Where To Live Now: Hip Neighborhoods

Merrifield/ Dunn Loring

Alta Strada
This popular Italian eatery from restaurateur Michael Schlow has a menu filled with heavenly housemade pastas, mouthwatering pizzas, and authentic regional specialties inspired from Schlow’s work and travels through Italy. The interior décor with handmade tiles, reclaimed wood tables and warm ceiling is reminiscent of the Italian regions of Campania and Tuscany. Menu highlights include old-fashioned lemon chicken; grilled octopus with a salsa verde; pizza bianca with housemade ricotta; and squid ink lumache. 2911 District Ave. #150, Fairfax, VA; www.altastrada-mosaic.com

Angelika at Mosaic
This stadium-designed seating cinema offers the perfect mix of mainstream films and independent features, with an impressive variety of smaller budget features not available in larger theaters. The upscale food and drink offerings at concessions, including craft beers and wine, take the entire viewing experience up a notch. They also host special weekly events and viewings, including “Crybaby Matinee,” where parents can bring their babies and not worry about unexpected tantrums. Sign up for their newsletter and get additional discounts and information about free screenings. 2911 District Ave. Fairfax, VA;
www.angelikafilmcenter.com/mosaic

Modera Avenir Place
Located literally on the Dunn Loring Metro stop, this complex is perfect for those working in DC who then want to come home to a neighborhood where they have everything they need. Right outside your apartment door is a 24-hour Harris Teeter, retail shops and food, including District Taco and the newly opened Black Squirrel. Outdoor social areas, sundecks and pools (yes, plural) along with grilling make this the perfect spot for your friends to gather. And the complex is just five minutes from the Mosaic District, with ample restaurants and shopping. 2677 Avenir Pl. Vienna, VA; www.moderaavenirplace.com

Mosaic Central Farm Market
Located on District Avenue, the Mosaic Central Farm Market has over 60 vendors during the April to December season, including beef, baked goods, dairy products, home goods like candles and more. Operating on Sundays from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., the market also features music, chef demos, wine tastings and seating to enjoy your purchases. 2910 District Ave. Fairfax, VA; www.mosaic.centralfarmmarkets.com

Strawberry Park
Situated in the heart of the Mosaic District, Strawberry Park offers a year-round schedule of activities for the community, including free yoga in the park, story time sessions and live performances. From June to September, Spark Yoga offers complimentary yoga in the park on Sunday morning and Thursday evening for all levels. The park is also a popular location for outdoor picnics, with tons of area restaurants and food spots to grab your al fresco meal. 2905 District Ave. Fairfax, VA; www.mosaicdistrict.com

Q&A with Todd Zylka

General Manager, Modera Avenir Place

On Tap: What do residents love about Avenir Place?
Todd Zyika: I think they love the one-stop convenience, and it is a great central hub location being at a Metro station, right near 495 and 66, and having a grocery store literally in your building. And then you have all the various neighborhood retail located at your door. I joke with some folks that you really don’t have to leave.

OT: What was here before the complex, and how has the area changed?
TZ: About 10 years ago, it was very commercial. Where our property stands now used to be a giant five-acre parking lot. And now, through these land deals that Metro has done throughout the DMV, there is the creation of transit-oriented developments that are mixed use with residential, retail and grocery. We even have an Inova complex right here, so you get to urgent care and then go back to be

OT: What are some popular retail and food spots?
TZ: District Taco seems to have the most popular flair here with our residents. We just had a new restaurant open within the past week, Black Squirrel, and it’s jam-packed. With their DC reputation, residents were really pumped for it to get here, and it is the first full-service restaurant and bar in the area featuring lots of beer options and microbrews.

Modera Avenir Place Apartments: 2677  Avenir Pl. Vienna, VA; www.moderaavenirplace.com