Arlington, VA apartments for rent

Arlington was ranked as the top place to live in America by Niche in 2016 and was also listed #4 on the Trust for the Public Land ranking of the best parks in the country. It is home to numerous landmarks, including the Marine Corps War Memorial, the Air Force Memorial, Arlington National Cemetery and the Pentagon (the headquarters of the Department of Defense).

How big is Arlington?

With its 26 square miles, Arlington County is the smallest self-governing county in the U.S. It has a population of 200,000, which is less than half the size of Washington, D.C. 

Where is Arlington located?  

Arlington lies on the Potomac River’s south bank, across from Washington, D.C. in Northern Virginia. At its closest point, it lies 2.5 miles from the capital and, at its farthest point, is just six miles from Washington.

What is the weather like in Arlington?

Arlington boasts a weather pattern that is typical of the mid-Atlantic region and features all four seasons. Spring lasts from March through May, while autumn lasts from September to November. The summer months between June through August are humid and hot, with July being the hottest month (average temperature of 88°F). Winters from December to February experience seven inches of snowfall, which is below the national average. January is the coldest month, averaging a low of 29°F.

What are the pros of living in Arlington?

Arlington’s proximity to Washington, D.C. is advantageous for commuters. It features high-ranking public schools, a mix of housing options, commercial developments and leisure activities. It has the highest concentration of singles in the metropolitan area and is also a fantastic place to retire to — making it appealing for individuals of all walks of life. 

What are the cons of living in Arlington?

The cost of living is among the highest in the nation, and soaring property rates are also difficult for potential residents.

How much does public transportation cost in Arlington? 

Local public transportation is made up of buses and the orange, blue and silver lines of the Washington, D.C. area’s Metrorail system. Regular bus fares cost $2 per ride, with $1 reduced fares available to seniors and individuals with disabilities. Express bus fares are priced at $4.25 for a full-price fare, while reduced fares are similarly available for half the price.  

What is the average commute time in Arlington? 

The average commute time in Arlington is 26.7 minutes, which is around the national average. 

How much does a meal cost in Arlington? 

A three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant costs $55, on average, while a regular cappuccino goes for $3.65. 

How much do utilities cost in Arlington? 

Basic utilities in Arlington cost $121.11 monthly, on average, which includes heating, cooling, electricity, water and garbage. This is below the national average of $160.11.

What industries are in Arlington? 

Arlington is a national hub for government and security work and is home to the Department of Defense, headquartered at the Pentagon and employing more than 10% of its residents. The Department of Homeland Security, the Department of Justice and the Department of State are among the top six employers in the Arlington area. 

What are the top companies in Arlington?

Deloitte, Accenture and Leidos are among the top 10 employers in the private sector, while The Corporate Executive Board, the National Science Foundation and Bloomberg BNA are also headquartered in Arlington.

What is the Arlington school system like? 

The local public school system serves more than 25,000 K-12 students in 23 elementary schools, five middle schools and four high schools. Arlington Public Schools spends more than $18,000 per student annually, a sum that is significantly higher than in neighboring counties. The local network of Roman Catholic private schools serves 2,000 area students and is operated by the Archdiocese of Arlington. 

What are the top colleges in Arlington?

Arlington is home to satellite campuses of numerous local universities. George Mason University’s Arlington campus houses the School of Law and School of Policy, Government and International Affairs; the University of Virginia features executive business programs out of a Rosslyn Branch; and Stayer University has its corporate headquarters in its Arlington branch. The Art Institute of Washington, Virginia Tech and George Washington University also offer programs here. Marymount University — the four-year Catholic college with more than 3,600 students — is the only institution of higher education with its main campus in Arlington.

What cultural attractions are there in Arlington?

Shirlington’s Signature Theater (the Tony award-winning contemporary theater company) and the Arlington Cinema & Drafthouse (a historic 1930s art deco-style theater that serves full menus of food and drinks) are the two most famous cultural hotspots in the area. 

What historic attractions are there in Arlington? 

Arlington is within proximity to all of the fantastic cultural attractions of Washington, D.C. It is home to numerous memorials, including the Marine Corps War Memorial, the United States Air Force Memorial and Arlington National Cemetery. The latter houses the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the Women in Military Service for America Memorial, the gravesite of President John F. Kennedy and the Robert E. Lee Memorial. 

What parks are there in Arlington?

Arlington offers an abundance of neighborhood parks, including Glencarlyn Park, Hayes Park and Long Bridge Park. It also features plenty of hiking and biking paths. The Mount Vernon Trail — a subsection of the famous Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail — stretches from Rosslyn to George Washington’s estate at Mount Vernon.

What are the top restaurants in Arlington? 

Kabob Place is famous for its Middle Eastern cuisine, serving delicacies like chicken and lamb curries; kabobs; and veggie specials. Carlyle is the go-to place for brunch, while Pupatella is renowned for its amazing Neapolitan-style pizza. 

Where to shop in Arlington? 

Pentagon City Mall boasts four floors and 170 stores and is one of the biggest commercial retail developments in the area. The commercial retail development can be easily accessed via Metrorail or bus. 

How to travel to Arlington? 

Reaching Arlington is quite easy. It’s home to Ronald Reagan National Airport, which is a 20-minute drive from most parts of Arlington County. Visitors who wish to watch the planes take off and land at the airport can head to Gravelly Point Park’s wide grassy area at the edge of the county limits.

What to know about renting in Arlington?

There are two fantastic resources for prospective and current residents of Arlington: the County’s Tenant-Landlord Commission and the Citizens Advisory Commission on Housing. Local renters should be vigilant about the terms of their lease, which need to be in line with the Virginia Landlord-Tenant Act. Under this law, leases should never include clauses that require tenants to waive their rights or waive the right to make claims for damage to person or property that are caused by the landlord. Security deposits cannot legally be used as a payment for the rent of their final month and security deposits cannot be more than two months’ rent. Landlords planning to withhold the security deposit at the end of the lease agreement need to notify tenants 30 days prior. Otherwise, they need to return it to the tenant within 45 days and accompanied by an itemized list of deductions and charges.