Living in Arlington, VA, Virginia

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.”

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 living among the locals. You can also receive discounted travel fares via our partnership with Expedia.

Arlington is widely regarded as having one of the best public school systems in the Washington, D.C., metro area and the entire country. It is featured in the LookyLOO Guide to the Best School Districts in the U.S.. The city is served by Arlington Public Schools (APS), a district of about 26,000 students that consistently ranks among the top in Virginia. APS schools are highly diverse, with strong academic outcomes, 97.8% of students graduated on time in 2025, and a reputation for innovation.

At the high school level, Yorktown High School, Washington-Liberty High School, and Wakefield High School anchor the district. Yorktown and Washington-Liberty both earn “A” grades on Niche.com, with A+ grades for college prep and very high AP participation

Middle and elementary schools are also strong, with Williamsburg Middle, Dorothy Hamm Middle, and Arlington Traditional School receiving top ratings. The district emphasizes language immersion programs, STEM curricula, and arts education.

APS also has a reputation for its inclusivity, offering dual-language immersion in Spanish and English, Montessori options, and magnet programs like the HB Woodlawn Secondary Program, known for its alternative, student-centered approach.

Private schools in Arlington add further options, including Bishop O’Connell High School, Trinity Academy at Meadow View, and The Sycamore School, which provide college-prep and specialized education choices.