Thinking about living in Arlington? With its proximity to Washington, DC—along with its status as one of the fittest communities in America and its excellent public school system—Arlington is recognized as one of the best cities to live in the U.S.! Residents moving to Arlington, VA, should consider these five safe, affordable neighborhoods.
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Is Arlington, VA a Safe Place to Live in 2027?
Arlington is considered a safe place to live in Virginia. Not only is the city 76% safer than the rest of Virginia, it’s also safer than 65% of cities in the United States. Some of the safest neighborhoods in Arlington include Arlington Ridge, Clarendon-Courthouse, and Ashton Heights.
Arlington Ridge
- Home Price: $1,409,364 median purchase price; $4,170 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 57% of Arlington neighborhoods
- Perfect For: Singles, young professionals, families, retirees
If you’re looking for a quiet Arlington neighborhood located just off I-395, Arlington Ridge might be the perfect choice! This heavily residential neighborhood is within walking distance of numerous local parks and trails, including Fort Scott Park, Oakcrest Park, and James W. Haley Park, all while being close to great Arlington schools like Oakridge Elementary School and nearby Gunston Middle School—making Arlington Ridge one of the best neighborhoods in Arlington for families. Characterized by their traditional, idyllic charm, many Arlington Ridge homes are in classic Craftsman, Colonial, and Federal styles. Residents can also find a variety of affordable condos and apartments in Arlington Ridge’s north end, near amenities like the Westpost shopping center—allowing renters to reap the benefits of this family-friendly neighborhood while enjoying proximity to Pentagon City’s urban sprawl.
Things to Do in Arlington Ridge
Take a break from shopping to have fun on Pentagon Row’s 7,200 square-foot rink at nearby Westpost Outdoor Ice Skating. Bring the kids to play court sports like basketball, pickleball, and tennis, or exercise with your pooch at Virginia Highlands Park. Browse exhibitions like Industrialization in Arlington and Changes in 20th Century Technology at the Arlington Historical Society. Become a member to improve your golfing game on the 54 challenging holes at the historic Army Navy Country Club across I-395. Pick up an Iced Cookie Butter Latte or Cinnamon Oat Milk Cold Brew while you snack on a Morning Glory Muffin at Commonwealth Joe Coffee Roasters, located just off 12th St. Savor classics like the Bucatini alla Carbonara, Filetto alla Gorgonzola, or Scampi Fra Diavola at The Portofino Restaurant, an Arlington Italian restaurant near Richmond Hwy. Bite into delicious Mediterranean Turkish specials like the Adana Kebab Skewer or Turkish Lahmacun, or build your own bowl at Akivva Grill, located just outside Arlington Ridge. Or try standout Indian food like Paneer Kulcha, Lamb Tikka Masala, and Salmon Curry at Kohinoor Dhaba in Arlington up the street from Fort Scott Park.
Q: What is the best neighborhood in Arlington for families?
A: Arlington is a great place to raise a family, and Arlington Ridge stands out among its neighborhoods. This area offers plenty of outdoor recreation and is served by highly rated Arlington schools, making it an ideal spot for families looking to settle down.
Ashton Heights
- Home Price: $1,266,471 median purchase price; $3,175 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 48% of Arlington neighborhoods
- Perfect For: Singles, young professionals, families
Ashton Heights is the perfect crossroads of calm serenity and entertainment near the heart of Arlington. Residents can get their fill of Ashton Heights’ nightlife thanks to daily social events and bars in Ballston Quarter, the neighborhood’s crown jewel. Quick access to shopping, dining, and outdoor activities—in addition to great local schools like Thomas Jefferson Middle School and St. Thomas More Cathedral School—makes Ashton Heights one of the best neighborhoods in Arlington. Several national memorials are also within walking distance, and Washington, DC is only about a twenty-minute drive away. Of course, this neighborhood has more than history to offer, with affordable housing ranging from classic Craftsman bungalows to updated Colonial and Federal single-family homes.
