2023 Best Neighborhoods to Live in the Washington, D.C. Area

• Neighborhood in Arlington, VA

• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  1 review

Current Resident: Arlington Virginia is simply the best of the best in the entire Washington DC area, and well beyond the DC area in my opinion. First and perhaps foremost, the city was designed with the metro stops in mind. Getting anywhere on public transportation is incredibly easy. In these clusters around each and every metro stop, you will find wonderful places to eat, housing, excellent places of employment and great shopping. There are parks galore and everyone seems to be enjoying where they live. The vibe is one of a vibrant city where there is lots to do. There is a reason that Arlington is considered the most desirable place to live in the area. Arlington, along with Alexandria, are the only two areas around Washington DC that feel like real cities; so much more than just bedroom communities that you find on the other side of the river. All this plus incredible history and only five minutes to all the attractions in Washington DC.... Read 1 review

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Population 2,895

• Neighborhood in Arlington, VA

• •
  Rating 3.78 out of 5  9 reviews

Current Resident: Probably the best area within the Rosslyn to Ballston city corridor if you are a professional in your 30s (you might feel "old" at Courthouse). You will see some seniors as well, and more kids in this area - a nice mix. Extremily safe, and yes, there are what appears to be maybe 2-3 homeless people on any given day near each meteo, but I don't recall seeing anyone sleeping on the streets, and I've seen far more inroxicated 20 somethings in Clarendon on a Saturday night than I have any other population. It's a fun spirited area, and VA Square is just down the road, but Ballston has like 3 or 4 Starbucks so I'm good. The Ballston Quarter also turned out nice, but I've only gone to the theatre and Macy's, have not yet visited all the attractions.... Read 9 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Population 3,209

• Neighborhood in Arlington, VA

• •
  Rating 4 out of 5  2 reviews

Former Resident: After living in midtown Manhattan for ten years, we lived in the Belvedere Condominium for five years on Oak Street. If you are making $175K + this is a decent place to live, but not a lot to do at night, but you can Uber to Georgetown or Old Town. There are only a few good restaurants within walking distance but being near the Metro, Safeway, and Target is great. There was a mugging on Oak and I saw a car vandalized - both of which happen in NYC, so rather surprised that the safety rating is so high. The Belvedere is not anything like a Manhattan doorman building (staff is arrogant & rude) but it covered all the amenities we needed: David’s small store/dry cleaners in the building, parking, pool/gym. If you want to get home quickly after work/near DCA this is your location. Getting a job here is extremely difficult for professional women over 45, so it was time for us to go when I hit my expiration date. Neighbors are nice, but expect artificially inflated egos for no reason at all.... Read 2 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Population 7,005

• Neighborhood in Arlington, VA

• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  3 reviews

Former Resident: I lived in Bluemont between 1985 and 2007. I walked to Ballston Metro station and rode in to DC for work. I liked being nearby to parks, a swim club and local stores. When we moved in, we had neighbors who worked as restaurant cook, laundry machine repair, and print shop. But within 10 years after moving in, we could have never afforded to buy there, and the population changed toward lawyers and techies.... Read 3 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Population 6,689

• Neighborhood in Arlington, VA

• •
  Rating 4.14 out of 5  7 reviews

Current Resident: Absolutely love living here! It’s the best mix of DC/ Arlington living with a newly rising restaurant scene, solid quality of life, a short walk from Georgetown and running trails on the Potomac. Also featuring beer gardens, exercise classes at Gateway Park, many community events, and the best people. I love my neighbors and how active and connected this area is. Rosslyn is my home.... Read 7 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Population 1,188

• Neighborhood in Arlington, VA

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Population 1,455

• Neighborhood in Arlington, VA

• •
  Rating 4 out of 5  1 review

Niche User: The only crime I am really aware of that is visible in the area is adolescent pranks and vandalism, which only happens rarely... Read 1 review

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Population 2,032

• Neighborhood in Arlington, VA

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Population 1,693

• Neighborhood in Arlington, VA

• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  2 reviews

Current Resident: It's a very quick trip to Ballston or Washington DC which is convenient for commuting. Many restaurants and stores are walking distance.... Read 2 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Population 934

• Neighborhood in Arlington, VA

• •
  Rating 4.5 out of 5  4 reviews

Current Resident: Friendly community, super schools, involved civic association, bike trail, playgrounds, no HOAs, walkable.... Read 4 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Population 4,172

• Neighborhood in Arlington, VA

• •
  Rating 4.63 out of 5  8 reviews

Niche User: Although traffic may be a little rough during rush hour, this area is amazing! As a student I was able to network and volunteer with the EU and NIAF, as well as other non-profits, like PAVE. When my school had to perform at the Kennedy Center, I was just a metro ride away. Simply wonderful to live in an area so convenient, safe, and clean.... Read 8 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Population 3,369

• Neighborhood in Arlington, VA

• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  2 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Population 2,847

