Thinking about moving to Arlington, VA? Though it spans less than 26 square miles, Arlington boasts a thriving job market, strong military history, and reliable public transportation across the Potomac River. Check out these 13 things to know about living in Arlington!
Find High-Quality Living in the DC-Alexandria-Arlington Metro
Despite its higher-than-average cost of living, Arlington is still ranked as one of the best cities to live in America. Even compared to nearby places like Washington, DC or Alexandria, Arlington’s housing costs aren’t much different—and you can always find ways to save money. Looking for budget-friendly real estate in Northern Virginia? With a crime rate that’s 55% lower than the national average, there are a number of safe, affordable neighborhoods in Arlington for you to consider—like the quiet and laid-back Arlington Ridge, or the upbeat Ballston-Virginia Square near Ballston Quarter. On top of budget-friendly housing options, Arlington’s low unemployment rate and its median household income of $122,600—over $30k more than DC’s median household income—combined with its variety of things to do makes this city a phenomenal place to live.
Explore Arlington Careers
Arlington, VA offers a thriving economy and high earning potential, making it a prime location to pursue career growth. Young professionals looking for jobs in government or services won’t have a problem finding work while living in Arlington County, since these sectors account for nearly 75% of all Arlington jobs. And while the city offers a number of opportunities in the public sector, it also has many options in the private sector! Work with major employers like Boeing, Amazon HQ2, and Raytheon. You can even make a name for yourself in one of the fastest-growing tech industries in the nation, as the city is on track to compete with tech hubs like Miami and Austin, thanks to its specialized workforce and incentives.
Hop On Arlington’s Public Transportation Options
Arlington is one of the top cities for public transportation, with approximately 21.6% of the city’s workforce making their daily commutes via public transit. Need to commute to Washington D.C.? Catch the Blue Line or Orange Line on the Metrorail or Metrobus with Washington Metropolitan Area Transit (WMATA)—or use the Virginia Railway Express services. The Arlington Transit (ART) system has several local bus routes throughout the city, as well—and since many Arlington neighborhoods are highly walkable and the city is considered one of the most bikeable in the U.S., you can easily make short trips on foot or bicycle. If you want more healthy and eco-friendly ways to get around Arlington, stop at one of the 100+ local bike stations to rent a classic red bike or black e-bike from Capital Bikeshare. BikeArlington provides educational programs that support active transportation choices to make the city even more bike-friendly. And if you want to travel to another city, state, or even out of the country, board a plane at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.
Take Advantage of Easy Access to the DC Metro
With Arlington west of the Potomac and our nation’s capital to the east, you can easily travel to Washington, DC for employment or to spend the day at national landmarks. Commute to DC for work or to attend colleges like Georgetown University—which is ranked as the best college in the District of Columbia and in the top 20 best colleges in the United States. Cheer on DC sports teams, like the Washington Commanders (NFL), Washington Nationals (MLB), or the Washington Capitals (NHL). Spend a day at Smithsonian Museums, including the National Museum of Asian Art, National Air and Space Museum, or National Zoo. Attend exciting DC events like National Cherry Blossom Festival, Capital Pride Festival, and more. Or appreciate a wide variety of artists and techniques at the National Gallery of Art, National Museum of Women in Arts, and The Phillips Collection.
Live Sustainably in Arlington
The first community in the nation to achieve LEED Platinum, Arlington County is known for its innovative, sustainable urban planning. In fact, the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (COG) presented the 2021 Climate and Energy Leadership Award to Arlington County for its Lubber Run Community Center Project, a city plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. With The Arlington Initiative to Rethink Energy (AIRE) in place, Arlington provides residents with EV charging stations, solar electric systems for homes, and more. The city of Arlington continues to educate its community on climate change and sustainability by holding Earth Day events and providing educational resources. Get involved with EcoAction Arlington to create and host events in Arlington, like Earth Day cleanup and EcoExtravaganza. Support Arlington’s green communities, tour green home upgrades, and connect with other environment-conscious residents at the Green Community Celebration. Or participate in eco-friendly events like Bike to Work Day.
Seek Higher Education at Arlington Universities & Colleges
One of the best U.S. cities for education, college students and young professionals living in the Arlington area can have an amazing education experience. Earn your bachelor’s in cybersecurity, minor in data science, and more at Marymount University. Pursue your master’s degree in software engineering systems, public policy, or analytics from Northeastern University Arlington, an R1 Research University. Get your technical degree in cosmetology, esthiology or massage therapy from Aveda Arts & Sciences Institute Arlington. Take classes in art history, criminal justice, engineering, and more from Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA)—one of the largest community colleges in the U.S. Attend George Mason University: Mason Square, the first university in the U.S. to introduce doctoral programs in conflict analysis and resolution, information technology, and more. Gain experience by partnering with other research institutions and government agencies when you earn your degree in architecture, economics, sociology, and more at Virginia Tech‘s Research Center – Arlington. And check out advanced degree options at UVA Darden School of Business like the part-time MBA format, the Darden/McIntire MS in business analytics, and other executive education options.
Learn About Arlington’s History
Did you know Arlington County was initially Alexandria County? When Alexandria County and the City of Alexandria separated in 1870, the county was renamed Arlington County to avoid confusion. “Arlington” was chosen because of Arlington House, General Robert E. Lee’s home, which is located on the grounds of Arlington National Cemetery. Witness the solemn changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier—a monument that honors unidentified U.S. military service members—or see the eternal flame at the John F. Kennedy Gravesite. Pay your respects to those who lost their lives at the US Marine Corps War Memorial or Air Force Memorial. Learn about the history of Arlington with exhibits covering topics like World War II, The Civil War, and more at the Arlington Historical Museum. Or check out the exhibit on Arlington’s Freedmen’s Village at The Black Heritage Museum of Arlington, where a large community of freedmen settled in 1863.
