Arlington, Virginia

Arlington is home to a little over 200,000 (202,800) people, according to the 2007 census. Demographically, it is about 70% white, 8% African-American/black, 8% Asian, 4% other, and 10% Hispanic. About 20% of the households have children under 18. The average household size was just over 2, and most people are between about 25 and 44. Genderally, it is split roughly 50/50.

Arlington is a very affluent area. Many of Washington's "power players" reside here, and the median income for a household is around $87,000. Additionally, it is one of (if not the) most educated counties in the country.

Arlington is right across the Potomac from Georgetown. However, if you're looking for something a little more low-key, Arlington is your place. Arlington boasts a plethora of restaurants, especially Mexican and things that are harder to fine, like Thai. And, of course, your usual selection of American and Italian selections. Notable places:

Arrowine-great little wine bar. 4508 Lee Highway.

Top Thai Restaurant. The name pretty much says it all. 523 23rd St S

Guajillo. Great margaritas and mole. 1727 Wilson Blvd.

Alpine Restaurant. Try the linguini and clams. 4770 Lee Hwy.

Palace of Wonders. A great nightclub/bar. 1210 H Street NE

If you can afford to live in Arlington, its totally worth it. The cost of living is pretty high, but so is the quality, and if you work in DC, you are doing yourself a huge favor. A one bedroom in Arlington will typically run you between $1500 and $2100, but you can always find deals. It's not a bad buy, especially for the area. Additionally, alot of houses are available to rent through landlords, check Craig's List or the classifieds to fine one if you have a couple people looking to move with you.

Arlington is home to the National Airport, Ronald Regan National Airport (airport code: DCA). It is also within about an hour of both Baltimore Washington International (BWI) and Washington-Dulles (IAD).

Arlington has 11 Metro stops, along the Yellow, Blue, and Orange Lines.

Bus service includes the Metrobus, Virginia Railway Express, and Arlington Transit.

If you drive, parking is much easier than in D.C. There is generally a decent amount of street parking, though beware of permit-only areas, which about and are strictly enforced. Additionally, there are plenty of garages.

Additionally, Arlington has a myriad of designated bicycle paths, and many of their main roads have special bike lanes. Therefore, if you are only going a short distance, many in Arlington choose this healthier, faster, and more eco-friendly option.

Traffic in Arlington is terrible, especially during rush hour. If you can avoid driving during these times, do so.

Finding a nice apartment in Arlington can be a trying task--between the large number of apartment buildings available and the wide range, quality-wise, that they span.

If you're trying to save money, try Craig's List. People in Arlington are always looking for roommates, etc, and if you don't mind sharing a house, it's a great deal.

Make sure where you live has parking, or you can get a permit.
Beware traffic.

Arlington boasts tons of things to do. Aside from the obvious, that it is right outside of Washington DC and all that it has to offer, Arlington offers a world all its own.

Arlington has tons of bike trails, many of which border the Potomac or scenic old railway tracks.

Arlington National Cemetary, with the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, are...in Arlington. In case you didn't get that.

The Iwo Jima Memorial

The Pentagon

Signature Theatre

Rosslyn Spectrum Theatre

As well as numerous restaurants, gyms, bars, etc.

Arlington County is one of the highest per-pupil spenders in the country, with nearly half of its revenue being spent on education. Arlington County is served by the Arlington Public Schools system.

High schools in Arlington include Yorktown High School, Wakefield High School, and Washington-Lee High School. In addition, there is Bishop O'Connell, a Roman Catholic high school.

Colleges/Universities include:

Marymount University, the only college/university in Arlington that is not a satallite campus.

George Mason University, including the School of Law and School of Public Policy.

DeVry University.

Institute for the Psychological Sciences.

University of Management and Technology..

The Art Institute of Washington.

Strayer University

In addition, Argosy University, Banner College, Everest College, George Washington University, Georgetown University, Northern Virginia Community College, Troy University, the University of New Haven, the University of Oklahoma, and Westwood College all have statallite campuses in Arlington.

Arlington has a temperate climate, like the rest of the Mid-Atlantic region. Not too hot in the summer (though some would debate that!), temperatures rarely rise about 100. The humidity will get you before the heat will, especially with the amount of concrete and the Potomac bordering it. In the winter, temperatures rarely get below freezing. Nothing too extreme, very moderate and pleasant for the most part.