Moving to Arlington, VA: The Ultimate Relocation Guide -

View of Rosslyn, Arlington, Virginia, USA from the tidal basin in Washington DC at dusk during spring season.

Thinking about moving to Arlington, VA? You’ve got excellent taste.

This vibrant urban county across the Potomac from D.C. offers that perfect sweet spot—close enough to the capital’s action but with its own distinct character and charm.

But is Arlington right for you? That’s what we’re here to figure out.

Cost of Living: Let’s Talk Numbers

Housing Costs

For renters, expect to pay:

Studio apartment: $1,700 – $2,100/month
One-bedroom: $2,000 – $2,500/month
Two-bedroom: $2,700 – $3,300/month
Three-bedroom: $3,500+/month

For buyers, home values tend to range between $700,000 – $800,000

Prices vary considerably by neighborhood, with areas closer to Metro stations commanding premium rates.

Other Living Expenses

Beyond housing, you can expect to spend $150 – $200 monthly on utilities for a standard apartment, about $60 – $100 monthly for high speed internet and roughly $2 – $6 per Metro trip, depending on the distance. Groceries tend to be about 10% higher than the national average and dining out can cost somewhere between $30 – $60 per person at mid-range restaurants. A quick lunch is often cheaper though.

As for taxes, you’re looking at somewhere between 2% to 5.75%. Pretty moderate compared to D.C. and Maryland.

Arlington Neighborhoods: Finding Your Perfect Fit

Arlington’s neighborhoods each have distinct personalities, which makes choosing the right one crucial. Here’s a breakdown of some popular areas:

Clarendon-Courthouse

Clarendon-Courthouse is perfect for young professionals and social butterflies. That’s not particularly surprising, considering that the place comes with an urban, energetic and trendy vibe. Most of the houses in the area are apartments and condos with some townhomes sprinkled across. Its restaurant scene is exceptional with a nightlife that’ll bring out the extrovert in you. If you crave walkability and a social atmosphere, this area delivers with its lively weekend scene and weekday happy hours.

Ballston-Virginia Square

Ballston is great for professionals who are in the market for balance as well as a modern, convenient and ever-evolving vibe. You’ll typically find high-rise condos, townhomes and apartments here.

Ballston offers slightly more breathing room than Clarendon while maintaining excellent urban amenities. The recently redeveloped Ballston Quarter brings shopping, dining, and entertainment options right to your doorstep.

Rosslyn

Rosslyn stakes its claim as the perfect place for D.C. commuters and people who are suckers for views. During the day, it’s a business district buzzing with life. At night, its vibe is quieter and simpler. It’s mostly made up of luxury high-rises and apartments.

For the most part, Rosslyn feels the most like an extension of D.C., with its skyline of office and apartment towers. The views of the Potomac and monuments are unmatched, and you can be in Georgetown in minutes via the Key Bridge.

Arlington Ridge/Aurora Highlands

This area is perfect for families and employees of the Pentagon. It’s peaceful and mostly residential with single-family homes and townhouses.

These neighborhoods offer more traditional suburban living while maintaining relatively easy access to D.C. and major employers. The housing stock tends toward charming older homes on tree-lined streets.

Columbia Pike

If you like to get a solid bang for your buck while having the opportunity to meet people from a diverse range of cultures, Columbia Pike might be your best bet. It’s eclectic and international with a mix of condos, single-family homes and apartments.

Columbia Pike offers some of Arlington’s best value and most authentic cultural experiences. The area is undergoing revitalization but maintains its diverse character and community feel.

Shirlington

With Arlington’s largest dog park, Shirlington is the perfect place for dog lovers. It’s also great for art enthusiasts, owing to its arts-centric nature. Its housing is made up of townhomes and mid-rise apartments.

This pedestrian-friendly enclave feels like a small town within the county. Though lacking direct Metro access, Shirlington compensates with a charming walkable center, performing arts venues, and Arlington’s largest dog park.

