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Arlington
Arlington’s Urban Villages
Within this small geographic area lie the booming business centers of Crystal City, Rosslyn and Ballston, the local government center in Court House, the quirky liveliness of Clarendon, Pentagon City's world-class shopping, the Lee Highway and Columbia Pike commercial corridors, and the quaint neighborhoods of Virginia Square, Westover, and Shirlington. Each of these "urban villages" is well-served by public transportation and amenities for bicyclists and walkers, connecting the neighborhoods to each other and to the rest of the metropolitan area. Each urban village is a distinctive and multifaceted community with jobs, housing, and recreation all within a few blocks of each other. We encourage you to use this site to explore the richness and variety that Arlington's urban villages have to offer. Ballston When you're in Ballston, you can't help but feel like you're "downtown." Ballston-MU Metrorail station is a major transportation hub, connecting Metrobus and ART buses with Metrorail's Orange Line. Upon exiting the Metro, you'll notice taller buildings here than in most parts of Arlington. Ballston is indeed a very busy place, as more than a few nationally-known organizations, both public and private, are major employers within blocks of the Metro station. The National Science Foundation, Qwest, and the Nature Conservancy are among some of the more prominent. Other signs of a big-city downtown are apparent here as well: multiple bus routes, designer coffee shops, and delicatessens that cater to the 9 to 5 crowd, to name a few. But Ballston is more than a few big office buildings. A few blocks from the Metro is a 4-level shopping center, the Ballston Common Mall, complete with a 12-screen movie theatre. Stylish restaurants within walking distance are abundant, offering varied fare from Lebanese to Tex-Mex to Thai. Apartment buildings and condominiums complement the skyline. Add to that a few churches, Arlington Central Library, and Marymount University Business School – all within a quarter mile of the Metro station.
Along with Virginia Square, Clarendon, Court House, and Rosslyn, Ballston is located on the Wilson Boulevard-Clarendon Boulevard corridor, which was named one of 10 "Great Streets" in the U.S. by the American Planning Association in 2008. Once you get away from the few blocks where Ballston resembles a busy little metropolis, the area blends into a nice little hamlet, as the high density growth tapers off to residential neighborhoods with parks, schools, and single-family homes. Residents enjoy living on quiet streets, just a short walk away from Metrorail, shopping, and all of Ballston's other amenities. Clarendon Clarendon is often thought of as the laid-back, cool kid in Arlington's class of urban villages. This is a place where t-shirts, baseball caps, and Volvos prevail over pin-stripe suits and BMWs. It's a nightlife destination where people can have a great yet moderately priced dinner before heading to one of several local bars. Of course, Clarendon is much more than that. Not just a hip place to hang out after work, it also offers mid-sized office buildings near the Clarendon Metro station and safe, stable neighborhoods full of single-family homes and tree-lined streets, offering great opportunities to live, work, and play. Along with Virginia Square, Ballston, Court House, and Rosslyn, Clarendon is located on the Wilson Boulevard-Clarendon Boulevard corridor, which was named one of 10 "Great Streets" in the U.S. by the American Planning Association in 2008.
Clarendon is also home to the CSC Invitational, the region's premier professional bike race.This exciting event offers race fans a great opportunity to see the world's best cyclists compete on a very spectator-friendly course that passes the Clarendon Metro station. With its comfort, community, and cuisine, it's no surprise then that the area is attracting more and more people. Newly constructed housing options are presenting more opportunities for prospective residents seeking to join in the fun. However, even as more people arrive, the locals tend to agree that Clarendon will be able to retain its unique individuality as a young, quirky, and exciting urban village.
Court House First, let's clear up some confusion about the name of this urban village. The name of the Metro station at the center of the neighborhood is, and has always been, Court House (two words). Next to the Metro station, but built long after it, is a pedestrian mall surrounded by shops, offices, and apartments, which was named Courthouse (one word) Plaza. We're sticking with the older name, largely because the presence of the Metro station is so important to the urban village. Walking in Court House, you begin to feel the pulse of our nation's capital, only two Metro stops away. But the area is not merely a suburb of D.C. As you may have guessed from the name, Court House is the center of Arlington County government. And, as you might also expect, the neighborhood immediately surrounding the Metro is defined by a feeling of stateliness – a little slice of Washington on the Virginia side of the river. The Arlington County courts, police department, and administrative offices are all right here, and a large Verizon office building ensures that the private sector is also well represented. Several new apartment buildings that house young professionals complete the grand cityscape.
Along with Ballston, Virginia Square, Clarendon, and Rosslyn, Court House is located on the Wilson Boulevard-Clarendon Boulevard corridor, which was named one of 10 "Great Streets" in the U.S. by the American Planning Association in 2008. Restaurants, from fast food chains to local favorites like Summers Restaurant and Pines of Florence, keep the residents and visitors well fed at good prices. Bars, such as Ireland's Four Courts, or the upscale Gua Rapo lounge (which also serves tapas) ensure that Clarendon doesn't have all the fun. And the coffee-house crowd can sip lattes at any of several cafes close by the Metro station.
Perhaps the most obvious advantage to this area is simply its convenience. The quick Metro ride to Washington, DC or to the other urban villages along Metro's Orange Line make for an amazing number of possibilities. With so many of the perks of city life right in the Court House area, residents rarely feel like they're missing anything, but if they do want to go to DC or to another Arlington neighborhood for a change of pace, it's extremely easy.
