Arlington, VA Real Estate Tour: Expert Driving Tour with Chris Colgan

Arlington Living

Thinking of moving to Haymarket, Virginia, or selling your Haymarket home? I'm Chris Colgan, a top-producing Realtor with the Chris Colgan Team at EXP Realty, and your guide to the Northern Virginia & DMV real estate market.

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The Real Story on Arlington, VA

Yes, it’s pricey: Average sales prices hover around $840k with single-families often over $1.4M. But there’s way more range here than people think, from $300k condos up to multimillion-dollar estates.
Neighborhood spreads: Buckingham condos can land in the $300s, Clarendon averages around the $600s, while Lyon Village pushes $1M+. You’ve got options depending on lifestyle and budget.
Competition is real: Well-priced homes in the right neighborhoods get 20+ offers. Inventory’s up a bit, but Arlington still moves fast. If it’s turnkey and modern, expect a crowd.

Why Arlington Ranks So High

National spotlight: In 2025, Colonial Village was ranked the #1 neighborhood in the U.S. for its historic vibe and walkability. Arlington itself sits at #4 overall.
Urban lifestyle: Clarendon is buzzing with bars, coffee shops, and Metro access. Ballston is dense and tech-driven, while Pentagon City brings shopping and HQ2 jobs.
Family picks: Lyon Village and Arlington Heights offer tree-lined streets and historic homes, away from the nightlife.

Living the “15-Minute City”

Walk or bike: Groceries, coffee, gyms, and schools are within minutes in most neighborhoods. A lot of folks don’t even own a car here.
County planning: Ongoing investment in bike lanes, pedestrian safety, and green space. Expect active neighborhood associations and plenty of community signs about saving parks and trees.
D.C. access: Quick Metro ride or Uber into downtown, the Kennedy Center, or Nationals Park. It’s hard to beat for convenience.

Schools & Education

Top ranked: Arlington Public Schools sit at #2 in Virginia with a ~95% graduation rate and strong SAT scores (~1270 average).
Advanced degrees: Nearly 80% of residents hold a bachelor’s, with 43% having a graduate degree. It’s one of the most educated populations in the U.S.
Strong programs: Specialized career and college prep options, plus constant investment in facilities.

Cost of Living Reality

Higher than average: Overall costs are about 35% above the U.S. norm. Housing is the big driver, running over 100% higher than average.
Everyday expenses: Groceries are roughly 12% above national, healthcare about 15%, but utilities run a bit cheaper.
County initiatives: Affordable housing programs and partnerships, especially tied to Amazon, help balance things out.

Final Take

Arlington’s got a premium price tag, but you’re paying for walkability, top schools, strong planning, and proximity to D.C. If you’re serious about moving, email me at info@colganteam.com or text 571-437-7575. We’ll talk budget, map your commute, and zero in on the right neighborhood for your lifestyle.

Watch the tour ·Full Transcript

Speaker: Chris Colgan • Date: June 21, 2025

"With an average sales price around $840,000, who could argue? But I'm about to show you a side of Arlington nobody talks about: hidden factors that work in your favor, neighborhoods with surprising price ranges, and one area just named the best neighborhood in the United States."

Overview

"I know you've heard Arlington, Virginia, is exclusive, expensive, and elite, and with an average sales price around $840,000, who could argue?"

"The top neighborhood in the nation is right here in Arlington, Virginia."

"Full disclosure: my name is Chris Colgan. I've been a realtor in Northern Virginia for 20 years."

"By the end of this video, you'll know which neighborhood fits you, what daily life feels like here, and what to do about that premium price tag."

