Arlington’s History and Neighborhoods

Information gleamed from the Arlington, Virginia Visitor’s Guide 2005.

Very few regions in the United States can boost a local history that is so tied to the national story. Arlington, Virginia is one of these regions. Located just across the Potomac River from Washington, DC, Arlington was once part of the original Federal city. From the very beginning to present day, Arlington has played a leading role in the formation of the Washington, DC area.

In 1791, Major Andrew Ellicott, geographer-general to George Washington and the Federal Government, led the team that laid out the original boundaries of the District of Columbia (DC). Assisting Ellicott was Benjamin Banneker, the free, self-taught mathematician and astronomer known as the “first black man of science.” Banneker fixed the position of the first boundary stone in 1791, and the exact starting point for the survey of the District. Part of Banneker’s original boundaries defines what is today Arlington County.

Arlington House rises above the Potomac River and overlooks Washington, DC. The 19th century mansion, which was intended as a living memorial to George Washington, was built and occupied by the first president’s adopted grandson, George Washington Parke Custis. In 1831, Custis’ only child, Mary Anna Randolph Custis, married her childhood friend and distant cousin, Robert E. Lee. The couple lived at Arlington House until 1861, when Virginia seceded from the Union. Lee, who had been named a major general for the Virginia military forces, feared for his wife’s safety and instructed her to flee from Arlington House. The mansion was occupied by Union troops during the war.

When property taxes were levied against the Arlington estate and were not paid in person by Mrs. Lee following the war, the property was confiscated by the federal government and offered for public sale. The estate was purchased by a tax commissioner for “government use, for war, military, charitable and educational purposes,” and a 200-acre section was set aside for a military cemetery, known today as Arlington National Cemetery.

Arlington is an urban county of about 26 square miles. No incorporated towns or cities lie within Arlington's boundaries. Originally part of the area surveyed for the nation's capital, the portion on the west bank of the Potomac River was returned to the Commonwealth of Virginia by the U.S. Congress in 1846. This area was known as Alexandria City and Alexandria County until 1920 when the county portion was renamed Arlington County.

Arlington today is an area cultural diversity and a population boom as more people are returning to the cities to be closer to where they work.

Arlington had an estimated population of 198,267 on January 1, 2005, reflecting a 5% increase since 2000. It is among the most densely populated jurisdictions in the country with a population density of about 7,700 persons per square mile–higher than cities such as Seattle, Minneapolis and Pittsburgh.

Arlington's population is racially, ethnically and culturally diverse. More than 40% of Arlington's residents are Hispanic/Latino, African- American, Asian or multi-racial. More than one-quarter of residents were born outside the U.S. Arlington County public school children speak more than 60 different languages. Arlington residents are among the most highly educated in the nation. Over 60% of adults age 25 and older have a bachelor's degree or higher and 30% of adults have a graduate or professional degree.

Although perhaps best known to visitors as the home of the Pentagon and Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington boasts high quality residential neighborhoods (see below). Residents are actively involved in the community. Arlington has over 50 civic associations, dozens of citizen boards and commissions, and over 100 community service organizations. There are almost 200 public parks and playgrounds, 86 miles of biking/jogging trails, 14 community centers, 5 theaters and 8 libraries in Arlington for residents and visitors to enjoy.

Arlington's central location in the Washington DC metropolitan area, its ease of access by car and public transportation, and its highly skilled labor force have attracted an increasingly varied residential and commercial mix. Arlington has focused high-density commercial and residential development around Metro Rail stations in the Rosslyn-Ballston and Jefferson Davis Metro Corridors, while maintaining lower density residential neighborhoods in the rest of the County.

Arlington had an estimated 195,205 jobs as of January 1, 2005. The federal government is the largest single employer in the County. Arlington's top 5 private employers are US Airways, Verizon, Marriott Corporation, SAIC and Virginia Hospital Center. In December 2004, Arlington's unemployment rate was 1.4%.

Arlington has more private office space than downtown Los Angeles, Atlanta or Seattle. In 2004, 331,178 square feet of office space was completed and 2.5 million square feet of office space was under construction. The office vacancy rate in 4th quarter 2004 was 13.2% but the vacancy rates in some office markets, including Rosslyn, Clarendon/Court House and Virginia Square, were significantly lower.