Job Market & Economy

Major Employers

Government: The Pentagon, Department of Defense, numerous federal agencies
Defense contractors: Boeing, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman
Tech: Amazon HQ2 (bringing thousands of jobs), Deloitte, Accenture
Associations & Nonprofits: Hundreds of national organizations headquartered here
Education: Marymount University, satellite campuses of Virginia Tech and George Mason

The typical Arlington worker earns significantly more than national averages, with median household incomes exceeding $120,000. However, the job market is competitive, especially for government and tech positions requiring security clearances or specialized skills.

Getting Around: Transportation & Commute

The city offers a few options for transportation and commuting:

A developed metro system with 5 metro stations on the Orange/Silver lines and 3 on the Blue/Yellow Lines.
An extensive metrobus service covering local routes and commuter buses to outlying areas.
Over 50 miles of multi-use trails for bicycles and bike share stations across the county.

A car isn’t essential in many parts of Arlington, particularly along the Metro corridors. Many residents either go carless or use car-sharing services like Zipcar for occasional trips.

Local Government & Services

Arlington operates under a unique county board governance system that’s worth understanding before you move:

County Structure

Arlington uses a county manager form of government with a 5-member County Board elected at-large. This politically progressive body has earned a reputation for responsive governance and forward-thinking policies.

Resident Services

The county offers online portals for everything from paying taxes to reporting potholes. Most county services are centralized at the modern government complex in Courthouse.

Utilities

Water, sewer, and trash services are handled by Arlington County government with a single quarterly bill. Electricity comes from Dominion Energy, while Washington Gas provides natural gas service. Several providers offer internet and cable, with Verizon FiOS and Comcast/Xfinity dominating the market.

Emergency Services

Arlington boasts highly rated police, fire, and emergency medical services with response times well below national averages. The county’s Emergency Communications Center operates an advanced 911 system, and Arlington participates in the regional alert system for emergency notifications.

Education: Schools & Learning

Arlington Public Schools consistently rank among Virginia’s best, making the county highly attractive to families.

Public Schools: There are 24 elementary schools, 6 middle schools, 4 high schools, and several alternative and specialized programs. The student-teacher ratio averages around 15:1, and schools benefit from Arlington’s strong tax base and community involvement. Yorktown, Washington-Liberty, and Wakefield High Schools all offer strong academics and diverse extracurricular activities.

Private Education: Arlington, VA boasts several prestigious private options including Bishop O’Connell High School and The Potomac School. Montessori and other alternative educational philosophies are represented alongside religious educational options across multiple faiths.

Higher Education: Among others, residents have access to Marymount University (main campus in Arlington). Virginia Tech Research Center and Innovation Campus, George Mason University Arlington Campus, and Northern Virginia Community College (nearby).

Many Arlington residents also take advantage of the world-class universities in nearby D.C., including Georgetown, George Washington, and American University.

Diversity and Community Vibe

Arlington’s demographics and community atmosphere set it apart from many suburban areas:

Cultural Makeup

Arlington boasts remarkable diversity, with a substantial percentage of the residents being foreign-born. You’ll hear dozens of languages spoken throughout the county, particularly along Columbia Pike and in South Arlington neighborhoods.

LGBTQ+ Inclusivity

Arlington ranks among the most LGBTQ+-friendly communities in Virginia, with dedicated county resources, inclusive policies, and high visibility. The county regularly scores well on the Human Rights Campaign’s Municipal Equality Index.

Safety & Crime

Crime Statistics

Arlington consistently ranks among the safest urban communities of its size in the United States. Violent crime rates are significantly below national averages for metropolitan areas. Property crimes, while present, occur at lower rates than neighboring D.C. and many surrounding suburbs.

Police Presence

The Arlington County Police Department maintains visible community policing with officers often patrolling on foot or bicycle in commercial districts. Response times for emergency calls average under five minutes county-wide.

