Best Neighborhoods in Arlington, VA for Renters

Arlington occupies a unique position in the Washington, D.C. metro area. It sits directly across the Potomac River from the nation's capital, yet operates as its own self-contained county. Filled with distinct neighborhoods, a transit network, active cultural scene, and strong economy, Arlington has plenty of opportunities within its boundaries, in addition to the ones across the river.

The five best neighborhoods in Arlington for renters are:

1. Pentagon City
2. Columbia Forest
3. Fairlington/Shirlington
4. Colonial Village
5. Penrose

Pentagon City

• Average rent in Arlington: $2,379/month
• Average 1-bedroom rent in Pentagon City: $2,378/month
• Average 1-bedroom size in Pentagon City: 808 sq. ft.

Why Pentagon City is good for renters

Pentagon City sits along the Yellow and Blue Metro lines, putting residents one stop from Crystal City and a short ride from both Washington D.C. and Reagan National Airport, a combination that's hard to beat for transit convenience. The neighborhood is anchored by the Fashion Centre at Pentagon City, a major regional mall. The mall is surrounded by a dense cluster of high-rise and mid-rise apartment communities that give renters plenty of options in a compact area.

Parks in the neighborhood act as both green spaces as well as community gathering spots. The sports fields at Virgina Highlands Park are filled with games during the weekends, and Metropolitan Park holds farmers markets and concert series. A short trip away, the Mount Vernon Trail along the Potomac waterfront offers miles of trails.

Keep in mind

Pentagon City is one of Arlington's more densely built areas, so street-level noise and traffic near I-395 and the mall corridor can be noticeable. Renters who prefer quieter surroundings or a more residential feel may want to explore Arlington Ridge or Aurora Highlands, just south of Pentagon City.

Columbia Forest

• Average rent in Arlington: $2,379/month
• Average 1-bedroom rent in Columbia Forest: $1,908/month
• Average 1-bedroom size in Columbia Forest: 789 sq. ft.

Why Columbia Forest is good for renters

Columbia Forest is a quieter residential neighborhood in South Arlington that offers a more suburban pace without stranding renters far from the rest of the county. The area sits near Columbia Pike, a major bus corridor that connects residents to the rest of the city, via Arlington Transit (ART) and Metrobus. It also is the epicenter of the commercial sector with a great selection of restaurants, retail, and grocery stores. Both the Four Mile Run Trail and the Washington and Old Dominion Trail intersect in the northern part of the neighborhood, leading to Barcroft Park and Glencarlyn Park for larger green spaces.

Keep in mind

Columbia Forest is not directly served by Metro rail, so renters who rely on transit for daily commuting will need to use bus connections to reach the nearest station. Having a car or being comfortable with bus commutes will make navigating Arlington from Columbia Forest easy.

Fairlington/Shirlington

• Average rent in Arlington: $2,379/month
• Average 1-bedroom rent in Fairlington/Shirlington: $2,330/month
• Average 1-bedroom size in Fairlington/Shirlington: 790 sq. ft.

Why Fairlington/Shirlington is good for renters

Fairlington/Shirlington keeps everything a renter could need at their fingertips. The Village at Shirlington offers a walkable strip of restaurants, a Signature Theatre performance venue, a movie theater, independent shops, and more. Shirlington Park, its dog park, Jennie Dean Park, the Washington and Old Dominion Trail, and the Four Mile Run Trail sit close together, giving residents a variety of outdoor spots to choose from. ART bus and Metrobus routes and a dedicated transit center connect the neighborhood to Pentagon City Metro and other parts of the county without requiring a car.

Keep in mind

Fairlington/Shirlington leans more residential, so while it has a variety of restaurants and places that stay open late, it lacks the diverse nightlife found in central Arlington neighborhoods.

Colonial Village

• Average rent in Arlington: $2,379/month
• Average 1-bedroom rent in Colonial Village: $1,668/month
• Average 1-bedroom size in Colonial Village: 700 sq. ft.

Why Colonial Village is good for renters

Colonial Village is a North Arlington neighborhood situated near Rosslyn, Clarendon/Courthouse, and Ballston/Virginia Square, giving renters access to walkable retail and dining districts without living directly in the middle of them. The neighborhood is close to the Clarendon and Courthouse Metro stations on the Orange and Silver lines, making commutes into D.C. or out towards the suburbs simple.

Keep in mind

Although Colonial Village borders commercial corridors, the neighborhood itself lacks integrated retail and dining. Residents will still need to walk, drive, or take transit to nearby areas like Clarendon/Courthouse for a wider selection of amenities.

Penrose

• Average rent in Arlington: $2,379/month
• Average 1-bedroom rent in Penrose: $1,790/month
• Average 1-bedroom size in Penrose: 704 sq. ft.

Why Penrose is good for renters

Penrose is one of the most affordable neighborhoods in Arlington that provides a more relaxed vibe. The neighborhood has direct access to Columbia Pike’s growing lineup of local restaurants, cafes, and essential services, many of which are within walking distance. Outdoor space is a standout feature here, with Penrose Park providing sports courts, open fields, and community gathering space, while the Washington Boulevard Trail offers a convenient route for biking or jogging through the area. ART and Metrobus routes along Columbia Pike make it easy to connect to Pentagon City and nearby Metro stations without relying heavily on a car.

Keep in mind

While you’ll find essential conveniences like restaurants and drug stores nearby, options for shopping, entertainment, and other amenities are somewhat limited, so renters may need to travel to neighboring areas for a wider selection.

Ready to Make the Move?

Arlington's rental market moves quickly, and the right apartment community can go off the market faster than you'd expect. Apartments.com gives you the tools to filter by neighborhood, price range, unit size, pet policy, and transit access — so you can zero in on the listings that actually match how you want to live, without wading through options that don't fit.

Start your search on Apartments.com today to browse current availability across every corner of Arlington. Set up alerts so you're notified the moment a new listing hits the market, and use our interactive map to see exactly how close each apartment community is to the Metro station, park, or neighborhood center that matters most to you.

Methodology

Rent and cost of living data are sourced from the Apartments.com Rent Trends pages and Cost of Living Calculator. Walkability, transit, drivability, and bikeability ratings are sourced from the Apartments.com Area Guides, courtesy of Local Logic.