Arlington County Real Estate Guide
Metro-Accessible Urban Living Steps from Washington DC
Why Arlington: Urban Convenience Meets Virginia Charm
Arlington County is not just close to Washington DC—it's woven into the fabric of the capital region. With more Metro stations per square mile than any jurisdiction in the area, this urban county delivers walkable neighborhoods, diverse dining, and a thriving job market anchored by Amazon HQ2, the Pentagon, and federal agencies.
What sets Arlington apart is the balance: high-rise condos in Rosslyn and Crystal City for those who want skyline views and elevator convenience, historic single-family enclaves in Lyon Village and Donaldson Run for families seeking yard space, and everything in between. The county's commitment to green space—trails along the Potomac, neighborhood parks, and the W&OD Trail—means you're never far from nature despite the urban density.
From a real estate perspective, Arlington offers some of the region's strongest value retention. Buyers prioritize Metro access, school pyramid, and walkability. Sellers benefit from consistent demand and a buyer pool that includes federal employees, Amazon workers, young professionals, and multi-generational families. Let us show you which Arlington neighborhood fits your priorities.
Arlington County Market Intelligence
Condos
$350K – $650K
Estimated typical range
Townhomes
$550K – $850K
Estimated typical range
Single-Family
$800K – $1.5M+
Estimated typical range
Luxury Tier
$1.5M – $3M+
Premium locations & estates
Market data reflects estimated typical ranges and varies by neighborhood, condition, and amenities. Get precise pricing for your target area.
Explore Arlington's Distinctive Neighborhoods
From urban high-rises to tree-lined residential streets, Arlington's neighborhoods offer distinct lifestyles within a compact geography.
What to Watch: Arlington-Specific Touring Protocol
Four Arlington-specific factors buyers overlook—until it's too late.
Aircraft Noise (DCA Flight Paths)
Reagan National Airport (DCA) sits just south of Arlington. Homes in Crystal City, Pentagon City, and parts of South Arlington experience frequent low-altitude jet noise. Tour during peak arrival/departure times (7–9am, 5–7pm) to assess tolerance. Upper floors in high-rises often amplify sound.
Condo Special Assessments
Many Arlington high-rises were built in the 1960s–1980s and face facade, elevator, or HVAC system replacements. Always request: (1) reserve study, (2) pending or recent special assessments, (3) HOA meeting minutes from the past 12 months. A building with low reserves and aging infrastructure is a red flag.
Parking Scenarios (Deeded vs. Assigned vs. Waitlist)
Parking is a premium asset in Arlington. Some condos include deeded garage spaces (transferable, mortgageable). Others offer assigned spaces (HOA-controlled, may be revoked). Worst case: waitlist-only parking with 18+ month delays. Clarify parking ownership in the contract, especially if you own multiple vehicles.
Short-Term Rental Restrictions
Arlington County restricts short-term rentals (Airbnb/VRBO) to owner-occupied primary residences with a zoning permit. Most condo HOAs also ban STRs outright. If you're considering investment income or corporate housing rental, verify both county ordinances and HOA bylaws. Violation penalties can be steep.
Arlington County Schools: A Breakdown
Arlington Public Schools (APS) operates three comprehensive high schools plus specialized programs. All schools serve countywide, with neighborhood assignments for elementary and middle.
High Schools (Comprehensive)
- Washington-Liberty High School – Serves North Arlington (Clarendon, Ballston, Rosslyn areas). Strong IB program.
- Yorktown High School – Serves West/Central Arlington (Lyon Village, Arlington Forest). Known for academic rigor and sports.
- Wakefield High School – Serves South Arlington (Columbia Pike corridor, Shirlington). Growing STEM focus.
Alternative & Specialty Programs
- H-B Woodlawn – Alternative program (6–12) emphasizing student-directed learning and project-based curriculum. Application required.
- Arlington Tech – Career and technical education center offering specialized STEM pathways and industry certifications.
- Arlington Community High School – Evening program for students needing flexible schedules.
Note: Elementary and middle school assignments are neighborhood-based and can shift with boundary adjustments. Always verify current school assignments through the Arlington Public Schools website or contact APS directly. GreatSchools ratings and test scores change annually—confirm the latest data before making school-based real estate decisions.