Columbia Pike Columbia Pike has often been described as "Arlington's Main Street," and it's easy to see why. The unique combination of local businesses, diverse neighborhoods, and everyday amenities along this busy corridor gives an international flair to Arlington. Columbia Pike is a little different from most of Arlington's urban villages, in that it's not centered on a Metro station. Rather, the Pike is actually a linear thoroughfare that stretches across south Arlington, from Arlington Cemetery and Fort Myer in the East, all the way into Fairfax County at Arlington's western border. More than three miles of the Pike lie in Arlington County, and this corridor is home to more than a quarter of Arlington's population, as well as a quarter of its families. Residents are well-served by more than 500 businesses and 1.6 million square feet of commercial space. There's no central Metrorail station, but Metrobus and ART team up to provide outstanding bus service along the Pike, and connections to Metrorail at Pentagon, Pentagon City, Ballston, Farragut West, Farragut North, and McPherson Square. The combined service, known as Pike Ride, has a rush hour frequency comparable to Metrorail, and frequent service all day.
Equally important in this area are the community institutions that only make the neighborhood ties stronger and increase the village feel that pervades in this area. A Sunday farmers' market offers fruits, veggies and other goodies from May to November. An annual blues festival showcases local and national talent. And the Walter Reed Community Center provides public meeting and recreational space, as well as community activities for locals of all ages. Since the sense of community is so important to this neighborhood, it only makes sense that the Columbia Pike Revitalization Organization is another important community institution. CPRO is a public partnership that has been working for more than 20 years to encourage and guide the development of Columbia Pike. As this process continues, CPRO is working to keep citizens involved so that the sense of community and tradition aren't threatened. Arlington's main street, while clearly quite different from Arlingtons other urban villages, is yet another great place to live, work, shop and play, and public transportation makes it easy. Crystal City Crystal City is a fascinating complex of office buildings, residential high-rises, boutiques, shops, cafes, and restaurants, all near the Crystal City Metro station. Many of the buildings around the Metro station are linked not only by tree-lined streets above ground, but also by an extensive underground system of corridors and walkways, lined with shops, eateries, and services. Crystal City has over 4,600 hotel rooms to accommodate visitors, all of which have easy access to Washington D.C. and Reagan National Airport. But more important to the thousands of people who live and work here, Crystal City is very convenient for everyday necessities as well. Pharmacies, banks, doctor and dentist's offices, a post office and supermarkets are all part of the amenities that Crystal City citizens can find close to home. There are even three universities offering professional and advanced degrees through night classes and other programs. The two Metrorail lines, Metrobus service, and major bike trails make it an ideal location for commuters, too.
Relaxation and fun have their place here too – the Crystal City Water Park is one of several outdoor lunch spots, and regularly offers summer concerts both during lunch and evenings. Many of the public plazas offer free wireless Internet for the residents, workers and visitors to enjoy. Public volleyball and basketball courts complement two Sport and Health clubs for those looking to stay in shape, and a short bike/pedestrian connector trail leads to the 18.5-mile Mt. Vernon Trail. Many of the D.C. area’s favorite restaurants, including Ruth's Chris Steakhouse and Morton's the Steakhouse, provide not only great food, but also captivating views of Washington. There is also the historic Restaurant Row on 23rd Street providing great food and nightlife in Crystal City. One of Arlington’s urban villages full of light and artful ideas, Crystal City a fantastic place to "do it all" near Metro.
Lee Highway Unlike most of Arlington's urban villages, Lee Highway is not one neigborhood, but a continuum of neighborhoods blending into each other along a commercial corridor. Williamsburg, Lee-Harrison, Highview Park, Lee Heights, Cherrydale, and Lyon Village each have their own unique neighborhood feel and their own shopping areas on or near Lee Highway. Metrobus Route 3 makes it easy to travel down the highway a bit to visit or shop in one of the other neigborhoods, connect to Metrorail at either end of the corridor, or travel to and from D.C. during rush hour. Williamsburg is a scenic community tucked away on Sycamore Street only one mile from the East Falls Church Metro. Bordered by two of Arlington’s most charming and versatile parks, Williamsburg is a leafy urban niche in the outskirts of downtown Arlington. As you approach Williamsburg by Metrobus or bike, you will notice the landscape beginning to shift from dense developments to a more spacious patchwork of housing. The Williamsburg Civic Association has campaigned tirelessly to maintain Williamsburg's small town feel and has devoted resources to keeping the neighborhood center and approaching streets well landscaped and beautified. For shoppers and diners, Williamsburg offers two small shopping centers with a solid selection of establishments that can quench various physical and creative needs. In the first shopping center, just south of Williamsburg Boulevard, check out the Wildflour Bakery for fresh, healthy bread or for a flavorful panini sandwich. Jin’s Tailoring next door provides reliable tailoring services, and musicians will be thrilled to discover the gem Action Music. Cattycorner to the first shopping center is the second center, where an additional selection of shops enriches Williamsburg’s retail offerings. Calico Corners, a fabric store, is a favorite for mavens of textile crafts like sewing and quilt-making. Around the corner, kids and adults get their kick on at Oriental Martial Arts Academy. For those who prefer to get their exercise outside, Sharp Park, a small but well-maintained park, is just across the street. A half-mile away is Tuckahoe Park, a larger park complete with picnic tables, tennis courts, a baseball field, two batting cages and five bullpen mounds, and a playground. Tuckahoe Elementary School’s outdoor classroom also borders the park. The outdoor classroom includes native plants, a wooden amphitheatre, and an interpretive nature trail. With its modern architecture and array of retail options, Lee Harrison is one of the more compelling places to stop along Lee Highway. While almost everything is at hand in the neighborhood, buses and bike routes also connect the neighborhood to Ballston and Westover, as well as to the other neighborhoods along Lee Highway.
