Rental Report: Reasons to Consider Crystal City and Pentagon City

Editor’s Note: This biweekly sponsored column is written by Rick Gersten, founder and CEO of Urban Igloo, a rental real estate firm that matches up renters with their ideal apartments, condos or houses. Please submit any questions in the comments section or via email.

When renters contemplate a move to Arlington, generally the first place they hear about and research is the Rosslyn-Ballston corridor. While this area certainly has a lot to offer, it isn’t the only neighborhood in town. Not only that, it may not be the best option for everyone.

Often when renters contact us for help in Arlington, they ask for Ballston or Clarendon, but after we listen to their needs and wants we find that Pentagon City or Crystal City may be better choice for them. So why should you consider Pentagon City or Crystal City instead?

Location – The Pentagon City/Crystal City area is well located for easy access to just about everything in and around DC. For those who commute by car, it has quick access to 395, Route 1, the GW Parkway or Route 50. Metro commuters have access to both Pentagon City and Crystal City Metro stations which are serviced by the Blue and Yellow lines. The Blue and Yellow lines easily transport you in to DC, Alexandria, and Rosslyn in just minutes. For those who travel a lot for business or pleasure, Reagan National airport is just one or two stops or even a cheap cab ride away. It is also a bike commuter paradise with easy access to 4 Mile Run and the Mount Vernon Trail.

Convenience – Pentagon City/Crystal City is sure to have anything you need just outside your door. With Costco, Harris Teeter and Target all nearby, residents of this area don’t have to spend much travel time to pick up the necessities. Of course, you can certainly pick up more than paper towels and dish soap around here. You also have Pentagon Row and Pentagon City Mall for great shopping and restaurants. Speaking of convenience, Crystal City has an elaborate underground walkway with shops and restaurants which can get you from 12th to 23rd street, including the Metro station, without ever going outside. That can come in handy on a cold or rainy day.

Fun – As mentioned above, this area has easy access to some of the best running and biking paths in the Metro area. Another great feature of Pentagon City, is the ice skating rink. The skating rink at Pentagon Row is open from November to March every year — even in warm weather. Once you are done skating, you simply walk a few steps for coffee, ice cream or lunch at any of the places in Pentagon Row. Summertime fun includes outdoor movies in Crystal City and outdoor fitness classes galore.

Views – There is an endless list of things to enjoy just outside your apartment. But what about from the comforts of home? Apartments here boast some of the best views DC has to offer. With views of downtown Washington, the Pentagon and the Potomac River, it is a tough location to beat. If you’re looking for a great place to view the fireworks on the 4th of July, you likely won’t have to go further than your balcony or the apartment building’s roof top deck.

Each Arlington neighborhood has its own character and charm. The Pentagon City/Crystal City area is really tough to beat for all the reasons above and more. When checking out areas for relocation, this is one that should be at the top of your list.