7 Pros and Cons of Moving to Arlington, VA

Thinking about swapping your zip code for a spot across the river from Washington, D.C.? Arlington, Virginia, might already be on your radar. 

Known for its great location, rich history, and strong job market, Arlington offers a mix of big-city energy and small-town comfort. You’ll find famous landmarks, a variety of food and places to eat, and some of the top schools in the region.

But of course, no place is perfect. Along with its perks, Arlington comes with a few challenges, like a high cost of living, extreme summers and winters, heavy traffic, and high tax rates. 

Before you load up your moving truck or book your Arlington movers, let’s take a closer look and see if it could be the right place for you.

7 Interesting Facts About Arlington, Virginia

There’s more to Arlington than just its closeness to the nation’s capital. The city has its own personality, traditions, and charm that keep both locals and newcomers invested in staying for good. Here are some fun and surprising facts that make Arlington stand out. 

1. One of the Oldest Communities in Northern Virginia

Arlington’s deep historical roots go back to the colonial era. Before becoming part of Virginia in 1846, it was initially part of the land designated for the capital of the United States. 

This historical legacy adds a distinct character to Arlington. With centuries of stories embedded in its streets and landmarks, this place offers a connection to the nation’s early days in history. 

2. Home to the Nation’s Hallowed Ground

Arlington National Cemetery is one of the nation’s most honored landmarks. It is the final resting place for over 400,000 service members and their families, including Presidents John F. Kennedy and William Howard Taft. 

Sites like the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier are situated here. At the same time, annual ceremonies on Memorial Day and Veterans Day stand as powerful symbols of sacrifice, history, and national pride, which Arlington takes time to remember. 

3. The Pentagon Calls Arlington Home

The Pentagon, home to the U.S. Department of Defense, is the world’s largest office building and one of Arlington’s most famous landmarks. More than just an office, it’s a symbol of national defense with a global presence. Inside, you’ll find fascinating military displays, including the Hall of Heroes, honoring over 3500 Medal of Honor recipients from the Army, Marines, and Air Force. 

4. Celebrated Arts and Culture

Most people think of Arlington for its closeness to the national capital, but it has its own creative heartbeat. When you walk around, you’ll spot colorful murals, unique sculptures, and eye-catching art installations tucked into random corners of the city. 

Its local arts calendar is busy with events like Rosslyn Jazz Fest, which features live jazz performances by international artists in Rosslyn’s Gateway Park every September. It is not just a music performance, but it is also a community event full of fun, food, and music that brings the residents and tourists together. 

Arlington is also known for contemporary arts, and one spot worth checking for this kind of art is the Arlington Center for the Arts. Here, not only can you browse through contemporary pieces, but you can also take art classes and workshops, as well as discover and share your creativity. This is a haven for artists, art lovers, and art advocates. 

Public art is also everywhere, and the most popular ones are located in Rosslyn, Arlington. These include the Dark Star Park created by famous artist Nancy Holt, which features a dramatic shadow alignment. 

You can also wander or join a walking tour and be amazed by sculptures and art installations like Liquid Pixels by Ned Khan, Cupid’s Garden by Chris Gardner, Anna and David by Miriam Shapiro, and Bennett Park Art Atrium by Kendall Buster. Arlington’s passion for the arts makes it a colorful and inspiring place to experience every day. 

5. 2nd Most Educated City in the U.S.

Arlington is ranked as the 2nd most educated city in America, with over 76% of the adult population holding a bachelor’s degree or higher and 41% holding graduate degrees, according to 2024 data. 

It has 125 schools from preschool to graduate degrees, giving children and students a wide array of educational options. Its top-rated public schools and respected universities, like Marymount University, George Mason’s Arlington campus, and Arlington Public Schools, make it a hub for learning and a magnet for highly skilled professionals. 

6. Diverse and Inclusive City Living

Arlington is a place where the world comes together. People from over 140 countries call it home, while you can hear more than 100 languages spoken here.

The blend of different cultures makes the city lively and full of energy. You can try cuisines from all around the world, join fun festivals, and meet people with stories from every corner of the world. 

The local government of Arlington has even adopted a Racial Equity Resolution recognizing the diverse culture present in the city and ensuring fairness, inclusion, and equal opportunities for everyone.

It’s indeed a community that celebrates its differences and makes everyone feel welcome, wherever you may have come from.  

7. Neighborhood Hotspots and Community Hubs

Crystal City stands out with its blend of homes, offices, and shops, plus the unique Gallery Underground and ongoing transformation with Amazon’s HQ2. 

Pentagon Row, located next to the Pentagon, is a go-to destination for shopping, dining, and seasonal activities such as ice skating and summer concerts. 

Ballston Quarter, with its open-air design and food hall, has become a lively community hub for events, local eats, and entertainment. 

