Things You Might Not Know
About Arlington, VA
From DC retrocession and unified county governance to the world-famous Rosslyn-Ballston Smart Growth corridor, discover the fascinating history, quirks, and real estate drivers of Arlington, Virginia.
The Short Answer
Arlington, Virginia, is a 26-square-mile urban county directly across the Potomac River from Washington DC. Surprising facts about Arlington include: 1) It was originally part of Washington DC until retroceded to Virginia in 1846; 2) It contains zero incorporated cities or towns, operating as a single unified county jurisdiction; 3) It is home to the Pentagon (6.5M sq ft) and the Marine Corps War Memorial (Iwo Jima); 4) The Rosslyn-Ballston Corridor is world-famous for Smart Growth transit planning; and 5) Arlington Public Schools represent over 100 spoken languages. These unique structural, historical, and transit factors contribute to Arlington's status as one of the nation's premier real estate markets.
Arlington Key Facts & Real Estate Impact
How Arlington's historical, structural, and geographic attributes shape local quality of life and property values.
Category | Key Fact / Landmark | Historical / Civic Background | Real Estate & Buyer Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
Jurisdiction | No Incorporated Towns | Entire county operates as a single unified government | Consistent county-wide services, zoning, and public safety |
History | DC Retrocession (1846) | Originally ceded to DC in 1791; voted to return to VA in 1846 | Preserved Virginia property tax rates and state tax structures |
Infrastructure | Rosslyn-Ballston Corridor | 5 Metro stations built underground in the 1970s | High walkability (Walk Score 90+), strong condo appreciation |
Def. Landmarks | The Pentagon & Iwo Jima | 6.5M sq ft office building; 23,000 defense employees | Drives constant military PCS and defense contractor housing demand |
Demographics | 100+ Spoken Languages | High cultural diversity; top-ranked APS district | Top draw for international buyers, STEM families, and young pros |
Source: Arlington County Government Data, Arlington Chamber of Commerce, and Keri Shull Team internal market analytics.
Looking to Buy or Sell in Arlington, VA?
As the #1 real estate team in the DC Metro area headquartered directly in Arlington, the Keri Shull Team has helped thousands of buyers and sellers navigate the Rosslyn-Ballston corridor, National Landing, and historic single-family neighborhoods.
5 Historical & Civic Facts Shaping Arlington Today
Originally Ceded to DC (Retroceded in 1846)
In 1791, Virginia ceded 10 square miles south of the Potomac River to help establish Washington DC. However, in 1846, residents voted to retrocede the land back to Virginia due to economic concerns and lack of congressional representation. That decision established modern Arlington County as a Virginia jurisdiction.
No Cities or Incorporated Towns
Unlike most Virginia counties, Arlington contains zero incorporated cities or towns. Neighborhoods like Clarendon, Rosslyn, and Shirlington are urban villages within a single 26-square-mile unified government structure, ensuring consistent municipal services and streamlined planning.
Global Model for Smart Growth
When Metro was built in the 1970s, Arlington made the landmark decision to place transit lines underground beneath Wilson and Clarendon Boulevards. This created the Rosslyn-Ballston corridor: five walkable urban villages surrounded by protected single-family neighborhoods.
The Pentagon & Iwo Jima Memorial
Arlington is home to the Pentagon (the world's largest office building at 6.5M sq ft with 23,000 workers) and Arlington National Cemetery. Additionally, the iconic Marine Corps War Memorial (Iwo Jima) is located in Arlington overlooking the DC skyline.
100+ Languages & #1 Young Pro Hub
Over 100 languages are spoken in Arlington Public Schools, reflecting a deeply international population. Combined with corporate hubs like Amazon HQ2 at National Landing, Arlington remains a top-ranked destination for young professionals and educated talent.
100+ Miles of Bike Trails & Green Building
Arlington is an award-winning leader in environmental sustainability. With over 100 miles of paved multi-use bike trails (including the W&OD and Mount Vernon trails), extensive EV infrastructure, and LEED-certified high-rises, Arlington is built for sustainable living.
Arlington Neighborhoods at a Glance
Each Arlington submarket offers distinct housing types, walkability scores, and lifestyle advantages. Explore our comprehensive Master Arlington Market Hub for deeper analysis.
Clarendon & Courthouse
The vibrant social center of Arlington. High-density condos, rooftop dining, Trader Joe's, and rapid Orange Line Metro access.
Ballston & Virginia Square
Home to Ballston Quarter food hall, high-rise luxury apartments, research institutions, and modern condo options.
Rosslyn
Skyline views overlooking DC, luxury high-rises, and the fastest 5-minute Metro transit entry into Washington DC.
National Landing & Crystal City
The headquarters site for Amazon HQ2, Virginia Tech Innovation Campus, Reagan National Airport (DCA) access, and Yellow Line Metro.
Shirlington & Fairlington
Arts and dining village featuring Signature Theatre, dog-friendly parks, historic brick townhomes, and easy I-395 access.
North Arlington Single-Family
Prestigious neighborhoods like Country Club Hills, Lyon Village, and Williamsburg featuring top-rated APS schools and luxury estates.
Related Real Estate Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Arlington VA a city or a county?
Arlington is an urban county in Virginia that contains no incorporated cities or towns. The entire 26-square-mile area is governed directly as a single unified county jurisdiction, allowing for streamlined local government services and urban planning.
Why was Arlington retroceded from Washington DC back to Virginia?
In 1791, Virginia ceded land south of the Potomac River to form part of the 10-mile square District of Columbia. In 1846, Congress approved retrocession to return Alexandria County (now Arlington) back to Virginia due to local economic concerns and lack of voting representation in Congress.
What makes the Rosslyn-Ballston Corridor famous in urban planning?
The Rosslyn-Ballston Corridor is world-renowned as a model for Smart Growth and Transit-Oriented Development (TOD). High-density high-rises and commercial hubs were built directly over five Metro stations, preserving surrounding historic single-family neighborhoods.
Is Arlington VA a good place for young professionals to buy real estate?
Yes. Arlington is consistently ranked as one of the best places for young professionals due to its thriving job market (Amazon HQ2, defense, tech), top-tier Walk Scores along the Metro corridors, and strong long-term real estate appreciation.
Ready to Explore Arlington Real Estate?
Partner with Arlington's #1 real estate team. Whether you are looking for a Metro condo in Clarendon, a townhome in Shirlington, or a single-family home in North Arlington, we guide you every step of the way.
