231,803
Population
Sunny Days: 201
75100 Affordability
100100 Schools
80100 Diversity
100100 Safety
Arlington, VA, Virginia
The County
Arlington Skyline, Credit: PlanetWare
Jazz Festival
National 9/11 Pentagon Memorial
Arlington Farmer's Market
LookyLOO Review of 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.
The reasons are varied, but generally, it's a combination of a great economy, an 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.”
We highly recommend visiting Arlington and staying in the community in a VRBO rather than a hotel to get a feel for what it's like to live among the locals. You can receive discounted fares on travel via our partnership with Expedia as well.
Lifestyle
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.
We highly recommend visiting Arlington and staying in the community in a VRBO rather than a hotel to get a feel for what it's like to live among the locals. You can receive discounted fares on travel via our partnership with Expedia as well.
Worklife
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.
Reviews of Arlington from Locals
Traffic
Low_Potential7315
6mo ago
🦉🦉🦉🦉
NoVA native, lived in Arlington in my 20s, it's an absolutely wonderful place. Safe and clean with everything you could want, shopping, parks, access to DC/Alexandria for history, restaurants, public transit, excellent schools. Economy is solid. Weather is decent - it's DC, it gets swampy in the summer. Housing/life is bananas expensive and I do not know of a peer who is able to purchase a single family home in North Arlington. I used to babysit on the side when I lived there and all the families were power couples pulling major $$$.
I moved into DC proper in my 30s but Arlington has my heart. I loved running into neighbors and friends out and about and I cherish the time I spent living there.
For more reviews of what living in Arlington is like from locals, check out The Reviews.
Want to give Arlington, VA a shot?
Use our friends at VRBO and Expedia to help get you going!
Living in Arlington, VA
Neighborhoods in Arlington, VA
View All
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).