Things to Do in Ashton Heights
Take skating lessons, join an adult hockey league, or watch the Washington Capitals (NHL) practice at the MedStar Capitals Iceplex. Cool off during hot summers at the sprayground or take your tots to a colorful climbing wall at Mosaic Park. Participate in recreational bocce ball games, or take in the calm green space at Glebe & Randolph Park. Enroll your kids in an art class, or check out the rotating exhibits featuring local and international artists at the Museum of Contemporary Art Arlington. Wake up and head to Ballston Quarter restaurants and enjoy fan favorites like the Big Mark Breakfast, Farmer’s Scramble, and Papas Bravas at Ted’s Bulletin for some of the best breakfast in Arlington. Pull out a chair for organic cafe fare and sandwiches like the Koo Koo Roo, So Cali Club, and Hamwich at Sweet Leaf. Drop by for sips of the Waypoint, Cardinal, or Breakfast coffee blends, or take home bulk bags from Compass Coffee. Or dine on gourmet Japanese food in Arlington with the Chicken Karaage, Wagyu Toro Rolls, or King Salmon Avocado Roll at Gyusan Japanese BBQ.
Q: Is Arlington safer than Washington, DC?
A: In comparison to Washington, DC, Arlington is the much safer city. Washington, DC is safer than only 3% of U.S. cities, while Arlington is safer than 65% of U.S. cities.
Ballston-Virginia Square
- Home Price: $1,001,358 median purchase price; $3,287 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 43% of Arlington neighborhoods
- Perfect For: Students, singles, young professionals
There are few Arlington neighborhoods with as many things to do as Ballston-Virginia Square! The nearby Ballston Quarter alone offers more shopping, local restaurants, and activities than you’ll find in most areas—despite being one of the city’s least expensive neighborhoods. Additionally, with affordable homes, condos, and Ballston apartments, it’s easy to access Downtown Arlington’s amenities and entertainment! As great as Ballston-Virginia Square is for activities, it’s also a good place to settle down—excellent Arlington schools like Arlington Science Focus Elementary School and Washington Liberty High School make this a particularly family-friendly neighborhood in Arlington. Young professionals can also seek higher education at the Antonin Scalia Law School or George Mason University‘s Arlington campus. As the most walkable neighborhood in Arlington, getting around Ballston is a breeze—and if you need to get to other parts of the city or DC, this neighborhood also has two WMATA subway stations and offers quick access to I-66.
Things to Do in Ballston-Virginia Square
Bring your kids to roam the playgrounds, play on athletic courts, or have a family picnic under the sun at Hayes Park. Get your friends together for a basketball or sand volleyball game in Quincy Park. Snack on an empanada while you shop for grass-fed meats, baked goods, and fruits and vegetables at FRESHFARM Ballston Market. Check out the latest book releases, or get the little ones involved with events like Pajama Storytime, Collage Club, or Family Art Night at Central Library. Feast on burgers like the Peppercorn Steakhouse or Hot & Hefe at Big Buns Damn Good Burgers. Pick apart half of a Chicken with sides like Coleslaw at El Pollo Rico, the first Peruvian rotisserie chicken restaurant in the U.S. Taste some of the best BBQ in Arlington when you order The Belly Buster, Three Meat Platter, or Mixed Rib Platter at Rocklands Barbeque and Grilling Company. Catch the big game at a premiere Arlington sports bar while chowing down on Triple Play Sliders and a Coyote Burger at First Down Sports Bar. Or enjoy fine dining with authentic Russian cuisines like the Potato Pirozhki, Lamb Shashlyk, and Chicken Kiev at Rus Uz.
Q: What is the best neighborhood in Arlington to live in?
A: The best neighborhood in Arlington depends on your budget, lifestyle, and must-have amenities. If low crime is a top priority, Clarendon-Courthouse and Arlington Ridge are among the safest options. If you’re focused on affordability, Bluemont and Ballston-Virginia Square offer some of the city’s lower housing costs without sacrificing safety.
Bluemont
- Home Price: $1,215,397 median purchase price; $2,914 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 41% of Arlington neighborhoods
- Perfect For: Singles, young professionals, families, retirees
Thanks to its beautiful parks, tight-knit community, and well-rated schools like Arlington Traditional Elementary School and Escuela Key Elementary School, Bluemont is considered a great place for families—and also one of the safest neighborhoods in Arlington! The neighborhood’s wide selection of affordable Colonial, Cape Cod, and farmhouse-style homes, along with apartments for rent in Arlington, make Bluemont great for those looking for budget-friendly living within walking distance to restaurants and bars. Bluemont residents also love to get out and enjoy the Arlington weather with the trails and nature preserve at Bluemont Junction Park, as well as at the seasonal Lubber Run Farmers Market—where neighbors can socialize while buying fresh bread, cheeses, honey, produce, and more. Looking to get around in Arlington? Just hop on I-66 or Arlington Blvd, travel down the busy Wilson Blvd, or get on the subway at the Ballston-MU station, located just outside Bluemont!