Advantages and Disadvantages of Moving to Arlington, VA

Thinking about moving to Virginia? This dynamic community sits just across the river from Washington, D.C., offering a perfect mix of city convenience and neighborhood charm. 

But, like any place, it comes with both perks and challenges. So before you start packing boxes or renting trucks, it’s worth weighing the ups and downs of calling Arlington home. 

Advantages of Moving to Arlington

Let’s start with the good stuff, because Arlington has plenty to brag about. From its unbeatable location to its thriving job market and lively neighborhoods, here’s why so many people are making the move to this Northern Virginia gem.

1. Prime Location with Big-City Access

One of the biggest perks of living in Arlington is its unbeatable location. You’re just minutes from Washington, D.C., which means you can enjoy all the perks of the nation’s capital without dealing with the daily chaos.

Commuting is easy, whether you hop on the Metro, drive across the bridge, or even bike into the city. Three major airports are close by, such as Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA), Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI), and Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD), so catching a flight is no big deal. 

Major highways like I-66 and I-395 make weekend escapes to the beach, mountains, or wine country just a short drive away. Arlington offers the perfect mix of urban convenience and suburban comfort.

2. Lots of Jobs and Room to Grow

Living right next to the nation’s capital gives Arlington a significant advantage for building your dream career. You’ll find federal government agencies, international corporations, tech contractors, aerospace firms, and non-profit job options. 

Big-name employers like Amazon’s HQ2, Boeing, Bloomberg Industry Group, Accenture, Nestlé, and Virginia Hospital Center are some of the companies that create a diverse job market and support career growth among Arlington residents. 

In 2025, according to Arlington’s Annual Statistical Factbook, there are a total of 221,200 jobs in different industries located in Arlington. And out of these jobs, 77,277 employees live and reside in Arlington. 

Whether you’re working in government, retail trade, technology, construction, transportation, or offering professional services,  Arlington is the kind of place where your career can truly grow and thrive.

3. Reputable Schools and Best Education

Arlington isn’t about job opportunities. It’s also a place that takes education seriously. It was named the 2nd most educated city in the country by Forbes Advisor. In 2025, 77% of the Arlington adults have a bachelor’s degree, and 41% of the adult population hold graduate degrees. 

Arlington’s Public Schools have a strong reputation when it comes to learning. These schools often land among the best in the country. 

Colleges like Marymount University offer degrees in business, healthcare, technology, science, and humanities, and while at George Mason’s Arlington campus, you can enroll in public policy, economics, engineering, arts, and education degrees. 

Another reputable school for advanced computing is Virginia Tech, which offers advanced degrees in computer science and computer engineering. Whether you’re looking for a job or chasing new knowledge yourself, Arlington makes it easy to keep growing. 

4. Diverse Urban Villages and Neighborhoods

Arlington is made up of distinct neighborhoods. Each one offers its own unique character. If you seek a vibrant nightlife, Clarendon offers music venues, inviting bars, and busy outdoor patios for extroverts and party lovers. 

If you enjoy shopping and binge-eating, consider visiting Ballston Quarter. It has a variety of stores and diverse culinary options for you to choose from. Rosslyn, on the other hand, has high-rise condominiums and towering office buildings, including the Twin Towers. 

This urban village offers you jaw-dropping skyline views, especially at sunset. While the Crystal City mixes office towers with an emerging arts scene, like the famous Gallery Underground. 

If you are into sports and have an active lifestyle, Pentagon City hosts the Virginia Highlands Park. This park features a vast green space, a soccer field, baseball diamonds, basketball courts, tennis courts, walking trails, and playgrounds for children. 

With restaurants, cafes, green spaces, and entertainment all within walking distance, it’s easy to find a spot that feels like home, whether you’re after a lively night out or a quiet coffee shop to work from.

5. Interactive Parks and Outdoor Spaces

If you love being outdoors, Arlington will feel like a dream come true. With more than 150 parks and 50 miles of paved trails for biking, jogging, and running, you’ll always find a spot to get some fresh air. 

You can explore Theodore Roosevelt Island for a peaceful hike and wildlife sightings, or head to Long Bridge Park for sports, playground fun, or soaking in those amazing views. Outdoor park facilities are almost everywhere. 

It is estimated that 98% of Arlingtonians live within a 10-minute walk of the park area. 

For longer adventures, the Mount Vernon Trail runs 18 miles along the Potomac River and links up with other scenic trails like Rock Creek and Four Mile Run. If you have an active lifestyle and love to walk, jog, or run, this place is the right fit for you. 

6. Safe Streets and Welcoming Environment

One thing you’ll notice pretty quickly about Arlington is how comfortable it feels just being out and about. Whether you’re heading out for a quick jog at sunrise, taking a slow evening walk after dinner, or sipping coffee on the porch, you never have that uneasy feeling some cities bring. 

