12 Best Places to Live in Arlington, VA

Arlington, Virginia, is a great place to live for many reasons, but don’t take our word for it. US News and World Report ranks Arlington the no.4 place to live in the nation in 2022. Key reasons include the safe neighborhoods, top-rated schools, and multiple activities, including a run in the park or visiting a craft brewery.

If you’re thinking about moving to Arlington, you likely have many questions about its real estate market. Arlington, like all cities, is made up of a variety of areas. Each has a particular location in the city as well as its own feel and activities. To help you learn more about your future home, here are some of the best places to live in Arlington, VA.

Arlington Ridge

Want a convenient, family-friendly location? Arlington Ridge is an excellent neighborhood between I-395 and Aurora Highlands. Residents can quickly get anywhere from Pentagon City to DC within just a few minutes. The Pentagon itself is directly to the north. Namesake Arlington Ridge Road runs through the community. 

Inside Arlington Ridge are a few historical sites, like the Hume School and two Civil War-era forts. Residents have Prospect Hill Park and Aurora Hills Library close at hand.

The well-maintained homes in this area primarily consist of colonial-style single-family homes, townhouses and apartments. In August 2022, the median list price was $750,000 with 27 homes available.

Aurora Highlands

Locals call it the “Village,” Aurora Highlands is located near Arlington Ridge behind Crystal City and includes Pentagon City. The neighborhood is known for its sense of community, aided by a tight street grid built during the streetcar suburb days. The area is a designated National Historic District, helping preserve its charm as high-rises take off around it.

The historic section is the kind of community where kids walk and bike the narrow sidewalks and streets to school. Expect tree-lined streets to add to the charm of the turn-of-century homes. Shops and restaurants are within walking distance. Local “Restaurant Row” is a popular hangout area, as it the Virginia Highlands Park.

The homes here are larger and more spacious than in Arlington Ridge. The average sale price in 2021 was $1.1 million, with 23 homes closing. In August 2022, the median list price was $1.2 million, with nine homes available.

Barcroft

Barcroft is a neighborhood of colonials and ramblers on the west side of Arlington beside Four Mile Run and Alcova Heights. The community feels hidden, but it’s close to Arlington Blvd, I-395, and I-66, making it ideal for commuters. The George Mason University Law School is also nearby.

The community has a volunteer fire department, public library, and recreation center with a pool. Families appreciate outdoor parks like Alcova Heights Park and Bon Air Park Rose Garden. The local school is unique as it offers year-round and experiential learning versus an August-June system.

The active and friendly community sponsors events like a National Night Out, Fourth of July parade, and holiday programs. Four Mile Run park runs parallel to Barcroft and connects to the W&OD trail.

Like many Arlington neighborhoods, most residences were developed up to a century ago. A few new home builds and condos are nearby. Homes prices have been on the rise in Barcroft. In 2021, the average sale price was $865,000 with 71 homes closing. In August 2022, the median list price was $750,000, with nine homes available.

Bluemont

This historic area’s name comes from the bluestone once quarried here and used to build Washington, DC’s sidewalks. The neighborhood of 2,400 homes is between George Mason Drive and I-66.

Nearby is the Bon Air Park Rose Garden, a gorgeous place when in bloom. Residents have many parks and bike trails to use for exercise. The west side borders the W&OD Trail. Walkability to nearby stores is high.

Bluemont is known for its large lots, mature trees, and historic homes, predominately Colonial and Craftsman-style. The area is further subdivided into neighborhoods like Lacey Forest, Bon Air, and Brandon Village.

The average sale price of a home in Bluemont in 2021 was $1.3 million, with only 10 homes closing. In August 2022, the median list price was $940,000, with 11 homes available.

Clarendon-Courthouse

One of Arlington’s liveliest neighborhoods, Clarendon-Courthouse is full of nightlife, shopping, and dining options. It’s also convenient to Metro and major commuting routes. The area gets its name from the old county courthouse that is now an apartment building. The courthouse is on the National Register of Historic Places.

In addition to the many restaurants and bars, Clarendon-Courthouse has a weekly farmer’s market and various festivals throughout the year. An outdoor shopping mall adds to the locals’ retail options. Unwind on the weekend at one of the live music venues. The community is a highly walkable area and ranks no. 2 in Arlington for walkability.

Homes in Clarendon-Courthouse are mostly condos, townhouses, and apartments. The average sale price in 2021 was $627,000, with 227 homes closing. In August 2022, the median list price was $580,000, with 26 homes available.

Chain Bridge Forest

This neighborhood is tucked away in Arlington’s northwest corner near the Potomac River. It’s known for its wooded lots and large homes. Chain Bridge Forest is bordered by the George Washington Memorial Parkway and Chain Bridge Road.

The community is home to the River Bend Country Club and has easy access to hiking and biking trails, Fort Marcy, and Glebe Road Park. At Pimmit Run via River Street, residents can walk or cycle to the Chain Bridge across the Potomac and into Georgetown.

