What’s Living In Arlington VA Like? | 🏛 (2025) ULTIMATE Moving to Arlington Guide With Tips
Have you been looking for a safe, economically strong suburb with a strong culture and access to amenities? Then living in Arlington VA may be just the ticket!
It’s a county in Northern Virginia, located directly across from Washington, DC. Arlington is known for its high concentration of government buildings, including the Pentagon, as well as its high quality of life for residents.
The area was initially part of the 10 acres of land surveyed for the Nation's Capital. It was initially known as Alexandria County, but in 1870, the county and city of the same name were formally separated. To avoid confusion, the county was renamed "Arlington" after Robert E. Lee's estate.
Today, Arlington is a good place to live for growing families and young professionals who live in DC. Thinking about relocating to this picturesque community? In this article, you'll learn everything you should research before moving to Arlington.
Where Is Arlington VA?
Arlington is in the Washington DC metropolitan area of Northern Virginia. It's positioned on the Potomac River, directly across from the nation's capital. It only occupies 26 square miles, making it the smallest self-governing county in the US.
Arlington is surrounded by Fairfax County and Falls Church to the West, the city of Alexandria to the southeast, and Washington DC to the northeast (across the Potomac River). It exists on a fault line between the Appalachian Piedmont and the Atlantic Coastal Plain.
It's 6 miles or an 18-minute drive from Arlington VA to Washington DC.
Arlington Statistics & Information
- County: Arlington
- Arlington area: 26 square miles
- Arlington zip code: 20001 - 22213
- Arlington area code: 703 & 571
- Arlington elevation: 272 ft
- Arlington time zone: Eastern Time Zone (UTC-4 and 5)
- Closest airport to Arlington: The Ronald Reagan International Airport (DCA) is 5 miles away.
Arlington Population & Demographics
The Arlington VA population is 234,162. Aside from a slight population dip in the 1970s, the number of people living in Arlington VA has steadily increased over the years, rising by 15% between 2010 and 2020. Although being small geographically for a county of its size, it has a fairly dense, urban atmosphere with a population density of 9,000 residents per square mile.
It’s a relatively young, diverse community with many families and young professionals living in Arlington VA. The median age is 35 years old, and 20% of people living in Arlington VA are in their 20s, while 17% are in their 30s.
While primarily white, Arlington also has substantial Black, Asian, and Hispanic communities. The racial and ethnic breakdown is 58% white, 16% Hispanic or Latino, 11% Asian, 9% Black or African American, and 6% two or more races.
It's also very affluent, with a median household income of $140,219, which is 50% higher than the rest of Virginia.
Other Arlington Demographics
- 50% of people living in Arlington VA are men, and 50% are women
- 95.9% of people living in Arlington VA have a high school diploma, and 78% have a bachelor's degree or higher
- The foreign-born population is 20%
Living in Arlington VA, is very safe. Even though Washington, DC has a bad reputation for crime, Arlington has a large police presence and low crime rates. In fact, it's been called one of the safest places in America by reputable outlets like Bloomberg. Here is how the Arlington crime rate compares to Washington, DC and the rest of Virginia.
- Total Arlington VA crime rate: 1,023 crimes per 100,000 people, 55% lower than the national average, 46% lower than the Virginia crime rate
- Violent crime rate: 127 crimes per 100,000 people, 65% lower than the national average, 46% lower than the Virginia crime rate
- Property crime: 53% lower than the national average, 47% lower than the rest of Virginia
The Arlington County Police Department (ACPD) handles crime in Arlington with the assistance of 377 sworn officers and 100 civilians.
Arlington Transportation
Living in Arlington VA offers easy access to transportation. Several major highways pass through the county, including I-66, I-395, Arlington Memorial Highway, and Langston Boulevard. Virginia State Highways 123, 124, 233, 237, and 309 also pass through the county, as well as US Routes 1, 29, and 50.
Arlington County is also served by the WMATA Metrorail and Metro Bus Systems, as well as its own local Arlington Transit System. The Virginia Railway Express has a station in the Crystal City neighborhood of Arlington and provides commuter rail service to nearby cities such as Alexandria and Fredericksburg, perfect for commuters living in Arlington VA.
Capital Bikeshare, a bike-sharing program operated by Lyft, also has over 100 stations in Arlington and surrounding municipalities. Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport is also located in Arlington County, while Dulles International Airport is about 25 miles away in Loudoun and Fairfax Counties. So whether you're looking for bikes, buses, or planes, you'll find plenty of transportation options while living in Arlington VA.
Cost of Living in Arlington VA
The cost of living in Arlington VA is higher than the rest of the country, as it's a popular enclave for affluent residents with high salaries. One way to assess the cost of living in an area is to examine the cost of living index. It compares the prices of regular consumer goods to the rest of the country, which is represented by 100.
