Thinking about moving to Arlington? Thanks to its high-performing economy, this Washington, DC neighbor boasts some of the highest median home incomes in America! In addition to its great job opportunities, the city’s abundance of attractions help make Arlington one of the best cities for young professionals. If you’re a young adult looking to live in Arlington, check out these five great neighborhoods!
Aurora Highlands
Photo via @andorsrealestategroup
- Home Price: $427,555 median home price; $1,923 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 22% of Arlington neighborhoods
With low housing costs, close proximity to Ronald Reagan International Airport, and quick access to some of the top employers in Arlington like Boeing and Public Broadcasting Service (PBS), Aurora Highlands is a great neighborhood for young professionals. Whether you’re looking for an upscale apartment or loft or are in the market to buy a cozy townhome or ranch-style home, this Arlington neighborhood has you covered. And when you’re off the clock, getting out on the town is easy, as Aurora Highlands is home to Arlington’s most popular mall, inviting green spaces, and interesting local restaurants.
Things to Do in Aurora Highlands
Grab a drink and shop til you drop as you sip and stroll through the various stores on Pentagon Row. Challenge a friend to a game of tennis or go for a run through the spacious 20-acre Virginia Highlands Park. Throw a few frames during cosmic bowling and play old-school arcade games at Bowlero. Practice your pickleball game on the courts at Fort Scott Park. Introduce your palate to Ethiopian cuisine with dishes like Beef Zigni and Shrimp Spris at Enjera Restaurant. Down a Crystal City Sidecar Cocktail while you enjoy a Colossal Crab Cake Sandwich during Poker Night at Crystal City Sports Pub. Feast on Kahlua Pig Rolls and Smoked Prime Rib at one of Arlington’s best steakhouses, Epic Smokehouse. Or silence your late-night cravings with a Lamb Kabob and Chicken Karahi from Kabob Palace.
Ballston-Virginia Square
Photo via @homesbysarahfox
- Home Price: $482,380 median home price; $2,307 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 36% of Arlington neighborhoods
It’s not hard to see why singles and young professionals love Ballston-Virginia Square—with its central location, unique restaurants, quiet coffeehouses, and a spacious outdoor mall, finding something to do close to home is always easy! Plus, there are multiple WMATA metro stations scattered throughout the neighborhood to conveniently take you to other parts of Arlington. What’s the living situation like? You can find apartments and high-rise condos in Ballston-Virginia Square, but there’s also a wide variety of townhomes and single-family homes. And on top of all that, Ballston-Virginia Square is one of the most affordable places to live in Arlington!
Things to Do in Ballston-Virginia Square
Watch the Washington Capitals (NHL) as they practice or play in your own hockey league at MedStar Capitals Iceplex. Sign up for cooking classes, wine and painting sessions, and do all kinds of shopping down at Ballston Quarter. Get lost in a good book or enroll in a poetry workshop at Arlington Public Library. Start a pickup basketball game, play sand volleyball, or get out for some fresh air at Quincy Park. Eat a few slices of Sgt. Pepperoni and Fungitown pizza from Rustico Ballston. Order hot pots like the Mapo Tofu with Pork and Cumin Chicken at Mala Tang. Snag a seat at one of the large picnic tables to feast on German classics like Bratwursts with Sauerkraut and a stein of beer at The Bronson Bierhall. Or try a variety of beers from the Noble King to the Heart & Soul at Crafthouse.
Bluemont
Photo via @mcenearneyarlington
- Home Price: $674,567 median home price; $1,218 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 52% of Arlington neighborhoods
A highly walkable residential area with a mix of classic homes and new construction, Bluemont is one of the best places to live in Arlington for young job seekers. Getting to and from work around the city is easy, thanks to close proximity to I-66 and an abundance of public transportation in the area. As for homes in this area, you can find styles ranging from Colonials to Craftsman-style houses. The home prices are a bit higher in Bluemont than in nearby areas, but the rental rates are similar to what you’ll find elsewhere! In addition, this Arlington neighborhood offers several parks, locally owned restaurants, and a quiet community setting.