Whether you are in need of a cool doggy leash or a satisfying slice of pizza, the stores and restaurants in and around the Lee Harrison shopping center can provide some of Arlington’s best food and services. Joe’s Pizza & Pasta has long been a community institution for both kids and adults. For sushi lovers, there is Sushi-Zen Japanese Restaurant with some of the tastiest sushi and teriyaki in the area. For sugary temptations, Lee Harrison features Mother’s Macaroons Bakery, a bakery with a sumptuous selection of cookies and more. Lee Harrison is also home to Harris Teeter, a full-service supermarket, where you can load up on all of your supplies. Since the Harris Teeter is one of the largest markets in the vicinity, it often becomes a meeting spot for neighbors and friends. After a walk in one of the area’s dog parks, canine friends might enjoy a visit to the Dogma Gourmet Dog Bakery & Boutique, a unique shop catered entirely to your pooch’s personal needs. Pet owners can find dog treats, gift items, and other dog products in the cozy shop. Dogma also has bulletin boards for services, lost pets, adoptions, training, walkers and more, both in the store and on the website. Another neighborhood landmark at Lee Harrison is the headquarters of the Virginia Commerce Bank, a full-service community bank, at 5350 Lee Highway. Feather & Three Dance Studio provides dance lovers the opportunity to learn or practice their ballroom dancing skill. The studio focuses on international and American styles of ballroom dancing and holds weekly classes and parties for skill honing. A nice for cyclists and pedestrians to stop for a picnic or a rest is Greenbrier Park, only a few blocks from the Lee Harrison Center. The park is adjacent to Yorktown High School and offers a quiet respite to the urban hubbub. Formerly known as Halls Hill, High View Park is one of Arlington’s historic African-American neighborhoods. Today it is a mercantile intersection for several immigrant communities in Arlington, including Indian, Latin American, Thai, and Caribbean.
One of the neighborhood's most striking features is Halls Hill/High View Park, a “neighborhood gateway,” funded through Arlington County’s Neighborhood Conservation Program and a grant from the Virginia Commission for the Arts. Artist Winnie Owens-Hart, a Howard University professor and native of High View, was selected to develop public artwork for the park. Her large-scale steel sculpture “The Family” portrays a man, woman and child holding hands, symbolizing unity among families and residents of the neighborhood. On the west side of the park the five letters, HHHVP, provide prominent neighborhood identification for passersby. At the intersection of Lee Highway and George Mason Drive is a modest but eclectic shopping/eatery row with a distinct international flare. Hungry wanderers can follow intoxicating scents into Thai Thai Restaurant, Tacos “Doña Mari,” Saran Veg Food (Northern Indian fare), the Palladium (Mexican, Bolivian, and Peruvian), or the Caribbean Grill for Cuban delectables. The strip also features Indian and Halal grocers and several Indian fabric and jewelry shops including Tas Fashion. Lac Viet Gallery is an intriguing shop that offers works of different artists and a wide selection of paintings, sculpture and crafts. The colorful awnings of the Lee Heights Shops commercial row are the first landmarks to signal that you have arrived in a lively and creative neighborhood. One of Lee Heights’ most unique features is its role as a hub for the local art scene. The Arlington Artists Alliance is a non-profit organization serving and supporting artists in Arlington County and is headquartered at Cassatt's Cafe at the Lee Heights Shops. The Alliance holds monthly art exhibits at Cassatt's, as well as at the Gallery Down Under, also in the Lee Heights shopping row. Lee Heights is also a food lover’s heaven. The restaurants in the Lee Heights shopping center offer a wide array of ethnic food choices: Peruvian chicken at Crisp & Juicy, mousse cake at Pastries by Randolph, fresh H&H bagels sold at Arrowine, French onion soup at Café Parisien Express. Kids too will relish the opportunity to go to Lee Heights to visit Tree Top Kids Toy Store and Tree Top Kids Bookstore, and maybe pick up some new shoes at Bradshaw's Children's Shoes. Outdoor fun for kids and adults is available just a short distance north of Lee Highway. Lee Heights Park at 2400 North Taylor Street is one of the many Arlington parks that provide sanctuary for both people and wildlife. Many have found that just a short walk around the 2.5 acre parcel is good for the soul as well as the body. The park borders an off-street bike/pedestrian path which connects to the Potomac Overlook Regional Park. Picnicking and hiking are popular activities in this green paradise within the urban landscape of Arlington. Cherrydale is named for the cherry orchards that once dotted its rolling hills. Whether cruising down Lee Highway by bus or dipping in and out of shaded woods on the nearby bike trail, a visit to Cherrydale is sure to lead to an enjoyable experience. In the quaint shopping center tucked off the north side of Lee Highway, stop in to the Pasha Cafe & Pizzeria, serving up savory Egyptian food. Nearby is Company Flowers, a flower and gardening-supply shop. Cherrydale’s health and fitness centers provide many options for toning and tuning the mind and body. The Curves fitness chain is the place to go for fitness machines and weights, while the ladies of Diva Salon offer plenty of beauty services including hair, skin, nails and wax.
