Relocating to Arlington, Virginia — Your Complete Moving Guide
Welcome to Arlington
Arlington, Virginia is one of the most vibrant, dynamic communities in the nation. Home to Amazon's HQ2 and the transformed National Landing district, Arlington combines urban energy and walkable neighborhoods with world-class Metro access, top-ranked schools, and rapidly appreciating real estate. Whether you're relocating for work, family, or lifestyle, this guide will help you understand Arlington and find your perfect home.
Quick Facts About Arlington
Who's Moving to Arlington?
Arlington Attracts Diverse Professionals
Young Professionals
Arlington's Clarendon neighborhood is famous for its craft breweries, farm-to-table restaurants, and vibrant nightlife. Young professionals flock to Arlington for walkable urban living, proximity to jobs in DC, and a social scene that never sleeps.
Tech Workers & Amazon Employees
Since Amazon announced HQ2 in National Landing (Crystal City), thousands of tech workers have relocated to Arlington. The Amazon effect has transformed Arlington's job market, with many tech companies establishing offices in the area. If you're part of the tech boom, Arlington offers proximity to your workplace and a community of peers.
Federal Employees
The Pentagon, Department of Defense, Department of Homeland Security, and countless federal contractors have major facilities in or near Arlington. Federal employees and their families choose Arlington for its convenient commute to their workplaces and the stability of employment in government.
Military & Defense Professionals
With the Pentagon and defense headquarters in Arlington, military officers and defense contractor executives have long called Arlington home. The community understands military life and offers a support network for military families.
Families Seeking Top Schools
Arlington Public Schools consistently ranks among the best in Virginia and the nation. Families relocate specifically for access to these excellent schools, knowing their children will receive a world-class education.
Neighborhood Guides for Relocating Professionals
Arlington's neighborhoods each offer distinct lifestyles and characters. Finding the right neighborhood is key to a successful relocation. Here's what you need to know:
Clarendon
The most walkable urban neighborhood in Northern Virginia, Clarendon is lined with craft breweries, farm-to-table restaurants, wine bars, and boutiques. Metro Orange/Silver stations sit right in the heart. This is where young professionals and urban-minded individuals choose to live for walkability and constant access to entertainment and dining.
Search Clarendon Listings →Ballston
An urban hub anchored by Ballston Quarter mall, rooftop restaurants, and one of the Metro's busiest Orange/Silver stations. The neighborhood is a mix of high-rises and mid-rise townhomes. Ballston attracts young professionals who want urban convenience with dining and entertainment at their door.
Search Ballston Listings →Crystal City / National Landing
Amazon HQ2's home base has undergone a remarkable transformation from a quiet office district to a buzzing neighborhood. Tech workers, restaurants, hotels, and new residential development are reshaping this area. It represents Arlington's dynamic future.
Search Crystal City Listings →Rosslyn
High-rise neighborhood with stunning views of the DC skyline and Georgetown. Rosslyn is Arlington's densest area with excellent Blue/Orange/Silver Metro access. It appeals to urban professionals seeking cosmopolitan living with cutting-edge architecture and upscale dining.
Search Rosslyn Listings →Shirlington
Village-feel neighborhood with restaurants, theaters (Signature Theatre), and a dog-friendly park. More affordable than Clarendon, Shirlington offers community charm while maintaining walkability. Perfect for those seeking neighborhood character.
Search Shirlington Listings →North Arlington / Lyon Village
Tree-lined residential neighborhoods with craftsman bungalows and colonial homes. Excellent schools, quieter suburban feel, and more affordable prices. This is where families and those seeking residential peace choose to live in Arlington.
Search North Arlington Listings →Arlington Public Schools Excellence
Arlington Public Schools is a primary reason many families relocate to the area. The school system is among the best in Virginia and consistently ranked among the nation's top districts. Arlington's commitment to education is reflected in its funding, dedicated teachers, and diverse student body.
