I'm in Ballston, VA. Anywhere on the Rosslyn, Courthouse, Clarendon, Ballston strip is nice, plenty to do (restaurants etc). Easy access to DC (metro or ride), easy access to roads to drive places, plenty of bike shops and rides. Some of it is a little high-rise-ish, but you only need to go a couple of blocks off Wilson or Fairfax Drive and you get a much greener, more surbaban home.

A little further out (Falls Church etc) offers a little more for your money, a little more greenery, and a little less convenience.