Thinking about living in Arlington? Not only is Arlington close to Washington, DC, but it’s also one of America’s healthiest communities and has an excellent public school system, both of which help make it one of the top cities to live in the U.S. If you’re moving to Arlington, consider moving to one of these five safe, affordable neighborhoods!
Arlington Ridge
Photo via @comingsoonarlington
- Home Price: $591,629 median purchase price; $2,279 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 36% of Arlington neighborhoods
- Perfect For: Singles, young professionals, families, retirees
If you’re looking for a quiet neighborhood in Arlington, then Arlington Ridge might be your place! This neighborhood’s numerous parks, great schools like Oakridge Elementary School and Gunston Middle School, and walkable access to Pentagon Row shopping center make it one of the best neighborhoods in Arlington for families. And although life moves a bit slower in Arlington Ridge, the neighborhood lies just off I-395 and houses the Pentagon City subway station, so the history, dining, and nightlife of Washington, D.C. are just minutes away!
Things to Do in Arlington Ridge
Take a break from shopping and have some fun on the Pentagon Row Ice Rink. Help the kids cool off from the warm Arlington summer weather on the sprayground at Virginia Highlands Park. Browse over 350,000 historical artifacts ranging from the 1600s to modern times at Arlington Historical Museum. Become a member to improve your golf game on the 54 challenging holes at historic Army Navy Country Club. Sample authentic Thai cuisine like Crispy Duck and Panang Curry at Thaiphoon. Pick up some Yorktown French Roast and Golden Horseshoe Espresso beans while you snack on a Morning Glory Muffin at Commonwealth Joe Coffee Roasters. Savor classics like Bucatini alla Carbonara and Scampi alla Fra Diavola at one of the best Italian restaurants in Arlington, The Portofino Restaurant. Or try standout Indian cuisine like Paneer Kulcha and Salmon Curry at Kohinoor Dhaba.
Ballston-Virginia Square
Photo via @moorehomesatcompass
- Home Price: $482,380 median purchase price; $2,307 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 31% of Arlington neighborhoods
- Perfect For: Singles, young professionals, families
You won’t find many Arlington neighborhoods with more things to do than Ballston-Virginia Square! The Ballston Quarter alone offers more shopping, local restaurants, and activities than you’ll find in most neighborhoods. And with affordable homes, condos, and apartments in the area, it’s easy to access all the amenities and entertainment! As great as Ballston-Virginia Square is for activity, it’s also a good place to settle down—excellent schools like Arlington Science Focus Elementary School and Washington Liberty High School make this an attractive neighborhood for families. If you need to get to other parts of the city or DC, the neighborhood has two WMATA subway stations and offers quick access to I-66.
Things to Do in Ballston-Virginia Square
Take skating lessons, join an adult hockey league, and watch the Washington Capitals (NHL) practice at the MedStar Capitals Iceplex. Get your friends together for a game of sand volleyball in Quincy Park. Snack on an empanada or bao bun while you shop for organic fruits and vegetables at FRESHFARM Ballston Farmers Market. Enroll your kids in an art class or check out the rotating exhibits at Arlington Arts Center. Feast on Designer Burgers like the Horseradish Bourbon and the Hot & Jefe at Big Buns Damn Good Burgers. Visit El Pollo Rico—the first Peruvian rotisserie chicken restaurant in the U.S.—for a Whole Chicken and Fried Plantains. Taste some of Arlington’s best BBQ with The Belly Buster or a Mixed Rib Platter from Rocklands Barbeque and Grilling Company. Try authentic Russian cuisine like the Potato Pirozhki and Chicken Kiev at RusUz. Or order a round of cold beers and catch the big game at First Down Sports Bar & Grill.
Bluemont
Photo via @johannabakerrealtor
- Home Price: $674,567 median purchase price; $1,218 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 36% of Arlington neighborhoods
- Perfect For: Singles, young professionals, families, retirees
Bluemont isn’t just one of the best places to live in Arlington, but in the entire country! The neighborhood has a wide selection of affordable Colonials, Craftsman houses, and farmhouse-style homes, most of which are within walking distance of the many restaurants, bars, and coffee shops along Wilson Blvd. There are plenty of parks and trails to get out and enjoy the Arlington weather, and families love seeing their kids get a strong start at Arlington Traditional Elementary School, one of the top-rated schools in the city. Need to get elsewhere in Arlington? Just hop on I-66 or Arlington Blvd, or get on the subway at the Ballston-MU station!