Every year, CBFA organizes a neighborhood fall party. Residents take part in the garden club, book club, and dinner club.

Homes in Chain Bridge Forest are among the most expensive in Arlington. It has around 210 single-family homes with unique architectural elements from colonial to California contemporary. In 2021, the average sale price was $2.4 million, with only four homes closing. In August 2022, one home was available for $2.9 million.

Cherrydale

Cherrydale is on the north side of Arlington between Ballston and Rosslyn. The neighborhood gets its name from the cherry trees once planted here by George Washington.

The community is known for its small-town feel and a strong sense of community. Several alternative schools are located here, like Woodlawn Secondary Program and Arlington Science Focus School. Local businesses line the streets of Cherrydale and the Marymount Farmer’s Market is held here every Saturday. The area is also home to Arlington’s only public outdoor swimming pool.

The Custis Trail, which follows the neighborhood’s southern perimeter, is a wonderful spot for hiking and biking. Cherry Valley Park has ponds and a nature walk that allows you to get closer to nature, while Stratford Park offers baseball fields and tennis courts.

The Cherrydale Citizens Association regularly hosts events like block parties and yard sales throughout the year, focusing on patriotic celebrations around July 4th.

Homes tend to be single-family and historical, with a craftsman, colonial, or farmhouse style. Some date back to the late 1800s. The average sale price of a home in Cherrydale in 2021 was $937,000, with 21 homes closing. In August 2022, 14 homes were available for a median of $1.5 million.

Forest Glen

Forest Glen is a neighborhood of single-family homes located on the west side of Arlington. The community is known for its large lots and wooded setting. It’s farther from Washington, DC than some other neighborhoods, but housing prices are lower in exchange.

Nearby Tyrol Hill Park has nature paths, a playground, and a unique futsal court. Walking trails lead to connections with Glencarlyn Park and Four Mile Run.

Homes in Forest Glen are among the most expensive in Arlington. In 2021, the average sale price was $1.8 million with only six homes closing. In August 2022, no homes were for sale.

Lyon Village

Lyon Village is one of Arlington’s oldest and most desirable neighborhoods. Established in 1920, today it is within walking distance of two metro stations, trails, parks, restaurants, and shops. The 191-acre “urban village” is known for its tree-lined streets and historic homes.

Lyon Village has a strong sense of community with an active civic association. The community center was built in 1925. There are also several parks and green spaces in the area.

The neighborhood was established around 1920 and is designated as a Historic District on the National Register of Historic Places. The streets are lined with pretty Colonials, Cape Cods, bungalows, and Craftsman-style homes. Most homes are on small lots, sitting shoulder to shoulder. The average sale price of a home in Lyon Village in 2021 was $1.2 million, with 47 homes closing. In August 2022, ten homes were available for a median of $2.1 million.

Penrose

Penrose is a small neighborhood located in the south of Arlington between Columbia Pike and I-395. First laid out in 1880, it lies between the Arlington Historic District and the Arlington National Cemetery. The community is known for its affordable homes and convenient location.

Not only does it have several kid-friendly parks, including Penrose Park and Towers Park, but picnic areas, dog parks, tennis courts, and community gardens are also great features that make these parks a favorite for families. The neighborhood has a civic association that connects residents through community picnic, a farmer’s market, and an Easter egg hunt.

The community has single-family homes, townhomes, and condos. The average sale price of a home in Penrose in 2021 was $515,000, with 31 homes closing. In August 2022, four homes were available for a median $850,000.

Rosslyn

Rosslyn is on the north side of Arlington between Georgetown and Ballston. From here, Rosslyn overlooks the Potomac River right into the Capital.

The community has a more urban feel thanks to its high-rise office buildings, hotels, and over 30 restaurants. Rosslyn is also home to the Arlington National Cemetery and the Iwo Jima Memorial. Gateway Park is three acres with an amphitheater and a large sandbox. Georgetown is a ten-minute walk away.

You’ll find more high-rise condos in Rosslyn, some with stunning views of the DC metro and Potomac River. The average sale price of a home in Rosslyn in 2021 was $817,000, with 63 homes closing.

Shirlington

Shirlington has a reputation as being an up-and-coming arts neighborhood. Located on the south side of Arlington between Columbia Pike and I-395, the community is known for its live theater, movies, restaurants, and shops.

The Village of Shirlington is a commercial district with an award-winning theater and a collection of sidewalk cafes. Shirlington also has its own farmer’s market and dog park. Four Mile Run and its trails connect along the east side. Barcroft Park connects in the north.

The average sale price of a home in Shirlington in 2021 was $737,000, with 43 homes closing. The August 2022 median list price was $425,000 with 13 homes available.

Living in Arlington

Arlington is a great place to live for young families, professionals, and retirees alike. The city has quiet neighborhoods to bustling urban areas. For a highly developed area, residents have plenty of parks, green spaces, and excellent public schools. Arlington is conveniently located across the Potomac from Washington, DC. And with so many great neighborhoods to choose from, you’re sure to find the perfect place to call home.