Getting Around: Metro, Commute & Local Logistics
Metro Access
Orange Line: Ballston, Clarendon, Court House, Rosslyn, East Falls Church
Silver Line: Ballston, Clarendon, Court House, Rosslyn
Blue/Yellow: Crystal City, Pentagon City, Rosslyn
To DC: 10–25 minutes (varies by station)
Major Commute Routes
I-66: East/west corridor (HOV restrictions peak hours)
US-50 (Arlington Blvd): To Fairfax/Falls Church
George Washington Pkwy: Scenic route to DC/Alexandria
I-395: South to Pentagon/Alexandria (HOT lanes)
Airport & Regional
Reagan National (DCA): 5–15 minutes
Dulles (IAD): 25–40 minutes
Tysons Corner: 15–25 minutes (I-66)
Old Town Alexandria: 10–20 minutes
Lifestyle & Shopping
Ballston Quarter – Dining, entertainment, and specialty retail
Pentagon City Fashion Centre – Major mall with Macy's, Nordstrom, Apple Store
Crystal City Shops – Underground retail network (climate-controlled)
Clarendon Market Common – Restaurants, bars, Whole Foods, AMC theater
Shirlington Village – Local boutiques, Signature Theatre, dog-friendly dining
Map your commute and lifestyle needs—we'll find the right Arlington location.
Selling in Arlington: Pricing, Prep, and What Buyers Pay Extra For
Arlington's competitive market rewards preparation and strategic pricing. Here's what sellers need to know.
Flexible Commission Program: Keep More of Your Equity
Commission Comparison Example (Arlington County Median Home)
Based on $800K sale price. Actual savings vary by property value and buyer agent commission.
High-ROI Prep Items
- Professional staging (condos/townhomes especially)
- Fresh neutral paint (SW Alabaster, BM Simply White)
- Updated kitchen hardware and fixtures
- Deep clean + carpet steam (or hardwood refinish)
- Condo: building lobby/common areas clean
- Curb appeal: power wash, landscaping, front door
Common Inspection Flags
- Federal Pacific or Zinsco electrical panels (1960s–80s)
- Asbestos flooring/popcorn ceilings (pre-1980s)
- Knob-and-tube wiring (rare, but in older SFH)
- Lead paint disclosure required (pre-1978)
- Moisture/mold in basements (North Arlington)
- Condo: special assessments pending or recent
What Buyers Pay Extra For
- Metro proximity (0.3 miles or less walk)
- Deeded parking (not assigned or waitlist)
- In-unit washer/dryer (critical for condos)
- Private outdoor space (balcony/patio/yard)
- Updated kitchens (quartz, stainless, soft-close)
- Primary suite + en-suite bath (SFH/townhomes)
Complete Seller Cost Breakdown (Arlington County)
Agent Commissions
Title & Settlement
Virginia & Arlington Taxes
Other Seller Costs
Buyer & Seller Tools for Arlington County
Buyer Tools
Monthly Payment Estimator
Calculate your estimated monthly payment including principal, interest, taxes, insurance, and HOA fees.
Run CalculatorOffer Strength Check
Understand how your offer compares in Arlington's competitive market and what makes buyers stand out.
Check StrategyCommute Fit Snapshot
Map your daily commute from Arlington neighborhoods to ensure you pick a location that fits your lifestyle.
Map CommuteSeller Tools
Seller Net Sheet
Calculate your estimated proceeds after commissions, taxes, and closing costs specific to Arlington County.
Calculate ProceedsHome Valuation
Get a professional estimate of your Arlington home's current market value based on recent comparable sales.
Get ValuationFlexible Commission Program
Discover how our flexible listing fee structure can help you keep more equity when selling your Arlington home.
See Commission OptionsTools provide estimates; confirm specifics with a local expert.
Quick Answers: Arlington County Real Estate
What zip codes are in Arlington County?
Arlington County includes zip codes 22201, 22202, 22203, 22204, 22205, 22206, 22207, 22209, and 22210. Each zip roughly corresponds to specific neighborhoods: 22201 covers Clarendon/Courthouse, 22202 includes Crystal City, and 22207 serves North Arlington including Lyon Village.
Does Arlington have property tax relief for seniors?