Things to Do in Bluemont
Take a peaceful stroll through the beautiful rose garden at Bon Air Park. Go for a run, play a round of disc golf, or let the kids run off some energy on the playground at Bluemont Park. Find fresh bread, cheeses, honey, produce, and more at Lubber Run Farmers Market. Shop for original artwork, clever T-shirts, handy stationary, and other local products at Covet. Try American classics with a seafood twist like the Salmon Burger or Lobster Mac & Cheese at Mussel Bar and Grille. Get a taste of Turkish cuisine by ordering the Falafel appetizer with a Lamb Shank or Adana Kebab at Istanbul Grill. Enjoy historic family recipes like Tacos Al Carbon or Chile Rellenos at La Union. Or relax with a midday cocktail like a Hot Buttered Rum or an Old Fashioned along with an enormous Cinnamon Bun at Good Company Doughnuts & Cafe.
Clarendon-Courthouse
Photo via @irenamenisher
- Home Price: $418,800 median purchase price; $2,073 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 22% of Arlington neighborhoods
- Perfect For: Singles, young professionals, families
Clarendon-Courthouse is the perfect mix of business and pleasure! This Arlington neighborhood is home to the city’s major government buildings and also has a vibrant nightlife with some of Arlington’s best bars! Whether you’re looking to rent an apartment or settle into a cozy townhouse or single-family home, Clarendon-Courthouse has you covered with affordable options. In addition, traveling to just about anywhere in Arlington or Washington, DC is a breeze—between the Clarendon and Courthouse subway stations, Arlington Transit bus routes, and Arlington Blvd nearby, you have plenty of great transportation options!
Things to Do in Clarendon-Courthouse
Watch your children take on the challenging playground obstacle course after a picnic at Rocky Run Park. Shop from large retail stores, grab a bite to eat, or take a yoga class at Market Common Clarendon. Step up your workout routine with a Low Impact Interval Training class or Outdoor Go With the Flow Yoga at Next Phase Studio. Surprise your coworkers by grabbing some Red Velvet Cupcakes and Nutella Macarons from Bakeshop for the office. Eat some of the best brunch in Arlington—with dishes like the Chorizo & Egg Tacos and famous Crab Legs—while you enjoy live music at Whitlow’s on Wilson. Introduce your palate to Persian cuisine with Lamb Shish Kabob and a Falafel Sandwich from Kabob Bazaar. Or sample from the rotating bottle list with selections from all over the globe at Verre Wine Bar.
Lyon Park
Photo via @homesofarlington
- Home Price: $676,557 median purchase price; $1,998 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 36% of Arlington neighborhoods
- Perfect For: Singles, young professionals, families
Located just west of Arlington National Cemetery, Lyon Park is one of the best places to live in Arlington if you’re a history buff. Several national memorials are within walking distance, and Washington, DC is only about a ten-minute drive away. Of course, there’s more than just history to discover in this charming Arlington neighborhood! Amidst the collection of affordable bungalows, split-level homes, and Colonials, you’ll find homey tree-lined streets, a welcoming community park, Long Branch Elementary School, and locally-owned restaurants and businesses along Washington Blvd!
Things to Do in Lyon Park
Attend a plant sale, compete in the neighborhood chili cook-off, or see how many flapjacks you can eat during the annual Pancake Breakfast at Lyon Park Community Center. Challenge friends to a game of pickup basketball at Henry Clay Park. Stock your pantry with unique Spanish, Portuguese, and Brazilian meats, cheeses, and more from European Foods Import Export Inc. Find your next bike or pick up bike accessories at The Old Bike Shop. Enjoy French and German fare like a Vin Blanc Mussel Pot or Pork Schnitzel at Lyon Hall. Chow down on a Large Meat Medley or a Barbecue Burrito at Texas Jack’s Barbecue. Grab an Egg & Cheese Sandwich or a Smoked Salmon Bagel from Mocha Cafe & Pastry on the way to work. Or play dozens of classic board games while you drink cocktails like the Connect 75 or Park Place Paloma at The Board Room.
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Neighborhood statistics from AreaVibes