Arlington's tax base is approximately evenly divided between commercial and residential properties, enabling the County to maintain one of the lowest tax rates in the Washington DC region. In 2005, the tax rate is $0.958 per $100 of assessed value.

Neighborhoods

(Information from Arlington’s Urban Villages):

Ballston

With the Ballston Common Mall and other shops, a variety of restaurants, and major employers all within a few blocks of the Ballston Metro station, it's easy to live work, shop, and play in Ballston without having to drive. Ballston is served by Metrobus, Metrorail, ART-Arlington Transit, bike lanes and routes, pedestrian amenities, and car-sharing services.

Clarendon

Clarendon is not only a hip place to hang out after work, it also offers mid-sized office buildings near the Clarendon Metro station and safe, stable neighborhoods full of single-family homes and tree-lined streets. Offering great opportunities to live and work, in addition to 'playing,' Clarendon is served by Metrobus, Metrorail, ART-Arlington Transit, bike lanes and routes, pedestrian amenities, and car-sharing services.

Columbia Pike

Columbia Pike is a vibrant, busy thoroughfare running east and west all the way across Arlington. A lively, diverse mix of commercial and residential development exists all along the Pike, and frequent bus service makes it easy to get around. Columbia Pike is served by both Metrobus and ART-Arlington Transit. The Pike is also served by a bike/pedestrian trail and on-street bike routes.

Court House

One of the escalators from the Court House Metro station leads to Courthouse Plaza, a lovely pedestrian mall with 19 shops and restaurants. Arlington County's administrative offices, courts, and police department are here, and a large Verizon office building ensures that the private sector is also well represented in the neighborhood. Court House is served by Metrobus, Metrorail, bike lanes and routes, pedestrian amenities, and car-sharing services.

Crystal City

Crystal City is an Urban Village on more than one level - literally. A network of underground shops and walkways make this community unique. Above ground, Crystal City offers a dramatic streetscape of shops, office buildings, and hotels, all close to National Airport and Metrorail. The community is also well served by Metrobus and ART-Arlington Transit, and has its own VRE station.

Lee Highway

Unlike most of Arlington's urban villages, Lee Highway is not one neighborhood, but a continuum of neighborhoods blending into each other along a commercial corridor. Williamsburg, Lee-Harrison, Highview Park, Lee Heights, Cherrydale, and Lyon Village each have their own unique neighborhood feel and their own shopping areas on or near Lee Highway. Metrobus Route 3 makes it easy to travel down the highway a bit to visit or shop in one of the other neighborhoods, or to connect to Metrorail at East Falls Church station on the west end of the corridor or Rosslyn station to the east.

Pentagon City

Conveniently located on Metrorail's Blue and Yellow lines, Pentagon City is a shopping destination for all of Arlington, and indeed all of the Washington, D.C. area. But shopping isn't all this urban village has to offer. New apartment and office buildings, parks and open space round out this rapidly-developing neighborhood. Pentagon City is also served by Metrobus and is a short distance from the VRE commuter rail station in Crystal City.

Rosslyn

Rosslyn is Arlington's closest urban village to the Potomac River and Washington, D.C. Sculptures by noteworthy artists are nestled among the towering buildings, and the Rosslyn Spectrum Theatre provides area fun-seekers with cabaret concerts by Broadway performers, an annual independent film festival, and everything in between.

Shirlington

Shirlington's combination of shopping, restaurants, theaters, parks, bike trails, and other leisure activities make it a great place for an active urban lifestyle. The W&OD and Four Mile Run bike trails connect Shirlington to a network of trails extending through Arlington, D.C., and Alexandria. Several Metrobus routes provide links to the Metrorail stations at the Pentagon and Pentagon City.

Virginia Square

Virginia Square is one of Arlington's more peaceful urban villages. A few blocks away from the Metro station are quiet residential neighborhoods. Quincy Park, one of four parks within walking distance of the Metro, is a favorite destination for brown-bag lunch eaters in the summer. Arlington Central Library and two nearby churches contribute to the small-town feel. Virginia Square is served by Metrobus, Metrorail, ART-Arlington Transit, bike lanes and routes, pedestrian amenities, and car-sharing services.

Westover

With the emphasis less on urban and more on village, Westover combines quiet residential streets with a small commercial area providing convenient shopping, restaurants and services. East Falls Church Metro station, a few blocks from the stores, is accessible on foot or by bicycle. Swanson Middle School and a branch library are within easy walking distance.