Living in Arlington, Virginia
One of Virginia's most dynamic communities, located along the Potomac River with walkable neighborhoods, top-rated schools, world-class dining, and extensive Metro access to Washington DC.
What Makes Arlington Special?
Arlington is one of Virginia's most desirable and sought-after communities, located just across the Potomac River from Washington DC. Known for its exceptional walkability, nationally ranked public schools, extraordinary dining scene, and one of the most comprehensive Metro transit systems in the country, Arlington delivers an urban-suburban lifestyle that is hard to find anywhere else in the region.
The county is home to iconic landmarks including the Pentagon, Reagan National Airport, and Arlington National Cemetery, as well as vibrant neighborhood centers like Rosslyn, Ballston, Clarendon, Crystal City, and Courthouse. Each of these urban villages has its own distinct character, retail scene, and sense of community, connected by Metro and bike trails.
For retirees and active adults, Arlington offers the rare combination of urban convenience with outstanding public services, some of the best healthcare in the region, and a built-in social and cultural infrastructure. While housing costs are among the highest in Virginia, residents gain immediate access to everything the nation's capital has to offer.
Quick Facts
Cost of Living in Arlington
Arlington commands premium pricing, but residents gain immediate access to world-class transit, healthcare, dining, and cultural amenities.
Housing: The median home price in Arlington ranges from approximately $700,000 to $950,000, varying significantly by neighborhood and proximity to Metro stations. Condos in Crystal City and Rosslyn are more accessible, while single-family homes in Lyon Village, Ashton Heights, and Country Hills command premium prices. This is a premium market that reflects immediate access to DC.
Property Taxes: Arlington County assesses property tax at $$1.03 per $100 of assessed value. While higher than more rural areas of Virginia, the rate funds the county's exceptional schools, extensive park system, robust transit infrastructure, and outstanding public services. Senior tax relief programs are available for qualifying homeowners aged 65 and older.
Daily Expenses: Groceries, dining, and services are above national averages but comparable to other urban DC metro area communities. The extensive Metro and bus network can reduce household transportation costs for many residents.
Cost Comparison vs. Surrounding Areas
Schools in Arlington
Arlington Public Schools are consistently ranked among the best in Virginia and the nation.
Arlington Public Schools
Serves approximately 27,000 students across 41 schools and is consistently rated among the top school districts in Virginia. Washington-Liberty High School, Yorktown High School, and Wakefield High School are the district's comprehensive high schools, each offering a strong range of Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, and career-focused programs.
Notable Programs
Arlington offers an International Baccalaureate program at Washington-Liberty High School, the H-B Woodlawn Secondary Program for project-based learning, and the Stratford Program for students with gifted and talented needs. The county's career center offers specialized technical and professional training.
Private School Options
Several highly regarded private and independent schools serve Arlington, including Bishop O'Connell High School, a Catholic college preparatory school, and the Potomac School in nearby McLean. Montessori schools and faith-based preschools are well distributed throughout the county.
Higher Education
George Mason University's Arlington campus offers graduate programs in law, policy, and technology. Marymount University is based just across the county line. The broader DC metro area provides access to dozens of universities, including Georgetown, GW, American, and UVA's Northern Virginia programs.
Healthcare in Arlington
Arlington is served by one of the region's finest hospitals and is minutes from world-class medical centers across the Potomac.
Virginia Hospital Center
Arlington's primary full-service hospital and a Level II trauma center with comprehensive cardiac care, stroke center, cancer treatment, and surgical specialties. Consistently recognized as one of the top hospitals in the Washington DC region. Located in the heart of the county near Ballston.
Regional Medical Network
Inova Alexandria Hospital is minutes from South Arlington. Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda (12 miles) and the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda provide world-class specialty care. The DC metro region has one of the highest concentrations of physicians and specialists in the country.
Urgent Care & Pharmacy
Multiple urgent care centers serve every corner of Arlington with extended hours and weekend availability. Major pharmacy chains including CVS, Walgreens, and independent pharmacies are well distributed throughout the county's urban villages.
Dining & Shopping in Arlington
Arlington is a dining destination in its own right, with each urban village offering a distinct culinary scene. Clarendon is known for its lively restaurant row with rooftop bars, gastropubs, and international cuisine. Ballston offers farm-to-table dining and upscale eateries around the central plaza. Crystal City has a diverse mix of casual and fine dining, while Rosslyn features riverside restaurants with spectacular views of the Washington Monument and Georgetown.
Shopping is equally diverse. Pentagon City Mall is a premier shopping destination with anchor department stores and boutique retailers. The Shops at Market Common in Clarendon offers a curated mix of fashion, home goods, and dining. Several farmers markets operate throughout the county, with the Arlington Farmers Market in Courthouse being a community staple on Saturday mornings.
For a change of pace, Georgetown and downtown Washington DC are minutes away via Metro or car, offering world-class shopping and dining at every price point.
