8 Pros and Cons of Living in Arlington VA
Diana Jones
October 9, 2022
Diana Jones
October 9, 2022
Arlington, VA, is a beautiful city home to some of the country's best schools, top employers, and rich culture
Things to know about living in Arlington, VA
1. Arlington, VA, has a population of 230,000
2. Arlington's nickname is the "Emerald City" because of the large number of trees in its neighborhoods
3. Arlington was originally home to many prehistoric animals, including woolly mammoths and sabre tooth tigers
4. Arlington is one of the wealthiest cities in the U.S., with a median household income of over $100,000 per year
5. The Burkeville neighborhood in Arlington is the oldest surviving African-American community in the U.S.
What are the best neighborhoods to live in Arlington, VA?
1. Ballston
Ballston is a neighborhood located in West Arlington, Virginia, just north of the Arlington County line. Ballston derives from a Dutch word, "the Valley of the Balloons." The neighborhood was first settled in 1736 and was incorporated in 1871.
Today, Ballston is home to a mix of architectural styles, from traditional Tudor to modern. As a result, the Ballston neighborhood is a popular location for residents and visitors looking for a suburban lifestyle with easy access to city amenities.
2. Crystal City
Crystal City is a mixed-use community in Arlington, Virginia, developed by The Cordish Companies. The district comprises office, retail, and residential towers. It is one of the most significant mixed-use developments in the United States and has been designated a "City of Innovation" by the Arlington County Government.
Crystal City has been praised for its architecture, designed by Skidmore, Owings, Merrill LLP, and Buro Happold & Partners. The community has many restaurants and retail outlets, including a Whole Foods Market. In addition, it has several notable landmarks, including the Crystal City Metro station and the Pentagon.
3. Rosslyn
Rosslyn is a neighborhood in Arlington County, Virginia, just northwest of the central business district of Arlington. The area was developed as Arlington's first suburban residential community, named for George Ross, the first secretary of the Treasury. The Potomac River bounds Rosslyn to the south and the Arlington Memorial Bridge to the north.
4. Clarendon
If you're looking for a quaint town to call home or a place to get away from it all, Clarendon, VA, is perfect for you. Clarendon is a small town located in Northern Virginia, and it's known for its history, beautiful architecture, and surrounding countryside. There's plenty to do in Clarendon, whether you're interested in exploring the town's various galleries and museums or taking a leisurely walk in the surrounding nature.
5. U Street
U Street is a vibrant and historic corridor in Washington, D.C., that has undergone many transformations in recent years. Located just north of the White House, U Street has become a popular tourist destination for locals and visitors from all over the country.
The area has a lot to offer visitors, from cultural attractions like the National Gallery of Art and the National Museum of American History to delicious restaurants and nightlife options. There are also plenty of shops and businesses to explore and places to stay if you plan to visit the area.
6. Courthouse
Courthouse, VA, is a small town in Loudoun County, VA. It is known for its courthouse, built in 1792 and is the oldest still in use in the United States. The courthouse is also known for its role in the American Revolution. George Washington and his troops passed through the town on their way to the Battle of Brandywine in September 1777.
7. Virginia Square
Virginia Square is a popular shopping destination in Washington, D.C., and it is home to some popular stores, including Macy's, JCPenney, and Sears. The area is also home to many popular restaurants, such as Olive Garden and Red Lobster.
Virginia Square is a great place to live, work, and shop. The area is well-maintained, has an excellent economy, and is close to some major attractions. It's a great place to raise a family, and it's a great place to visit.
8. Pentagon City
Pentagon City is a mixed-use development in Arlington, Virginia, near the Pentagon Office Building. The project was conceived in the early 2000s and broke ground in 2004. The Howard Hughes Corporation developed the development and is now managed by the Related Companies.
The project includes a mix of luxury and affordable residential, retail, and office space. The residential area comprises high-end villas marketed to high-ranking government officials and their families. The retail area includes a mix of upscale and mid-priced stores, and the office space consists of corporate headquarters and several technology companies.
9. Rosslyn
Rosslyn is Arlington's new downtown district, quickly becoming one of the most popular tourist destinations in the area. The community is home to various shops, restaurants, and attractions.
Rosslyn is also the site of Arlington's new Rosslyn Metro station, a central transit hub. The Metro station is connected to the Arlington County Transit system, which offers various bus and rail services.
Pros and cons of living in Arlington VA
The advantages of living in Arlington, VA :
- It is close to many transportation systems, like the Metro, buses, and interstates, and relatively close to Washington, D.C.
- It has many great restaurants, from fine dining to casual grills.
- It is close to several national parks, including Shenandoah National Park and Great Falls National Park.
- It has many fun festivals, such as the Arlington County Fair and the Food Truck Festival.
The disadvantage of living in Arlington, VA:
Arlington, VA, is one of the most expensive cities in the United States. The cost of living in Arlington is 20% higher than the national average. Housing and transportation costs are also more costly in Arlington than in many other areas of the U.S.
**Housing**: Arlington is home to some luxury apartment buildings. While the area offers more affordable options, they are harder to find.
**Transportation**: Arlington is also home to the Washington Metro, which provides access to most of the nation's capital. However, the Metro is an expensive way to travel, and the rail service isn't as frequent as public transportation systems in other cities.
**Food**: Arlington is one of the country's most expensive dining places. On average, a meal out costs 22% more in Arlington than in other U.S. cities.
**Education**: A college degree is required to work at most Arlington-based businesses. But college is more expensive in Arlington than in many other places. For example, education costs in Arlington are 24% higher than the national average.
What are some benefits of living in Arlington, VA?
Arlington, VA, is a great city to live in, especially during September when thousands of guests attend the 2018 Floriade, one of the largest floral shows in the U.S. and Canada. Arlington, VA, is located in northern Virginia. It is a suburb of Washington, D.C.
Arlington, VA, has many fantastic places for visitors to go. It is home to two excellent museums, the Spy Museum and Air Force Memorial. In addition, the National Zoo and Botanical Gardens are located in the city. The National Airport, Ronald Reagan National Airport, is also found in Arlington, VA.
The Lee High School Eagle Centre houses a community center, 30,000 square foot athletic complex, and a restaurant. The Arlington Arts Center houses a performing arts center, art museum, and dance studio.
New visitors to Arlington, VA, will find many exciting things to do.
How to get started moving to Arlington VA
1. Start Early - Plan at least six months before packing. Start by saving up enough money to pay moving expenses. Then, start packing by throwing away items you're not taking with you.
2. Save Time - Hire professional movers. Ask your real estate agent for recommendations.
3. Get a Good Distance Estimate - Get a quote from a moving company in Arlington, VA. Make sure they will pack everything.
4. Invest in Packing Supplies - Buy packing supplies early.
5. Check Moving Insurance - Check if your moving company offers insurance.
6. Use a Spreadsheet - Keep a spreadsheet of all your possessions. Number and describe each box and list its contents.
7. Create a Residence Inventory - Take pictures of valuables. Then, make an inventory of all your possessions.
8. Use a Box Divider - Use box dividers to separate fragile items.
9. Assess the Condition of Your Possessions - Take inventory, then decide which items you want to keep and which to throw away.
10. Make a Get Rid Of List - Create a get rid of the list.
If you decide to move to Arlington or any area in Virginia, you can call us at (202) 843-9181 or visit our website boxstarmovers.com.