The Tania Ivey Real Estate Team Inc.

Arlington, Virginia is an urban county, 26 square miles in size, directly across the river from Washington, D.C. Originally part of the platted land for D.C., Arlington was given back to Virginia in 1846. The Pentagon, Iwo Jima Memorial and Arlington National Cemetery are the three most well-known areas of Arlington. Beyond the big three, Arlington is home to many “Urban Villages,” scattered around the county, one of the most diverse, community-oriented, pedestrian and cyclist friendly urban locations in the United States.  

Solid Planning Yields Manageable Growth

Arlington has been growing quickly over the last ten years. Over 200,000 residents live in Arlington, sharing 200 public parks, 86 miles of hiking, biking and jogging trails, over 600 restaurants, and hundreds of thousands of office and retail square footage. Arlington has planned its growth around the concept of “Urban Villages,” or neighborhoods within massive urban development. Arlington is the most densely populated county in Virginia, but the population growth is managed. Higher density mixed-use developments are concentrated around the Metro corridors and stops, and lower density neighborhoods cluster in-between. This planning has ensured that, even as Arlington continues to grow, it does not lose the community feel that its residents so enjoy.  

“A Diverse, Inclusive World-Class Urban Community”

Such is the mission of Arlington County Government, and they back up their pledge and carry it through. Arlington’s public schools are the most diverse of any area around Washington, D.C. Students from 127 countries speak 105 different languages. The school system has uniquely developed to serve the needs of its student population, and offers intensive English and Spanish programs, the International Baccalaureate program of study, as well as alternative schools with vocational and technical curriculum. In 2007, Newsweek ranked the Arlington Public School System schools among the top 1% in the nation. Eighty four percent of the high school graduates continue to pursue college degrees.  

• Eleven different neighborhoods or villages compose Arlington, each with its own personality. Clarendon is a hip, funky neighborhood to visit after work. 
• Balston is the “downtown” of Arlington, with high-rise buildings holding National headquarters for Qwest, The Nature Conservancy and the National Science Foundation. 
• Columbia Pike is Arlington’s “Main Street,” a mix of unique locally owned shops, and affordable housing.  The Sunday Farmer’s Market offers fresh produce, arts and crafts and mingling each week. 
• Court House is the seat of Arlington County Government, and only two Metro stops away from D.C. proper.
• Crystal City lies in between the Pentagon and Regan National Airport, and is a high rise complex of mixed-use development serving a diverse population.
• Lees Highway is a more residential neighborhood, with many immigrant communities, and historic neighborhoods.
• Pentagon City is home to one of D.C.’s best malls, the Fashion Centre at Pentagon City. 
• Rosslyn is home to headquarters of Price Waterhouse Coopers and the Boeing Company, full of sky-scrapers and the last Metro Stop in Virginia before D.C. Rosslyn also contains many public art works and community organizations within the village promote and support the arts.
• Shirlington is home to acres of green space and small pedestrian friendly streets crammed with unique eateries and shopping. 
• Virginia Square is a traditionally residential neighborhood full of single-family homes. 
• Westover is also residential, and home to many young families that enjoy the peaceful streets and public playgrounds.  

Each Urban Village has its own character and charm. Linked to each other and Washington, D.C., they provide a wealth of opportunities for living, learning, working and playing.  

Arlington: A World-Wide Business Hub

Besides the massive amount of federal employees working at the Pentagon, Arlington has world headquarters for US Airways, Hechts, and Nordstrom. Over 200,000 people work in Arlington, providing a huge base of consumers for business. Despite the amount of development and high population density, According to a December 2007 Brookings Institution report, Arlington is one of the most pedestrian and cyclist friendly communities in the United States. The WalkArlington group is one of 160 community service and civic organizations that actively works to make Arlington an attractive place to live and work. Their traffic-calming program allows for comfortable walking and commuter traffic to co-exist. 

Community-Oriented, Affordable Living

Arlington’s population is diverse, yet cohesive. Over one third of the population speaks a language other than English while at home. The median per-capita income is $91,896, and the average is $64,604. As Arlington has continued to grow, affordable housing within easy commuting distance to D.C. has developed. Looking across the Potomac at Arlington from Washington, D.C., it may seem unimaginable to achieve a feeling of community and neighborliness, however, residents of Arlington relayed in April 2008 to the Washington Post, how happy they are living in their “Urban Villages,” and how connected they feel to their neighbors. Each neighborhood offers different amenities, but all are thriving communities, always accepting of new neighbors. Arlington’s Urban Villages provide stable neighborhoods with homes for sale retaining and increasing in price as the area grows.  

Great Place to Live, Work and Play

The large population of commuting workers provides a tremendous revenue stream for businesses, while the myriad of housing options supports the large workforce. 

Arlington contains something for everyone. Thousands of jobs, hundreds of entertainment options, affordable real estate that appreciates in value, quality schools and community involvement draw newcomers in and make them feel right at home.