Next to DC
Walkable urban villages across the river from Washington.
Schematic map · not to scale
Overview
Arlington sits directly across the Potomac from DC. Most of daily life happens in a string of walkable neighborhoods built around Metro stations, with quieter tree-lined streets of single-family homes in between.
History
Became part of the new District of Columbia, as “Alexandria County.”
Returned (retroceded) to Virginia.
Arlington National Cemetery established.
Officially renamed Arlington County.
Adopted its County Board and county-manager form of government.
Became the first Virginia county to desegregate its schools.
Metro's Orange and Blue lines opened, shaping today's urban corridors.
Looking at homes for sale in Arlington? Browse them on Zillow, Redfin or Realtor.com — they all show the same listings. Then send me the link: I'll call the listing agent and tell you what the listing leaves out. I also watch for coming-soon homes that aren't online yet.
Found a home in Arlington? Send me the linkHome sales from July–September 2026, compared with the same months a year earlier.
571 homes for sale (+18% vs. a year ago), 32% with a price cut, 36 median days on market.
Realtor.com listing data via FRED · updated monthlySource: Bright MLS Industry Watch, Q3 2026 (data as of October 10, 2026). Report by ShowingTime Plus, LLC.
About 3 miles in a straight line to the White House. Real drive times vary a lot with traffic — test your commute at rush hour before you buy.
Four real seasons: humid summers, colorful falls, mostly mild winters with a few snowstorms. Frost-free roughly March 27 to November 18. NOAA 1991–2020 averages at Reagan National Airport.
Economy
Local favorites
Arlington is governed by a five-member County Board elected at large; the chair rotates each year.
As of September 2026. Officials change with elections — confirm on the official websites.
Real estate tax: $1.053 per $100 of assessed value (calendar year 2026 base rate), set by Arlington County. Official rates ↗ · Work out a home's real tax bill →
Example: a home assessed at $700,000 would owe about $7,371 a year at the Arlington County rate.
Virginia also taxes cars and other vehicles yearly (personal property tax), and some areas add small special-district taxes. Older adults and people with disabilities may qualify for tax relief programs.
Before you fall in love
Local rules and recent changes that photos and Zestimates can't show. I check these for every home we look at.
Arlington Public Schools sets boundaries separately from Fairfax County. Confirm the assigned schools for the exact address.
Arlington Public Schools ↗Arlington charges a separate stormwater utility fee based on a home's roof and paved area, shown as its own line on the real estate bill.
Arlington stormwater fee ↗Under Virginia's disclosure law the seller makes no promises about the home's condition, flood zones, airport noise, septic or radon. Inspections and your own checks protect you.
Virginia Code § 55.1-703 ↗You can cancel within 3 days of receiving the association's resale certificate. Read it for fees, special assessments and rental limits.
Virginia Code § 55.1-2312 ↗Before you buy
Schools
Served by Arlington Public Schools. Test scores and school details are in the official links below. Boundaries change — always confirm the assigned schools for a specific address.
Research this area
Crime, school test results and population details come straight from official sources. Each link opens in a new tab, so this page stays open.
Nearby
A small city with its own schools, a famous farmers market and easy Metro access.
City of Falls Church (independent city)A historic port city on the Potomac, with brick sidewalks and Metro.
City of Alexandria (independent city)Leafy, established neighborhoods minutes from DC and Tysons.
Fairfax County (unincorporated)Sources: 2020 U.S. Census; county, city and town government websites; NOAA climate normals; Virginia Department of Education. Updated September 2026. General information only — verify details that matter to your decision.
Contact
Tell me a little about what you're looking for. I'll reply personally, usually within one business day.
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