Emergency Preparedness

Given its proximity to the nation’s capital, Arlington maintains sophisticated emergency planning systems. The county regularly conducts drills and offers residents emergency preparedness resources through its Office of Emergency Management.

Healthcare Facilities

Hospitals

Virginia Hospital Center, located in Arlington, offers comprehensive medical services including a Level II trauma center, cardiac care, and women’s and children’s services. The facility consistently earns high marks for quality of care.

Medical Practices

Arlington hosts numerous medical groups, specialists, and practices, ensuring you won’t need to travel far for routine or specialized care. The county has a particularly strong concentration of pediatric practices, reflecting its family-friendly character.

Public Health

Arlington County’s Public Health Division operates clinics providing immunizations, maternal care, dental services, and other preventive health programs. The county’s health department earned national recognition for its COVID-19 response.

Real Estate & Housing Options

Arlington has single-family homes, townhouses and duplexes, condos, and apartment complexes. Single family homes are often priced from $800,000 to over $2,000,000,000. Townhouses are somewhat more affordable with many of them not going as high as $2m. Condos, on the other hand, have a lower entry point than single family homes but can be just as expensive.

Lifestyle & Things to Do

Despite its relatively small size, Arlington packs in plenty of activities and amenities:

Outdoor Recreation

Over 180 parks across the county
Spectacular trails and views on the Potomac waterfront
An 18-mile trail connecting Roosevelt Island to Mount Vernon

Dining & Nightlife

Clarendon has a restaurant row with everything from casual eateries to fine dining
Shirlington offers a quaint village atmosphere with diverse dining options
Columbia Pike is chock full of international cuisine reflecting the area’s diversity
Pentagon City has a mall and surrounding restaurants that provide plenty of options

Arts & Culture

Signature Theatre
Synetic Theater
Arlington Arts Center

Events & Local Traditions

Arlington’s calendar stays busy year-round with distinctive events that bring the community together:

Annual Celebrations

The Columbia Pike Blues Festival draws thousands each June with live music and local vendors. Arlington’s County Fair, typically held in August, offers a charming small-town fair experience with rides, agricultural exhibits, and live entertainment.

Seasonal Markets

The Ballston Farmers Market and Columbia Pike Farmers Market run weekly from spring through fall, while the Courthouse Farmers Market operates year-round. During the holidays, various holiday markets pop up, including the popular Rosslyn Holiday Market.

Community Gatherings

Neighborhood Day celebrations in May promote community spirit with block parties and parades. Outdoor film festivals in Rosslyn, Crystal City, and Columbia Pike during summer months bring families together for movies under the stars.

Weather & Climate: What to Expect

Arlington experiences four distinct seasons:

Spring (March-May): Beautiful but unpredictable, with temperatures ranging from 40s to 70s°F. Cherry blossoms typically peak in late March/early April.

Summer (June-August): Hot and humid with temperatures regularly in the 80s-90s°F. Occasional thunderstorms provide brief relief. This is when locals truly appreciate good air conditioning.

Fall (September-November): Perhaps the most pleasant season, with comfortable temperatures and beautiful foliage. Perfect for exploring outdoor activities.

Winter (December-February): Generally mild by Northeast standards, with average highs in the 40s°F. Snowfall varies widely year to year—some winters see minimal snow while others bring significant storms that can shut down the region.

The area receives about 40-44 inches of rain annually, fairly evenly distributed throughout the year. Summer thunderstorms can be intense but brief.

Comparison with Living in Washington, D.C.

Here’s how they stack up:

Cost Differences

Housing typically costs 10-15% less than similar properties in desirable D.C. neighborhoods. Arlington homeowners also benefit from lower property tax rates than the District, and Virginia’s income tax structure may benefit higher earners.

Lifestyle Contrasts

D.C. offers more intense urban energy, with denser neighborhoods, more extensive nightlife, and world-class museums at your doorstep. Arlington provides more breathing room, better parking situations, and often a more relaxed pace while maintaining excellent urban amenities.

