Washington, D.C. is surrounded by appealing suburbs that provide residents with a pleasant place to call home separated from the hustle and bustle of the capital. Arlington, Virginia is one such suburb, an appealing community across the Potomac River. It is an exclusive, affluent suburb where many of D.C.’s power brokers reside, known for its safety, superb schools, and significant national sites.
Arlington is technically a county, though it is geographically the smallest self-governing county in the country and has no incorporated towns within. It functions much more like a city; it has a large population, a busy downtown, and much to explore. Let’s look at some aspects of Arlington that have made it one of the most prestigious suburbs in Washington, D.C.
Easy Access to One of the Top Job Markets in America
Those living in Arlington greatly benefit from access to one of the country’s biggest and most significant job markets. As one of the closest suburbs to D.C., driving from Arlington into the capital takes about 15 minutes, and commuting via public transport takes approximately 40 minutes.
Washington, D.C. has substantial employment opportunities. The obvious major industry there is the government sector, including the Department of Justice, the U.S. Postal Service, and more. D.C. is also a financial center, hosting the World Bank, the Federal Reserve, and the International Monetary Fund. Additionally, there is a huge private sector with major legal, research, and medical institutions. For those who would rather not commute, Arlington is the site of the Department of Defense, one of the biggest employers in the city.
Pleasant Parks and Natural Sites
Although Arlington is an economic center, outdoor enthusiasts will still find much to enjoy in the city. In fact, Arlington has numerous parks and natural areas to explore. For those looking to hike or enjoy a family picnic, Arlington has over 148 county-owned parks and 52 miles of multi-use off-street trails. Arlington Forest Park, a small, forested park with breathtaking trees, is a particularly popular green space in the city.
Considering its location along the Potomac River, views of one of America’s most famous rivers are a regular part of everyday life for Arlington residents. Potomac Overlook Regional Park boasts 67 acres of protected natural scenery along the famed river.
Dining, Museums, and Cultural Attractions
Arlington has more than 230,000 residents in what is a relatively small area, creating the kind of urban feel that appeals to those who crave city living. There is plenty to see and experience in Arlington, ranging from well-known monuments and museums to an exciting food scene. The Arlington food scene is filled with diverse options to suit everyone, including delicious barbecue restaurants, famous noodle bars, pizzerias, and everything in between. Many of the best dining options are concentrated around the National Landing area.
Arlington is probably best known for the many museums and historical monuments throughout the city. It is the site of the Arlington National Cemetery, the U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial, and the Arlington House. Some nationally renowned museums in Arlington include the Arlington Museum of Contemporary Art and the Arlington Historical Museum.
