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.
Located in the state of Virginia, Arlington is a highly populated city with a population of 236,434 residents. With a population density of 9,095 people per square mile, Arlington is well above the nation's average density level. If we look at the most recent Census, Arlington is known to have a predominantly White population. The next two most common races are Asian and Black. Arlington is not known to have a high population (over 15 years old) of married people. At only 47% married, this city falls well below the national average. On a daily basis, the typical American spends approximately 26 minutes on their one-way work commute. Reduced travel times not only contributes to increased overall happiness, but also affords more opportunities to cherish moments with family and friends. If you're living in Arlington, your commute time will align closely with the national average, spanning a one-way duration of approximately 29 minutes.
Without the right tools, moving to any new city can be very stressful and challenging. Living in Arlington, Virginia could be a positive experience for anyone who puts in the effort to do the research required. When searching for a new neighborhood, several key items should be considered. Safety is paramount, ensuring a secure environment for you and your family. Proximity to workplaces or schools reduces commuting time and enhances convenience. Access to amenities like parks, grocery stores and healthcare facilities contributes to a comfortable lifestyle. Reliable public transportation options promote easy mobility. A strong sense of community fosters social connections and a welcoming atmosphere. 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 amenities, commute, education, employment, housing and other important metrics.
Using data and statistics Arlington has received a livability score of 86/100. This score is ranked in the 99th percentile when compared to all other cities. Based on this score, Arlington would be considered a very livable city! The cherry on top is that Arlington also ranks in the top 10 percent of all cities. If we dig a little deeper into each category within the livability score, we see that Arlington has higher than average grades for the following: crime (A+) and education (A+). There is at least one category that does not have great scores in Arlington. The following was graded with a discouraging score: cost of living (F).
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. Here are some of the more popular things to do in Arlington: Arlington National Cemetery, Tomb of the Unknowns, and Pentagon Memorial.
Unemployment rates can range pretty dramatically from one city to another. Knowing that Arlington has an unemployment rate of 2.19% could mean increased job opportunities with a higher demand for workers. It could also lead to higher wages, as the demand for workers exceeds the availability of jobs. Most importantly, it could be a sign of a healthy and thriving local economy.
Standardized school test scores offer a valuable benchmark for assessing the quality of educational programs, instructional methods, and curriculum effectiveness. Recognizing that Arlington schools excel in test scores is a crucial consideration when determining the suitability of this area for residence. The local schools boast an impressive average test score of 83%, significantly higher than the national average. This stellar academic performance not only attests to the excellence of the educational system but also underscores the area's commitment to providing a high-quality education, making Arlington an appealing choice for those prioritizing their children's educational prospects.
Certain items on your wish list like shopping, restaurants, nightlife, parks and proximity to public transportation are all important things to look for. Having said that, perhaps the most important metric to consider when contemplating a move to Arlington is real estate affordability. The median home price for Arlington homes is $731,700, which is 194.6% higher than the Virginia average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Arlington, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 6, which is 57.9% higher than the Virginia average.
| 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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