The COLI for the Washington DC area is 135.1, which indicates it's 35.1% more expensive than the rest of the US. The Family Budget Calculator, developed by the Economic Policy Institute, is also a great resource. It indicates that the typical family of four with two adults and two kids would need to earn $171,971 to afford the cost of living in Arlington VA.
Typical expenses related to living in Arlington VA:
- Meal at an inexpensive restaurant: $20.00
- Fresh, white bread: $3.72
- 1 pound of chicken fillets: $6.78
- Mid-range bottle of wine: $17.00
- 1 liter of gasoline: $0.84
- 12 oz bottle of water: $2.54
- Average Arlington utility bill: $163.34
Source: Numbeo
If you're planning on moving to Arlington, you may be curious about taxes. Virginia has a progressive income tax with four brackets ranging from 2% to 5.75%. It has a combined sales tax of 6%, which includes a state tax rate of 4.3%, a 1% Arlington County tax, and a 0.7% transportation tax. Arlington has an ad valorem property tax, set each year by the County Board. In 2025, the rate was $1.03 per $100 of assessed value. So if your home's assessed value is $800,000, your bill would be $8,240.
You'll find a wide range of beautiful homes while living in Arlington VA, ranging from historic mansions to new construction. While property values do tend to be high compared to the rest of the country, you'll often find spacious designs and large plots of land that are rare for an urban area.
Arlington Real Estate | Average Rent and Home Prices in Arlington
The high prices of Arlington, VA real estate also contribute to a higher overall cost of living. According to Redfin, the median home price in Arlington County, VA, is $805,000, nearly double the median price in the rest of the US. The median price per square foot for homes for sale in Arlington, VA, is $424.
Due to its younger population, there is a high concentration of renters living in Arlington VA. Census data shows that 59% of Arlington real estate is rented out and 41% is owner-occupied. According to Rentcafe, the average rent in Arlington VA is $2,664 per month. Rents range from $ 1,332 for a studio to $27,751 for 3 or more bedrooms.
Popular apartment buildings in Arlington:
- Dominion Towers
- The Citizen at Shirlington Village
- The Park at Arlington Ridge
- Crystal Square
- The Gramercy
Best Arlington Neighborhoods | Best Places to Live in Arlington VA
Arlington is a beautiful community with many fantastic neighborhoods. Regardless of which area you choose to call home, living in Arlington VA offers safe streets and a high quality of life. Although naturally, some communities have more to offer than others. Here are a few of the top communities to check out if you're thinking about moving to Arlington.
Country Club Hills | An Exclusive Community With Homes In A Range of Styles
Country Club Hills is an exclusive neighborhood with more than 500 homes in a range of architectural styles, including English Tudor, Colonial, and Spanish haciendas. It offers tree-lined streets and easy access to the Washington Golf and Country Club, making it a favorite for affluent residents living in Arlington VA.
Arlingwood | A Historic Neighborhood In a Central Location
Popular among nature lovers living in Arlington VA, Arlingwood is a desirable community in the northernmost reaches of the county that features historic homes and close proximity to walking trails, parks, and the Potomac River.
Williamsburg Village | A Classic Neighborhood Undergoing Revitalization
Situated in western Arlington, Williamsburg Village is a picturesque neighborhood that primarily features older homes and has been undergoing redevelopment to accommodate new construction.
Arlington Weather & Climate
The weather in Arlington is relatively pleasant throughout the year. It has a humid subtropical climate, characterized by warm, humid summers and cold, snowy winters.
Temperatures usually range from 28°F to 87°F, though they can drop to 16°F in winter and reach 95°F in summer. The best times to visit someone living in Arlington VA is typically in June, September and October.
Get ready for precipitation if you plan on moving to Arlington. It averages 15 inches of snow and 28 inches of rain every year. So bring a snow shovel and an umbrella.
Arlington Restaurants
Feeling hungry? You'll find a good variety of delicious restaurants in Arlington VA, serving everything from fine dining to comfort food. Here are some of the best places to eat in Arlington VA.
Carlyle
Carlyle is a popular bistro serving New American cuisine, and it's one of the best restaurants in Arlington, VA, for a good lobster bisque or a delicious brunch.
4000 Campbell Ave, Arlington, VA 22206 (703) 931-0777
Makers Union
Makers Union is another top Arlington, VA restaurant with delicious cocktails, happy hour specials, an extensive menu of pizza and comfort food, and a pet-friendly patio.
1450 S Eads St, Suite 65, Arlington, VA 22202 (703) 419-3504
Pines of Florence
Pines of Florence is an authentic Italian restaurant that has been in operation for over 35 years and serves everything from homemade pasta to pistachio cake.
