Crystal City is a big, busy neighborhood in Arlington, VA filled withy high-tech companies, government agencies, and Amazon’s HQ2 headquarters. Located along the Potomac River, Crystal City is minutes from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport and provides fantastic views of the Washington, DC skyline. The area is filled with high-rise apartment buildings and is an active, energetic place to live. Renting in Crystal City will cost you around $2,256, which is higher than the national average. Renting in Arlington in general can be pricey, so explore the city’s neighborhoods to find a place that works for you.
If you would prefer to live outside of Crystal City, several neighborhoods are ideal for commuting, based on proximity to the Crystal City Metro station, major highways, bicycling routes, and the airport. Here are just a few places to consider:
Ballston/Virginia Square
Located in the heart of Arlington, Ballston/Virginia Square is a vibrant neighborhood offering residents the best of urban and suburban living. The neighborhood is teeming with restaurants and shops within walking distance of one another as well as single-family houses and townhomes tucked away on quiet residential streets. Quincy Park provides a natural retreat from the bustle of city life right next to the Central Library. The Orange and Silver Lines are both accessible from the Ballston and Virginia Square Metro Stations.
Clarendon/Courthouse
Situated next to Ballston/Virginia Square, Clarendon/Courthouse is renowned for its excellent nightlife options. The Arlington neighborhood touts a downtown atmosphere with rows of walkable shops, restaurants, grocery stores, apartments, condos, bars, and more along Clarendon Avenue. Residents are welcome to unwind and play various sports at Rocky Run Park. Two Metro Stations are within walking distance of most homes in the neighborhood – Clarendon and Courthouse stations – affording locals convenience to the Orange and Silver Lines.
Rosslyn
You can see all the way to DC’s Foggy Bottom from this community. Positioned across the Potomac River from DC, Rosslyn is an unincorporated area in the northeastern-most portion of Arlington County. Rosslyn touts an urban vibe with plenty of towering skyscrapers, restaurants, shops, and offices. Residents enjoy plenty of green space at Gateway Park and along the Potomac Heritage Trail, as well as sweeping riverside views of Washington, DC. The Francis Scott Key Bridge, Theodore Roosevelt Bridge, Rosslyn Metro Station (accessible to the Orange, Silver, and Blue Lines), and multiple major highways make getting around from Rosslyn easy.
Falls Church
Strewn along tree-lined Broad Street in western Arlington County, Falls Church is a major suburb with a charming small-town atmosphere. Lush greenery adorns the many tranquil residential neighborhoods in Falls Church, while suburban conveniences like popular restaurants, retailers, and salons are all within close reach. A bevy of annual events fosters a strong sense of community, including the Tinner Blues Festival, July Fourth Celebration, and Falls Church Festival, among many others. Convenience to major roadways in addition to the East Falls Church and West Falls Church Metro Stations (both served by the Orange Line) makes commuting from Falls Church simple. Cool, convenient, community-oriented, and commuter-friendly? Check, check, check, check all those boxes!
McLean
McLean into the suburban life just north of previously mentioned Falls Church. McLean offers residents a true suburban atmosphere with numerous lush parks and nature preserves, along with a host of convenient strip malls and shopping centers. McLean is home to popular outdoor venues along the Potomac River, including George Washington Memorial Parkway and Scott’s Run Nature Preserve. Shopping destinations like Tysons Corner Center and Tysons Galleria are just a short drive away as well. Notable for its top-notch schools and strong sense of community, McLean boasts a family-friendly vibe within minutes of Crystal City and Washington, DC. Commuting from McLean is a breeze with access to the McLean Metro Station (accessible to the Silver Line) and the West Falls Church Metro Station (served by the Orange Line) as well as multiple major highways.
Old Town Alexandria
Have you heard? Old Town is, in fact, old. Situated in Alexandria’s core, Old Town Alexandria is bursting with historic charm. Rows of well-preserved brick buildings house an array of independent boutiques, farm-to-table restaurants, specialty museums, and artist galleries along the tree-lined King Street. The Old Town Farmers Market in Market Square boasts a bevy of fresh produce and artisan goods, affording a small-town feel to this vibrant city center. There’s plenty of lush green space in the neighborhood, with Jones Point Park, Waterfront Park, and Founders Park among the many local favorites. Getting around for work or play is a breeze with access to the Alexandria Amtrak Station, Ferry Terminal, Capital Beltway, and the King Street Metro Station (served by the Blue and Yellow Lines).
Arlington and Alexandria are frequently listed on “Best Places to Live” lists. Both cities are remarkably commuter-friendly, whether you prefer to bike, drive, or take public transportation. If Northern Virginia isn’t striking your fancy (hey, the suburbs aren’t for everyone), take a look at the many options available in Washington, DC. A connected metro area like Washington, DC makes living where you want and getting to work in a reasonable amount of time feasible, and dare I say, enjoyable.
This article was originally published on November 18, 2020 and was updated on June 9, 2023.
