Arlington is a beautiful and unique city in Virginia. Located just outside of Washington DC, it’s one of the most visited cities in the country because of the proximity to the country’s capital, providing adults and children with the opportunity to learn about the extensive history of the United States.
Aside from being a popular vacation destination, it’s a great place to make your home. Arlington provides locals with access to some stunning natural attractions, shops, restaurants, and museums, as well as a great quality of living, including job opportunities and high-quality schools. If you’re looking to move to the Arlington area in the near future, here are a few things to know before making the leap.
Quality of Life
Like any city, Arlington has its pros and cons. However, Arlington consistently ranks as one of the best places to live in the country. This is likely due to factors such as the city’s low crime rates, the cleanliness of the city, and the abundance of amenities that come with living in this area. It’s truly a city that has something for everyone.
Job Outlook
In addition to being ranked as one of the best places to live in the country, Arlington is often ranked in the top five when it comes to best cities for young professionals. The city has a low unemployment rate, the average income is above the national average, and you’re close enough to commute to Washington D.C. It is the perfect spot for those looking to work in government, but Arlington is also home to plenty of national and international companies. Arlington is home to Amazon’s second headquarters (also known as HQ2), Rosetta Stone, E-Trade, and many other large companies. No matter what you do for a living there’s certain to be an opportunity here for you.
Professionalism
Compared to other big metropolitan areas, Arlington just oozes a certain air of professionalism and sophistication. As the city is home to many who work in government, it’ll be no surprise that you’ll see people in their suits having dinner in town or lining up to take the train each day. That type of vibe may not be for everyone, but if you’re someone who can’t stand the idea of running errands in pajama pants, this area may just suit your style perfectly.
Diversity
Diversity allows us to explore different viewpoints, see things from a new perspective, and leads to more well-informed decisions. Like many other big cities, Arlington is extremely diverse. If you’re looking to raise your kids in an area that appreciates and celebrates culture, this is the right place for you. From restaurants to cultural events to museums, there are opportunities galore to learn a little more about backgrounds unlike your own.
Proximity to the Capital
Whether you dream of working in politics or are just a huge history nerd, living in Arlington gives you a front row seat to the history of the United States—both the history we’ve already lived as a country, and the history we’re making each day. Being this close to the nation’s capital gives you the opportunity to experience our democracy up close and personal whenever you’d like, give you a chance to better understand the inner workings of our political system—an important thing for any citizen who wants to be well-informed.
Landmarks
You don’t have to head into D.C. to experience the important landmarks this area has to offer. Arlington is best known as the home of Arlington National Cemetery, a place everyone should visit at least once in their lives to better understand the sacrifices that have been made for our country. Buried here are armed services members, veterans, their families, and even two presidents—JFK and Taft.
Arlington is also home to the Pentagon, as well as a memorial that commemorates the lives lost in and around the Pentagon on 9/11. Nearby, you can also find the Air Force Memorial, DEA Museum, and Black Heritage Museum of Arlington—all opportunities to learn a little more about this great country and our history.
Housing
It’s no secret that Arlington real estate is not cheap—that’s going to be true of any major metropolitan area. The housing market here is not only on the pricey end, but it’s also extremely competitive. Considering all the people who live and work in Arlington, plus all those who commute to D.C. for work every day, this is certainly not unexpected. However, as mentioned before, salaries in Arlington and the area around the capital are fairly high compared to other cities in the U.S., making it easier to justify the high ticket price.
No matter what you’re looking for—condos, single family homes, apartments—Arlington has housing that will not only suit your needs, but will go above and beyond in architecture and overall style. The homes here are truly beautiful, and apartments downtown are known for being nicer than those in your average big city.
Getting Around
If you’re someone who prefers to get around by car, Arlington may not be the best city for you. Traffic here can be pretty brutal thanks to the combination of daily commuters and tourists. If you prefer public transit, however, you’re in luck. Arlington has a fantastic transit system that will get you around town or into D.C. without much hassle. The city is also extremely bike and pedestrian friendly, perfect for those who like to get a little exercise in during their commute.
Education
If you’re looking to raise your family in the Arlington area, you’ll have a ton of high-quality schools to choose from. There are plenty of private schools in the area, but with public schools this good, there’s no need unless you’re looking for a specialized type of education. The higher education institutions in and around Arlington, like Marymount and Georgetown University, are also top-notch. No matter what school you or your child chooses in the Arlington area, you are guaranteed a quality education.