2109 N Pollard St, Arlington, VA 22207 (703) 566-0456
Things to Do in Arlington
While primarily a residential community, you'll still find plenty of fun things to do in Arlington, VA. In addition to the attractions in the county itself, you're also very close to iconic attractions in DC like the White House and the National Mall. Here are a few of the top Arlington, VA, attractions.
Top Arlington Attractions
- Arlington National Cemetery: Maintained by the US Army, it is the largest in the US National Cemetery System and home to protected monuments and graves of famous American heroes, attracting millions of visitors each year.
- Tomb of the Unknown Soldier: Located within Arlington National Cemetery, the tomb honors an unidentified service member and memorializes all brave men and women who died in combat.
- JFK Memorial: The memorial and the grave site of President John F. Kennedy, located alongside memorials for his brothers Ted, Joseph, and Robert F. Kennedy.
- US Marine Corps Memorial: A memorial dedicated to all US Marines with an iconic statue depicting one of the most famous scenes from WWII, with soldiers raising an American flag.
- 9/11 Pentagon Memorial: A memorial and gravesite for the victims who were killed in the Pentagon on 9/11.
- Army Navy Country Club: A private, only golf club established in 1924 that features a clubhouse, tennis courts, swimming pool, and a gym.
- Netherlands Carillon: A Carillon in Arlington National Cemetery, donated to the US by the Netherlands, which is famous for its 50 bells that ring daily.
Arlington Entertainment & Arts
- Great Escape Room DC: A great destination for anyone living in Arlington VA planning a birthday party, friends trip, or corporate outing with fun, puzzle-style games and interactive exhibits that force participants to use logic to escape various themed rooms.
- Lubber Run Amphitheater: An outdoor amphitheater featuring free performances from bands and other community events run by the Arlington Arts Department.
- Signature Theater: A historic theater showcasing classic and contemporary live theatrical performances, including plays and musicals.
- The Birchmere: A concert hall in Alexandria with a supper club-style main hall and bandstand area featuring rock, jazz, blues, bluegrass, country, folk, and comedy performances.
Arlington Museums
- Arlington House: A historic home that once happened to be the residence of Confederate General Robert E. Lee when he was living in Arlington VA that now serves as a museum with regular tours and exhibits on the Civil War.
- DEA Museum: A museum run by the Drug Enforcement Administration that features exhibits on various illegal substances with a history of public policy and drug enforcement.
- Museum of Contemporary Art: A modern art museum in the Virginia Square neighborhood that features nine exhibition galleries, working studios, and classrooms for artists living in Arlington VA.
- Arlington Historical Museum: A local historical museum open on weekends that features a rotating collection of artifacts about living in Arlington VA.
Arlington Parks and Outdoors
- Long Bridge Park: A popular public space and green space featuring more than 36 acres and attractive amenities such as athletic fields, hiking trails, and picnic areas.
- Potomac Overlook Regional Park: A 67-acre park and preserve featuring a nature center with live animals and exhibits, an organic garden, and concerts in the summer for music lovers living in Arlington VA.
- Bon Air Park Rose Garden: A beautifully maintained garden featuring flowers and ornamental trees with over 120 different species of roses.
- Upton Hill Regional Park: A regional park and family fun center with mini golf, batting cages, playgrounds, a pond, and other fun activities, making it one of the best things to do in Arlington VA with kids.
Shopping in Arlington
- Fashion Centre at Pentagon City: The largest enclosed shopping mall in Arlington, Fashion Centre features over 164 retailers and restaurants.
- The Crossing Clarendon: An outdoor shopping mall with national and regional retailers, as well as local restaurants and pet-friendly services.
- Village at Shirlington: One of the oldest shopping malls in the US, the Village at Shirlington is an outdoor shopping plaza featuring tree-lined sidewalks, cafes, local boutiques, and popular restaurants.
Looking for more fun things to do in Arlington? The local Parks and Recreation Department has a list of facilities, classes, and other Arlington family activities on its website.
Sports In Arlington
There are no major sports teams in Arlington, however, there are plenty based in Washington DC that sports fans living in Arlington VA root for. Professional sports teams in Washington DC include the Commanders in the NFL, the Wizards in the NBA, and the Capitals in the NHL. They all play at the Capitol One Arena in the Penn Quarter neighborhood of DC. Loudon United FC is also a professional soccer team based in the nearby city of Leesburg, VA, that competes in the USL Championship League.
Economy & Jobs in Arlington
Living in Arlington VA offers access to a strong economy and ample job opportunities. Being so close to DC, most jobs in Arlington, VA, are with the federal government or with private companies that offer consulting, engineering, or technology services to various government agencies.
