Did you know Arlington was originally part of the ten square miles surveyed to become the Nation's Capital in 1791? From 1801 to 1847, what is currently Arlington and a portion of the City of Alexandria was known as Alexandria County, DC. So how did Arlington become what it is today? In 1847 Congress approved local residents' request that Alexandria County be given back to the Commonwealth of Virginia. However, it wasn't until 1920 that it got its name. To avoid confusion with the City of Alexandria, which became an independent city in 1870, the Virginia legislature renamed the area Arlington County. The Arlington name was derived from Arlington House, the historic family residence of Robert E. Lee. In 2020, Arlington County's population was a whopping 238,643 people, making Arlington County the 6th largest county in Virginia (by population) and the largest unincorporated community in the entire United States! 

Arlington is an economic powerhouse in its own right. Home to numerous technology companies, government agencies, and defense contractors, it attracts professionals seeking prosperous careers. To name a few, Arlington is the future home of the HQ2 for Amazon, the new headquarters for American aerospace giant Boeing, the new headquarters of defense industry giant Raytheon Technologies, and the U.S. subsidiary of BAE Systems. Arlington is also home to significant landmarks that not only enrich its landscape but also stand as powerful tributes to the country's history and the courage of its people. Residents can immerse themselves in the nation's history by visiting sites like the Arlington National Cemetery, with the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial(also known as the Iwo Jima Memorial), the United States Air Force Memorial, and the Military Women's Memorial. The Pentagon, the hub of the U.S. Department of Defense, is also located here, giving the city an important role in national security.

Arlington is a collection of vibrant neighborhoods, each with a unique character. The trendy Clarendon neighborhood is a hub for young professionals with its artisan coffee shops, boutique stores, and vibrant nightlife. Ballston is a thriving urban village defined by innovation and its status as a hub of science and technology. Known as a shopping mecca, Pentagon City also houses trendy cafes and restaurants and iconic national attractions. Shirlington offers a slower pace with tree-lined streets, a thriving arts and entertainment scene, and a small-town community vibe. Often called the "Gateway to Arlington," Rosslyn is the first neighborhood you reach after crossing the Key Bridge and is known for being a prosperous social and cultural hub. If none of these fit your personality, one of Arlington's other neighborhoods is sure to fit the bill. 

At first glance, Arlington, with its shimmering high-rise buildings and energetic urban rhythm, may not strike you as a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Yet, surprisingly, Arlington is replete with lush green spaces and parks, boasting a whopping 157 parks and nature centers to explore. Arlington places a strong emphasis on community, with farmers' markets and festivals like the Arlington Festival of the Arts, Quarterfest, the Capital Pride Celebration, the Rosslyn Jazz Fest, the Arlington County Fair, and more happening throughout the year. These events foster a sense of belonging, making Arlington not just a place to live but a place to call home.

Arlington has received wide recognition from various publications, nabbing some pretty high rankings on these lists:

2023 Best Cities to Live in America (by Niche)

2023 Best Cities to Raise a Family in America (by Niche)

2023 Best Cities for Young Professionals in America (by Niche)

2020 and 2019 Most Educated Cities (by Insurify)

2019 Best U.S. Cities for Public Transit (by Redfin)

2017 Top Large-Sized Community for Economic Success (by Fourth Economy Index)

2016 Hardest-Working Cities in America (by SmartAsset) 

Northern Virginia is known for its great schools. The public schools in Arlington are operated by one of 3 public school districts Fairfax County Public Schools, Arlington Public Schools, and Alexandria City Public Schools. You can explore the zoned schools for each home you are considering using these tools,  Fairfax County Boundary Finder, Arlington Boundary Finder, and Alexandria City Boundary Finder. I recommend carefully researching area schools before making a home purchase since where you live will have a big impact on the type of education your children will receive. If you live in Arlington, here is a list of the schools that your children could be districted to: 

To learn more about Private Schools in Northern Virginia, Click Here!

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