Yes, Arlington County offers tax relief for seniors age 65+ and disabled residents who meet income and asset limits. The program provides partial exemption from real estate taxes. Contact us for current eligibility requirements.
Are condos a good investment in Arlington?
Arlington condos can be strong investments due to Metro proximity, Amazon HQ2 job growth, and consistent rental demand. However, older buildings may face special assessments for capital improvements. Always review HOA financials, reserve studies, and rental restrictions before purchasing for investment purposes.
What is Amazon HQ2's impact on Arlington real estate?
Amazon HQ2 in Crystal City (now National Landing) has increased demand for housing in South Arlington, Pentagon City, and nearby neighborhoods. Property values in Crystal City rose following the announcement, and new apartment construction accelerated. Long-term, expect continued growth in employment and housing demand.
Can I walk to Metro from most Arlington neighborhoods?
Most Arlington neighborhoods have Metro access within a 10–20 minute walk or short bus ride. Clarendon, Ballston, Rosslyn, Crystal City, and Pentagon City offer the closest walk-to-station options. Some North Arlington neighborhoods like Donaldson Run rely more on bus connections.
What's the difference between Arlington and Alexandria?
Arlington is an urban county with dense Metro-accessible living, while Alexandria is an independent city with more historic character in Old Town and suburban neighborhoods in West End. We can help you compare both markets.
How competitive is the Arlington housing market?
Arlington remains highly competitive, especially for well-priced condos and townhomes near Metro. Homes often receive multiple offers, and waived contingencies are common. Working with an experienced local agent gives buyers a strategic advantage in crafting competitive offers.
Are there single-family homes in Arlington?
Yes, though less common than condos and townhomes. Lyon Village, Donaldson Run, Arlington Forest, and parts of North Arlington offer single-family homes on traditional lots. Expect higher prices ($800K–$2M+) and strong competition for well-maintained properties in top school zones.
What are Arlington County property tax rates?
Arlington's real estate tax rate is approximately $0.991 per $100 of assessed value. The county assesses properties annually, and values generally track market trends. Always verify current rates and your property's assessed value through the county's official resources.
Is parking included with Arlington condos?
Not always. Some condos include deeded parking (owned with the unit), others offer assigned spaces (controlled by HOA), and some have waitlists. Always clarify parking arrangements before making an offer, especially in high-rise buildings where parking is a premium asset.
What neighborhoods are best for families in Arlington?
Lyon Village, Arlington Forest, Donaldson Run, and parts of North Arlington offer strong schools, single-family homes, and community feel. Shirlington also attracts families with its village atmosphere and access to trails. We'll help match your family's needs to the right neighborhood.
Does Arlington allow Airbnb or short-term rentals?
Arlington restricts short-term rentals to owner-occupied primary residences with proper zoning permits. Most condo HOAs also ban STRs outright. If you're considering investment or corporate rental income, verify both county ordinances and HOA bylaws to avoid violations and penalties.
Find Your Best-Fit Arlington Neighborhood
Not sure which Arlington neighborhood matches your lifestyle? Answer a few quick questions and we'll match you to the perfect location.
- What's your budget range?
- How important is Metro access?
- Do you need top-rated schools?
- Can you tolerate HOA fees?
- Condo, townhome, or single-family home?
- What are your must-haves?
Prefer texting your criteria? Start here →
Recent Outcomes: The Arlington Advantage
Real examples from our work in the Arlington County market.
Buyer Win: Clarendon Condo
Recent outcome in the Arlington market: Secured a 2-bedroom condo near Clarendon Metro for a first-time buyer in a competitive multiple-offer scenario. Strategy: Pre-inspection, escalation clause capped at appraisal value, and strong lender pre-approval. Buyer avoided overpaying while winning the property in a seven-offer situation.
Seller Result: Ballston Townhome
Recent outcome in the Arlington market: Helped sellers in Ballston prepare a dated townhome with strategic updates (paint, fixtures, landscaping). Priced competitively based on recent Metro-adjacent comps. Result: Property sold in eight days with multiple offers above list price, avoiding the typical 30-45 day market timeline.
What Clients Say
"The Jamil Brothers knew exactly which Arlington neighborhoods matched our commute and school needs. They walked us through HOA documents we would have missed and helped us avoid a building with pending special assessments. We found our perfect Crystal City condo and closed in 30 days."
