Arlington, Virginia, is consistently ranked as one of the best places to live in the United States. Its unique position across the Potomac River from Washington D.C. creates a dynamic blend of urban energy and suburban comfort. But is it the right place for you?
This guide breaks down the essential pros and cons every potential home buyer or resident needs to know. For a deep dive into the specific neighborhoods, market trends, and available homes, be sure to check out this complete guide to Arlington,VA real estate.
The Pros: Why People Love Living in Arlington
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Arlington's advantages are significant, offering a high quality of life, unparalleled convenience, and robust economic opportunities.
1. A Powerhouse Job Market Arlington is an economic engine. It's home to a diverse and resilient job market that includes the headquarters for Amazon's HQ2, Boeing, and Raytheon, alongside countless government agencies (including the Pentagon), defense contractors, and a thriving tech startup scene. This concentration of high-paying jobs provides residents with exceptional career opportunities and contributes to one of the lowest unemployment rates in the nation.
2. World-Class Public Transportation The Washington Metro system is the lifeblood of Arlington, making a car-free commute into D.C. not just possible, but easy. Arlington is serviced by the Orange, Silver, Blue, and Yellow lines, with major hubs like Rosslyn, Clarendon, and Ballston built around these stations. This transit-oriented development means you can live, work, and play all within a short walk of a Metro stop.
3. Vibrant Nightlife and Entertainment Arlington doesn't shut down at 5 PM. Neighborhoods like Clarendon and Ballston are famous for their energetic nightlife, offering everything from rooftop bars and breweries to live music venues and countless restaurants. For a more relaxed evening, the Shirlington neighborhood offers fantastic restaurants and the popular Signature Theatre.
4. Diverse Housing Options From modern high-rise condominiums in Rosslyn with stunning D.C. views to charming townhomes in Fairlington and historic single-family colonials in neighborhoods like Lyon Park, Arlington has a housing style for everyone. While prices are high, the sheer variety of housing stock is a major plus, accommodating young professionals, growing families, and downsizers alike.
5. (Bonus) Top-Tier Public Schools A major draw for families is the excellence of Arlington Public Schools. The district is consistently ranked as one of the best in Virginia, boasting high graduation rates, diverse academic programs, and highly-rated individual schools.
The Cons: The Real Trade-Offs of Living in Arlington
The benefits of Arlington come at a significant cost. These are the major challenges you will face living here.
1. The High Cost of Single-Family Homes This is the biggest financial hurdle. While condos and townhomes are available, the dream of a detached single-family home is extremely expensive. The market is incredibly competitive, and as you'll see in the data below, the average price for a detached home is well over $1.5 million.
2. Notorious Traffic and Congestion Arlington is at the epicenter of the D.C. metro area's infamous gridlock. Major arteries like I-66, I-395, and Route 50 are frequently choked with traffic. This isn't just a rush-hour problem; weekend traffic to popular areas or even to the grocery store can be a significant source of frustration.
3. The "Car Paradox" (You Still Need One) While the Metro corridors are a "walker's paradise," this benefit is limited. As soon as you move into the more residential, single-family neighborhoods, a car becomes an absolute necessity for daily errands. And owning a car in Arlington is an expense in itself. Virginia charges an annual Personal Property Tax (or "Car Tax") on the value of your vehicle, which can add hundreds or even thousands of dollars to your yearly budget.
4. High Population Density Arlington is one of the most densely populated counties in the U.S. This translates to crowded grocery stores, parks, and restaurants, and a constant "fast-paced" feeling. If you are looking for a quiet, spread-out lifestyle, the urban density of Arlington's core can feel overwhelming.
A Real-Time Look at the Arlington, VA Market (Fall 2025)
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Understanding the pros and cons is key, but what is the market actually doing? As we head into the end of 2025, the Arlington market is presenting a nuanced "tale of two markets"—one for detached single-family homes and another for attached homes like condos and townhouses.
Year-to-date (through September 2025), the median sold price for all homes in Arlington has climbed to $749,000, a 1.9% increase from last year. We've also seen more activity, with the total number of homes sold rising by 4.75%.
But the big story is the split:
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For Detached Homes: This market is strong. The average sold price for a detached home has risen 3.95% to $1,508,456. Demand is high, with 11.4% more single-family homes sold this year than last.
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For Attached Homes: This is where buyers are finding opportunities. The average sold price for attached properties (condos and townhomes) has actually decreased by 3.86% year-over-year, settling at $579,987.
For buyers, there is some good news across the board. The market is rebalancing. The inventory of active listings is up significantly to 475 homes, compared to just 313 at this time last year. Homes are also staying on the market slightly longer, with an average of 27 days (up from 23). This gives you more breathing room and negotiating power—the average home now sells for 98.6% of its original list price, down from 99.6% last year.
This data shows it's a critical time to have a local expert who understands the unique conditions of each market segment.
Explore Arlington, VA Homes for Sale
Reading about the market is one thing, but seeing what's available is another. Below are the latest listings in Arlington, Virginia, updated in real-time.
See the Newest Arlington, VA Real Estate Listings
Considering a move to Arlington? The best way to navigate this complex market is with expert, local knowledge. To see what's really happening with pricing and explore homes in these distinct neighborhoods, see the full Arlington, VA Real Estate guide.
Thinking About Making Arlington Home?
Arlington’s blend of energy, opportunity, and convenience continues to make it one of the most desirable markets in the country. Whether you’re looking for a walkable condo near the Metro, a family-friendly townhouse, or a luxury single-family home with D.C. skyline views, the key is timing and local expertise.
The Chris Colgan Team has helped hundreds of buyers and sellers navigate Northern Virginia’s most competitive neighborhoods — including Arlington. We’ll guide you through the process, from comparing communities to understanding current market dynamics, so you can make the smartest move possible.
Call or Text: 571-437-7575 | Email: chriscolganteam@gmail.com
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