Key Takeaways (Verbatim)

"The median list price for homes in Arlington is $839,154 as of May 2025 (Zillow), up 1.7% month-over-month." (1:17)
"The average assessed value for all residential property is $854,900. Single-family homes briefly surpassed $1.4M as an average sales price earlier in 2025." (1:17)
"Inventory: 622 homes for sale as of May 2025." (1:17)
"Buckingham had a median price around $342,765 in March, about $500,000 below the Arlington average." (1:56)
"Clarendon comes in around $663,000, also lower than the city median." (1:56)
"Lyon Village pushes the number up with a median around $1,074,790 (Zillow)." (1:56)
"I've written on listings with 24–25 offers, especially newer homes with upgrades." (2:37)
"In 2025, Arlington holds the #4 spot on Niche's overall ranking." (3:16)

Unique Facts & Stats

"Colonial Village was ranked the best neighborhood in the country, historic, highly walkable, with unique architecture and a strong community vibe." (3:43)
"Arlington Public Schools are ranked #2 in Virginia (2025)." (10:31)
"Metrics: ~95% graduation rate, average SAT 1270, and strong academic outcomes across grade levels." (10:31)
"About 78% of residents over 25 have a bachelor's degree, and 43% have a graduate degree, among the highest in the U.S." (10:31)
"Big picture: 33–36% higher than the Virginia average, 35–37% above the national average. Housing runs about +107% vs. the U.S. average." (11:48)
"Utilities are 6–8% lower than national … groceries about +12%, healthcare roughly +14–16%, transportation +2–6%, and goods/services +8%." (11:48)
"It's routinely named one of the healthiest communities, you'll see people walking and jogging everywhere, and tons of folks walk to work." (3:16)
"We get 12–14 million weekly views" (6:40)

Neighborhoods, Amenities & Lifestyle

"Colonial Village was ranked the best neighborhood in the country, historic, highly walkable, with unique architecture and a strong community vibe. It's beautiful." (3:43)

"For a more urban feel: Clarendon has a lively restaurant scene and is a hub for young professionals. You can walk to coffee shops, grab a Starbucks or a local roast, hit dinner, catch a Nats game, and Uber back for nightlife, all connected by Metro." (3:43)

"Ballston is dense and innovative, packed with amenities, shopping, entertainment, and a great mix of commercial and residential." (3:43)

"Pentagon City is a major shopping destination with direct Metro access, and Amazon HQ2 (National Landing) has brought a ton of jobs back to the office." (3:43)

"Lyon Village offers a family-friendly atmosphere, historic homes, and tree-lined streets. Arlington Heights is known for a calmer setting and more spacious properties." (3:43)

"Arlington is a leader in 15-minute neighborhoods, groceries, dining, parks, services, and transit within a short walk. Many residents don't own a car." (5:31)

"Parks and recreation are everywhere, tons of parks, trails, sports fields, and community events." (8:36)

Pricing & Housing Types

"The median list price for homes in Arlington is $839,154 as of May 2025 (Zillow), up 1.7% month-over-month." (1:17)
"The average assessed value for all residential property is $854,900." (1:17)
"Single-family homes briefly surpassed $1.4M as an average sales price earlier in 2025." (1:17)
"Buckingham had a median price around $342,765 in March, about $500,000 below the Arlington average." (1:56)
"Clarendon comes in around $663,000, also lower than the city median." (1:56)
"Lyon Village pushes the number up with a median around $1,074,790 (Zillow)." (1:56)

Commuting & Connectivity

"Public transit options are diverse: multiple Metro stations on the Orange, Blue, and Silver lines. The county is updating transportation plans with a focus on multimodal transit and climate resiliency, and continues to invest in sustainable infrastructure." (7:05)

"You've got short commutes into D.C., plus quick access via major highways and bridges. It's very walkable … If your job is in Arlington proper, you can probably get by without a car." (7:05)

"The National Mall is within a ~15-minute Uber ride depending on traffic." (8:36)

"Amazon chose Arlington in part for proximity to Reagan National Airport, which is a huge convenience." (12:54)

Schools

"Arlington Public Schools are ranked #2 in Virginia (2025). The system has a strong reputation for performance and is consistently rated one of the best places to teach in the state." (10:31)

"Metrics: ~95% graduation rate, average SAT 1270, and strong academic outcomes across grade levels." (10:31)

"The county invests heavily in facilities and offers multiple specialized programs geared toward college and career prep." (10:31)

Arlington, VA Real Estate Tour FAQs

What is the median home price in Arlington?

"The median list price for homes in Arlington is $839,154 as of May 2025 (Zillow), up 1.7% month-over-month." (1:17) "Single-family homes briefly surpassed $1.4M as an average sales price earlier in 2025." (1:17) But here's what most people don't know: "Buckingham had a median price around $342,765 in March — about $500,000 below the Arlington average." (1:56) So there's actually a huge range depending on neighborhood.

