Top Reasons to Live in Arlington, VA
By Alex Mikoulianitch on July 07, 2023
Arlington may be considered a suburb of DC, but all it takes is crossing the Potomac River to realize it’s actually a city in disguise.
You’ll have no trouble discovering residential pockets that check off every item a top suburb should have: lush greenery, a tranquil atmosphere, and a laid-back vibe without the hectic rush.
Yet Arlington wasn’t about to resign itself to being a bedroom community. The town’s developed waterfront draws crowds from the capital almost daily, and various thoroughfares are packed with diverse entertainment and eateries.
Below, we will take homebuyers interested in moving to Arlington, VA, on a tour of one of Virginia’s most coveted areas, showcasing the top reasons to live in this iconic waterfront gem.
Top reasons to live in Arlington, Virginia
- Suburbia meets metropolitan convenience
- Accessible outdoor recreation
- Lively shopping and entertainment
- Easy access to Washington, D.C.
- Diverse housing market
Suburbia meets metropolitan convenience
Few suburbs can incorporate a city pulse without disrupting their tranquility, as well as Arlington.
Undoubtedly, Arlington benefits from its expansive size, enjoying a wealth of dynamic neighborhoods that showcase the unique suburban-metropolitan blend it managed to achieve.
Arlington’s waterfront, and specifically the neighborhood of Rosslyn, is a perfect starting point to get acquainted with the county. What once used to be a site for office buildings that went quiet after work hours is now home to many restaurants and shops.
Living in Arlington, VA, will make you realize how nuanced Arlington’s city scene is. You won’t often find towering skyscrapers blotting out the sun; instead, you’ll see plenty of entertainment options, bike rental stations, and a variety of public transportation to get you to D.C., all without losing touch with the outdoor landscape.
Numerous government offices and organizations, including the Pentagon and the Department of Defense, call Arlington home. It's a hub for many thriving industries, with top employers in technology, consulting, and education. The blend of business and government provides potential buyers with diverse employment options if they’re looking to work in those sectors.
As you would expect from any developed city, Arlington boasts an efficient public transit system. The county’s Metrorail, Metrobus, and Arlington Transit systems offer a variety of bus and rail routes that connect Arlington’s neighborhoods. Plus, bike lanes and trails encourage environmentally friendly commuting options, as well.
Accessible outdoor recreation
Even Arlington’s mild city pace can be enough to have residents longing for a getaway. Luckily for them, various parks and green spaces dot the county, providing ample opportunities for exploring and appreciating some of Virginia’s stunning nature.
Arlington manages over 1,100 acres of parkland, which speaks volumes about the city's commitment to maintaining accessible outdoor recreation options. It’s also home to lengthy hiking and outdoor trails, many intertwined with each other to create a web of hiking that spans large swathes of Arlington County.
Start with the local-favorite Four Mile Run Trail, which begins close to the neighborhood of Claremont and its collection of leafy parks. Keep following the trail northwest, and it will connect to the Washington & Old Dominion Railroad Trail, stretching 45 miles and offering biking and running paths with scenic views.
Potomac Overlook Regional Park, another local gem, spans 70 acres of lush woodland and offers interactive nature exhibits, an organic vegetable garden, hiking trails, and even live summer concerts.
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Learn how you can save when you buy!Lively shopping and entertainment
An eclectic blend of shopping and entertainment options powers Arlington's pulsating heartbeat.
The county thoroughly invested in becoming a retail paradise with an assortment of shops ranging from luxurious boutiques in upscale shopping centers to independent stores in its charming downtown area.
The shopping districts in neighborhoods like Clarendon and Ballston mirror the city's energy. These areas effortlessly combine retail therapy, dining experiences, and nightlife in a vibrant atmosphere. The streets in these districts are lined with various retailers, artisanal coffee shops, must-visit restaurants, and lively bars and clubs.
Arlington also flaunts a lively arts scene. The Signature Theatre, not far from where the Four Mile Run Trail starts, hosts an impressive lineup of classical and contemporary performances throughout the year. The Museum of Contemporary Art Arlington is a local powerhouse for showcasing modern exhibits and hosting insightful art programs, all within a historic schoolhouse.
Of course, you’ll find no shortage of cultural and historical attractions, either. The Arlington National Cemetery, the Marine Corps War Memorial, and the Air Force Memorial are just a few historical landmarks that add to the city's character.
Easy access to Washington, D.C.
Arlington's prime location offers unbeatable ease of access to Washington, D.C.
Situated just across the Potomac River, Arlington is well-connected to the nation's capital through various bridges and public transit options.
The drive from the center of Arlington County to downtown D.C. is a 17-minute trip in favorable conditions, with multiple routes available to potentially avoid rush-hour traffic. Locate yourself closer to the water, and that trip can be even shorter.
But, for those who prefer to avoid driving, Arlington's public transit is an excellent alternative.
The city's Metrorail Blue, Orange, and Silver lines and the myriad Metrobus routes offer seamless access to Washington, D.C., with many parts of Arlington less than a half-hour commute from the capital's core, while neighborhoods that are farther from the Capital can expect a 40 to 45-minute commute.
Diverse housing market
This is where interested homebuyers will really get to enjoy Arlington’s immaculate fusion of city and suburb.
Determined to find a single-family home surrounded by leafy trees with a cozy backyard? You’ll likely find it in Arlington’s residential neighborhoods. Interested in a townhouse community with quick access to the county’s best entertainment and shopping? Head to the northeastern parts of town, and you won’t be disappointed. What about historic homes or modern condos overlooking the Potomac?
Arlington has perfected the art of blending modern, city-friendly conveniences with the privacy and comfort of a laid-back suburb, and its dynamic and diverse housing market only stood to gain.
Neighborhoods like the Arlington Heights Historic District and Ashton Heights feature historic homes, each with its unique architectural charm. Conversely, areas like Crystal City offer modern condos with panoramic city views.
This diversity can extend to the price points as well, with options available for first-time buyers, luxury seekers, and everyone in between.
