DESTINATIONS

The Guide to Living in Arlington, Virginia

A dynamic city in Northern Virginia with unmatched energy and charm

ARLINGTON, VIRGINIA

The History of Arlington,Virginia

The area that now constitutes present-day Arlington County was part of Fairfax County in the Colony of Virginia during the colonial era named after Henry Bennet, the Earl of Arlington,

The area that now includes almost all of present day Arlington, Virginia — along with most of what is present-day Alexandria, Virginia — was ceded to the new federal government by Virginia as a result of the Residence Act, which authorized the relocation of the capital from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to a location to be selected on the Potomac River by U.S. President George Washington.

Throughout its history, Arlington, Virginia has been a key theater to numerous events in American history, including the Civil War, whose Arlington House served as the primary residence of the famous general Robert E. Lee and later the site of Arlington National Cemetery, one of the most important historical sites in America.

Today, Arlington, Virginia stands as a bustling close-in suburb of Washington, D.C. and as one of the most desirable places to live in the entire United States. The home to numerous government agencies, non-profit organizations, and Fortune 500 corporations, including Nestle, CoStar, and Amazon, Arlington, Virginia features several charming neighborhoods and a diverse network of high quality public transportation and public schools.

THE HOMES COLLECTION

The Homes of Arlington, Virginia

Explore a curated collection of Arlington, Virginia’s most iconic homes.

ARLINGTON, VIRGINIA

“Arlington, Virginia offers a fantastic blend of convenience and charm just moments from the Nation’s Capital.”

Byron V. Hughey

Camusrory of Woodstock, Virginia. Image courtesy of Reader & Swartz Architects.

THE ART OF LIVING

The Most Influential Modern Architects in the Mid-Atlantic

These architects and architecture firms in the Mid-Atlantic are experts in modern and contemporary home design

ARLINGTON, VIRGINIA

Frequently Asked Questions

Explore frequently asked questions about life in Arlington, Virginia, including the best neighborhoods, restaurants, and more.

WHAT ARE THE TOP SITES AND ATTRACTIONS IN ARLINGTON, VIRGINIA?

Arlington, Virginia has many amazing sites and attractions, perhaps none more so than Arlington House, the former residence of General Robert E. Lee, and Arlington National Cemetery.

HOW MANY PEOPLE LIVE IN ARLINGTON, VIRGINIA?

According to the 2020 Census data, Arlington, Virginia has a population of 237,879 people, including a median age of 39 and a median household income of $124,925.

WHAT ARE THE BEST RESTAURANTS IN ARLINGTON, VIRGINIA?

Arlington, Virginia has many fabulous restaurants, including fine dining and more casual options. In Clarendon, Lyon Hall is regarded for its impressive bar program and dynamic French and German fare. In Cherrydale, the iconic Crisp & Juicy serves delicious Peruvian style chicken in a casual take-out environment. For upscale American fare, the Green Pig Bistro in Court House is a popular choice. And in the charming Westover neighborhood, The Italian Store offers unmatched pizza by the slice.

HOW FAR IS ARLINGTON, VIRGINIA FROM WASHINGTON, D.C.?

Arlington, Virginia is approximately 5 miles from downtown Washington, D.C. For daily commuters, Metro rail is the most popular mode of transportation, as is biking and even walking for those who live just across the river in Rosslyn.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO BUY A HOME IN ARLINGTON, VIRGINIA?

The median sale price for a single family home in the Arlington, Virginia is $696,500, which is over twice the national average of $308,980. Ready to buy the home of your dreams? Browse homes for sale in Arlington, Virginia presented by Sotheby’s International Realty.

WHAT IS THE PROPERTY TAX RATE FOR ARLINGTON, VIRGINIA?

As determined by Arlington County, property taxes for Arlington, Virginia are $1.013 per $100 of assessed value for tax year 2024. An additional $0.017 is levied for stormwater management.

IS ARLINGTON, VIRGINIA A GOOD PLACE TO LIVE?

Due to its close proximity to Washington, D.C., it’s quality public schools and transportation, and its diverse populace, Arlington, Virginia is among the best places to live in the United States.

WHAT ARE THE BEST NEIGHBORHOODS IN ARLINGTON, VIRGINIA?

Arlington, Virginia has several great neighborhoods. For walkability and access to public transportation, neighborhoods like Ballston and Court House offer unmatched convenience. For a more suburban feel, residents of Arlington, Virginia enjoy the charming Cherrydale, Westover, and Lyon Village neighborhoods.

WHAT IS THE SCHOOL DISTRICT FOR ARLINGTON, VIRGINIA?

Residents of Arlington, Virginia attend Arlington Country Public Schools, including Yorktown High School.

THE RAPPAHANNOCK RIVER COMPANY

Find a Trusted Design Professional in Northern Virginia

Explore the very best Residential Architects, Custom Home Builders, Interior Designers, and Landscape Architects in Northern Virginia

Ashton Heights Bungalow of Arlington, Virginia. Image courtesy of Stacy Zarin Goldberg.

MCLEAN, VIRGINIA

WINN Design + Build

WINN Design + Build is a Design-Build Firm in McLean, Virginia

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Westwod of Vienna, Virginia. Image courtesy of Erik Kvalsvig.

GREAT FALLS, VIRGINIA

Gladis & Co.

Gladis & Co. is a Custom Home Builder in Great Falls, Virginia

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Reverie Farm of Round Hill, Virginia. Image courtesy of KM Digital.

PURCELLVILLE, VIRGINIA

CaseCo

CaseCo is a Custom Home Builder in Purcellville, Virginia

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THE RAPPAHANNOCK RIVER COMPANY

Create Your Next Home in Arlington, Virginia

With our premium concierge service, it’s never been easier to create the home of your dreams