Arlington, VA, known as 'The American Dream City,' offers a unique blend of historic charm and modern urban amenities. Located in the northern part of Virginia, Arlington is a large city that serves as a major cultural and economic hub. Major nearby cities like Washington, D.C. and Alexandria enhance its status as a central point in the region. Arlington's blend of historic landmarks, cultural festivals, and urban amenities creates a distinctive living experience.
Arlington is home to several iconic landmarks, including the Arlington National Cemetery, the historic Pentagon, and the scenic Theodore Roosevelt Island. The city offers a variety of attractions, from the beautiful Long Bridge Park to the bustling Pentagon City, known for its shopping and dining. Arlington's dining scene is diverse, offering everything from classic American cuisine to international dishes.
Annual events such as the Marine Corps Marathon and the Arlington County Fair highlight the city's vibrant cultural scene and provide unique entertainment opportunities for residents and visitors. These events celebrate Arlington's rich cultural heritage and community spirit. Prestigious institutions like George Mason University Arlington Campus contribute to the city's academic and cultural vibrancy, fostering a thriving intellectual community.
The arts and culture scene in Arlington is dynamic and diverse, with numerous theaters, music venues, and art galleries. The Signature Theatre and the Arlington Arts Center are just a few of the cultural landmarks that showcase the city's commitment to the arts. Living in Arlington provides ample opportunities to engage with art, music, and history, making it an exciting place to call home.
Arlington’s community is welcoming and diverse, creating a friendly environment for newcomers. The city is home to professional sports teams like the Washington Nationals (MLB) and the Washington Capitals (NHL), providing plenty of excitement for sports fans. Major industries in Arlington include government, technology, and healthcare, with significant employers such as the Department of Defense and Virginia Hospital Center driving economic growth. The city has extensive public transit options, including buses and metro, making commuting convenient and efficient.
Amenities
An abundance of amenities, including restaurants, coffee shops, grocery stores and fitness facilities, are conveniently situated within walking distance of the area.
Commute
High commute scores indicates that public transit should be easily accessible in this area and the average commute time to work is less than average.
Crime
With a lower than average crime rate per 100,000 people, this area could be considered a very safe place to live. Crime rates are based on both violent and property crimes.
Employment
The combination of higher than average median home income, income per capita and low unemployment rates results in a score that is well above average in the employment category.
Health & Safety
A high score in the health and safety category is a result of good air quality and the accessibility to health facilities such as hospitals, clinics, doctors, pharmacies and fire stations.
Cost Of Living
Based on the most recent cost of living data, this area is more expensive to live in. You can expect to pay more for everyday goods and services, housing, groceries and utilities.
Arlington, Virginia is a highly populated city with a population of 244,812 inhabitants. In Arlington, there are 9,413 people per square mile, which is well above the national population density average. At 69%, the majority of the Arlington population is White; this is followed by 10% Asian and 9% Black. Single men and women might be happy to hear that in Arlington, only 47% of the population is married. Long travel times to work can be one of the most frustrating things in the world - right behind housework! If you decide that living in Arlington is the right fit for you, your one way commute time will average 29 minutes, which is about average when compared to the national commute time of 26 minutes.
Are you trying to decide if living in Arlington is the right fit for your lifestyle? To ensure a fulfilling experience before relocating to any new city in Virginia, you will probably want to make sure that you check all of the most important boxes. Several key factors deserve attention. For one, safety is paramount, ensuring that your new area is low in crime is key. Proximity to workplaces or schools minimizes commute times and fosters convenience. Access to essential amenities like parks, grocery stores, food, fitness, shops and healthcare facilities enhances daily life. Efficient public transportation options provide mobility and connectivity. The sense of community creates a welcoming and supportive environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere, encompassing the vibe, aesthetics, and lifestyle offerings, contributes to a fulfilling living experience. Considering these elements helps identify the ideal neighborhood for your needs and preferences. Finding the best places to live in Arlington and nearby areas is a much easier task when you can rely on information and data from the livability score, which includes crime, health & safety, education, employment and other important metrics.
With a livability score of 86 out of 100, Arlington is ranked #299 in the United States and #13 in Virginia. Compared to the US average, Arlington ranks among some of the best places to live in the country! Arlington also ranks in the top 10 percent of all cities, which is no small feat! For each of the livability categories, we see that Arlington ranks very well for crime (A+), education (A+) and housing (B-). There are some categories that Arlington does not rank well for, including: cost of living (F). It might be worth taking a closer look to find out why.
If you're living in Arlington, you can expect to enjoy a multitude of local amenities, mostly thanks to the strategic placement of essential services such as grocery stores, restaurants, coffee shops, parks and various shops. If you're contemplating a move to this locale with the intent of establishing it as your permanent residence, you'll be pleased to find an extensive array of amenities and recreational opportunities within easy reach, either on foot or via a brief commute. This wealth of accessible amenities not only enhances the livability of the area but also ensures that you can enjoy a rich and fulfilling lifestyle, making Arlington an attractive destination for those seeking a vibrant and well-served community to call home. A few of the enjoyable things to experience and sights to see are: Arlington National Cemetery, Tomb of the Unknowns, and Pentagon Memorial.
When contemplating a move, job prospects often top the list of priorities. In Arlington, the outlook for new employment is notably brighter than in many other areas. The low unemployment rate of 2.3% points to a surge in job opportunities, the potential for higher wages, enhanced workforce productivity and increased economic growth. These favorable conditions bode well for individuals seeking career advancement and financial stability, making this area an appealing destination for those prioritizing professional opportunities and economic prosperity.
Test scores serve as a vital gauge of a school's academic prowess and the proficiency of its students. They play a pivotal role in assessing whether local schools can deliver a robust educational foundation for children. In Arlington, the schools boast an impressive average test score of 83%, significantly higher than the national average. This outstanding academic achievement not only reflects the excellence of the local educational system, but also indicates the potential for students to thrive academically, making it an attractive destination for families seeking a high-quality education for their children.
A healthy real estate market serves as a key economic indicator. It could signify overall local economic strength, stability and reflects consumer confidence in the area. Based on multiple factors including: median home and rental prices, appreciation rates and home affordability, Arlington has received high marks in the housing category. Based on these calculations, the apartment rental and real estate market appears to be very healthy.
Being close to public transit, grocery stores, parks and other conveniences are all important when weighing your options for a new home in Arlington. Before you determine if any of these amenities are available in the area, you will also want to know if the real estate prices in Arlington are affordable. Median real estate prices in Arlington come in at $1,300,404, which is 199% higher than the Virginia average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Arlington, the home price to income ratio is 7.2, which is 60% higher than the Virginia average.
Why stop at city-to-city? With Local Insights, you can compare neighborhoods, zip codes, or even exact addresses. Access 300+ hyperlocal data points—from schools and crime to housing and amenities—to see which area is the better fit.
| Statistic | Arlington | Virginia | National |
| Average one way commute | 29min | 28min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 46.9% | 77.4% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 6.5% | 9.5% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 25.3% | 4.5% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 1.6% | 0.4% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 4.9% | 2.4% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 13.5% | 4.7% | 4.6% |
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