Notable federal facilities such as The Pentagon and Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall are located in the county and provide the bulk of Arlington, VA jobs. The county has also offered tax incentives and other pro-business programs to attract businesses outside of the federal sector, particularly in the technology space. A few notable private companies with a presence in Arlington include Deloitte, Amazon, and Nestlé. In 2023, the county's total GDP was $47.3 billion.
Major employers based in Arlington:
Anyone living in Arlington VA can expect to earn a good living. Payscale shows that the average salary in Arlington VA is $93,000 per year. From a digital communications associate at the Washington Post to a medical receptionist, you'll find a range of different Arlington jobs available in diverse fields. Likewise, you can also find fantastic Arlington County jobs with the local government.
Arlington Healthcare
Living in Arlington VA offers access to top-rated healthcare facilities. The main hospital in Arlington is VHC Health Virginia Hospital Center. It's a not-for-profit teaching hospital serving Arlington and the DC region, offering acute care, surgery, and pregnancy services. According to US News and World Report, it ranks 3rd in the DC area and 4th in Northern Virginia.
However, there are also several other top-rated hospitals in the surrounding area, including Inova Alexandria and Inova Fairfax Hospitals, MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, and the Children's National Hospital.
Arlington Schools
Anyone living in Arlington VA will have access to fantastic schools and educational resources. Arlington Public Schools is the Arlington school district and operates 22 elementary schools, 6 middle schools, and 3 high schools. It also runs two specialized high school programs that use an alternative education model. It's the 13th-largest district in Virginia, with a staff of over 3,000 teachers and 28,000 students.
The main high schools in Arlington are Yorktown High School, Washington-Liberty High School, and Wakefield High School. Yorktown is generally considered the best, but all are well respected and rank among the top 100 high schools in Virginia.
There are also several private schools in Arlington VA, such as Bishop O'Connell High School, a Catholic college prep school under the direction of the Diocese of Arlington. Marymount University, a private Catholic college administered by the Religious of the Sacred Heart of Mary, is located in Arlington.
Several other notable colleges and universities also have satellite campuses in Arlington, including George Mason University, Georgetown University, Virginia Tech, the University of Virginia, and Northeastern University. Residents can also stop by the Arlington Public Library for books and other media.
Arlington Utilities & DMV Change of Address
In preparation for moving to Arlington, you'll need to take care of a few tasks, including setting up your utilities and changing your address with the DMV. Here is what that process will look like.
Arlington Utilities
- Dominion Energy (Electricity): For residential service, you can start or stop/transfer service via their website under “Start, Stop or Move Service”.
- Washington Gas (Natural Gas): Call 844-WASHGAS or apply online to start service. The company typically requires you to set up the account in your name, provide your address and personal info, and sometimes a deposit.
- Arlington County Utilities Services (Water/Sewer/Trash): Contact the county call center (703-228-5000) to open a new account or transfer service while living in Arlington VA.
Arlington FAQ
Is Living in Arlington VA Safer Than DC?
Yes, living in Arlington VA, is considerably safer than Washington, DC. The total crime rate in Arlington is 1,023 crimes per 100,000 people, which is 55% lower than the national average. The total crime rate in Washington, DC is 4,514, which is 113% higher than the national average. That means the crime rate in Arlington VA is 77% lower than in Washington, DC.
Is Rent Expensive in Arlington, VA?
Yes, rent in Arlington is more expensive than the national average. The average rent in Arlington is $2,664 per month, whereas the average rent in the United States is $ 1,750. This means rent in Arlington is 52% higher than the national average.
Is It Cheaper to Live in Arlington or Alexandria?
Living in Arlington VA is slightly more expensive than in Alexandria. Payscale shows that the cost of living in Arlington VA is 34% above the national average, while in Alexandria, it's 24% above. Redfin shows that the median home price in Alexandria is $705,000, while in Arlington it is $805,000. So while both are more expensive than the rest of the country, Alexandria is cheaper than Arlington.
What Salary Do You Need to Afford the Cost of Living In Arlington VA?
According to the Family Budget Calculator by the Economic Policy Institute, the average family of four with two adults and two kids needs to earn $171,971 to afford the cost of living in Arlington VA. However, a single adult with no children would need to earn about $67,980 to afford the cost of living in Arlington VA.
Arlington VA Map
Continue to explore more activities, attractions, and fun things to do while living in Arlington VA with this map.
Ready to Decide If Living in Arlington VA Is Right For You?
Now that you know all about what living in Arlington VA is really like, you’re ready to decide if it’s the right community for you. When the time comes to make the move, you can trust the dependable movers in Arlington VA at Express Moving and Storage to make your move easy and efficient. Call (571) 332-9682 for a free quote from the top movers in Washington DC.
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