231,803
Population
Sunny Days: 201
89100 Affordability
100100 Schools
59100 Diversity
89100 Safety
Arlington, VA, Virginia
The County
The Best Thing About Arlington?
We’re a County not a City!
Arlington Virginia is actually a county not a city but it is also considered the second-largest “principal city” of the DC metro area. Huh? Let’s just move past that technicality and note that Arlington is frequently ranked near or at the top of the rankings of best cities to live in the entire U.S. of A. https://www.arlnow.com/2016/06/15/arlington-ranked-best-city-to-live-in-america/
The reasons are varied but generally it's a combination of a great economy, extremely educated community, nightlife, outdoor activities and diversity of the population. It isn’t any one thing that puts Arlington over the top, it’s a blend of being great at a variety of things that makes it “the best”.
Here's a list of pros from a local:
- amazing public schools (ranked #1 in the state)
- lively bar and restaurant scene
- low crime and unemployment rate (well below average)
- very close to Washington D.C.
- extremely pet friendly
- huge amount of outdoor activities/amenities (parks, trails, playgrounds)
- strong public transit system
- diverse community
- great for seniors, millennials, college grads, and couples looking to start a family
- a very health conscious area, was ranked the healthiest, fittest city
The Worst Thing About Arlington?
Traffic
Lots of places have bad traffic and a few worse than the DC area but traffic comes up the most in people’s complaints about commuting around Arlington, generally into the capital. While DC has pretty good public transport people coming in from Arlington suffer badly making that drive. If you move here, think twice about the commute and take the Metrorail into the District if you can.
Here are a few cons about Arlington from a local:
- heavy traffic
- extremely expensive, the average price of a home is $725,000 while the average cost of rental is $2,200 per month
- weather can be unpredictable
Lifestyle Of Arlington
Arlington is tightly connected to DC; by transit system, by population and workforce, and by the history and gravitas of each “city”. If you live in Arlington you will spend much of your time in the District, possibly for work, for sure for culture and entertainment. Regardless, know that Arlington is also urban and those who live here have plenty to do with lots of great restaurants, bars and culture within the city. It is also the case that this is a seriously healthy city with cycling topping the list of popular ways to stay fit and tons of healthy foodie options after your workouts.
If you want to see what kind of shenanigans locals get up to in Arlington check out the calendar of events: https://www.stayarlington.com/events/
Workstyle Of Arlington
Not shocking that the government is a big employer in Arlington. After all, the Pentagon is here so expect to have neighbors who work in the government and many who work for the Department of Defense. There are also plenty of people who work in education and there is a big tech and communication industry scene happening here. Overall its a strong economy and finding a job is a great strength of the area.
Why You Should Move Here Now?
DC without the mania
This area is incredible. The level of education, high wages and great job opportunities all make it worth moving here. But the most impressive thing is living in Arlington means you get the whole DC experience without having to live amidst the chaos of the capital. You’re just a train stop or two from the District but you can live as quiet a suburban life as you’d like.
Living in Arlington, VA
Neighborhoods in Arlington, VA
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Downtown
Young Professionals / Retirees
While DC comes up a lot in conversations about living in Arlington, Young Professionals and Retirees should not sleep on this city. It has a significant Downtown with a real restaurant and bar scene. There’s also tons of live music at three different music venues downtown and plenty of apartment and condo buildings for good walkability to all of these places.
Freedom Park is another perq of downtown. It's an elevated park with beautiful greenery, spots for picnicking and play, or just chilling and having a cup of joe with your doggo and watching the city go pass by.
If you work in the downtown Arlington area good for you but there are also multiple Metrorail Stops so if you work or just like to visit DC your commute is simple (remember, DON’T DRIVE!!! The roads are the worst).
LGBTQ+
Arlington does not have a particular neighborhood known as the center of the LGBTQ+ community but that does not mean this isn’t a great city to choose. In fact Arlington is frequently in the Top 10 of The Advocate’s list of the most LGBTQ+- friendly cities in the country. So, don’t sweat the neighborhood, just move on in.
Glencarlyn / Halls Hill
Families
If you’re a family interested in history then start your search in the Glencarlyn neighborhood. This is the area’s first planned community, dating back to 1887 and Arlingtons’ oldest standing home, the Ball-Sellers House (circa 1750s) still sits in the center of the neighborhood. The cemetery in town was started in 1766 and coolest of all, George Washington owned land in the forests that surround the city.
Setting all that history aside, know that the homes here are beautiful Queen Anne-style, Victorians, Colonial Revivals and Cape Cods. The blocks are beautiful narrow streets, with sidewalks for the kiddos, parks, forests and some of the best public schools in the state. The vibe is of an old New England village and locals love it.
Halls Hill is another historically significant neighborhood in Arlington with the first all-Black volunteer fire station started here back in 1918. It was originally a predominantly black community with ex-slaves buying parcels of land in the 1880’s. Today the black residents only represent 21% of the population but much of that original spirit of activism remains and residents whose families have been here for generations are still proud of the town’s history.
- Glencarlyn
- Halls Hill - High View Park
- Aurora Highlands