Arlington is often found on lists of the best places to live in the country - in 2016 and 2019, Niche ranked it at No. 1 thanks to its healthy population, accessible public transport, outstanding public schools (rated A+), and wide range of nightlife venues. It received high marks for jobs too, accounting for both median household incomes and the unemployment rate.
Many companies have been making the move to Arlington, like Nestle USA which brought 750 jobs in 2017. In addition, Amazon has a big presence here and has continued to expand, hiring over 3,000 for its second headquarters in the city in 2021, with more jobs expected. Microsoft expects to add approximately 1,500 new jobs by the middle of 2022.
Beyond the jobs and higher incomes (the average household income is $154,331), there are many other reasons to buy a house among Arlington real estate and call it home.
Easy Access to the Nation's Capital
Just five miles west of Washington, D.C., across the Potomac River, residents of Arlington have an easy commute to the nation's capital. Of course, there's a sizeable population of about 237,000 in Arlington, so you won't have to head over to D.C. for amenities unless you want to, as you'll have everything you need right here.
Thriving Art Scene
For art enthusiasts, amateur and professional artists alike, the Arlington Arts Center offers educational programs, contemporary exhibitions, and subsidized studio spaces to support local art. In addition, the non-profit Arlington Artists Alliance promotes visual artists, while Lee Visual Arts Center is an art school that encourages both fun and creativity.
Memorable Dining Experiences
The food scene in Northern Virginia, including Arlington, can rival what you'll find in many large cities across the country. Dishes from across the globe prepared by world-renowned chefs ensure a memorable dining experience here. Enjoy mezze and tapas-style Greek dining at Cava Mezze, French cooking with American flair at the Green Pig, or even a unique blend of traditional Russian and Uzbek fare at Rus Uz.
Nature and Outdoor Recreation
There are many great parks in Arlington, like Gravelly Point Park, where you can toss down a blanket and gaze up at the planes that fly just a few hundred feet overhead as they take off and land at nearby Reagan National Airport.
Head over to Theodore Roosevelt Island, an oasis that can only be accessed from Arlington, to enjoy a scenic hike. There are three short trails, each named for a habitat the route passes through, including the Upland, Woods, and Swamp trails.
Appealing Neighborhoods
There are appealing neighborhoods for everyone from young professionals to families and retirees, with everything from residential communities to high-rise apartments. Rosslyn is known for its many fun events like the Rosslyn Outdoor Movie Fest, the Rosslyn Jazz Fest, Fashion Truck Fridays, and the Rosslyn Holiday Market. It's also the headquarters for Politico and Nestle USA.
Aurora Highlands hosts Pentagon Row, where you can grab a drink and shop 'til you drop or go for a run in 20-acre Virginia Highlands Park. Singles and all types of young professionals are drawn to Ballston-Virginia Square, which offers a central location, a large outdoor mall, hip coffeehouses, and unique eateries.
Clarendon is the wealthiest neighborhood in Arlington, with many businesses catering to its affluent residents. At last count, there were some 30 restaurants and 10 bars along with popular grocery stores like Whole Foods and Trader Joe's. Music enthusiasts can take advantage of the easy access to Clarendon Ballroom. Here for decades, this historic venue offers an eclectic range of live music and DJ nights.