The renowned Sun & Moon Yoga Studio offers a quieter and more introspective option for a healthy mind, body, and spirit. The Hatha yoga technique practiced at Sun & Moon can help to take the edge off the daily grind. Cherrydale is also home to a resource for health and well-being, the acupuncture practice of Nancy Ann Miller, Licensed Acupuncturist.. One of Cherrydale village’s most prominent landmarks is the Cherrydale Volunteer Fire Department building, built in 1919. Today the fire department building serves as a community center for many important events including the Arlington County candidates’ debate and the annual Cherrydale Fire Hall Dance. For the adventurous, a short walk off of either side of Lee Highway will lead to plenty of examples of quaint architecture: turn-of-the-century cottages and homes built from Sears catalogue kits. From 1908 to 1941 Sears, Roebuck and Company offered houses for sale through mail order catalogues, and some of the best examples are well lived in and on display in Cherrydale. Bicycle commuters in Cherrydale can take advantage of the Custis (I-66) Trail to get to Rosslyn Metro station or to the bridges from Rosslyn to Washington, D.C. Lyon Village is one of Arlington’s older neighborhoods known for its tree-lined streets, mix of eclectic old houses and friendly neighbors. Many of the homes in Lyon Village were built in the 1920s and 1930s and give the neighborhood architectural character. The Lyon Village shopping center lies at the heart of the Lyon Village community and is one of Lee Highway’s most vibrant and active shopping hubs. Most of the action in Lyon Village revolves around the shopping center, located at the confluence of Lee Highway, Spout Run Parkway, and I-66. The Custis (I-66) Trail goes right by the shopping center, making it easy for bicyclists to stop by to get a bite to eat, a cup of coffee, or to pick up supplies at Big Wheel Bikes.
Foodies from all over Arlington trek to Lyon Village to visit The Italian Store for a sub, a slice, salads and entrees by the pound, or supplies for Italian cooking. You might even bump into actress Sandra Bullock, who grew up in Arlington and who is a devotee of the Italian Store’s pizza. Next door to the Italian Store is yet another branch of the ubiquitous Starbucks. The Lyon Village Starbucks is a focal point for the community as people come to meet, work, relax, or people watch at the small tables inside, or at the popular sidewalk café tables outside. The shopping center is only a few blocks away from another significant community asset that helps to bind Lyon Village neighbors together: the Lyon Village Community House. When the Lyon Village Citizens' Association was founded in 1926, it began planning for a community house in which to meet and hold activities. By 1949, the Lyon Village Community House was built. The facility is used for our civic association events and meetings, and is available for residents or guests of Lyon Village to rent for parties, weddings, seminars, and meetings.
Pentagon City You might not expect one of Arlington's freshest and most fashionable neighborhoods to be so close to the Pentagon, but that's exactly what you'll find in the urban village of Pentagon City. Most people in the Washington/Arlington area know Pentagon City for its Fashion Centre shopping mall, and that surely is a highlight of the area, but there is a lot more. Upon leaving Pentagon City Metro station, one undeniable first impression is the crisp feeling of an almost shiny newness that surrounds the area. From brand new shopping centers, high-rise apartments and office buildings, and the beautifully landscaped greenspaces that surround them, to the crowd of busy 20- and 30-somethings who live, work, and play here, Pentagon City just exudes the fresh buzz of 'new.' And indeed, this area has seen the bulk of its development in the last two decades, with development still ongoing.
The community feeling extends beyond the immediate surroundings of the Metro as well. Less than two blocks from the Metro station lies Virginia Highlands Park, an immense public space with playgrounds, basketball courts, tennis courts, baseball diamonds, footpaths, and a soccer field. Just beyond this, we can find lower-density residential neighborhoods characterized by single-family homes and two-car garages. But of course, it's hard to ignore the shopping that makes Pentagon City famous. To the residents of the Arlington and Washington area, Pentagon City is first and foremost a retail destination, with what is probably the finest collection of shops, cafes, and restaurants inside the beltway. The Fashion Centre at Pentagon City is the highlight, with Macy's, Nordstrom's, and Abercrombie & Fitch among the favorites of the sky-lit mall's more than 150 shops and restaurants. But it is flanked by several other high-quality outdoor shopping centers, offering showcase stores, trendy eateries, and designer coffee shops. And in an unexpected bonus, an outdoor ice rink in the center of one of the outdoor shopping centers offers another great outdoor activity.
Rosslyn Traveling east on Metrorail's Orange Line, Rosslyn is the last stop before entering Washington, D.C., and this urban village really has an urban feel. Skyscrapers here are the tallest in Arlington, bested only by the Washington Monument across the river. Nationally known companies like Price Waterhouse Coopers and the Boeing Company make Rosslyn an important business destination, and the legions of suited employees on the streets at rush hour attest to the area's commercial vibrancy. Rosslyn is also a key tourist destination, serving as a base for many visitors to the Washington, D.C. area. The presence of major hotel chains such as Marriott and Hyatt welcome and accommodate tourists, whether they're here to check out the sites in Arlington, the museums across the river, or just enjoy Rosslyn's amazing view of the capital of the free world.
Culture isn't the only thing on the rise in Rosslyn, as more nightlife is finding its way into the mix of commercial and cityscape. The Quarterdeck and Chelsea's are some of the more popular bars in the area, providing fun local alternatives to better-known hotspots across the river. But those DC neighborhoods can easily be reached by the extensive public transportation in the area, including Georgetown Metro Connection. This bus service connects Rosslyn to Georgetown, Foggy Bottom, and Dupont Circle in DC every 10 minutes, and adds to Rosslyn's already great Metrorail and Metrobus service.
Along with Ballston, Virginia Square, Clarendon, and Court House, Rosslyn is located on the Wilson Boulevard-Clarendon Boulevard corridor, which was named one of 10 "Great Streets" in the U.S. by the American Planning Association in 2008.
