ARLINGTON
Welcome to Arlington
Historic and landmark must-sees are just part of the charm for visitors to this fast-growing urban retreat.
Perched opposite of Washington DC across the waters of the Potomac River, Arlington is a community buzzing with activity. The area is famous as the home of the Arlington National Cemetery and The Pentagon but proves to be an enviable residential location as well. Great schools and wonderful dining options are some of the area’s unique offerings that have buyers flocking.
Arlington is known by its formal moniker as Arlington County, though it contains no incorporated towns or cities and is typically regarded as a city itself. More than 200,000 residents call Arlington home, and what was once a relatively small suburb has blossomed into an upbeat urban powerhouse formed by a spirit of innovation.
There’s an enticing variety to the residential real estate in Arlington, which can include everything from opulent penthouses on the river with views of the Washington Monument and Theodore Roosevelt Island, to luxurious executive homes in affluent gated communities. Recently, Arlington has experienced a boom in the development of new neighborhoods, putting potential buyers in an ideal position to construct their very own custom dream home.
What to Love
· A blend of retail and outdoor recreation
· A stone’s throw away from Washington DC’s Downtown
· A rich sense of history amid new urban growth
Local Lifestyle
Arlington is known for having a highly educated and sophisticated population, many of which come to the county to work in its phenomenal business sector. It’s remarkably diverse, and its residents experience a wealth of enticing amenities due to the town’s thoughtful use of the smart growth development concept, in which cities orient their expansion around the betterment of their urban center.
Dining, Entertainment, & Shopping
Arlington might not have a central Downtown in the traditional sense, but it still enchants visitors with a solid number of retail and dining hotspots located throughout. The Village at Shirlington, for instance, is a stroll-worthy shopping center and lifestyle development that houses high-end boutiques, restaurants, and even a movie theater.
A drive along Wilson Boulevard will put hungry visitors within reach of the area’s best restaurants. Across from stores for upscale brands like Apple and lululemon, Ambar is the area’s favorite restaurant for traditional Balkan fare. The cuisine at Ambar — served in an airy environment overflowing with verdant hanging plants — is so good that even the Michelin Guide has raved over its excellence.
A classic neighborhood joint, the Liberty Tavern sits at the heart of Arlington. A unique separation in the atmosphere exists between the venue’s two floors: upstairs, gourmet New American cuisine awaits, while downstairs patrons can experience a lively pub environment with classic bar foods. Rustico’s wood-fired pizzas and collection of craft beers is enough to get any appetite going, with a creative cocktail list that’s certain to keep happy hour trailing on into the night.
Things to Do
Residents of Arlington can get in touch with nature easily, as the area contains several gorgeous green spaces and parks. Ideal for hiking or simply taking in the majesty of the Potomac River, Theodore Roosevelt Island offers more than 80 acres of beautiful green space to explore. For indoor entertainment, there’s the Arlington Cinema and Drafthouse, an old-school theater where guests are served delicious cocktails and draft beers while enjoying the latest movie showings.
Arlington National Cemetery is the signature tourist destination of the county and with good reason. The hallowed ground is an expanse of quiet reverence, honoring the fallen heroes of the nation and inspiring all of the visitors.
Schools
Arlington is home to a number of excellent schools. Top educational opportunities include:
· Georgetown Day School, PK & K-12, the #1 ranked best private high school in DC
· Sidwell Friends School, PK & K-12, the #2 ranked best private high school in DC