Arlington Overview

Arlington County occupies a compact, highly urbanized area directly across the Potomac River from Washington, D.C. Despite being a county, it functions like a dense city, with walkable neighborhoods, major employment centers, and extensive transit access. Arlington is known for nationally significant sites, including Arlington National Cemetery and the Pentagon, and for redevelopment corridors that have concentrated housing and jobs around Metrorail stations.

Economy

Arlington’s economy is closely tied to federal government and defense activity, supplemented by consulting, technology, and professional services. The county’s office districts—such as the Rosslyn–Ballston corridor and the National Landing area—support a large base of employers and attract new development focused on innovation, entrepreneurship, and mixed-use urban living. Retail, dining, and hospitality are also important, serving both residents and visitors, while the local tax base and planning approach have enabled significant public investment in transportation, parks, and civic facilities.

Education

Arlington Public Schools serve a diverse student population with strong academic programs and language offerings. Higher education and professional training are available through nearby universities in the Washington region, including Arlington-based campuses and satellite facilities that support graduate study, policy programs, and continuing education. Given the county’s employer mix, workforce pathways often emphasize public administration, cybersecurity, data analytics, and health services, with internships and cooperative learning opportunities facilitated by proximity to national institutions and major employers.

Culture

Culturally, Arlington reflects the diversity of the Washington metropolitan area. Neighborhoods feature international dining, community festivals, and a strong performing arts presence supported by theaters, music venues, and cultural centers. The county’s trail system and park network also function as cultural infrastructure, connecting residents to waterfront promenades and regional greenways, while local history—from Civil War-era sites to modern memorial landscapes—remains visible throughout the built environment.

Travel and Entertainment

Visitors often come for the county’s signature landmarks, including Arlington National Cemetery, the Marine Corps War Memorial, and nearby federal memorial areas. Beyond monuments, Arlington offers easy access to shopping and dining districts, riverfront trails with views of the capital skyline, and convenient transit connections for museum touring in Washington. Seasonal events, sports venues in the region, and proximity to Old Town Alexandria make Arlington a practical, well-connected base for both business travel and short leisure stays.