Shirlington Shirlington is a young professional's playground. It is a bastion of convenience located a stone's throw from employers in Washington and Arlington. A stylish collection of restaurants and entertainment options, surrounded by a mix of apartments, condos, and traditional neighborhoods, it is hip enough to attract crowds from other parts of the metropolitan area, but still quiet and quaint enough to be a relaxing home to thousands of residents. Like Columbia Pike, Shirlington is another urban village that is not directly centered on a Metro station. Rather, it is served by an extensive network of Metrobus routes that take commuters to the Pentagon City and Crystal City Metro stations, among other destinations. The Shirlington Station at 2975 South Quincy St. offers bus riders an attractive waiting area and bus transfer location as well as a Commuter Store. Originally constructed in the 1940's, the Shirlington shopping center, focused on 28th street, was renovated in the late 1980's and now boasts more than ten restaurants. Choices range from a gourmet deli to Thai food to the Carlyle Grand Café, a modern American restaurant with art nouveau décor that is one of the Washington area's favorite dining destinations. Nightlife is highlighted by the Capitol City Brewing Co, which serves several varities of beer, brewed on-site, and Bungalow Billiards, featuring a dozen pool tables, huge-screen TV and darts. Shirlington is home to two live theaters. Classika Theatre features a steady diet of plays and dramas, ranging from children's theater to more serious classical and contemporary favorites. Musical theater is Signature Theatre's specialty. If you're more in the mood for a movie, the AMC Lowes Shirlington 7 offers seven screens. WETA, Washington's outlet for PBS television and NPR radio, is also headquartered here. With all this, "culture" is easy to come by in Shirlington.
All these factors have combined to make Shirlington a prime residential location too, with a mix of garden apartments, high-rises, and condos, all near restaurants and shops. The area appeals not only to young professionals, but to demographic groups from families with children to seniors. And plans to expand Shirlington, and add more commercial and residential space, are in the works. With a nice mixture of leisure activities, great housing, and of course, outstanding public transit access, Shirlington is another of the unique little neighborhoods that make Arlington great.
Virginia Square Virginia Square is an urban village that, upon first glance, might not be as easily recognizable as some of the other neighborhoods in Arlington. It isn't dominated by towering office buildings or crawling with big-time nightlife destinations, but Virginia Square still has plenty to offer. Like many of the other urban villages in Arlington, Virginia Square can be defined as a residential community, a 9-to-5 working center, an educational and cultural hub, and a neighborhood with some history, all at the same time. It does in fact have a little bit of everything, and this dynamic area is continuing to grow today while still hanging on to its unique personality. Virginia Square originally derived its name from the Virginia Square Shopping Center, which now houses a Giant supermarket. There are still some local business stalwarts from this era here today. Mario's Pizza has been serving slices to the community since 1957. Casual Adventure, an outdoor clothing and shoe store, dates from the same period and has thrived in one incarnation or another for 45 years.
Along with Ballston, Clarendon, Court House, and Rosslyn, Virginia Square is located on the Wilson Boulevard-Clarendon Boulevard corridor, which was named one of 10 "Great Streets" in the U.S. by the American Planning Association in 2008.
Westover Accessibility and funky character are some of the things that make Westover such an appealing place to live, work, shop and hang out. Westover has long had special appeal within Arlington County perhaps because of the concentration of independent, small shops. It’s the kind of neighborhood where the shopkeepers and restaurateurs are likely to know customers by name. Easily reached via bus, bike, Metro, or on foot, Westover combines hip amenities with architectural charm. The closest Metro station is East Falls Church Metro, located at Washington Boulevard and Sycamore Street. Washington Boulevard, Westover's main street, truly is pedestrian friendly; there are benches and trees for shade, small businesses with unique and intriguing signs, and places to stop and talk or people-watch. For rumbling tummies, there is the Lost Dog Café, a casual joint that pulls in families and young professionals alike. Thai Noy is another neighborhood favorite with a warm and inviting ambiance. Just a block away is the alluring Arax Café which doubles as a laid-back coffee shop (perfect for pouring through the Sunday paper) and a Middle Eastern café with tasty delights like falafel. For sweet tooths, an essential stop is Scoop Beauregard’s Ice Cream and Coffee for a stunning selection of ice cream. Scoop’s also has a well-used community bulletin board where local folk exchange information on housing, events, and yard sales.
Much of Westover’s foot traffic picks up during the evening rush hour as commuters stop in to the neighborhood’s shops for a quick bite or to pick up supplies before heading home. Another Westover institution is Ayers Variety and Hardware where you can find a wide variety of merchandise that’s harder to find in other area stores. Ayer’s has been around for decades and has collected a following from around Arlington County. Beyond the shopping district, there are wide tree-lined streets with brick colonial, Victorian and semidetached duplexes. The range of housing makes Westover’s residential streets a pleasant route for strolling or biking, while just within range of the commercial center. Not far from the center is the Westover Park Playground, a fine park where grownups and kids can meet and socialize. Nearby the playground is another favorite locale for kids: the Westover Fields located at 1001 N. Kennebec. The fields frequently host the Arlington Babe Ruth Baseball/Cal Ripken Division and other local kids’ teams. Many kids are also familiar with Swanson Middle School, the first and oldest junior high school in Virginia. Swanson was built in 1939 to relieve overcrowding at nearby Washington-Lee High School (then serving grades 7-12). Today the school still maintains expansive grounds and an adjacent park that connects to nearby residential streets and cul-de-sacs. Another important resource for people of all ages is the Westover Library located at 1800 North Lexington Street. The library is well-served by Metrobus and other public transportation options.
