Western Branch North - Chesapeake, VA

Western Branch North dates back to 1694 when four to five acres of land were sold for eight pairs of French fall shoes. Mainly agricultural, tobacco was the main crop, an accepted legal currency then. Fertile soil increased land value, positioning the area towards rapid growth thanks to produce distribution and railways. Church importance can't be understated for members of the colony then and now. Consisting of Methodist and Baptist churches, the first Catholic congregation wasn't built until 1915, when Polish descendants settled on the reasonably priced farm land. Still popular, shipbuilding was one major industry offering employment. During the 1970s and early '80s, a General Electric plant in Suffolk brought more residents, including military families looking to get away from the crowded Norfolk/Virginia Beach area. Although an increasingly growing community, the town still has just one high school, the aptly named Western Branch High School.

Amid common chain restaurants and fast-food joints, Western Branch North hides quality local establishments with raving reviews from residents in and around the area.

Winning Best Local Sandwich/Deli/Wrap Category seven years in a row, JoJack's Espresso Bar and Cafe, found in the Churchland Shopping Center, serves more than creative frappes, smoothies and lattes, such as the Black Forest — a richly flavored latte with a mix of blackberry and dark chocolate. Surprising many with an inspiring menu in addition to drinks, the capesante PLP at JoJack's Espresso Bar and Cafe outdoes your common BLT. Pancetta, lattuga and Pomodoro added to sweet and tender baby scallops sautéed with smoky bacon get placed on top of spring mix and put inside a soft demi roll with garlic mayo and JoJack's own roasted tomato spread. For vegetarians, many choices stand available. Try the homemade strawberry piadine made with strawberries marinated in balsamic vinaigrette and sautéed onions, and then served atop warm brie cheese and mixed greens. Sweet-tooth lovers enjoy the satisfying made-from-scratch desserts and pastries here. For the customer looking for quality to go, JoJack's drive-thru service rivals local fast food establishments. Authentic Mexican flavor, service, cleanliness and reasonable prices keep locals and out-of-town customers coming back for more at El Puente Mexican Grill on Western Branch Boulevard. Treat yourself to lunch specials for $6.99 and under, $1 Tacos every Monday, happy hour daily from 4 p.m. to 7.p.m. and an extensive menu sure to entice discerning palates. Order the chilaquiles Mexicanos for a corn fried tortilla blended with El Puente Mexican Grill special ranchero sauce and topped with chicken or beef tips and cheese, with your choice between rice or beans alongside a fresh guacamole salad. Further findings give way to the credible reputation for authentic flavor, notably the molcajete. Grilled steak, chicken, shrimp, pork chop, chorizo, cactus and onions, with two stuffed peppers served with rice, beans, sour cream, salad, and tortillas, make this dish a true Mexican classic.

Count this community in for alternatives to clubs and bars, living up to humble expectations with few localized options for nightlife.

Unofficial high-rollers and gutter queens alike can find refuge to rowdy inside AMF Western Branch Bowling Lanes, which features traditional bowling on 40 remodeled lanes. Enjoy College nights, $2 Tuesday, Sunday Funday, Bowling Leagues and unlimited pizza/bowling with parties of three or more — all priced to please. Three flat-screen TVs inside the lounge area play favorite sport teams and entertainment programs for patrons looking to relax. Providing further accommodations, AMF Western Branch Bowling Lanes features arcade games, six billiard tables and an 18-hole putt-putt golf course. Open daily until 11 p.m. with extended hours Friday and Saturday until 1 a.m., AMF suits equipment needs with a pro shop and fulfills appetites with lane-side menus.

With low walking and transit scores, waving down taxi cabs or catching trains won't be an option here. However, residential streets do allow safety for cyclists, runners and walkers. Luckily, this car-dependant town has two highways conveniently located. Cutting directly through center of town, I-664, part of Hampton Roads Beltway, takes residents north or south. Travelling I-664 South allows access onto I-64, towards Chesapeake, also I-264 heading into Portsmouth, Norfolk, and Virginia Beach via the Downtown Tunnel. North of Chesapeake City, State Highway 164, also known as the Western Freeway, connects you to Downtown Norfolk and Virginia Beach area by taking the Midtown Tunnel through Portsmouth.

Wildflowers, thousands planted generously by volunteers, hug 2 miles alongside natural walking trails in Western Branch Park and Sports Park. Across from the Community Center, this 80 acre park provides free facilities including ball fields, game courts, play areas, picnic shelters with grills, open space, and a large divided dog park equipped with water stations accommodating thirsty pooches. Open daily Sunrise until Sunset, activities geared towards fun, sports, recreation, and relaxation invite park enthusiasts at any age.

Living in Western Branch North has rental rates that run around $850 for a one-bedroom apartment or condo, making the area 12 percent greater than Chesapeake's average as well as 17.5 percent greater than Virginia's average. Stopping for gas equally compares with price requests from neighboring competitors with 2.4 percent lower prices than the national average.

Buying a beer from the local bar will cost a mere $1.50 for domestics or about $3 for imported brews. Increasingly popular craft-made pints or bottles can range from $3 to $9 as well.

Mostly residential, strip malls, one enclosed mall, Walmart and Target, huddle together near Taylor Road, Portsmouth Boulevard and Western Branch Road. Chesapeake Square Mall, Poplar Hill Shopping Center and Churchland Shopping Center, allow affordable plus indulgent opportunities shoppers expect. Affluent selections of retailers plus food franchises when hunger strikes. Steadily growing options favoring upscale boutiques or specialty stores remain short commutes away in Chesapeake, Norfolk and Virginia Beach.

Quick stops and neighborhood markets including 7-11 and Miller's Market conveniently supply last-minute or on-the-go needs. For dependable grocery shopping, large selections along with attentive customer service, Food Lion as well as Farm Fresh, continue filling shelves with recipe essentials consumers require.