Living In Virginia Square: A Guide To Arlington, VA

Virginia Square in Arlington, Virginia, is a vibrant urban neighborhood known for its convenient location, access to amenities, and lively atmosphere. If you're considering moving to or visiting Virginia Square, this guide provides a comprehensive overview of what this neighborhood offers.

What Makes Virginia Square Special?

Virginia Square stands out due to its:

• Prime Location: Situated in the heart of Arlington, Virginia Square offers easy access to Washington, D.C., and other parts of Northern Virginia.
• Metro Access: The Virginia Square-GMU Metro station on the Orange and Silver Lines makes commuting and exploring the region incredibly convenient.
• Educational Hub: Home to the Arlington campus of George Mason University (GMU), the neighborhood has a strong academic presence and a youthful energy.
• Walkability: With a Walk Score of 90, Virginia Square is considered a "Walker's Paradise." Most errands can be accomplished on foot.
• Mix of Urban Amenities: The neighborhood boasts a diverse range of restaurants, shops, parks, and entertainment options.

Who Lives in Virginia Square?

Virginia Square attracts a diverse population, including:

• Students: Due to the presence of GMU, many students call Virginia Square home.
• Young Professionals: The neighborhood's proximity to D.C. and the vibrant urban environment appeal to young professionals.
• Families: With excellent schools and parks nearby, Virginia Square is also a great place for families.
• Long-Time Residents: Virginia Square has a mix of newer developments and established homes, creating a community of long-time residents and newcomers.

Getting Around Virginia Square

• Metro: The Virginia Square-GMU station is the primary transit hub, providing access to the Orange and Silver Lines.
• Bus: Several Metrobus routes serve the neighborhood, connecting it to other parts of Arlington and D.C.
• Walking and Biking: Virginia Square's walkability and bike-friendly infrastructure make it easy to get around without a car.
• Car: While not essential, having a car can be convenient for exploring areas outside of Virginia Square. Street parking and garage parking are available, but can be limited in some areas.

Things to Do in Virginia Square

• Dining: Virginia Square offers a wide array of dining options, from casual eateries to upscale restaurants. Popular choices include local favorites like [Restaurant Name] and [Restaurant Name], offering diverse cuisines.
• Shopping: The neighborhood features a mix of retail stores, including grocery stores, pharmacies, and boutiques. The nearby Ballston Quarter mall provides additional shopping options.
• Parks and Recreation: Several parks and green spaces are located in and around Virginia Square.
  • [Park Name]: [Description of the park, e.g., a popular spot for picnics and outdoor activities].
  • [Park Name]: [Description of the park, e.g., featuring a playground and community garden].
• Arts and Culture: George Mason University's Arlington campus hosts various cultural events, including performances, exhibitions, and lectures.
• Entertainment: Catch a movie at the nearby AMC theater or enjoy the nightlife in Ballston, just a short walk away.

Living in Virginia Square: Housing and Cost of Living

• Housing Options: Virginia Square offers a mix of housing options, including apartments, condos, townhouses, and single-family homes. Newer high-rise apartment buildings are common near the Metro station, while older homes can be found in the residential areas.
• Cost of Living: The cost of living in Virginia Square is higher than the national average, but comparable to other urban neighborhoods in Arlington and the D.C. area. Housing costs are a significant factor, with rent and home prices being relatively high.
• Real Estate Trends: [Include up-to-date information on real estate trends in Virginia Square. Source reputable real estate websites like Zillow, Redfin, or Realtor.com for data on median home prices, average rent, and market activity.]
  • Example: According to Zillow, the median home price in Virginia Square is currently $[Price] (as of [Date]).

Schools in Virginia Square

Virginia Square is served by the Arlington Public Schools system, which is highly regarded.

• Elementary Schools: [List elementary schools serving the area, including links to their websites, if available].
• Middle Schools: [List middle schools serving the area, including links to their websites, if available].
• High Schools: [List high schools serving the area, including links to their websites, if available].
• George Mason University (Arlington Campus): The presence of GMU adds to the educational atmosphere of the neighborhood and offers a variety of academic programs and resources.

Safety and Community

• Safety: Virginia Square is generally considered a safe neighborhood, with a lower crime rate than some other urban areas. However, like any urban environment, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions.
• Community: The neighborhood has a strong sense of community, with various community events and initiatives throughout the year. The Virginia Square Civic Association is active in representing the interests of residents.

Pros and Cons of Living in Virginia Square

Pros:

• Excellent Location: Close proximity to D.C. and other parts of Northern Virginia.
• Metro Access: Convenient access to public transportation.
• Walkability: Easy to get around on foot.
• Urban Amenities: Diverse dining, shopping, and entertainment options.
• Educational Opportunities: Home to George Mason University's Arlington campus.
• Parks and Green Spaces: Access to several parks and recreational areas.

Cons:

• High Cost of Living: Housing costs are relatively high.
• Limited Parking: Parking can be challenging in some areas.
• Urban Environment: Can be noisy and crowded at times.

FAQs About Virginia Square

Q: Is Virginia Square a safe place to live? A: Yes, Virginia Square is generally considered safe, with a lower crime rate than some other urban areas. However, it's always important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions.

Q: What is the commute like from Virginia Square to D.C.? A: The commute to D.C. from Virginia Square is very convenient via the Metro's Orange and Silver Lines. The ride typically takes [Estimate commute time, e.g., 15-20 minutes] to reach downtown D.C.

Q: What are the schools like in Virginia Square? A: Virginia Square is served by the Arlington Public Schools system, which is highly regarded. There are several excellent elementary, middle, and high schools in the area.

Q: What is there to do in Virginia Square? A: Virginia Square offers a variety of activities, including dining, shopping, parks, cultural events at GMU, and easy access to entertainment in nearby Ballston.

Q: What is the cost of living in Virginia Square? A: The cost of living in Virginia Square is higher than the national average, primarily due to housing costs. However, it's comparable to other urban neighborhoods in Arlington and the D.C. area. — Timber Wolf Vs Husky: Key Differences & Comparison

Q: How walkable is Virginia Square? A: Virginia Square is very walkable, with a Walk Score of 90. Most errands can be accomplished on foot. — West Monroe, LA: Accurate Weather Forecast & Updates

Q: Is Virginia Square a good place for families? A: Yes, Virginia Square can be a great place for families, with excellent schools, parks, and a family-friendly atmosphere. However, the high cost of living may be a factor to consider. — Wall Street Phone Number: Contacting Financial Firms

Conclusion

Virginia Square offers a vibrant urban lifestyle with a convenient location, excellent amenities, and a strong sense of community. Whether you're a student, young professional, or family, Virginia Square has something to offer. If you're looking for an urban neighborhood with easy access to D.C. and a lively atmosphere, Virginia Square is definitely worth considering.

Ready to explore Virginia Square further? Contact a local real estate agent to learn more about housing options and find your perfect home in this dynamic Arlington neighborhood.