Geography Originally part of the area surveyed for the nation’s capital, the portion on the west bank of the Potomac River was returned to the Commonwealth of Virginia by the U.S. Congress in 1846. This area was known as Alexandria City and Alexandria County until 1920 when the county portion was renamed Arlington County. Arlington County is surrounded by Fairfax County on the north, west and south. It is adjacent along its southwest and southern borders to the City of Falls Church and the City of Alexandria; and along the Potomac River north.[16] Included in the county are several neighborhoods, or "urban villages" such as Crystal City, Rosslyn, Ballston, Clarendon, Virginia Square, Westover, and Shirlington.[17] According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 26 square miles (67 km²), of which about 4.6 square miles (12 km²) is federal property. The county is roughly in the shape of a rectangle 4 miles (6.4 km) by 6 miles (9.7 km), with the small end slanting in a northwest-southeast direction. As of January 1, 2008, the estimated population was 209,969,[1] giving the county a population density of approximately 7,995 persons per square mile. All cities within the Commonwealth of Virginia are independent of counties, though towns may be incorporated within counties. Considering this, it is inaccurate to refer to Arlington County as a city. However, Arlington has no existing incorporated towns because Virginia law prevents the creation of any new municipality within a county that has a population density greater than 1,000 persons per square mile. Its county seat is the census-designated place (CDP) of Arlington[18], which is coincident with the Census Boundary of Arlington County; however, the county courthouse and most governmental offices are located in the Courthouse neighborhood.
Postal Areas The three-digit zip code prefix 222 uniquely identifies Arlington. Delivery areas north of Arlington Boulevard have odd-numbered ZIP codes (22201, 22203, 22205, 22207, 22209, and 22213), while delivery areas south of Arlington Boulevard have even-numbered ZIP codes (22202, 22204, and 22206). ZIP codes that are assigned to post office boxes, large mailers, and military facilities do not always follow that rule. Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport and the Pentagon, both within the boundaries of Arlington County, are assigned with Washington, D.C., ZIP codes.
Planning & Development Strategy Arlington has focused high-density commercial and residential development around Metrorail stations in the Rosslyn-Ballston and Jefferson Davis Metro Corridors while maintaining lower density residential neighborhoods in the rest of the County. Arlington has more private office space than downtown Boston, Los Angeles, Dallas, and Denver. As of January 1, 2009:
Aerial view of a growth pattern in Arlington County, Virginia. High density, mixed use development is often concentrated within 1/4 to 1/2 mile from the County's Metrorail rapid transit stations, such as in Rosslyn, Courthouse, and Clarendon (shown in red from upper left to lower right). This photograph is taken from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency website describing Arlington's award for overall excellence in smart growth in 2002. The Washington Monument and U.S. Capitol Building in Washington, D.C. can be seen in the top center of the picture across the Potomac River. Arlington has won awards for its smart growth development strategies. For over 30 years, the government has had a policy of concentrating much of its new development near transit facilities, such as Metrorail stations and the high-volume bus lines of Columbia Pike. Within the transit areas, the government has a policy of encouraging mixed-use and pedestrian- and transit-oriented development. Outside of those areas, the government usually limits density increases, but makes exceptions for larger projects that are near major highways, such as in Shirlington, near I-395 (the Shirley Highway). Much of Arlington's development in the last generation has been concentrated around 7 of the County's 11 Metrorail stations. In addition, the County implemented in 2005 an affordable housing ordinance that requires most developers to contribute significant affordable housing resources, either in units or through a cash contribution, in order to obtain the highest allowable amounts of increased building density in new development projects, most of which are planned near Metrorail station areas. The County also permits greater heights and densities through zoning ordinance bonuses in exchange for the creation of additional on-site affordable housing units, at a target level of 1:1 (i.e. one committed affordable unit for every market-rate unit; since 2004, and including condominium projects, actual average production has been closer to 2:3.) The County focuses its efforts to preserve, create and maintain for-sale and rental affordable housing units to households whose income is not greater than 80% of the Washington, DC Metropolitan Area Median Income (AMI); rental units are committed for no fewer than 30 years at no greater than 60% AMI. AMI tables are published annually by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development. PRAT[63] maintains detailed data about current and historical development in Arlington County.[64]
Rosslyn, Courthouse, and Ballston are accessible on Metro's Orange Line from east to west, as well as the Silver Line in coming years. Rosslyn, Pentagon City, and Crystal City are accessible on the Blue Line from north to south, with Pentagon City and Crystal City also utilizing the Yellow Line.