Top-ranked public high school with strong academics, athletics, and arts programs.
Excellent academics, STEM programs, and diverse extracurricular offerings.
Specialized program emphasizing student-directed learning and social responsibility.
Strong academic programs with emphasis on college preparation.
Magnet program emphasizing STEM education from elementary school.
View full school list at apsva.us
Average School Rating: 8/10. For detailed school information including rankings, programs, enrollment, and test scores, visit apsva.us.
Cost of Living in Arlington
Arlington is a premium housing market, but understanding costs will help you plan your relocation:
Higher than national avg, lower than DC proper
Per $100 assessed value
No additional Arlington city tax
Varies by neighborhood
Varies by location and condition
In walkable neighborhoods; most use Metro instead
Pro Tip: Many Arlington residents forgo car ownership entirely, using the extensive Metro system and bikeshare services. This can offset higher housing costs with significant transportation savings.
Getting Around & Commuting
Arlington's transportation infrastructure is exceptional. The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) operates 11 Metrorail stations within Arlington on the Orange, Silver, and Blue Lines. If your employment is in downtown DC, the Pentagon, or federal agencies, you can commute via Metro in 10-25 minutes depending on your neighborhood and destination.
For those with cars, Interstate 66 provides direct access to downtown Washington. The George Washington Memorial Parkway offers scenic driving along the Potomac. Interstate 395 connects to I-95 and DC employment centers. During off-peak hours, commuting from Arlington to DC typically takes 10-15 minutes by car.
Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) is just five minutes from Crystal City, making it ideal for frequent travelers. Dulles International Airport (IAD) is about 30 minutes away. The upcoming Silver Line extension will eventually provide direct Metro access to Dulles.
Biking is increasingly popular in Arlington. The Four Mile Run Trail is the region's most famous bike path, with connections to trails throughout Northern Virginia and DC. Most neighborhoods feature bike lanes, and bikeshare services provide affordable transportation options.
Things to Do in Arlington
Beyond work and home, Arlington offers excellent recreation, culture, and entertainment:
90-acre island park with trails and monuments honoring the 26th president.
Historic cemetery with guided tours and the Changing of the Guard ceremony.
New 33-acre riverside park with trails, playgrounds, and water access.
Weekly farmers market featuring local produce, crafts, and food vendors.
Award-winning regional theatre in Shirlington with world-class productions.
Contemporary art center in Crystal City with exhibitions and events.
Popular 4-mile biking and walking trail with connections to other paths.
Cross Key Bridge on the bike path for shopping and dining in historic Georgetown.
Utilities & Services Setup
When relocating, you'll need to establish utilities and services. Here are the key providers in Arlington:
- Electric: Dominion Energy - (888) 667-3000 - dominionenergy.com
- Natural Gas: Washington Gas - (800) 752-7520 - washingtongas.com
- Water/Sewer: Arlington County Water & Sewer - (703) 228-3636 - arlingtonva.us/water
- Internet: Verizon Fios and Xfinity available throughout Arlington
- Trash/Recycling: Arlington County - (703) 228-6570 - arlingtonva.us/environment
- Cable/TV: Xfinity and Verizon Fios
- Mobile Phone: AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile all have coverage
For detailed information and step-by-step setup instructions, visit our complete Arlington utilities guide.
Local Resources for New Residents
- ARLnow.com - Local news, events, and community information
- Arlington County (arlingtonva.us) - Official county government site
- Arlington Public Schools (apsva.us) - School information and enrollment
- Visit Arlington (visita2.com) - Tourism and attractions
- Arlington Chamber of Commerce (arlingtonchamber.org) - Business and community organizations
Ready to Move to Arlington?
Relocating to a new city is a major decision. Change Real Estate has years of experience helping people like you find the perfect Arlington home. We know every neighborhood, understand the market, and can connect you with schools, services, and community resources.
Contact Our Relocation Team Browse Available Listings