Spend the Day Outdoors at Arlington Parks
The temperature in Arlington County typically ranges between 28 and 87 degrees, resulting in hot and humid summers and snowy winters—perfect for enjoying Arlington’s outdoor activities. Enjoy views of the Potomac River while walking one of the many trails, pay your respects to the 26th president, and more at Theodore Roosevelt Island via the Mount Vernon Trail. Visit Long Bridge Aquatics & Fitness Center at Long Bridge Park for quick laps in the pool or to simply float on the lazy river. Grab a friend and head to Gravelly Point Park for airplane spotting and beautiful scenic views. Or spend the day hiking, stop by the nature center, and check out the interpretive gardens at Potomac Overlook Regional Park, which spans more than 67 acres.
Immerse Yourself in Arlington’s Vibrant Art Scene & Diverse Culture
Supported by a strong, dynamic art community, this Virginia city is home to a thriving arts and cultural scene. See artwork from local, national, and international artists, sign the kids up for summer camps, and more at the Museum of Contemporary Arts Arlington—which features nine gallery spaces. Listen to musical performances put on by national and local music groups at Groovin’ on the Pike, an Arlington First Friday event. Enjoy free performances from various music genres during the summer at the Lubber Run Amphitheater. See productions like In the Heights, The Untitled Unauthorized Hunter S. Thompson Musical, and more at the Signature Theatre, a Tony Award-winning regional theatre in Arlington. Or see artwork that’s part of the Public Permanent Art Collection throughout the city.
Attend Arlington Events
There are plenty of community events to keep Arlington residents busy year-round! Celebrate your local LGBTQ community with the dance station, refreshments from vendors like Zoe’s Vegan Delight and Hype Lemonade, and by dressing up for the drag show at the free Arlington Pride Festival. Experience New Orleans funk, neo-Gullah folk, Afro-Puerto Rican Bomba fusion, soul, and more jazz genres at the annual Rosslyn Jazz Fest. Listen to live music in the entertainment tent, compete to win in the Pie Eating Championship, and try all the rides in the Midway at the annual Arlington County Fair. Surprise your kids with the Kids Summer Jam, request a sing-a-long of their favorite song from Bobby McKeys’ Dueling Piano Cart, and find your new favorite local restaurant at the yearly Quarterfest Crawl—a festival formed to raise money for local nonprofits and charities. Attend the annual Columbia Pike Blues Festival—aka “Arlington’s Best Block Party” in June. Or celebrate Argentinian culture on Argentine Heritage Day with live music, Argentinian food, and more during the Festival Argentino.
Have a Blast at Family Activities in Arlington
One of the best cities to raise a family, Arlington is home to many activities for the kiddos. Find family-friendly events like Outdoor Family Storytime, CrafTEA, or English Conversation classes at the Arlington Public Library. Create something new with guided crafts or compete in lawn games with your kids when you visit the Arlington Art Truck. Test your climbing skills on Climb UPton, cool off at Ocean Dunes Waterpark, or get a hole-in-one at the mini golf course—all available in the Upton Hill Regional Park. Shoot hoops on the basketball court, watch the kids play on the playground, and more at Lubber Run Park. Have a fun family day viewing animals at the Long Branch Nature Center, watch the kids go down the slides, and end with a family picnic at Glencarlyn Park. Sign the kids up for Learn to Skate classes, watch a Washington Capitals team practice (NHL), or go skating as a family during public skate days at the MedStar Capitals Iceplex.
Dine at Arlington’s Best Restaurants
With so many different cultures in Arlington, you won’t have a hard time finding something delicious to eat! Start your day with Beignets or LA Style Biscuits & Gravy with a Red Hot Latte from Bayou Bakery, Coffee Bar & Eatery. Head over to Pines of Florence for some homemade pasta like Lobster Ravioli w/ Pink Sauce, Baked Penne, or Gnocchi Marinara. Indulge in dishes like a Charcuterie Platter, Steak and Frites, or Bistro French Onion Soup, and save room for Belgian Chocolate Mousse at Grand Cru Wine Bar and Bistro. Treat yourself to top sushi in Arlington like a Salmon Lover Roll or Light My Fire Roll at Sushi Rock. Looking for pizza in Arlington? Share an order of Thick Cut Fries and a Fungitown Pizza or the Margheritaville Pizza from Rustico. Or enjoy Skillet Cornbread, Smoked Brisket, or Fried Chicken Tenders paired with Creamy Dill Potato Salad or Ruthie’s Mac and Cheese from Ruthie’s All-Day.
Experience Nightlife in Arlington
Planning a night out on the town with friends? With Arlington’s vibrant nightlife scene, you’ll always have options! Enjoy a late-night dinner with a glass of Pinot Noir—or opt for a classic or seasonal cocktail at Salt. Experience “the art of the cocktail” at Ms. Peacock’s Champagne Lounge, with artisan drinks like The Billionaire and Champagne Cosmo. Enjoy a Frozen Espresso Martini, glass of Ovum Pink Salt Rosé, and more from Screwtop Wine Bar. Grab friends and head to The Board Room Game Bar & Brewery to play games and enjoy house-brewed beers like Ticket to Ride Red Ale or No Limit Lager. Battle friends on trivia Wednesdays or belt your favorite song during karaoke at O’Sullivan Irish Pub & Restaurant. Or dance the night away during Latin Night or listen to local Arlington bands while enjoying Killer Guac & Chips and Hatch Chili Queso at The Renegade.
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