Things to Do in Bluemont
Enjoy the gorgeous Arlington weather with an afternoon among the azaleas, ornamental trees, and rose bushes in Bon Air Park Rose Garden. Pick up some burgers and brats and have a cookout at Lacey Woods Park. Improve your swimming and diving skills by becoming a member of Arlington Forest Club. Get in the best shape of your life with personal training at Andy Shin Fitness. Savor Neapolitan-style pizzas like the Diavola and the Caivano at one of Arlington’s best Italian restaurants, Pupatella. Branch out and try Lebanese cuisine by ordering Mediterranean Lamb Shank and Falafel at Layalina Restaurant. Try creative takes on mussels like Thai Curry and Mushroom & Bacon while sipping on a Mango Mojito at Mussel Bar & Grille.
Clarendon-Courthouse
Photo via @macdonaldbecker
- Home Price: $418,800 median home price; $2,073 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 28% of Arlington neighborhoods
If you’re looking for a lively area with lots of events, activities, and nightlife, Clarendon-Courthouse might be the best Arlington neighborhood for you! With an outdoor shopping mall, swanky cocktail bars, and dozens of unique restaurants, there’s always something going on here. Better yet, Clarendon-Courthouse has a wide selection of upscale condos, apartments, and new construction homes that you can find at affordable prices. It also houses several of the city’s main government buildings, so there are job opportunities close by. And if you’re looking for employment in other parts of the city, Clarendon-Courthouse makes it easy to reach them! With Metro stations on the west and east edges of the neighborhood, plenty of stops on the ART transit route, and close proximity to US-50, transportation to anywhere in Arlington is a breeze.
Things to Do in Clarendon-Courthouse
Get a game of ultimate frisbee going on the synthetic turf at Rocky Run Park. Shop for home goods, apparel and accessories, lifestyle items, and more at The Crossing Clarendon. Catch the latest blockbusters while lounging in a cozy recliner at AMC Courthouse Plaza 8. Take your workout routine to the next level with TCR 360 Classes or personalized training sessions at The Conditioning Room. Relax with some Reuben Rolls and Bangin’ Shrimp and a Groove City Hefe on the patio at Courthaus Social. Grab lunch on the go with a Cuban Club or Roast Beef & Cheddar from Earl’s Sandwiches. Satisfy your sweet tooth with pints of liquid nitrogen ice cream like the Vanilla Bean or Bananas Foster from Nicecream. Or sample different wine flights from Screwtop Wine Bar.
Radnor-Ft Myer Heights
Photo via @lilah.bross
- Home Price: $415,800 median home price; $1,656 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 33% of Arlington neighborhoods
Looking to live as close as you can to Washington, DC without being in the city? Check out Radnor-Ft Myer Heights in Arlington! Located just across the Potomac River from the nation’s capital, this neighborhood gives you quick access to both Arlington and DC, making it a great spot for commuting singles and young professionals. While there are homes for purchase available in this neighborhood, many residents choose to rent—there’s a variety of townhomes, condominiums, garden apartments, and co-ops all within close proximity to spacious parks and some of the best restaurants in Arlington! Plus, Radnor-Ft Myer Heights offers easy transportation around the city thanks to the Rosslyn station on the WMATA line.
Things to Do in Radnor-Ft Myer Heights
Honor some of America’s bravest soldiers at the Marine Corps War Memorial and Arlington National Cemetery. Take in the unique spheres, pools, and tunnels of Arlington’s first commissioned art piece at Dark Star Park. Hit the heavy bag, get a different type of workout in, and learn how to box at BASH Boxing. Start your day with some Buttermilk Biscuits, Beignets, and Bacon, Cheddar & Chive Scones from Bayou Bakery. Experience the best sushi Arlington has to offer with the Light My Fire Roll and Proud Mary Crab Roll at Sushi Rock. Fill up on Lobster Benedict, a B.E.L.T. Sandwich, or Mushroom & Spinach Empanadas at one of the best brunch restaurants in Arlington, Barley Mac. Chow down on some of the freshest seafood in the city like Blue Crabs and Lobster Mac & Cheese at Quarterdeck. Or sit out on the patio while listening to some live music on Friday nights at Ragtime.
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Neighborhood statistics from AreaVibes