What's the best neighborhood in Arlington, VA?

"Colonial Village was ranked the best neighborhood in the country — historic, highly walkable, with unique architecture and a strong community vibe." (3:43) It literally took the #1 spot in America. For urban energy, "Clarendon has a lively restaurant scene and is a hub for young professionals. You can walk to coffee shops, grab a Starbucks or a local roast, hit dinner, catch a Nats game, and Uber back for nightlife — all connected by Metro." (3:43)

How do Arlington schools rank in Virginia?

"Arlington Public Schools are ranked #2 in Virginia (2025). The system has a strong reputation for performance and is consistently rated one of the best places to teach in the state." (10:31) "Metrics: ~95% graduation rate, average SAT 1270, and strong academic outcomes across grade levels." (10:31) Plus, "about 78% of residents over 25 have a bachelor's degree, and 43% have a graduate degree — among the highest in the U.S." (10:31) The educational culture here is extremely strong.

How expensive is Arlington compared to the rest of Virginia?

"Big picture: 33–36% higher than the Virginia average, 35–37% above the national average. Housing runs about +107% vs. the U.S. average." (11:48) But here's the breakdown: "utilities are 6–8% lower than national … groceries about +12%, healthcare roughly +14–16%, transportation +2–6%, and goods/services +8%." (11:48) So while housing is expensive, some other costs are actually more reasonable than you'd expect.

What's the commute like from Arlington to D.C.?

"Public transit options are diverse: multiple Metro stations on the Orange, Blue, and Silver lines." (7:05) "You've got short commutes into D.C., plus quick access via major highways and bridges. It's very walkable … If your job is in Arlington proper, you can probably get by without a car." (7:05) "The National Mall is within a ~15-minute Uber ride depending on traffic." (8:36) The location is genuinely unbeatable for D.C. access.

Can you actually find affordable homes in Arlington?

Yes—if you know where to look. "Buckingham had a median price around $342,765 in March — about $500,000 below the Arlington average. Clarendon comes in around $663,000, also lower than the city median." (1:56) "Lyon Village pushes the number up with a median around $1,074,790 (Zillow)." (1:56) So the neighborhood you choose makes a massive difference in what you'll pay.

What's the 15-minute city lifestyle like in Arlington?

"Arlington is a leader in 15-minute neighborhoods — groceries, dining, parks, services, and transit within a short walk. Many residents don't own a car." (5:31) That's not me—I love my car—but a lot of my friends and family in Arlington walk everywhere and save the expense. "The county keeps investing in bike lanes and pedestrian-friendly streets to support that lifestyle." (5:31) It's genuinely one of the most walkable areas outside of D.C. itself.

What job opportunities are in Arlington?

"Pentagon City is a major shopping destination with direct Metro access, and Amazon HQ2 (National Landing) has brought a ton of jobs back to the office." (3:43) "Amazon chose Arlington in part for proximity to Reagan National Airport, which is a huge convenience." (12:54) Between Amazon, government contractors, defense companies, and proximity to D.C., the job market here is incredibly strong. That's a big reason why housing stays expensive—demand from high earners is constant.

Is Arlington worth the high cost of living?

"Living in Arlington means access to top schools, excellent public amenities, a welcoming community, and an incredibly convenient location. There's a wide variety of neighborhoods and lifestyles — but yes, it comes with a premium price tag." (12:54) "Property taxes are relatively favorable compared with similarly priced areas elsewhere. Proximity to D.C. can reduce transportation costs for many residents. It's generally cheaper than living in D.C. for comparable neighborhoods." (11:48) So you're paying for convenience, schools, and lifestyle—and for many people, that's absolutely worth it.

About Chris Colgan

"Full disclosure: my name is Chris Colgan. I've been a Realtor in Northern Virginia for 20 years. My team has helped thousands of buyers from YouTube and Instagram, and we get 12–14 million weekly views. We can hop on a Zoom, learn your priorities, and help you zero in on the best neighborhood, the best home, and the best fit for your life."