In 2024, Arlington’s violent crime rate is at 149.4% per 100,000 residents compared to the national average of 255.2, which simply means it’s one of the safest spots you could call home. Add in well-kept streets, clean parks, and tidy neighborhoods, and it’s easy to see why people settle here and never want to leave. 

Arlington’s neighborhoods give you a sense of comfort from the moment you arrive. The parks are well-kept, the sidewalks are clean, and public spaces are maintained year-round, so it’s easy to enjoy the outdoors. 

You’ll find quiet streets and tidy homes at Lyon Village and Arlington Ridge. These are some of the communities in Arlington that take pride in keeping the neighborhood welcoming for everyone. 

7. Lively Hub for Culture and Arts

Arlington carries a vibrant and creative spirit for its residents and tourists alike. Building walls have striking murals, and thoughtfully placed sculptures are almost everywhere, such as the Fashion Centre Mural at Pentagon City, public art at the Dark Star Park, and the artistic tunnel leading to the National 9/11 Pentagon Memorial, bringing a unique character to parks and public spaces. 

Events like Rosslyn Jazz Fest also enrich the active atmosphere by filling the streets with music. It offers residents and tourists a chance to connect and celebrate together.

It is also home to diverse cultural museums like the Black Heritage Museum, the Arlington Historical Museum in Rosslyn, the Museum of Contemporary Art in Virginia Square, and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Museum in Pentagon City. 

Theaters for dance and music, drama, musicals, and innovative plays are featured in Signature Theater, Synetic Theater, and Avant Bard Theater, all within Arlington’s creative scene. 

You can always have something to do and enjoy. You might start your morning browsing a museum, spend the afternoon exploring a street fair, then wrap up the night with a performance at the Arlington Arts Center or a cozy neighborhood theater. In Arlington, your weekends can be as lively or laid-back as you feel like making them. 

Disadvantages of Moving to Arlington

Arlington has plenty to love. However, like any other city, it has its own disadvantages. Living here can be pricey, the traffic can wear you down, and snagging a decent parking spot feels like winning a lottery. The good outweighs the bad for many people. But it’s smart to weigh both sides before you start to pack and make the move. 

1. High Cost of Living

Arlington is a beautiful place to call home, but the cost of living score here is at 164.3, which is 34% higher than the national average. 

A family needs around $11,970 per month, and if you are single, you need around $6,867 per month to live comfortably in Arlington.

Housing expenses are the biggest factor, which is 105% higher than the national average. An Arlington resident needs to spend 29.4% of their income on housing. 

In July 2025, Arlington is also ranked as having the 7th most expensive rental cost for a one-bedroom apartment among big cities in the U.S., with a median rental rate of $2,540-$2,550. 

Still, you are not without options. Rental rates can vary within the Arlington neighborhood, and you can simply choose apartments with rental rates you can afford. Here are the top 5 neighborhoods with the affordable rental rates:

Please note that the prices indicated above are only estimates and may vary depending on the utilities and other expenses of each neighborhood.  

For many people, the perks like the location, safety, and community make it worthwhile. Still, moving here from a more affordable area can be a shock at first. 

It takes some planning and adjusting to find a balance that lets you enjoy Arlington’s lifestyle without feeling stretched too thin financially.

2. Heavy Traffic and Commuting Challenges

Being so close to Washington, D.C., is one of Arlington’s biggest draws, but it also means you’ll have to deal with traffic that can test your patience. Rush hour in the mornings and evenings can be slow-moving, and even short trips sometimes take longer than expected. 

If you rely on a car to get to work or run errands, you’ll likely get very familiar with Arlington’s main roads and their bottlenecks.

Public transit can be a lifesaver, but it’s not always perfect. 

The Metro is convenient and connects to plenty of spots in D.C., yet it can get crowded during peak hours, and occasional delays are part of the deal. Living here means learning to plan around traffic and commute times so you can keep your days running smoothly.

3. Limited Parking Options

Depending on where you live in Arlington, parking can range from mildly annoying to downright frustrating. In busier neighborhoods, street parking fills up quickly, and you might find yourself circling the block more than you’d like. 

Some apartment buildings offer parking spots, but availability can be limited, and fees for a reserved spot aren’t always cheap.

If you own more than one vehicle or often have guests over, you’ll need to plan ahead. It’s not a deal breaker for most residents, but it is one of those everyday inconveniences that’s worth knowing about before you make the move.

4. Competitive Housing Market

Arlington’s popularity means the housing market moves fast, really fast. Homes and apartments in desirable areas can get snatched up within days, and sometimes they sell above the asking price. 

In 2025, Arlington houses sell 36 days after being offered in the market. For renters, well-priced apartments in good locations can have multiple applications within hours of being listed.

If you’re set on living in a particular neighborhood, it helps to be ready to act quickly. Having your finances and paperwork in order and maybe a local real estate agent on your side can make all the difference when competing in such a busy market.

