If you’re looking for a home in a neighborhood in Arlington, VA this year, exploring the cities nearby might be your best bet. Although Arlington is a good place to live, these neighboring cities offer a blend of affordability and accessibility, providing a range of options for both renters and buyers. Live at an arm’s reach away from Arlington in these top cities. In this Redfin article, you can compare rent and housing costs, learn commute times, and find something that fits your budget and preferences.
1. Alexandria, VA
Average commute to Arlington: 15 min
Median home sale price: $635,000
Average rent: $2,031
Alexandria is great for: Historic sites, waterfront activities, vibrant arts scene
Alexandria is a charming city known for its well-preserved 18th- and 19th-century architecture and cobblestone streets. The historic Old Town area is a major draw, featuring boutique shops, restaurants, and the scenic waterfront along the Potomac River. The Torpedo Factory Art Center is a popular attraction, housing numerous artist studios and galleries. Alexandria’s economy benefits from its proximity to Washington, D.C., with many residents working in government, defense, and tech sectors. The city offers a blend of urban and suburban lifestyles, with a strong sense of community and numerous parks and recreational facilities. Alexandria is also known for its commitment to sustainability and green initiatives.
Interested in moving to Alexandria? Check out:
Homes for sale in Alexandria, VA | Apartments for rent in Alexandria, VA | Houses for rent in Alexandria, VA
2. Fairfax, VA
Average commute to Arlington: 30 min
Median home sale price: $778,000
Average rent: $2,162
Fairfax is great for: Educational institutions, cultural events, suburban living
Fairfax is a city that offers a blend of suburban tranquility and urban amenities. Known for its excellent public schools and George Mason University, Fairfax is a hub for education and research. The city hosts numerous cultural events, including the annual Fairfax Spotlight on the Arts Festival. The historic downtown area features a variety of shops, restaurants, and the Fairfax Museum and Visitor Center. Fairfax’s economy is bolstered by its proximity to major employment centers in Northern Virginia and Washington, D.C. Residents enjoy a high quality of life with access to parks, trails, and community centers. The city is also known for its efforts in promoting sustainability and green living.
Interested in moving to Fairfax? Check out:
Homes for sale in Fairfax, VA | Apartments for rent in Fairfax, VA | Houses for rent in Fairfax, VA
3. Falls Church, VA
Average commute to Arlington: 20 min
Median home sale price: $875,000
Average rent: $1,922
Falls Church is great for: Small-town charm, excellent schools, community events
Falls Church is a small city with a big sense of community. Known for its top-rated public schools and friendly atmosphere, Falls Church offers a suburban lifestyle with easy access to urban amenities. The city hosts a variety of community events, including the popular Falls Church Farmers Market. The historic Cherry Hill Farmhouse and Park is a local landmark, offering a glimpse into the area’s past. Falls Church’s economy is supported by a mix of local businesses and its proximity to major employment centers in Northern Virginia and Washington, D.C. Residents enjoy a high quality of life with numerous parks, trails, and recreational facilities. The city is also committed to sustainability and green initiatives.
Interested in moving to Falls Church? Check out:
Homes for sale in Falls Church, VA | Apartments for rent in Falls Church, VA | Houses for rent in Falls Church, VA
4. Reston, VA
Average commute to Arlington: 35 min
Median home sale price: $600,000
Average rent: $2,262
Reston is great for: Planned communities, outdoor activities, tech jobs
Reston is a planned community known for its balance of residential, commercial, and recreational spaces. The Reston Town Center is a bustling hub for shopping, dining, and entertainment. The city boasts numerous parks, lakes, and trails, making it ideal for outdoor enthusiasts. Reston’s economy is driven by the tech sector, with many companies headquartered in the area. The community offers a suburban lifestyle with a strong sense of community and numerous amenities. Reston is also known for its commitment to sustainability and green living, with various initiatives aimed at reducing its environmental impact.
Interested in moving to Reston? Check out:
Homes for sale in Reston, VA | Apartments for rent in Reston, VA | Houses for rent in Reston, VA
5. Herndon, VA
Average commute to Arlington: 40 min
Median home sale price: $515,000
Average rent: $2,142
Herndon is great for: Tech jobs, historic charm, community events
Herndon is a town that offers a mix of historic charm and modern amenities. The downtown area features a variety of shops, restaurants, and the Herndon Depot Museum. The town hosts numerous community events, including the annual Herndon Festival. Herndon’s economy is driven by the tech sector, with many companies located in the nearby Dulles Technology Corridor. The community offers a suburban lifestyle with a strong sense of community and numerous parks and recreational facilities. Herndon is also known for its commitment to sustainability and green initiatives, with various programs aimed at reducing its environmental impact.