Local Favorites
- Clarendon: Restaurant row, rooftop bars, international cuisine
- Ballston: Farm-to-table dining, central plaza restaurants
- Crystal City: Diverse dining, easy Metro access
- Pentagon City Mall: Premier shopping destination
- Arlington Farmers Market: Saturdays in Courthouse
- Rosslyn: Riverfront dining with DC skyline views
Parks & Recreation
Arlington has one of the finest park systems in Virginia, with over 170 parks, 150 miles of trails, and extensive waterfront access along the Potomac River. The Mount Vernon Trail runs through Arlington, connecting the county to George Washington's Mount Vernon estate to the south and Theodore Roosevelt Island to the north. The Potomac Heritage Trail offers a more rugged hiking experience along the river's edge.
Arlington National Cemetery is a must-visit destination that honors America's military heritage, with the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the Kennedy gravesites, and the changing of the guard ceremony. Theodore Roosevelt Island, accessible from the Rosslyn side of the Key Bridge, offers 88 acres of wooded trails and marshland boardwalks.
Long Bridge Park in Crystal City features multi-purpose athletic fields, a fitness trail, and stunning views of the DC skyline. Bluemont Park and Gulf Branch Nature Center provide additional recreational options and environmental education programs for all ages.
Recreation Highlights
- Mount Vernon Trail: Scenic Potomac riverfront biking and walking
- Potomac Heritage Trail: Hiking along the river
- Theodore Roosevelt Island: 88-acre wooded preserve
- Long Bridge Park: Athletic fields, DC skyline views
- Bluemont Park: Trails, picnic areas, sports facilities
- Gulf Branch Nature Center: Environmental education, trails
Getting Around Arlington
By Metro: Arlington is the most Metro-accessible community in Virginia, served by the Blue, Orange, and Silver lines with stations at Rosslyn, Courthouse, Clarendon, Virginia Square, Ballston, Crystal City, Reagan National Airport, and Pentagon. Senior SmarTrip cards offer discounted fares for riders 65 and older.
By Bus: Arlington Transit (ART) operates frequent bus service connecting neighborhoods to Metro stations, shopping centers, medical facilities, and community hubs. Metrobus and the Washington DC Circulator also serve the county extensively.
Biking & Walking: Arlington has one of the highest walkability scores in Virginia, with most urban villages scoring 90+ on Walk Score. The county has an extensive network of bike lanes, trails, and Capital Bikeshare stations throughout the county.
Air Travel: Reagan National Airport (DCA) is located within Arlington, offering nonstop flights to destinations nationwide. Dulles International Airport is about 25 minutes west.
Getting Around Times
Culture & Events
Arlington's cultural scene is anchored by Signature Theatre, a Tony Award-winning regional theater in Shirlington that produces Broadway-caliber musicals and plays. The Arlington Cinema Drafthouse in Columbia Pike offers a unique movie and dining experience with independent films, comedy shows, and live music.
The county is home to Amazon's HQ2 in Crystal City, which has brought new energy, dining options, and public gathering spaces to the neighborhood. The Pentagon City and Crystal City area has undergone a remarkable transformation into a vibrant mixed-use community with parks, public art, and year-round events.
Washington DC's Smithsonian museums, the Kennedy Center, the National Mall, and the National Gallery of Art are all just across the river and easily accessible by Metro. For live music, the 9:30 Club, the Anthem, and the Lincoln Theatre in DC are world-class venues within a 15-minute Uber ride.
Cultural Highlights
- Signature Theatre: Tony Award-winning regional theater
- Arlington Cinema Drafthouse: Films, comedy, live music
- Crystal City: Amazon HQ2, public spaces, events
- National memorials on the National Mall (10 min via Metro)
- Live music venues across DC: 9:30 Club, The Anthem
- Smithsonian museums: Free admission, Metro accessible
Senior Services & Resources
Arlington provides a comprehensive network of services and programs for older adults.
Arlington Senior Center
The county's primary senior hub offers fitness classes, social events, educational programs, health screenings, and day trips. The center also coordinates volunteer opportunities and provides information on benefits, housing, and healthcare resources for adults 60 and older.
Nutrition & Meal Programs
Arlington's Meals on Wheels program delivers nutritious meals to homebound seniors. The Senior Center offers congregate meal programs with social dining options. SNAP benefits assistance and farmers market vouchers are available for qualifying older adults.
Transportation Services
Arlington offers reduced Metro fares for seniors and a complimentary paratransit service for older adults with disabilities. The county's senior transportation program provides door-to-door service for medical appointments, grocery shopping, and social activities.
Aging in Place Resources
Arlington's Commission on Aging advocates for senior-friendly policies, while the county's Department of Human Services provides case management, caregiver support, and home health referrals. Several local businesses specialize in senior move management and downsizing assistance.
Experience Arlington Firsthand
Barbara & Douglas Jennings know Arlington's neighborhoods, market trends, and lifestyle options inside and out. Let them help you find the perfect home for your next chapter in this dynamic community.