Recreation & Landmarks Arlington National CemeteryArlington National Cemetery is an American military cemetery established during the American Civil War on the grounds of Confederate General Robert E. Lee's home, Arlington House (also known as the Custis-Lee Mansion). It is directly across the Potomac River from Washington, D.C., north of the Pentagon. With nearly 300,000 people buried there, Arlington National Cemetery is the second-largest national cemetery in the United States. Arlington House was named after the Custis family's homestead on Virginia's Eastern Shore. It is associated with the families of Washington, Custis, and Lee. Begun in 1802 and completed in 1817, it was built by George Washington Parke Custis. After his father died, young Custis was raised by his grandmother and her second husband, the first US President George Washington, at Mount Vernon. Custis, a far-sighted agricultural pioneer, painter, playwright, and orator, was interested in perpetuating the memory and principles of George Washington. His house became a "treasury" of Washington heirlooms. In 1804, Custis married Mary Lee Fitzhugh. Their only child to survive infancy was Mary Anna Randolph Custis, born in 1808. Young Robert E. Lee, whose mother was a cousin of Mrs. Custis, frequently visited Arlington. Two years after graduating from West Point, Lieutenant Lee married Mary Custis at Arlington on June 30, 1831. For 30 years, Arlington House was home to the Lees. They spent much of their married life traveling between U.S. Army duty stations and Arlington, where six of their seven children were born. They shared this home with Mary's parents, the Custis family. When George Washington Parke Custis died in 1857, he left the Arlington estate to Mrs. Lee for her lifetime and afterwards to the Lees' eldest son, George Washington Custis Lee. The U.S. government confiscated Arlington House and 200 acres (81 hectares) of ground immediately from the wife of General Robert E. Lee during the Civil War. The government designate the grounds as a military cemetery on June 15, 1864, by Secretary of War Edwin M. Stanton. In 1882, after many years in the lower courts, the matter of the ownership of Arlington National Cemetery was brought before the United States Supreme Court. The Court decided that the property rightfully belonged to the Lee family. The United States Congress then appropriated the sum of $150,000 for the purchase of the property from the Lee family. Veterans from all the nation's wars are buried in the cemetery, from the American Revolution through the military actions in Afghanistan and Iraq. Pre-Civil War dead were re-interred after 1900. The Tomb of the Unknowns, also known as the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, stands atop a hill overlooking Washington, DC. President John F. Kennedy is buried in Arlington National Cemetery with his wife and some of their children. His grave is marked with an "Eternal Flame." His brothers, Senators Robert F. Kennedy and Edward M. Kennedy, are also buried nearby. Another President, William Howard Taft, who was also a Chief Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court, is the only other President buried at Arlington. Other frequently visited sites near the cemetery are the U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial, commonly known as the "Iwo Jima Memorial", the U.S. Air Force Memorial, the Women in Military Service for America Memorial, the Netherlands Carillon and the U.S. Army's Fort Myer. The PentagonThe Pentagon in Arlington is the headquarters of the United States Department of Defense. It was dedicated on January 15, 1943 and it is the world's largest office building. Although it is located in Arlington, the United States Postal Service requires that "Washington, D.C." be used as the place name in mail addressed to the six ZIP codes assigned to The Pentagon.[65] The building is pentagon-shaped in plan and houses about 23,000 military and civilian employees and about 3,000 non-defense support personnel. It has five floors and each floor has five ring corridors. The Pentagon's principal law enforcement arm is the United States Pentagon Police, the agency that protects the Pentagon and various other DoD jurisdictions throughout the National Capital Region. Built during the early years of World War II, it is still thought of as one of the most efficient office buildings in the world. It has 17.5 miles (28 km) of corridors, yet it takes only seven minutes or so to walk between any two points in the building. It was built from 680,000 tons of sand and gravel dredged from the nearby Potomac River that were processed into 435,000 cubic yards (330,000 m³) of concrete and molded into the pentagon shape. Very little steel was used in its design due to the needs of the war effort. The open-air central plaza in the Pentagon is the world's largest "no-salute, no-cover" area (where U.S. servicemembers need not wear hats nor salute). The snack bar in the center is informally known as the Ground Zero Cafe, a nickname originating during the Cold War when the Pentagon was targeted by Soviet nuclear missiles. During World War II, the earliest portion of the Henry G. Shirley Memorial Highway was built in Arlington in conjunction with the parking and traffic plan for the Pentagon. This early freeway, opened in 1943, and completed to Woodbridge, Virginia in 1952, is now part of Interstate 395.
Transportation 
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AirportsLocated here is Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (IATA: DCA, ICAO: KDCA, FAA LID: DCA), which provides North American air services to the Washington, D.C. area. In 2009, Condé Nast Traveler readers voted it the country's best airport.[66] Nearby airports with international services include Washington Dulles International Airport (IATA: IAD, ICAO: KIAD, FAA LID: IAD) , located in Fairfax and Loudoun counties in Virginia, and Baltimore-Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (IATA: BWI, ICAO: KBWI, FAA LID: BWI) , located in unincorporated Anne Arundel County, Maryland. Public TransportationArlington is served by the Orange, Blue and Yellow lines of the Washington Metro. Additionally, it is served by Virginia Railway Express (commuter rail), Metrobus (regional public bus), Fairfax Connector (regional public bus), Potomac and Rappahannock Transportation Commission (PRTC) (regional public bus), and a county public bus system, Arlington Transit (ART). RoadsThe county maintains 376 miles (605 km) of roads. The street names in Arlington generally follow a unified countywide convention. The north / south streets are generally alphabetical, starting with one-syllable names, then two-, three- and four-syllable names for streets going north / south. (The "lowest" alphabetical street is Ball Street. The "highest" is Arizona.) Many east / west streets are numbered. Route 50 divides Arlington County. Streets are generally labeled North above Route 50, and South below. Arlington County is traversed by two interstate highways, Interstate 66 in the northern part of the county and Interstate 395 in the eastern part, both with high-occupancy vehicle lanes or restrictions. In addition, the county is served by a number of multi-lane urban arterial roads and the George Washington Memorial Parkway. Bicycle pathsArlington has 86 miles (138 km) of on-street and paved off-road bicycle trails.[68] Off-road trails travel along the Potomac River or its tributaries, abandoned railroad beds, or major highways. Many of the county's major streets designate bicycle lanes near their curbs or parking lanes. Green route signs help cyclists navigate the routes while yellow warning signs alert drivers to the many street crossings. Several regional paved off-road trails originate in Arlington and extend well beyond its boundaries. The Washington & Old Dominion Railroad Trail (W&OD Trail) rail trail travels 45 miles (72 km) northwest from Shirlington through Falls Church, Vienna, Herndon, and Leesburg to the town of Purcellville in western Loudoun County, Virginia. The Mount Vernon Trail runs for 17 miles (27 km) along the Potomac, continuing through Alexandria to George Washington's plantation home in Fairfax County. Smaller, intra-county trails connect the larger trials. In Arlington's southeast corner, immediately south of Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, the Mount Vernon Trail meets the Four Mile Run Trail, which travels westward through Arlington in a stream valley, connecting to the W&OD. The hilly Custis Trail begins at the Mount Vernon Trail in Rosslyn and travels westward beside Interstate 66 to the W&OD. The Bluemont Junction Trail, another rail trail, travels between the W&OD Trail and the Custis Trail in Ballston. A partially off-road bike route bisects the County while traveling westward from Arlington National Cemetery, the Iwo Jima Memorial and Rosslyn to Falls Church while travelling as a paved trail near or adjacent to Arlington Boulevard (U.S. Route 50) or within the boulevard's service road.
