Arlington sits directly across the Potomac River from Washington, D.C., making it one of the most strategically positioned communities in the country. As the smallest self-governing county by area in the United States, it packs an outsized presence into just 27 square miles, anchored by major institutions like the Pentagon, Arlington National Cemetery, and Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. George Mason University's Arlington campus and Marymount University add strong educational roots, while the defense, government services, and technology sectors form the backbone of the local economy.
The city's distinct neighborhoods give renters real choices in how they want to live. The Rosslyn-Ballston corridor draws those who want high-rise apartment communities with Metro access and walkable streets. Clarendon brings a livelier street-level energy, while Courthouse and Virginia Square offer a calmer pace.