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*


We’re a County not a City!

The Best Thing About Arlington?

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*

Traffic

The Worst Thing About 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/

Lifestyle 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. 

Workstyle Of Arlington

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. 


DC without the mania

Why You Should Move Here Now?

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). 


Young Professionals / Retirees

Downtown

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. 


LGBTQ+

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


Families

Glencarlyn / Halls Hill

Arlington, VA

**What are the pros and cons of living in Arlington, VA?**

Pros

-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

-rich history

Cons

-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

**What are the pros and cons of living in Arlington, VA?**

I love living in Arlington. Being part of Virginia, taxes are less than the district and Maryland. However it is one of the more expensive parts of Virginia due to its location near the city which makes for a shorter commute for those working in the district. Arlington has a great sense of Community. In addition to having some of the best ranked and racially diverse schools, the county offers a wide range of classes and other activities - especially For kids and seniors. The county is broken into different pockets which can help you decide the best place for you. The Wilson Blvd strip (Ballston, Clarendon, etc) is close to metro and is great for the younger, single groups. North Arlington is more expensive and has some great high schools. South Arlington is less expensive and more racially diverse.



**What is it like to live in Arlington, VA?**

Arlington, being a fairly large county, has many different neighborhoods which all differ from each other.

I like to think of it this way:

North Arlington, (North of I-66) is a relatively expensive place to live, however, the best place to raise children and have a family. Parks are abundant, public facilities are usually clean and well funded, and crime is almost non-existent. Public schools in Arlington (Jamestown, Taylor, Discover for elementary) (HB Woodlawn, Williamsburg, for middle) (Yorktown, Washington-Lee for high) are very well funded.

For people such as single college students, young couples, etc. Places such as Ballston, Virginia Square, Clarendon, Court House, and Rosslyn are all in very close proximity to each other and all have metro stations that provide an extremely fast method of getting to DC (5 mins), Vienna, Tysons, Alexandria, and certain places in Maryland. Crime here is also relatively low, and it is not difficult to find reasonably priced apartments. Certain universities such as Marymount, George Mason, Strayer, all call Arlington their home. Other well known universities that are a short trip from the heart of Arlington include Georgetown University American University, and Howard.

Arlington in general is great in terms of location as DC is right across one of the numerous bridges that span over the Potomac. Other notable places in Virginia are close thanks to the VRE train system. Baltimore is a 45 minute drive. There is access to Ronald Reagan National Airport and Dulles International Airport. Both of which have/are about to receive direct metro access.

In conclusion, if I could choose anywhere in the U.S. to start and raise a family, I would choose Arlington, Virginia.

**Pros and cons living in city or Arlington**

Lived in both and currently in Arlington. You will go into DC a LOT less if you live in Arlington. Yes, you can try to commit to doing it more, but the extra 30 minutes really does add up and act as a deterrent. So if you want to prioritize socializing with DC based friends (and not just after work happy hours), then staying in DC is probably the best bet.

Arlington does have a LOT benefits. Public services actually work. You can call the County government and get a live human in two or three rings that actually sounds interested in helping you. The police department proactively tries to stop and deter crime, including setting up stings for small fry crimes like package thiefs or emerging hotspots of burglaries or sexual assaults.

So a lot depends on where you are in your life and what you need from a city. If its primarily socializing and meeting new people? DC. If its the variety of things local government can provide (schools, public safety, etc), then Arlington by far.

**Moving to Arlington, Virginia? Here are our Top10 reasons to move | Relocating to Northern Virginia**

Arlington, VA, Virginia

The County

Looklyloo Score: 90

Downtown

Young Professionals / Retirees

LGBTQ+

Glencarlyn / Halls Hill

Families