Located directly across the Potomac River from Washington, DC, the community of Arlington is known for its rich history, unmistakable charm, and dedication to the arts. It is nestled in the Northern Virginia region and is loved by both residents and visitors alike for its idyllic, peaceful atmosphere. If you’re considering packing up your bags and making the move to Arlington, you most likely have an abundance of questions about the city. Don’t worry; we’re here to give you the insider’s scoop on living in Arlington and what you have to look forward to.
A rich history
Before moving to a new city, it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with the history of the region. Lucky for you, Arlington has a rich history that makes this step easy. The city originally served as the nation’s capital when it was first founded in 1790. It was included in the District of Columbia before it was returned to the Commonwealth of Virginia in 1846. Arlington was referred to as “Alexandria” before the name was officially named in 1920.
Today, this vibrant city is home to a plethora of historical landmarks. This includes everything from the Pentagon to Arlington National Cemetery to the Air Force Museum. Step back in time and learn about the history of the country at the Arlington National Cemetery and Iwo Jima Memorial. If you’re new to the area, consider spending a day exploring the various museums and historical sites. The Arlington Historical Society allows you to dive deeper into Arlington’s interesting backstory. In addition to revolving displays, the museum provides a wealth of educational learning activities.
A diverse population
Home to nearly 237,000 residents, Arlington attracts individuals from all walks of life and a diverse array of backgrounds. This includes everyone from working professionals to military personnel to retirees to families looking for a family-friendly community to raise their children.
Arlington has received a Niche grade of A+ and has been ranked as number two for Best Cities to Live in America. It was also ranked by Niche as the third best city to raise a family in America and the fifth-best city for young professionals in America.
Beautiful homes
Like much of the East Coast, Arlington has an old history, which is evidenced in the various styles of homes. A drive through this picturesque city will reveal varied architectural styles, enabling you to select a style that appeals to your preferences. Some of the most popular styles you can expect to find include Colonial Revival, Tudor Revival, American Foursquare, and Craftsman Bungalow. Like the rest of the city, the Arlington homes abound in character and charm. No matter what style you prefer, this city has something for everyone!
An array of shopping
If you’re ready to shop until you drop, then you’ll love all that Arlington has waiting for you. The The Fashion Centre at Pentagon City, located just minutes away from the nation’s capital, draws people in with its diverse array of stores. A premier shopping destination, this expansive mall is made up of 160 stores, spanning from high-end designer stores to local boutiques. Spend your afternoon browsing through shops such as Kate Spade New York, Nordstrom, Tourneau, and plenty more. The skylight food court features food of all cuisines, including familiar, local options to international flavors.
The Village at Shirlington is another top-notch shopping destination. First opened in 1944, the Village was the first large shopping center to open in Washington, DC Here, you can find retail stores, restaurants, and movies. Keep an eye out for exciting events that take place year-round here.
Coffee shops and restaurants
Get your caffeine fix at Detour Coffee. This cozy coffee shop specializes in fair-trade coffee and community. They are committed to preparing the highest quality and best-tasting drinks and food possible. All of the pastries are made in-house from scratch, resulting in a quality that you can taste. Take a break from your daily routine and check Detour Coffee out.
Start your day off or finish your evening off with a glass of wine from Northside Social Coffee & Wine. This neighborhood cafe, bakery, wine bar, and coffeehouse provides the perfect spot to relax after a long day at work.
For an upscale culinary experience, make reservations at Green Pig Bistro. This elevated eatery serves American-French-inspired dishes in a modern, airy atmosphere. Happy Hour takes place from Wednesday to Friday from 4 pm to 6 pm and Saturday and Sunday from 3 pm to 6 pm.
Meanwhile, if you prefer a more casual meal, then be sure to check out Busboys and Poets. Originally established in 2005, this bustling restaurant, which doubles as a bookstore, is known for its American menu and handcrafted cocktails. In addition to being a restaurant, Busboys and Poets are a cultural hub for artists, activists, writers, thinkers, and dreamers.
Close access to Washington, DC
Another perk that comes from living in Arlington is its prime location and easy access to Washington, DC Residents can reach the DC area through major roadways, including Interstate 95, the Capital Beltway (I-95), the George Washington Memorial Parkway, and the Baltimore-Washington Parkway (I-295). Arlington is also well connected by public transportation, featuring 11 Metrorail stations, 17 bus routes, 92 Capital Bikeshare stations, and 89 miles of biking and walking trails.
Endless festivals and events
Home to endless festivals and events, life in Arlington is far from boring! The Arlington Festival of the Arts takes place each April and is held in the Clarendon neighborhood. Spend the afternoon strolling through the booths and admiring the work of local artists. From painting to jewelry, to pottery, the festival boasts a range of mediums. The incredible art is sure to impress even the most discerning artistic tastes.
Satisfy your cravings at the Taste of Arlington, a food and music festival that is worth checking out. This celebration of local food allows residents to visit participating restaurants along the culinary trail, sampling cuisines from a distinct assortment of eateries. Along with incredible food, the Taste of Arlington festival includes music, sidewalk sales, shopping, and kids' activities.
Music enthusiasts will enjoy the Rosslyn Jazz Festival, which takes place every fall. Over 5,000 jazz lovers from across the country come out to enjoy renowned local and national artists. The street festival provides food, beer, and wine.
Start off your Saturday morning at the Arlington farmers market. This event, which takes place from April to October, is among one of the largest markets in the region. Browse the tables offering farm-fresh produce, baked goods, soap, fresh flowers, and plenty more.
Walkable and bikeable neighborhoods
Arlington has garnered a stellar reputation for being an active community, in part due to the walkable nature of the city. In fact, it has even been ranked as one of America’s Healthiest Communities by the U.S. News & World Report. It also received a Bike Score of 72, making it easy for residents to bike to various places without the need for a car. This bike-friendly city has more than 100 miles of multi-use trails, on-street bike lanes, and designated routes. Visitors can go to Capital Bikeshare to check out a bicycle for the day at one of the 400-plus stations in the region. If you’re new to the area, BikeArlington will equip you with local maps and routes.
When living here, you can take advantage of fresh, clean air, an abundance of hiking trails, and easy access to nature. It’s all these reasons — and more! — that make Arlington a desirable place to call home.
Plenty of parks and hikes
Arlington provides a variety of ways to spend time in nature, whether you prefer to have a picnic at the park or kick off your weekend hiking. Head over to Gateway Park, which offers plenty of space to get some fresh air or soak up incredible views of Georgetown and the Washington Monument in the distance. The three-acre park is home to the annual Rosslyn Jazz Festival, as well as a variety of additional events that take place throughout the year. Stop by for a fitness class in the park or enjoy an outdoor movie night during the summer.
To immerse yourself in nature, explore the expansive Washington and Old Dominion Railroad Regional Park. The park consists of a paved trail that provides a great way to run, cycle, or skate the 45-mile route along the former roadbed of the Washington & Old Dominion Railroad. You can also explore the scenery on horseback. The 32-mile gravel horse trail is located adjacent to the path. Explore the Mount Vernon trail, soak up the sunshine at Custis Trail, or take in the sights from Gravelly Point.
If you’re interested in taking advantage of all Arlington, VA has to offer, contact Siebel-Adem Homes and his team today. They’d love to help you find the Arlington home of your dreams.
