Arlington Neighborhoods, Locations and Districts

(Arlington, Virginia - VA, USA)

Arlington has a large number of diverse neighborhoods and districts, each with a good mix of attractions, shopping and eating and entertainment venues. One of the hallmarks of Arlington is its collection of 'Urban Villages', which are walkable, mixed-use neighborhoods, well served by public transportation.

Ballston District

Out of all of Arlington's 'Urban Villages', Ballston is the one that most resembles a downtown area. The buildings in this area are taller than in the rest of Arlington and the area hums with commercial activity. Ballston is also a particularly good place to eat in Arlington, with a diverse selection of restaurants, ranging from Tex-Mex to Lebanese and Thai. Ballston Common Mall is one of the main shopping areas in Arlington and is located only a short walk from the Metro station.

Rosslyn District

Situated just across the Potomac River, opposite Washington DC and within easy reach of central Arlington, Rosslyn is a major cultural center, as well as being a great base from which to explore America's capital. Sculptures by well-known contemporary artists nestle among the office buildings of Rosslyn and the area is also home to the Rosslyn Spectrum Theater, which hosts cabarets and Broadway musicals. An independent film festival and a highly popular jazz festival add to the many cultural attractions of Rosslyn.

Clarendon District

The center of Arlington's nightlife, Clarendon is perhaps the hippest of Arlington's 'Urban Villages'. Offbeat and original, Clarendon is filled with unique bars, eclectic restaurants and funky shops. Although the major retail chains operate in this area, Clarendon is known for its wide variety of home-grown small businesses. The young crowd and diverse culture make this one of the most vibrant areas of Arlington.

Pentagon City

Having seen most of its development in the last 20 years, Pentagon City has a fresh and shiny, brand new atmosphere. This is the place for shopping in Arlington and the area boasts the best collection of shops, restaurants and cafés in Arlington. The Fashion Center at Pentagon City is a highlight and features 130 retailers under its huge skylight. There are a large number of other indoor and outdoor shopping centers situated nearby, making this the major retail destination in the Arlington area.

Crystal City District

Arlington's Crystal City is characterized by its multi-level design, with a large network of underground streets and walkways that are host to many of the area's shops and commercial centers. Above ground, Crystal City is a mix of high-rise office buildings and hotels alongside single family dwellings set on tree-lined streets.

Shirlington District

The Shirlington district of Arlington is a wonderful mix of cafés, restaurants and theaters set in a green landscape of rolling hills and wide lawns. There are several parks in the area, as well as a number of bike trails that lead into Washington and rural Virginia. The peaceful, shady streets and trails combine with a small town atmosphere to make this a favorite area with Arlington visitors and residents alike.