• Neighborhood in Arlington, VA

• •
  Rating 4.25 out of 5  4 reviews

Current Resident: Penrose is a wonderful, family-friendly, neighborhood with a number of restaurants and shops along Columbia Pike, and parks throughout the neighborhood. The neighborhood's location makes it easy to get in to D.C., on to Metro, the Pentagon, Pentagon City/Crystal City to the south and Clarendon/Courthouse/Rosslyn to the north. Most homes and condos are on the smaller size throughout the neighborhood, but this helps to contribute to the overall friendliness of the community because more children and adults go outside of their homes and backyards in to public parks and spaces for recreation.... Read 4 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A

• Population 6,537

• Neighborhood in Arlington, VA

• grade A+

• grade A

• Population 2,793

• Neighborhood in Arlington, VA

• •
  Rating 4 out of 5  13 reviews

Current Resident: Fairlington (built 1940-'45) is just up the hill & walking distance from Shirlington restaurants, library, movie & live theater, shops & grocery store/pharmacy. F'ton has 2 distinct areas, North & South. Both extremely walkable, dog friendly (leashed), w/ abundant tree coverage & parking. So. Fair. units have more families, North more diversity. North was built taller & later than South. Red brick bldg. interiors often updated. North is 1 condo association; South, mult. associations. Negatives: condo dues $300-$400+ p/mo.; older construction; assoc. financial issues bear watching; increasing car traffic w/newer dev's. Additional Positives: Bradlee Shopping Ctr. nearby, new Alex West dev.; good access to public transit.... Read 13 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A

• Population 6,963

• Neighborhood in Arlington, VA

• •
  Rating 4.67 out of 5  6 reviews

Current Resident: With quick access to Rosslyn and DC, Westover has the advantages of the other neighborhoods in Arlington with the added bonus of good restaurants within a few blocks and lots of green spaces. The local community group has worked with the county to avoid the creation of McMansions on small lots which has helped Westover retain the diversity that adds to the community. Arlington schools are great and well supported by the parents.... Read 6 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Population 2,111

• Neighborhood in Arlington, VA

• •
  Rating 4.2 out of 5  5 reviews

Current Resident: I've lived here for about three years now and being the pessimistic and boredom prone person that I am, I have to admit that I love it here. It's a very nice and calm place (despite being so close to the metro station) with a very welcoming community. There are lots of stuff to do, too; the area is surrounded by cool stores.... Read 5 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Population 8,210

• Neighborhood in Arlington, VA

• •
  Rating 3.33 out of 5  3 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Population 3,634

• Neighborhood in Arlington, VA

• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  4 reviews

Current Resident: Lovely historic community where everyone knows each other, strong sense of community, very family friendly, lots of front porch gatherings, neighborhood book club, neighborhood sing alongs, safe for kids to run free a little, walkable to grocery, pharmacy, restaurants. I love my neighborhood and my beautiful 1915 farmhouse!... Read 4 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Population 1,225

• Neighborhood in Arlington, VA

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Population 1,471

• Neighborhood in Alexandria, VA

• •
  Rating 3.57 out of 5  7 reviews

Niche User: I feel safe on a regular basis. I walk often as well. There are a few apartment complexes in the surrounding area that occasionally have police presence. I cannot however, speak about the nature of their presence.... Read 7 reviews

• grade A+

• grade B+

• Population 3,524

• Neighborhood in Arlington, VA

• •
  Rating 4 out of 5  1 review

Current Resident: The Arlington neighborhood that I am in is best for people the lower 20s age range, students. I can't speak for families and that lifestyle but it seems to mostly be rented out townhouses and rooms outside of the complexes. Downside of the bars and such is people aren't as friendly, not as willing to strike up conversation and be outgoing with someone outside of their "group" like other cities.... Read 1 review

• grade A+

• grade A

• Population 1,191

• Neighborhood in Arlington, VA

• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  2 reviews

Current Resident: Lived here for 17 years and love it! All the convenience of city living with the ability to own a home with large trees & back yard. Walk, bike, scoot, or drive to parks, restaurants, Metro, work, or even Costco, the mall, or the airport. Neighbors generally friendly & down to earth. Schools, churches, civic orgs all great. Downsides: housing is getting expensive, but there are still opportunities; nightlife options limited, but growing; area is super popular & home to new Amazon HQ2, so must be willing to accommodate change & growth.... Read 2 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A

• Population 5,134

• Neighborhood in Alexandria, VA

• •
  Rating 4.29 out of 5  7 reviews

Current Resident: Low crime, friendly residents, good schools, great restaurants, outdoor activities, farmer's market, walkability, door parks, etc. I do like people are out and about but there is low noise, and a lot of trees. Public transportation is great, but there is parking available everywhere without meters! Most residents are younger adults and professionals. I can't find any cons other than its pricey, but you often get what you pay for.... Read 7 reviews

• grade A+

• grade B+

• Population 14,547

• Neighborhood in Arlington, VA

• grade A+

• grade A

• Population 5,790