Arlington’s tax base is approximately divided between 46% commercial and 54% residential properties, enabling the County to maintain a competitive property tax rate in the Washington DC region. In 2008, the tax rate is $0.838 per $100 of assessed value.
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Even though there are a lot of office buildings, Ballston stays active at night. The combination of residences, restaurants, shopping, entertainment, and the Metro station keep the neighborhood alive after five. It's an area that feels safe, with people always out and about, even late at night.
Clarendon plays host to businesses of all sorts and sizes, many of them with nationally recognized names. Gold's Gym is the destination of many a nine-to-fiver trying to keep fit, and the Clarendon Market Common shopping center features Barnes & Noble, Crate & Barrel, Apple, and Pottery Barn. But Clarendon is probably better known for its local, homegrown businesses. This combination of local and national results in a shopping and retail scene that is quite varied and unique.
The prevalence of small businesses also contributes to the strong sense of community that pervades the area and manifests itself through a variety of neighborhood organizations and special events. One such organization, 
Clarendon's reputation for good food and lively bars is very well deserved, as people from throughout the DC metropolitan area come to the neighborhood to sample the ethnic restaurants. Favorites range from Chinese to El Salvadoran to the best Peruvian chicken you've ever had, but you can also find Japanese, Greek, Cuban, American, Barbecue, Moroccan and several Vietnamese eateries all within walking distance of the Metro station. Of course, people stay for the nightlife once they're here. Whether it's the laid-back atmosphere and local music at Iota or Galaxy Hut (official capacity: 48), the sports bar atmosphere of Mister Day's, the cavernous Whitlow's, or the lovely Clarendon Ballroom, there is a lot of fun to be had after dark in Clarendon.
Court House isn't just about majestic architecture – people who live and work in this area also have plenty of choices for shopping and fun things to do. An escalator from the Metro station leads to Courthouse Plaza, a lovely pedestrian mall with 19 shops and restaurants, where outdoor concerts are often held summer evenings among the trees and bubbling fountains. There is also a six-screen movie theatre here, and a farmers market on Saturday mornings when the weather allows. The Arlington campus of 
As we get farther from Metro, Court House becomes more village and less urban. Rocky Run Park and Key Elementary School are the focal points of the quiet residential communities on either side of Wilson and Clarendon boulevards, and families of all shapes and sizes call this part of Court House their home.
Although Columbia Pike is a linear village, it does have a central heartbeat. Many people consider the epicenter of the area to be the few blocks surrounding the intersection of the Pike and Walter Reed Drive, known historically as Penrose Station. Indeed, if the Pike is 'Main Street,' this area is the community's 'downtown'. A short walk will take you past a multitude of popular Thai and Salvadoran restaurants, the Arlington Cinema 'n' Drafthouse, food stores ranging from full-service supermarkets to a health food co-op and ethnic specialty markets, local watering holes, and even an authentic 24-hour diner (Bob & Edith's) that draws late-night crowds from around the Beltway.
Crystal City continues to grow every day. 
Pentagon City apartment dwellers take walking paths through expanses of finely-manicured lawns and landscaping to public transportation and a wide array of retail services. 24-hour grocery stores, hip bars and nice restaurants make Pentagon City, for all intents and purposes, a self-contained community.
In addition to being Arlington's closest urban village to the Potomac River and the District, Rosslyn itself offers some of the nicer perks of city life. Sculpture by noteworthy artists are nestled among the towering buildings, and the Rosslyn Spectrum Theatre (which doubles as a conference center by day) provides area fun-seekers with cabaret concerts by Broadway performers, an annual independent film festival, and everything in between. Rosslyn also is treated to an annual jazz festival each September, featuring nationally known artists.
It makes perfect sense then, that with the increased culture, nightlife, and accessibility, Rosslyn is also becoming more and more attractive as a place to call home, too. Apartment buildings like the Dakota condominiums and the Gallery at Rosslyn are two of the finer examples of urban living in Rosslyn. Not content with being a great area to work, play, and shop, Rosslyn is also showing itself as a great place to live.
Another great aspect to life in Shirlington is how much green space there is in close proximity. Most of the apartment buildings that surround Shirlington's shopping center are beautifully landscaped with rolling lawns and meandering walkways. In addition, there are several parks in the area, including 
While these older businesses continue to prosper, the area has also seen a lot of development in the more recent past. In 1991, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, or FDIC, opened a building right across from the Virginia Square-GMU Metro station, and now employs 500 people here. In 1996, the Arlington campus of 
Fortunately, Virginia Square still retains its eclectic identity. A few blocks away from the Metro, we find residential neighborhoods, highlighted by single-family homes with grassy front yards. Quincy Park, the largest of four parks within walking distance of the Metro station, features picnic areas, a playground, and baseball fields, and is a favorite destination for brown-bag lunchers in the summertime. The presence of Arlington Central Library and two nearby churches accentuate the small-town feel.