Family Considerations

Arlington’s nationally recognized public schools give it a decisive edge for families with children. The county also offers more single-family housing options and better access to suburban-style amenities like larger grocery stores with parking.

Remote Work & Digital Nomad Tips

Arlington’s infrastructure and amenities make it particularly appealing for remote workers:

Connectivity

Arlington boasts some of the region’s best broadband infrastructure, with multiple high-speed providers and extensive fiber optic coverage. Public WiFi is available throughout major commercial corridors and in county facilities.

Co-working Spaces

The county hosts numerous co-working options, from major players like WeWork in Rosslyn and Ballston to boutique spaces like MakeOffices. Many apartment complexes now include shared workspaces in their amenity packages.

Work-Friendly Cafés

Northside Social in Clarendon and Arlington Central Library offer excellent environments for productive remote work sessions. For digital nomads, East West Coffee on Wilson Boulevard provides ample outlets and reliable WiFi in a comfortable setting.

Pros and Cons: The Honest Assessment

Let’s weigh the good against the challenges:

Pros of Living in Arlington

Exceptional location near D.C. with easier parking and lower crime rates
Outstanding public schools and education options
Robust job market with higher-than-average salaries
Excellent public transportation and walkability
Strong sense of community despite urban setting
Beautiful parks and outdoor recreation options
Diverse dining and cultural experiences
Generally progressive, highly educated population

Cons to Consider

High cost of living, particularly housing
Traffic congestion during rush hours
Limited nightlife compared to D.C. proper

Moving Checklist: Making It Official

If you’ve decided Arlington is right for you, here’s your relocation checklist:

2-3 Months Before — Research neighborhoods, visit homes, get moving quotes, and declutter your current space with a service like SecureSpace’s self-storage in Arlington.
1 Month Before — Secure housing, update address (USPS, bank, employer), register to vote, arrange utilities.
2 Weeks Before — Check Virginia DMV requirements (license within 60 days, vehicle registration within 30 days), pack non-essentials, confirm moving plans.
First Week After — Set up utilities, locate nearby stores and medical facilities, explore neighborhoods, learn the Metro system.
Within 30 Days: Register vehicles (bring title, insurance, ID), get Virginia driver’s license, update car insurance, register pets (dog licensing required).

Is Arlington Right for You?

After reading all this, you might be wondering if Arlington truly fits your lifestyle and needs.

To put that into context, Arlington might be your ideal spot if you enjoy urban conveniences but prefer a pace that’s a bit less intense than Washington, D.C. It’s a great fit for those working in government, defense, technology, or similar fields, with plenty of career opportunities nearby. If top-notch schools for your kids are a priority, Arlington’s education system delivers. The area is culturally diverse, leans progressive, and offers plenty of outdoor activities for fitness enthusiasts. Plus, reliable public transportation makes getting around easy.

On the flip side, Arlington may not suit you if affordable housing is a must—prices here can be steep. If you’re dreaming of a big yard or lots of private outdoor space, you might feel cramped. Those who love quiet, deeply suburban vibes could find it too busy, and commuting to Maryland or other parts of Virginia can be a hassle. If a vibrant nightlife is what you’re after, Arlington’s scene might feel a bit tame.

Final Thoughts

Arlington offers a unique blend of urban sophistication and community-minded living that’s hard to find elsewhere in the D.C. metro area. Its excellent schools, abundant job opportunities, and superb location make it particularly attractive to professionals and families who want proximity to the capital without the daily intensity of city life.

The price tag is substantial, but for many residents, the quality of life justifies the cost. If possible, spend some time exploring different Arlington neighborhoods before committing. Each has its own distinct character that’s best experienced firsthand.

Whether you’re drawn by career opportunities, educational excellence, or simply the appeal of this dynamic community, Arlington welcomes newcomers with a blend of cosmopolitan energy and neighborhood charm that keeps residents here for the long haul.

Welcome to Arlington—we think you’re going to like it here.

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