— Recent Arlington County Buyer
Related Arlington Real Estate Guides
Best Neighborhoods for Families
Compare schools, parks, and community feel across Arlington's family-friendly neighborhoods.
Metro-Accessible Condos & Townhomes
Find condos and townhomes within walking distance of Orange, Silver, Blue, and Yellow Line stations.
New Construction in Arlington
Explore new condo and townhome developments, builder incentives, and pre-construction opportunities.
HOA Guide for Arlington Buyers
Understand HOA fees, reserve studies, special assessments, and what to ask before buying.
Rent vs. Buy in Arlington
Compare the financial and lifestyle implications of renting versus buying in Arlington County.
Selling in Arlington: Timeline & Costs
Detailed breakdown of selling timelines, closing costs, and net proceeds for Arlington sellers.
Commute Guide to DC & Tysons
Map your commute from each Arlington neighborhood to major employment centers.
First-Time Buyer Guide for Arlington
Step-by-step roadmap for first-time homebuyers navigating Arlington's competitive market.
Arlington Luxury Market Guide
Explore Arlington's high-end homes, penthouses, and luxury condo buildings.
Investment Properties in Arlington
Analyze rental income potential, cap rates, and investor strategies for Arlington real estate.
What's Moving in Arlington Right Now
- Metro-adjacent condos in Clarendon and Ballston continue to see strong buyer interest from young professionals and Amazon employees.
- Townhomes with in-unit washer/dryer and deeded parking are commanding premium offers in competitive scenarios.
- Single-family homes in North Arlington neighborhoods (Lyon Village, Arlington Forest) attract multiple offers when priced accurately based on recent comps.
- Crystal City and Pentagon City condos see increased investor activity following Amazon HQ2 momentum and rental demand.
- Buyers prioritize updated kitchens, private outdoor space, and buildings with healthy HOA reserves to avoid special assessments.
Frequently Asked Questions About Arlington
How much does the average home cost in Arlington County? +
Arlington County real estate varies significantly by property type and location. Condos typically range from $350K to $650K, townhomes from $550K to $850K, and single-family homes from $800K to $1.5M+. Premium locations near Metro stations or with Potomac views command higher prices. Contact us for current market data specific to your preferred neighborhood.
Which Arlington neighborhoods have Metro access? +
Arlington is exceptionally well-served by Metro. Orange Line stations include Ballston, Clarendon, Court House, Rosslyn, and East Falls Church. Silver Line serves Ballston, Clarendon, Court House, and Rosslyn. Blue and Yellow Lines serve Crystal City, Pentagon City, and Rosslyn. Nearly every major Arlington neighborhood has a Metro station within walking or short bus distance.
Are Arlington County schools good? +
Arlington Public Schools consistently rank among the best in Virginia and nationally. The district offers strong academics, diverse programming, and high graduation rates. Wakefield, Washington-Liberty, and Yorktown are the three comprehensive high schools. The county also offers the H-B Woodlawn alternative program and specialized STEM academies. Verify specific school assignments and ratings through official APS resources.
What is the commute time from Arlington to Washington DC? +
Arlington offers one of the shortest commutes to DC in the region. Via Metro, most Arlington stations reach downtown DC in 10 to 25 minutes. By car, expect 15 to 30 minutes depending on your origin neighborhood and traffic. Rosslyn and Crystal City offer some of the fastest access to federal offices and monuments.
Does Arlington County have HOAs? +
Many Arlington properties, particularly condos and townhomes, have HOAs. Monthly fees typically range from $250 to $800+ depending on amenities and building age. Single-family homes in certain neighborhoods may have voluntary civic associations or mandatory HOAs. Always review HOA documents during the buying process to understand fees, rules, and reserve fund health.
Is Arlington County a good place to invest in real estate? +
Arlington has historically been a strong real estate market due to proximity to DC, Metro access, stable employment from government and private sector jobs, and excellent schools. Amazon HQ2 in Crystal City has added further momentum. Rental demand remains high, making it attractive for investors. However, property values and taxes are also high, so work with a local expert to evaluate your specific investment goals.
Have more questions? Let's talk through your Arlington concerns.