the pizzeria serves up porchetta, which is a half roasted pig finished with savory seasonings.

Located a few streets over, residents find a more upscale dining establishment in the form of Chef Geoff's . Part of a five-restaurant chain in the metro area, this location of Chef Geoff's includes a private dining room and bar facility. Menus vary by location, and this location features lunch, dinner, dessert, weekend brunch and kids' menus. A special gluten-free menu includes delicacies such as lamb kebabs, seared rainbow trout and shrimp and Gouda grits. Ample menus let diners select from a variety of seafood, meat or vegetable entrees.

Residents can travel a few minutes outside each neighborhood for additional dining options, including the Cleveland Park Bar & Grill located to the east. A festive atmosphere ramps up your appetite for the bar and grill's wood-fired pizzas, pastas, hamburgers and sandwiches.

As residential areas, nightlight is limited within Cathedral Heights, Wesley Heights and McLean Gardens. Residents usually travel just outside the area for more robust entertainment when desired. Of course, a 30-minute drive to the southeast brings residents to the heart of the nation's capital, where several music venues are reigned over by the Kennedy Center, which hosts everything from concerts to Broadway plays. Closer to home, residents can visit bars and clubs such as breadsoda on Wisconsin Avenue, which features afternoon and weekend happy hours, drink specialties and Monday-night trivia.

All three neighborhoods feature access to public transport, and metro stations line several main roads, including Wisconsin and Connecticut Avenues. Commuters can share rides by meeting at park-and-ride locations on Connecticut Avenue and New Mexico Avenue, and both traditional taxi service and Uber are available. Taxi cabs regularly make their way into the residential areas from downtown D.C., which means individuals can even hail a cab from time to time for convenient travel.

A few public parking garages pepper the area, though individuals most likely make use of private parking at residences or apartment complexes. Most public parking does run an hourly or daily fee, and residents may even pay monthly parking fees at townhouses and other complexes. To get out of the metro area, residents can access Interstates 495, 395 or 295 to the west, north or south. Reaching the interstate is likely to take 20 minutes or more in high volume traffic.

Within the neighborhood, many streets feature sidewalks or walking paths for safe exercise and on-foot travel. Roadways, including New Mexico Avenue, are deemed safe for biking, and bicyclists and joggers can take advantage of trails on the American University campus.

American University's campus doubles as a park atmosphere for walking, jogging and biking, and families in the area visit the charming Turtle Park at 45th and Van Ness for free playground access. A giant turtle statue adds a charming touch to the park, which hosts an annual May Fair and events such as ice cream socials. Several small green areas in each neighborhood provide pet-friendly outdoor access, though leashes may be required in some, and cleaning up after your pets is required for all.

Weighing in with a cost of living a bit over 100 percent of the national average, the 20016 zip code features a cost of living a bit higher than the average for Washington D.C. as a whole. Rent for a single-bedroom residence in one of the three neighborhoods averages around $1,875 a month, and public transport to the heart of D.C. can cost between a few dollars to over $25, depending on whether you take the metro or a cab.

Expect to pay $5 or more for a pint of beer unless you luck into drink specials, when you might pay $3 or $4 instead. Gas prices run around 10 percent higher than national averages, though you can save a few cents by paying cash at some pumps.

Boutiques, high-end stores and shopping malls dot the landscape of Wesley Heights, McLean Gardens and Cathedral Heights, with retail commerce centered in areas such as the intersection of Wisconsin Avenue and Dalecarlia Parkway.

Residents find groceries at chains such as Whole Foods and Trader Joe's, as well as small markets located in and just outside the neighborhoods. Local grocery stores include Yes Organic Market and numerous ethnic shops for Japanese, Hispanic and Greek cuisine. Seasonal farmers markets do appear from time to time, but many residents buy their produce at grocery stores.

Boutique shopping in the area includes bookstores, such as Tempo Books, and fashionable retail establishments that sell a variety of women's clothing, such as Fia's Fabulous Finds and Violet Boutique. At Pembroke West, you find an eclectic stock of clothing, awards and eco-friendly office products. The store also offers custom printing and engraving for corporate promotions. Everyone loves a good deal, so residents also shop high fashions at Encore Consignment on Wisconsin Avenue.