Things to Do in Bluemont
Take a peaceful stroll through the beautiful rose garden at Bon Air Park. Go for a jog, play rounds of disc golf, or let the kids burn some energy on the playground at Bluemont Park. Shop for original artwork, clever T-shirts, handy stationery, and other local products at Covet. Get kids involved in swimming, diving, or tennis lessons, or attend Float & Grill event nights at Arlington Forest Club. Stop by for lunch in Arlington with a Chicken Pesto Panini with Bourbon Street Soup—or choose from over 40 homemade daily donuts at Good Company Doughnuts & Cafe. Try the Meatball panini, Eggplant Parmesan, or the Capricciosa pizza at Pupatella. Get a taste of Turkish cuisine by ordering the Baked Feta Cheese with a Lamb Shank or Iskender Kabab at Istanbul Grill. Or enjoy classic Spanish recipes like Tacos Al Carbon, a Burrito Supreme, or Chile Rellenos at La Union Restaurant, one of the best family restaurants in Arlington.
Q: Is Arlington, VA an affordable city to live in?
A: Arlington is a fairly expensive place to live—the average cost of living in Arlington is about 38% higher than the national average, with housing being the biggest expense. That said, more affordable neighborhoods like Ashton Heights and Bluemont can offer more manageable housing costs.
Clarendon-Courthouse
- Home Price: $1,278,124 median purchase price; $3,842 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 55% of Arlington neighborhoods
- Perfect For: Singles, young professionals, families
Clarendon-Courthouse offers the perfect mix of business and leisure! This Arlington neighborhood is home to the city’s major government buildings like the Clarendon Citizens’ Hall, and has a vibrant nightlife with some of the best bars in Arlington—making it a top place to live for young professionals or those working in government. If you’re looking for new homes in Arlington—whether it be a cozy townhome, row home, or updated bungalow—Clarendon-Courthouse has you covered with affordable housing options. In addition to the neighborhood’s busy shopping center, the area has plenty of local parks and green spaces to help you escape the hustle and bustle. Not to mention, traveling to just about anywhere in Arlington or Washington, DC is simple—between the Clarendon and Courthouse subway stations, Arlington Transit bus routes, and Arlington Blvd nearby, there are lots of commuter-friendly options!
Things to Do in Clarendon-Courthouse
Shop from large retailers like Whole Foods, Lululemon, and Sephora, grab a bite to eat, or take a summer yoga class at The Crossing Clarendon. Watch your children run and play on an athletic field after a family picnic at Rocky Run Park. Pay your respects at Arlington memorials, listen to live music, or grab fresh fruit and other produce from the seasonal farmers’ market at Clarendon Central Park. Relax and meditate near a healing rock garden with views of the Barton Street Community Garden at Barton Park. Taste out-of-this-world Arlington vegan food with a Smokehut Burger or Fricken Sandwich from Galaxy Hut. Introduce your palate to Persian cuisine with a Lamb Shish Kabob, Salmon Kabob, or Falafel Sandwich from Kabob Bazaar. Check out happy hour specials like Bangin Shrimp and Social Nachos with Haus cocktails, or have fun at events like Party on the Plaza or Bash After Dash at Courthaus Social. Snack on mouthwatering Cookies ‘N Cream, Double Chocolate, and Red Velvet Buttercream cupcakes at Bakeshop. Or enjoy a charcuterie board while sampling from a rotating bottle list of global selections at Verre Wine Bar.
A: The salary needed to live comfortably in Arlington depends on your household size. A single adult with no children needs about $62,933 before taxes to cover basic living expenses in Arlington, while a family of four with two working adults needs a combined income of about $184,159.
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The Extra Space Storage team is committed to helping people find the perfect place to call home no matter what stage of life they’re at. Our “Best Places to Live” picks are designed to make moving easier by providing accurate and comprehensive information on various metro areas across the country. We consider factors like cost of living, job opportunities, local attractions, education, and more to help those looking to move make an informed decision. Discover more about our methodology today.
Neighborhood statistics from AreaVibes
