Arlington
Arlington's overall score of 78 reflects a city with elite public infrastructure and safety that is heavily weighed down by extreme housing costs. While its 10/10 schools and transit make it a premier destination, the 3/10 housing score indicates that affordability is the primary trade-off for these amenities.
Is Arlington right for you?
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See How Well Arlington Fits MeQuality of Life in Arlington
Arlington earns its high marks through the Rosslyn-Ballston Corridor, where the Metro Orange and Silver lines provide a 10/10 transportation experience that makes car-free living viable. The local economy is bolstered by Amazon’s HQ2 and the Pentagon, sustaining a strong 8/10 job market, while top-tier institutions like Tuckahoe Elementary anchor its perfect 10/10 school rating. However, the score is suppressed by a 3/10 housing affordability rating, driven by a median property value near $895,000 and a rental market where median apartments reach $2,700. These high entry costs, combined with intense competition for limited single-family homes, create a significant financial barrier for many households.
Housing
Arlington's housing market is highly competitive, characterized by strong demand for both single-family homes and high-rise condos. While inventory has seen modest increases, buyers often face significant price pressure, with median sale prices frequently reaching high levels, and renters encounter some of the highest costs in the Washington, D.C. metro area.
Neighborhoods
The county features a diverse mix of environments, ranging from dense, walkable urban corridors like Clarendon and Ballston to quieter, tree-lined residential areas such as Lyon Village, Country Club Hills, and Westover. These neighborhoods attract a variety of residents, including young professionals seeking proximity to transit and families drawn to established, community-focused settings.
Economy & Jobs
Arlington maintains a robust and diverse economy anchored by its proximity to the federal government, the Pentagon, and a growing tech sector. Major employers and industries include federal agencies, defense and aerospace contractors, and large technology firms like Amazon, which have established significant operations in the area.
Commuting & Transportation
Daily life in Arlington is exceptionally well-connected, featuring 11 Metrorail stations and the local Arlington Transit (ART) bus system that facilitate easy access to Washington, D.C. While many residents rely on these extensive public transit options and over 100 miles of biking and walking trails, the area also remains accessible to major regional highways for those who drive.
Lifestyle & Amenities
Living in Arlington offers a blend of urban convenience and suburban comfort, with a strong emphasis on walkability and access to amenities. Residents enjoy a vibrant dining and cultural scene, numerous parks, and proximity to major sports and entertainment venues, all while maintaining a high quality of life supported by top-tier schools and community services.
Climate
Arlington features a humid subtropical climate with hot, humid summers and cool winters that see occasional snowfall. The region is well-known for its vibrant spring season and the famous cherry blossoms that bloom along the Potomac River waterfront.
Cost of Living in Arlington
Population
243,900
Median Home Price
$895,000
Median Rent
$2,700/mo
Average Salary
$86,659
Groceries / month
$600/mo
Moving to Arlington
Arlington boasts one of the best public transit networks in North America via the Metro, connecting residents to diverse neighborhoods and the cultural amenities of D.C. The area is exceptionally diverse and safe, featuring a rich culinary landscape ranging from authentic Ethiopian to Vietnamese cuisine. Residents enjoy four distinct seasons and easy access to the Potomac River for outdoor recreation and the vibrant arts district in Shirlington.
Pros and Cons of Living in Arlington
Pros
- • World-class Metro transit system via Orange, Silver, and Blue lines
- • Top-tier public school district with multiple 10/10 rated schools
- • Proximity to major employers like Amazon HQ2 and the Pentagon
- • Highly walkable urban corridors like the Rosslyn-Ballston corridor
- • Exceptionally low crime rates and high public safety standards
Cons
- • Extremely high cost of living and housing prices
- • Intense summer humidity and heat index
- • Highly competitive real estate market with limited inventory
- • Significant traffic congestion on I-66 and I-395
Who Arlington Is Best For
Where Arlington performs well
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Arlington a good place to live?
Arlington is consistently ranked as one of the best places to live in the U.S. due to its low crime rates and high-performing schools like Nottingham Elementary. Neighborhoods such as Clarendon and Shirlington offer a blend of urban energy and suburban quiet, making it highly desirable for those seeking a high quality of life near the nation's capital.
Is Arlington affordable?
No, Arlington is not considered affordable, with a cost of living index approximately 46% to 60% higher than the national average. Residents should expect to pay over $2,700 per month for median rent and face a highly competitive real estate market where median property values often exceed $895,000.
What is Arlington best known for as a place to live?
It is most famous for being the home of the Pentagon, Arlington National Cemetery, and the rapidly growing Amazon HQ2 in the National Landing area. It is also recognized for its innovative transit-oriented development along the Wilson Boulevard corridor, which allows for a car-free lifestyle.
What are the biggest advantages of living in Arlington?
The primary advantages include an unparalleled 10/10 public transit system via the WMATA Metro and access to a top-tier public school district. Additionally, the proximity to Washington D.C. provides residents with elite job opportunities in federal government, technology, and defense contracting.
What are the potential disadvantages of living in Arlington?
The most significant drawbacks are the high cost of housing and the general high cost of services like childcare, which can be difficult to secure. Furthermore, the area suffers from heavy traffic congestion on major commuter routes and intense summer humidity that can impact outdoor activities.
What type of person or household is Arlington a good fit for?
Arlington is an ideal fit for young professionals who value a walkable, transit-rich lifestyle near major employment hubs like Rosslyn and Ballston. It is also an excellent choice for families who are willing to pay a premium for access to some of the highest-rated public schools in the United States.
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Data & sources
MoveWiser scores are AI-generated comparative estimates, not official statistics. The category scores above are produced by MoveWiser's data pipeline; cost figures and population are AI estimates informed by web data at the time of generation. Always verify specifics with primary sources before deciding.
Data sources (as reported during generation):
- U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts 2025 — population & demographics
- USAFacts 2026 Population Estimates
- Zillow Arlington Housing Market Report 2026 — home prices & rent
- Data USA: Arlington, VA Profile
- Salary.com 2025 Compensation Data
- Arlington County Profile Report 2025
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