5. Urban Noise and Busy Atmosphere

Arlington isn’t quite as loud as a major city like New York, but it’s still an active urban area. Depending on where you live, you might hear traffic, sirens, construction work, or the buzz of nightlife. 

For some, this energy is part of what makes Arlington exciting, but for others, it can be an adjustment from a quieter pace of life.

If peace is high on your priority list, you’ll want to do a little research before picking your neighborhood. 

Areas with more residential streets and green space tend to be calmer, while spots closer to Metro stops and commercial centers have more activity.

6. Humid Summer and Frosty Winter

Arlington gives you the full seasonal experience, from summer to winter to fall to spring. However, each season has its own curveballs. 

Winter can bring very cold mornings, and occasional snowfall makes the roads a bit tricky. Summers are often hot and too humid, with temperatures ranging from 80°F to 90°F, making outdoor activities less comfortable. 

Spring and fall are beautiful, but they also mark the height of pollen season, which can be difficult for those with allergies. 

While the variety can be appealing, it’s important to be prepared for these seasonal shifts. 

If you’re moving from a place with mild weather year-round, the seasonal shifts might take some getting used to. A good winter coat, reliable air conditioning, and a little patience during storm season will help you settle in comfortably.

7. Higher Taxes Compared to Some Areas

Virginia’s tax rates aren’t the highest in the country, but in Arlington, property taxes and certain local fees can feel steep, especially when added on top of the higher cost of housing. 

Real estate tax is at $0.996 per $100 of assessed value of the property. Sales tax and other everyday expenses also contribute to the overall cost of living here.

For most people, the quality of life in Arlington makes up for the extra cost, but it’s something you’ll want to factor into your moving budget. Doing the math ahead of time helps make sure you’re not caught off guard when those first few bills arrive.

Are You Planning to Move to Arlington, VA?

If Arlington is on your radar, it’s worth taking a closer look at what life here is really like. 

If you’re coming for a new career opportunity, moving closer to D.C., or just ready for a change of scenery, Arlington has a lot going for it. You’ll find lively neighborhoods, a rich history, scenic parks, and easy access to the capital’s job opportunities.

Of course, moving anywhere isn’t always as glamorous as the destination itself.

Packing up your life, figuring out how to get everything from point A to point B, and keeping track of a hundred little details can wear you out fast. The nice part is, you don’t have to do it all by yourself. 

A professional moving company can take on the heavy lifting and the hard work. They’ll take care of packing, loading, transporting, and even reassembling your furniture, making the process smoother and far less stressful, leaving you with more time and energy to focus on what matters, and that is making your new place in Arlington feel like home. 

Final Thoughts

Arlington brings together job opportunities, culture, and a strong sense of community. Its great location, stable economy, and lively neighborhoods make it an appealing place to settle. Of course, like any in-demand city, it has its challenges. 

The cost of living is high, traffic is heavy everywhere, the weather can be too hot or too cold, and the urban noise might be a deal breaker for your peace of mind.

In the end, deciding to move to Arlington is about whether the kind of energy, conveniences, and lifestyle it gives are what you’re looking for. If they do, this place can become more than just your new address. It is a place you can truly call home. 

And when you’re ready to make the move, consider letting experienced movers handle the logistics. That way, you can spend less time worrying about boxes and more time exploring your new neighborhood.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is Arlington a family-friendly place to live?

Yes, Arlington is considered to be a family-friendly area. It has big-name employers and companies for hard-working parents, top-tier schools and child-friendly parks for the kids and your adult children, famous museums, buzzing urban villages, and community events.

2. Is Arlington a safe place to live?

Arlington has a crime rate of 149.4 per 100,000 residents, which is lower than the national average. It is considered to be one of the safest places to live in the U.S. because of low crime incidence, a well-trained and responsive police force, and proactive emergency services.

3. What is the traffic situation in Arlington?

Traffic congestion during rush hour is also an issue in Arlington, just like any busy city.  But the public transportation options, like the Metro and bus systems, can help alleviate some of the traffic woes, as the area is well-connected by the transport systems. 

4. What is the weather in Arlington?

Arlington has a temperate climate with four seasons. Summers can be too hot and humid, while winters can be too cold and snowy. Spring and fall, while beautiful, may trigger pollen allergies.

5. Can I easily access healthcare services in Arlington?

Arlington has several top-rated hospitals and healthcare facilities. Some of these facilities include the Arlington County Public Health Clinics, Virginia Hospital Center, and Johns Hopkins Care, making it easy for residents to access quality medical care. 

6. What is the cost of hiring movers in Arlington, VA?

The cost of hiring movers in Arlington, Virginia, usually ranges from $417 to $3,108 for a one-bedroom apartment move, depending on distance, the number of rooms, additional services, and the number of local movers involved.