Living in Arlington
Arlington is the urban edge of Virginia: a compact county across the Potomac from Washington, built around walkable, transit-served corridors. This guide covers what living here feels like, the neighborhoods to know, the commute, and how schools work.
Known for
Walkable urban villages and a 10-minute train to Washington DC
School district
Arlington Public Schools
Best for
City living in Virginia, without a commute
What is Arlington like?
Arlington grew up within the original ten-mile square of the federal capital, and it shows: the county is dense where it counts, with urban villages strung along the Rosslyn-Ballston and Crystal City corridors, each with its own personality around a Metro stop. It is home to the Pentagon, Arlington National Cemetery, and Amazon's National Landing headquarters, and it consistently ranks among the most walkable and transit-friendly places in the country.
Housing runs from high-rise condos in Rosslyn and Crystal City to townhomes and single-family homes in residential enclaves like Lyon Village, Ashton Heights, and Westover. Arlington Public Schools are a strong draw for families, and the county's bike and transit networks make it possible to live here with one car or none.
At a glance
Walkable urban villages and a 10-minute train to Washington DC. Schools: Arlington Public Schools. Best suited to: City living in Virginia, without a commute.
Which neighborhoods should you consider?
A starting point, not a census: the neighborhoods buyers in Arlington ask about most, and the character that sets each one apart.
Rosslyn
The dense gateway to Washington DC across the Key Bridge, with high-rises and the first Metro stop in Virginia.
Clarendon
A lively dining and nightlife village around its Metro stop, popular with younger buyers.
Courthouse
The county's civic heart, with an urban bustle and quiet residential streets behind it.
Ballston / Virginia Square
A walkable, innovation-focused corridor, home to George Mason University's Arlington campus.
Crystal City / Pentagon City
Urban hubs with shopping, offices, and National Landing's growth around Amazon's HQ2.
Shirlington
A village-like district with theaters, restaurants, and a small-town feel in the county's south.
How is the commute?
Arlington has 11 Metro stations across the Orange, Silver, Blue, and Yellow lines, and most of the county's urban corridors empty riders into downtown Washington DC in roughly 10 to 20 minutes. Some neighborhoods are literally walking distance to the District across the Potomac bridges. ART and Metrobus fill the gaps, and the trail network is a serious commuting mode for cyclists.
What is the lifestyle like?
The trade-off and the draw are the same thing: density, done well. Each village has its own restaurants, shops, and events, from Clarendon's nightlife to Shirlington's theaters. Parks along the Potomac and inland give the county its green side, and the federal and technology job base keeps it busy day and night.
How do schools work here?
Arlington homes feed Arlington Public Schools, a well-regarded county district. Boundaries are drawn by address, so verify the school for any specific home or new development.
School boundaries can change from street to street and year to year. Verify the assignment for any specific address before you make an offer.
Who is Arlington best for?
Arlington suits buyers who want city living with Virginia's schools and governance: professionals commuting to Washington DC without driving, families who value walkability and transit, and anyone who wants to be in the middle of the action rather than at the end of it. Expect to pay for the convenience.
Explore other area guides
Jayme is licensed in Washington DC, Maryland, Virginia, and Florida, and she works with buyers and sellers across the Washington DC metro area and Southwest Florida. Comparing areas side by side is the fastest way to find your fit.
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