Arlington, VA is a census-designated place in the eponymous county of Arlington. It is considered by many sources to be not only the best place to live in Virginia, but one of the country’s topmost residences as well. Surrounded by the prosperous Fairfax County and the lovely Falls Church, it's not an outlier in the region—it's one of several simply top choices for families and working professionals looking for proximity to the Metro DC area. 

There's a lot to love about owning a home in Arlington, here are our top five reasons you might want to call this place home. 

What We Love about Arlington

  1. Your neighbors are educated—like, really educated. According to CNN, Arlington is the most educated city in America; over one-third of the population holds a graduate degree.
  2. History is alive in every nook and cranny. The National Register of Historic Places designates this area's garden-style apartment buildings and neighborhoods as historically significant.
  3. Public transportation is spot-on. There is no where in the area that you can't easily reach when you live here. It's in the Metro DC area and just a quick jot over to most anywhere.
  4. Job opportunities and salaries are rock solid. Arlington is the wealthiest county in the nation based on median household income, and has a well-below average unemployment rate.

Why Locals Love Living in Arlington

Stacked with amazing schools, a diverse population, plenty of nightlife for those who want it, as well as close proximity to Washington D.C., it’s no wonder that the real estate market is as hot as volcanic lava in Arlington. But don’t take our word for it. Read on to find out what locals have to say about Arlington according to Niche.com.

“Arlington is a mixing bowl of job opportunities, people, and fun! There is incredible cuisine from many countries, authentic and delicious! Downtown has many options such as Ballston, Clarendon, Court House, Rosslyn, and more for exquisite restaurants, shopping, and nightlife. There are lots of trees despite the urban atmosphere. The school system is top in the state. The communities are diverse and offer a short commute into Washington, D.C.!” (Current resident)

“Arlington, VA is mere minutes away from the nation's capital, Washington, DC. It's a safe neighborhood that offers as many small town comforts with the liveliness and culture of the big city. Arlington, VA boasts some of the most exciting nightlife. Properties are beautiful, with the only downside being that homes can be pricey! However, it's well worth the extra expense.” (Current resident)

“I love Arlington! There is a lot to do in the area, rents are comparable to other places in the DC metro area, but you can stumble upon some good deals. I live within walking distance to a Walgreens, grocery store, and CVS (as well as some tasty eateries), and that's pretty normal for northern Arlington.” (Current resident)

“There is so much to do here. The night life is exciting, there are many food options and the people are friendly. This is the city for young professionals. It is very close to D.C. and the housing is cheaper than living in the district.” (Current resident)

“Great community, public and social work is exceptional with a lot of programs to help citizens. Police dept is friendly and keeps county safe. New apartments and houses being built in the past 10 years. Parks and pools are clean. Nightlife scene is fun, lots of people come to Arlington for bar scene. Diverse population. 4 minutes to DC.” (Current resident)

“Arlington is a great place to live: the public schools are fantastic, it has incredible historical significance, there are many resources for minority groups and those in need, and it is just a few miles away from the nation's capital. There is also a pretty good public transportation system (ART Buses, Metro, etc). Arlington also has a couple of great public libraries and recreation centers.” (Current resident)

“Arlington, VA has so much to offer. There's Clarendon, where you can take a stroll and find great restaurants or there's Columbia Pike and Crystal City which are home to several restaurants and festivals. The neighborhoods are great and usually the community has a lot of involvement. Last, but not least, It's in very close proximity to Washington D.C.” (Current resident)