Interested in moving to Herndon? Check out:
Homes for sale in Herndon, VA | Apartments for rent in Herndon, VA | Houses for rent in Herndon, VA
6. Vienna, VA
Average commute to Arlington: 30 min
Median home sale price: $1,255,00
Average rent: $2,265
Vienna is great for: Small-town charm, excellent schools, community events
Vienna is a town known for its small-town charm and strong sense of community. The historic downtown area features a variety of shops, restaurants, and the Freeman Store and Museum. The town hosts numerous community events, including the annual ViVa! Vienna! festival. Vienna’s economy is supported by a mix of local businesses and its proximity to major employment centers in Northern Virginia and Washington, D.C. Residents enjoy a high quality of life with access to parks, trails, and community centers. Vienna is also known for its excellent public schools and commitment to sustainability and green initiatives.
Interested in moving to Vienna? Check out:
Homes for sale in Vienna, VA | Apartments for rent in Vienna, VA | Houses for rent in Vienna, VA
7. Annandale, VA
Average commute to Arlington: 25 min
Median home sale price: $705,000
Average rent: $1,646
Annandale is great for: Cultural diversity, dining scene, suburban living
Annandale is a diverse community known for its vibrant dining scene and suburban lifestyle. The city offers a variety of international cuisines, with a particular emphasis on Korean food. The Annandale Farmers Market is a popular destination for fresh produce and local goods. Annandale’s economy benefits from its proximity to major employment centers in Northern Virginia and Washington, D.C. Residents enjoy a high quality of life with access to parks, trails, and community centers. The city is also known for its cultural diversity and commitment to sustainability and green initiatives.
Interested in moving to Annandale? Check out:
Homes for sale in Annandale, VA | Apartments for rent in Annandale, VA | Houses for rent in Annandale, VA
8. McLean, VA
Average commute to Arlington: 20 min
Median home sale price: $1,825,000
Average rent: $2,234
McLean is great for: Luxury living, excellent schools, proximity to D.C.
McLean is an affluent community known for its luxury homes and excellent public schools. The city offers a suburban lifestyle with easy access to urban amenities in Washington, D.C. The Tysons Corner Center and Tysons Galleria are major shopping destinations in the area. McLean’s economy is supported by a mix of local businesses and its proximity to major employment centers in Northern Virginia and Washington, D.C. Residents enjoy a high quality of life with access to parks, trails, and community centers. McLean is also known for its commitment to sustainability and green initiatives.
Interested in moving to McLean? Check out:
Homes for sale in McLean, VA | Apartments for rent in McLean, VA | Houses for rent in McLean, VA
9. Burke, VA
Average commute to Arlington: 35 min
Median home sale price: $870,000
Average rent: $1,917
Burke is great for: Friendly atmosphere, parks and recreation, suburban living
Burke is a community known for its friendly atmosphere and suburban lifestyle. The city offers numerous parks and recreational facilities, including Burke Lake Park, which features a lake, trails, and picnic areas. The Burke Farmers Market is a popular destination for fresh produce and local goods. Burke’s economy is supported by a mix of local businesses and its proximity to major employment centers in Northern Virginia and Washington, D.C. Residents enjoy a high quality of life with access to excellent public schools and community centers. Burke is also known for its commitment to sustainability and green initiatives.
Interested in moving to Burke? Check out:
Homes for sale in Burke, VA | Apartments for rent in Burke, VA | Houses for rent in Burke, VA
10. Springfield, VA
Average commute to Arlington: 30 min
Median home sale price: $715,000
Average rent: $1,630
Springfield is great for: Shopping and dining, suburban living, community events
Springfield is a community known for its shopping and dining options and suburban lifestyle. The Springfield Town Center is a major shopping destination in the area. The city hosts numerous community events, including the annual Springfield Days festival. Springfield’s economy is supported by a mix of local businesses and its proximity to major employment centers in Northern Virginia and Washington, D.C. Residents enjoy a high quality of life with access to parks, trails, and community centers. Springfield is also known for its commitment to sustainability and green initiatives.
Interested in moving to Springfield? Check out:
Homes for sale in Springfield, VA | Apartments for rent in Springfield, VA | Houses for rent in Springfield, VA 
Methodology: All cities must be less than 50 miles away from Arlington. Median home sale price and rent data sourced from the Redfin and Rent.com during June, 2024.
